10 Best Things to Do in Busan on a Small Budget
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Busan?
The best things to do in Busan on a small budget combine spectacular scenery and nature with the region’s rich history and traditions. Explore a seafront temple, get active climbing 168 steps and discover how a community of refugees started one of South Korea’s most enchanting cultural villages.
Busan is known for its amazing seafood, and locals love to indulge in both fresh and dried versions. Stroll around an immense fish market and choose from the countless varieties on display. With stunning beaches and free admission to many museums and parks, there are plenty of cheap activities to be found in this delightful city.
1. Gamcheon Cultural Village
Fascinating history and vibrant art
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Gamcheon Cultural Village will delight you with its colourful houses perched on a steep hillside. Visit the quaint museum to learn the history of this village and how its art project began. Then, climb rainbow-coloured steps and stroll along narrow alleys taking in the amazing painted murals and spectacular views over bright blue, orange and green rooftops. Explore tiny boutiques selling handcrafted souvenirs and have your caricature drawn by local artists.
You can get to the village by bus, and there’s a large car park at the entrance if you prefer to drive. Be sure to indulge in unique local cuisine at the snack bars. The moon bread is highly recommended and is said to resemble moonlight over Gamcheon.
Location: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)51-204-1444
Gamcheon Cultural Village
2. Gwangalli Beach
Idyllic coastal scenery
Good for: Nightlife, Couples, Budget
The golden sands of Gwangalli Beach stretch over 1 km. It’s a peaceful spot for relaxing under a beach umbrella during the day and taking in the beautiful scenery, including an impressive view of Gwangan Bridge. It’s safe for swimming too.
The beach is just a short walk from Gwangan subway station, and you’ll see lots of people strolling down to the waterfront in the evening when the area comes alive. Locals and tourists alike fill the bars and restaurants with busy chatter whilst watching a magnificent sunset over the water. Check the schedule before visiting, as you can enjoy a drone light show over the bridge on most Saturday nights.
Gwangalli Beach
3. 168 Stairs
An energetic climb
Good for: Photo, Budget
You’ll find the legendary 168 Stairs south of downtown Busan, close to Sorimsa Temple. This narrow, concrete staircase is nestled between houses and apartments, and it has become one of Busan’s most iconic landmarks. Take the bus from Busan Station to Yeongcho-gil and stand in awe at the steep slope towering upwards.
If you can climb all 168 steps, the view from the top is spectacular. Take your time to spot the beautiful artwork, murals and paintings on your way up. From the observatory, look out over the city and its pretty rooftop gardens, with the port and the impressive skyscrapers on the horizon. There are several cafes, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink before you tackle the descent.
Location: Yeongcho-gil, 191, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
168 Stairs
4. Dongbaek Island
Stunning scenery by the sea
Good for: Budget, Photo, Couples
Dongbaek Island is an excellent choice to escape to nature. Breathe in the heady aroma of pine trees and soak up the colours of the vibrant camellias as you hike the gentle trails on the island. The circular trail will take you through 1 km of beautiful floral scenery, whilst the coastal trail is shorter, with a magnificent suspension bridge along the route.
You’ll love the serenity of the island, as well as its breathtaking views, particularly from Dongbaeksom Lighthouse. Locals enjoy a sunset stroll after spending the afternoon on nearby Haeundae Beach. Don’t forget your camera to snap beautiful photos of the Princess Hwangok statue and discover the legend of this sad mermaid perched on the rocks.
Dongbaek Island
5. Busan Citizens Park
Family fun in the city centre
Good for: Families, Budget
Busan Citizens Park is conveniently located on several bus routes and within walking distance of Bujeon subway station. It’s a vast and well-maintained park, full of greenery, and it’s a fantastic spot for families. Kids will love the small duck ponds and the mesmerising show at the musical water fountain, and they’ll delight in the futuristic-themed playground and the artificial beach full of soft sand.
This former U.S. military base is now home to azalea-lined jogging trails, and you’ll see locals making the most of the morning tranquillity for a quick run or a quiet stroll in nature. Why not stop off at Bujeon Market and fill a picnic basket, before heading to this park for a relaxing family feast?
Location: 73, Simingongwon-ro, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Phone: +82 (0)51-850-6000
Busan Citizens Park
6. Chungnyeolsa Temple
A serene and historic site
Good for: History, Budget, Photo
Head to Chungnyeolsa Temple to view a beautiful shrine dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin. This national hero won many battles with the Korean navy, and he is known for his use of ‘turtle ships’ in the 16th century. Be sure to look out for the turtle sculptures in and around the small museum, as they make fantastic Instagram-worthy photos.
Explore the green spaces around the temple and soak up the serenity and reverence of this historic site. The grounds are pristine, with old trees towering over the pathways, and intriguing sculptures dotted around the park. It’s approximately 60 km from Busan, so it’s best to drive here, if possible. There’s a large car park at the entrance to the site.
Location: 251, Yeohwang-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)55-645-3229
Chungnyeolsa Temple
7. Haedong Yonggungsa
An extraordinary temple with incredible views
Good for: Photo, Budget, Couples
Haedong Yonggungsa sits majestically on the rocks overlooking an azure sea. Built in the early 1930s, this temple is immaculately preserved, and you’ll be awestruck as you take in its stunning architecture, vivid colours and intricate designs. Listen to the gentle humming and chanting of the Buddhist monks as you stroll outside and enjoy spectacular views over the water.
Legend states that at least one of your wishes will be answered if you pray in this temple, so it’s a popular spot. If you’re an early riser, try to visit before mid-morning, when it starts to get very crowded. Plan on wearing comfortable walking shoes too, as there are steep paths and uneven steps to access the temple.
Location: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
Open: Daily from 4 am to 8 pm
Phone: +82 (0)51-722-7744
Haedong Yonggungsa
8. Busan Museum
Interactive fun and local history
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Admission is free to Busan Museum, so it’s one of the best things to do in Busan with a small budget. Step back in time and discover the city’s history, exploring artefacts which date back as far as the late Palaeolithic Age. Stroll around the outdoor exhibition and delight in around 40 stone objects, including tombstones and huge Buddha statues.
The museum is very easy to access by public transport. It’s located in UN Park and just a few minutes’ walk from exit 3 at Daeyeon subway station. Reserve online before visiting to secure a spot in a tea ceremony event. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Korean culture and traditions, and you can also have fun trying on traditional costumes.
Location: 63, UN Pyeonghwa-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +82 (0)51-610-7111
Busan Museum
9. GoEun Museum of Photography
Captivating photos on display
Good for: Budget, Photo, History
Head to the GoEun Museum of Photography to discover a fascinating collection of rotating exhibits by Korean and international photographers. You’ll love the light and spacious feel to this museum, and it’s rarely crowded, so you can take your time to study and appreciate the artwork. Explore free exhibits by famous photojournalists, as well as up-and-coming Korean photographers.
The museum is easy to visit by bus as it’s located in the popular Haeundae district. There’s a car park next to the museum too. Be sure to browse the small gift shop before leaving the museum. You’ll find lovely souvenirs, including copies of some of the most in-demand photographs, as well as various books on photography.
Location: 16, Haeun-daero 452 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: March–October: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays). November–February: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +82 (0)51-746-0055
GoEun Museum of Photography
10. Jagalchi Market
For seafood lovers
Good for: Food, Shoppers, Couples
Foodies flock to Jagalchi Market for its huge range of fresh fish and seafood. Take the subway to either Nampo or Jagalchi station and walk down to this legendary market. You’ll hear the noisy chatter and bustle as you approach it, and see locals stocking up on dried seafood and bantering with vendors over fresh fish.
Browse the colourful containers of seafood and decide what you’d like to eat, then head upstairs to the dining area, where your seafood will be cooked for you. Relax in one of the comfortable booths and feast on a platter of mouthwatering lobster or king prawns. Choose a booth close to the window for amazing views over the water whilst you eat.
Location: 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: Daily from 5 am to 9 pm
Phone: +82 (0)51-245-2594
Jagalchi Market
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