Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a feast for the senses. With fresh seafood markets, bustling street food scenes, and stunning beaches, it’s a dream destination for travellers looking to experience local culture and scenic views.
Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Busan, covering everything from a seafood paradise to the thrilling night-time drone show by the beach.
Morning: Dive into Freshness at Jagalchi Market
Kickstart your Busan adventure at Jagalchi Market a must-visit for seafood lovers in Busan and an iconic symbol of the city’s vibrant maritime culture. As South Korea’s largest seafood market, it offers a sensory feast with its bustling atmosphere, fresh catch displays, and savoury seafood dishes. Here’s how to enjoy your visit:
1. Explore the Vibrant Stalls
- Diverse Seafood: The market is famous for its extensive variety of seafood, including giant crabs, abalone, sea cucumbers, eels, and exotic shellfish. You’ll also see live octopuses and fish that highlight Busan’s fishing prowess.
- Adventurous Tastes: For a daring experience, try sannakji (live octopus). It’s served freshly cut, with the tentacles still wriggling—a local delicacy that offers a true taste of Busan’s food culture.
- Traditional Korean Snacks: Apart from fresh seafood, some stalls sell dried seafood products like squid or seasoned fish jerky, perfect as souvenirs.
You can purchase seafood from the street vendors and have it cooked at one of the nearby stalls for an additional fee. Jagalchi Market is divided into two sections: an outdoor area and a 7-story indoor building. If you’re short on time or prefer a more authentic, local experience, I recommend exploring the outdoor market.
2. Savor Seafood Freshly Cooked
- On-the-Spot Cooking: After purchasing seafood at the stalls, you can head to the restaurant nearby. Vendors there will prepare your selection to your liking, whether grilled, steamed, or incorporated into Korean dishes like hoe (raw fish sashimi), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), or maeuntang (spicy fish stew) with an additional fee.
- Affordable Feast: Enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at a fraction of the price while seated in the bustling market atmosphere.
Namhae Geumsu Raw Fish Restaurant
Food and drink we ordered:
- Bokbunjajoo ( Black Raspberry Wine): a must-order if you are in Korea, it pairs well with seafood Cost: 13,000won
- Grilled fish: We ordered for 2 people Cost: 13,000won (1 person)
- Busan’s spicy fish stew (Maeuntang): A flavorful Korean dish made with fresh fish, vegetables, and a spicy red pepper broth. Cost: 2,000won
3. Engage with the Vendors
- Friendly Conversations: Vendors are often welcoming and eager to share stories about their seafood. A little effort in speaking simple Korean phrases, such as “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo, hello), can go a long way in fostering friendly interactions.
- Cultural Insight: Learn about Busan’s rich fishing history and the importance of seafood to the local community. Many vendors have inherited their stalls over generations, giving you a glimpse into their way of life.
Tips for Visiting:
- Best Time: Morning visits offer the freshest selection, while afternoons are less crowded.
- Directions: The market is easily accessible from Jagalchi Station (Busan Metro Line 1), Exit 10.
- Hygiene Note: While exploring the live tanks, the air can be pungent due to the sheer volume of seafood, so be prepared.
Jagalchi Market is not just a place to shop or eat; it’s an immersive experience of Busan’s maritime heritage and local culture. Make sure to bring your camera and Bon appetite!
Afternoon: Experience the Buzz of BIFF Square
1. Street Food Adventure
- The variety of street food here is unbeatable, with must-try classics like:
- Hotteok: This sweet treat is particularly popular in Busan. The crispy dough, filled with brown sugar and nuts, oozes warm, nutty sweetness.
The only stall where I will get my hotteok when I am in Busan. If you are not a nut/seed fan can try their Honey Hotteok.
Best to eat it hot~!
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- Tteokbokki: The beloved spicy rice cakes, often mixed with fish cakes, create a rich and tangy flavour that’s perfectly complemented by the chilly coastal weather.
- Eomuk: Busan is known for its fish cakes, and BIFF Square offers skewered fish cakes served in warm broth—a delicious snack for any time.
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One of the must-try budget-friendly coffee spots in Busan is Hasamdong Coffee, a local favourite you’ll find almost everywhere in the city. If you enjoy sweet drinks, I highly recommend their Mint Chocolate Latte for a refreshing treat!
Each food stall has its variation, so feel free to sample multiple!
2. The Star-Studded Walk
- BIFF Square pays homage to its cinematic roots through the “Street of Stars.” This walkway is studded with handprints from Korean and international stars, making it similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- You’ll find the handprints of celebrated stars who attended the festival, perfect for photo-taking and adding a touch of film history to your stroll.
- The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), held annually in October, brings this area to life even more, drawing celebrities, filmmakers, and fans alike.
3. Shopping Extravaganza
- BIFF Square is a vibrant hub for shopping, with street vendors and small stores selling everything from fashion items to K-pop merchandise, cosmetics, and accessories.
- It’s the perfect spot to pick up affordable souvenirs or exclusive items showcasing Korea’s pop culture, making it an exciting experience for anyone looking for unique finds.
BIFF Square truly captures the essence of Busan’s love for film, food, and lively street culture. Whether you’re sampling the local treats, searching for souvenirs, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this area offers a quintessential Korean experience.
Evening: A Magical Night at Gwangalli Beach with the Drone Show
To end your day, make your way to Gwangalli Beach for a truly breathtaking evening by the water. Known for its iconic views of the Gwangan Bridge, the beach transforms at night into a romantic, illuminated paradise. The highlight? A mesmerizing drone show that lights up the sky.
Gwangalli Beach in Busan is a prime destination for evening relaxation, famous for its panoramic view of the Gwangan Bridge, also known as the Diamond Bridge. The beach’s serene beauty by day transforms into a dazzling nighttime spectacle that draws visitors for its romantic, lively ambience. Here’s how to make the most of a magical evening here:
1. Pick Your Ideal Spot for an Unobstructed View
- Arrive early to find the perfect place on the soft sands for an unimpeded view of Gwangan Bridge, which stretches across the horizon and lights up after dusk with shifting colourful lights. This bridge’s illumination sets the stage for the evening’s main event and is mesmerizing to watch as it reflects over the water.
- The beach has many spots, each offering unique angles to enjoy both the bridge and the sky. Whether you want a quiet corner or a lively gathering point, there’s a place for everyone.
2. Enjoy the Dazzling Drone Light Show
- A relatively new attraction at Gwangalli, the drone light show starts at around 8 PM and is a must-see event. Hundreds of drones perform synchronized choreography, creating animated shapes, patterns, and even messages in the night sky.
- The show is accompanied by music, adding to the spectacle and making it an immersive experience for all ages. The combination of bright drones against the dark sky with the illuminated bridge in the background is truly enchanting.
Two viewing times, adapting to the seasons:
- 8 PM and 10 PM from March to September
- 7 PM and 9 PM from October to February.
Each performance, which lasts around 10 minutes, fills the sky with mesmerizing lights and thematic designs from over 300 drones, making it a spectacular highlight for locals and tourists alike. Viewing is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach with an unobstructed view of the Gwangan Bridge.
Gwangalli M Drone Light Show Official Website (Korean | English)
3. Indulge in Beachfront Snacks and Drinks
- Lining Gwangalli Beach has numerous cafes, food stalls, and bars, offering a variety of options to enhance your experience. Try a warm coffee or tea if it’s chilly, or grab a refreshing cocktail for a celebratory vibe.
- Many places offer outdoor seating, so you can relax with your food or drink while enjoying the show and the illuminated view of Gwangan Bridge.
How to Get to Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach is located in Suyeong-gu, Busan, and is easily accessible by public transportation:
- By Subway: Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Gwangan Station (Exit 3 or 5). From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach.
- By Bus: Local buses such as 20, 38, and 62 stop near Gwangalli Beach.
Make sure to check the weather and schedule for the drone show to ensure a magical evening at one of Busan’s most iconic spots.
Tips for Your Visit
– Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded, especially in the morning. For the drone show, weekends might offer more frequent performances, so check ahead.
– Stay Hydrated: With all the eating and exploring, keep a water bottle handy to stay refreshed.
– Transportation: Busan’s subway system is convenient for reaching these locations. Consider buying a day pass if you plan to travel frequently.
Exploring Jagalchi Market, BIFF Square, and Gwangalli Beach in one day offers a glimpse into Busan’s culinary delights, vibrant street culture, and scenic coastline. Enjoy your adventure in this city of contrasts, where the modern meets the traditional, and every corner has something unique to offer.