Busan, the second largest city in South Korea, is a historic port town built at the base of beautiful seaside mountains and rugged offshore islands. It’s known for fresh seafood, golden beaches, bustling markets, historic temples, and, increasingly, contemporary art and design.

Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours of the highlights of Busan. Some of our favorite sites and experiences that we recommend having us incorporate into a private Busan tour include:

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Perched on rocky outcroppings above the sea, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the most popular excursions from central Busan. Established in 1376, the temple is dedicated to Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, a bodhisattva also known as the Great Goddess Buddha of Mercy in the Sea, and is one of the few seaside temples in South Korea.

Haedong Yonggungsa’s traditional Korean Buddhist buildings were constructed according to the principles of pungsu (the Korean interpretation of feng shui or geomancy), which emphasize harmony between architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Set against the dramatic coastline, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple offers a multisensory experience with sweeping views of the sea, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and the smells of brine and wafting incense.

Jagalchi Seafood Market

Jagalchi Market is known as Korea’s largest seafood market and a landmark of Busan’s coastal culture and culinary scene.

Located along the harbor, it offers a vibrant cultural experience with rows of vendors selling live fish, shellfish and other sea creatures. We always enjoy stopping for ultra-fresh sashimi, grilled fish or seafood stew at one of the many restaurants inside the market.

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is one of South Korea’s most famous beaches, known for its  expanse of golden sand and vibrant atmosphere. Beachfront cafes, restaurants, cultural events and night markets that draw locals and visitors year-round.

Nearby Haeundae Market is also popular for seafood restaurants and stalls selling traditional Korean street foods.

Modern & Contemporary Art

Busan has emerged as one of South Korea’s leading creative hubs, recognized for art, film, architecture and design. Major international events such as the Busan Biennale, Art Busan and the Busan International Film Festival (held at the landmark Busan Cinema Center), underscore the city’s reputation as a center of contemporary culture.

For travelers interested in modern and contemporary art, we arrange private touring that includes visits to notable museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan (MOCA Busan), Busan Museum of Art and the Space Lee Ufan annex.

We also take travelers to leading galleries and cultural venues that showcase Busan’s evolving art scene, including Arte Museum Busan, which has immersive and interactive multimedia installations.

Old Downtown & Gukje Market

Gukje Market, one of Busan’s largest and most traditional markets, was established in the mid-20th century after the Korean War to sell international goods. It offers a vivid glimpse of everyday life in the old downtown area. We take our travelers through the narrow lanes, which are lined with stalls selling prepared food, spices, textiles, housewares, clothing and other items.  

The surrounding old downtown retains traces of Busan’s postwar history, with retro storefronts, old cinemas and shopping arcades, while also welcoming trendy new cafes and restaurants.

F1963 Cultural Complex

F1963 is a former wire factory complex in the hills that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and entertainment complex popular with locals.

The site offers multicultural programming for all ages and includes a design museum, a bamboo forest, a tranquil stroll garden with water features, a brewery, a coffee shop with on-site roasting, a bookstore, an art library and more. Popular with locals, it gives visitors a glimpse of daily life and contemporary culture in Busan.

Huinnyeoul Village

Built atop cliffs on Yeongdo Island, Huinnyeoul Culture Village is a linear village where narrow lanes wind past colorful houses, tiny cafes, vibrant murals and viewpoints overlooking the sea. Huinnyeoul has evolved in recent years from a quiet fishing community into a popular spot for strolling, taking a break in a cafe with a view, and browsing small galleries and shops.

Colorful stairways connect Huinnyeoul to the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, a scenic seaside trail at the bottom of the cliffs that has panoramic views of the forested hills and the water.

Busan Air Cruise

Also known as the Songdo Marine Cable Car, the Busan Air Cruise is a gondola ride across the sea between Songdo Beach and Songdo Sky Park. The gondolas glide above the water and cliffs, offering views of the city and its rugged coastline through windows and glass floors.

On arrival in Songdo Sky Park (which is inside Amnam Park), visitors can take in scenic views of Yeongdo Island, walk trails through the woods and relax at cafes. 

Park Hyatt Busan

Park Hyatt Busan is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels and a favorite among Artisans of Leisure travelers. The hotel has panoramic views of the sea and Gwangan Bridge, a landmark suspension bridge that spans Busan’s waterfront. It’s also near Haeundae Beach, the shops of Shinsegae Centum City, Busan Museum of Art and other Busan attractions.

Park Hyatt Busan is known for outstanding service, sleek interiors, great restaurants and an indoor pool in a garden-like setting. We include accommodation at Park Hyatt Busan in all of our private Busan tours.

We include accommodation at Park Hyatt Busan in all of our private Busan tours.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to begin planning a private South Korea tour that features the top cultural, scenic and culinary highlights of Busan.