Skip to contentYOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUSAN’S BEST BEACHES 2024
These are Busan’s top beaches! Discover the best times to visit, top activities, nearby attractions, and tips for Haeundae, Dadaepo, Gwangalli, and Songjeong Beaches in South Korea.
When you search online information about South Korea, the main thing that comes up is Seoul and its beautiful neighborhoods, or maybe a picture of Jeju, the magnificent island in the south of the Korean peninsula. But nobody talks about the beaches of mainland Korea, which are absolutely amazing!
Today I’m going to talk about Busan, the city where I lived all this time, which I love so much and for which I’m so thankful to have moved to South Korea. Its proximity to the sea and coastal lifestyle give it a very different rhythm of life compared to Seoul, more peaceful and relaxed. For me it is the best city in Korea to live in.
That’s why I made this post, talking about the beaches in Busan that I consider the best to visit!
Something very interesting that I noticed is that Koreans use the beach all year round: they have picnics, dress up nicely, take lots of pictures, go for walks, etc. I was surprised because, generally, people in Uruguay only go to the beach in summer or spring, and in winter, since it rains and it’s cold, nobody goes.
But the beaches in Korea can be enjoyed all year round because, unlike in my country, Korean winters are very dry, so there’s no rain, and it’s the time of year when the sky is the clearest with very few clouds. That makes it possible, despite the low temperatures and even if it’s very cold, to go out for a walk and enjoy (even better with a hot coffee in hand haha!).
Busan’s coastline features a beach for every type of traveler, and these four stand out as the best destinations for both relaxation and adventure. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a perfect day at Haeundae, Dadaepo, Gwangalli, and Songjeong beaches.
1. HAUNDAE BEACH: BUSAN’S MOST POPULAR DESTINATION
Best Time to Visit: Summer (July-August) for peak season fun, early fall (September-October) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Haeundae Beach has earned its title as one of South Korea’s most famous beaches, because of its vibrant atmosphere, soft sands, and crystal-clear waters. In summer, families, friends, and couples enjoy the lively vibe.
The annual Haeundae Sand Festival, held in June, also attracts locals and tourists with sand sculpting competitions and beach games. If you prefer a quieter visit, early mornings and weekdays are ideal, as weekends draw many visitors from all over Korea, as well as foreigners.
For more detailed information about Haeundae Beach, you can visit its official pages or trusted resources such as the Visit Busan website or KoreaToDo.
THINGS TO DO:
– Swim and Sunbathe: The calm waters and gentle slope make it perfect for wading, swimming, and sunbathing.
Dongbaekseom Island: A short walk from the beach, this island offers a peaceful coastal walk, scenic viewpoints, and the iconic Mermaid Statue.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
After sunset, the Haeundae area is full with restaurants, pubs, and street food vendors. Try Korean BBQ, seafood, or grab a drink at one of the rooftop bars with a view of the beach. Many people also like to go to The Bay 101 for yacht tours along Gwangalli beach and a nice dining experience along the water.
2. DADAEPO BEACH: BEST FOR FAMILIES AND SUNSET VIEWS
Best Time to Visit: I recommend visiting in the early evening to see the sunset. It’s especially best between May and September.
Dadaepo Beach is a beach that I love because it is far from the center of Busan, which gives it a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. What I love most about this beach is that, in my opinion, it has the best sunset in Busan (and perhaps in all of South Korea!). The sun sets between the mountains and the sea, painting the sky with beautiful tones; it’s an incredible scene to witness, and I highly recommend not missing it!
This amazing beach also offers a wide, shallow shoreline perfect for families and nature lovers. It’s less crowded than other beaches, and its peaceful surroundings create an ideal escape! In summer, the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams, a popular water and light show, comes alive every evening!
THINGS TO DO:
Sunset Fountain of Dreams Show: The fountain’s colorful light show and musical accompaniment run nightly from May through October.
Bird Watching and Tidal Flats: Nature enthusiasts often explore the beach’s tidal flats, home to various bird species and marine life, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.
Kite Flying and Beach Sports: The wide-open area lends itself to kite flying, frisbee, and beach soccer.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Dadaepo’s relaxed vibe means fewer shops and restaurants, but it’s close to Amisan Mountain Park. A short hike there offers amazing views of the coast and the Nakdong River Estuary. The nearby eco-park is also a must-visit, with bird-watching trails and beautiful picnic spots!
3. GWANGALLI BEACH: THE PERFECT MIX OF CITY AND SEA
Best Time to Visit: It’s amazing during all day, but it’s especially stunning at sunset and nighttime when the “Diamond Bridge” lights up. I think it is one of the most incredible things to see in Busan.
Gwangalli is my favorite beach! It’s the perfect mix of city and beach. The best part is that it can be enjoyed both day and night! By day, people like to swim, relax, and enjoy the cityscape views, and as evening falls, Gwangandaegyo Bridge, or “Diamond Bridge,” lights up at night, it’s something very magical, and the atmosphere that’s created is incredible, along with the street artists who sing there!
Also, on Saturdays, you can watch the drone show, which is one of the most amazing things I’ve seen, not just because of the show itself, but because of how you can see Korean families coming from all over Korea to enjoy it. It’s very special! And the beach’s urban location means it’s lined with trendy cafes, bars, and seafood restaurants, perfect for dining with a view.
THINGS TO DO:
Nighttime Beach Strolls: Stroll along the shore at sunset and watch as the bridge lights up with changing colors.
Water Sports and Jet Skiing: Gwangalli Beach offers jet ski rentals, paddle boarding, and boat rentals for adventurous visitors.
Coffee and Dining Tours: The beach area is a hotspot for some of Busan’s trendiest cafes and restaurants, many with open-air seating to enjoy the view.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
After a day at the beach, check out the Millak Waterside Park just north of the beach for a relaxed picnic spot. The nearby Marine City district is a sight in itself, with gleaming skyscrapers and yacht clubs that showcase Busan’s modern side.
4. SONGJEONG BEACH: SURFER’S PARADISE WITH LOCAL CHARM
Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter for the best surfing conditions, as well as early mornings for peaceful beach time.
Songjeong Beach has become a favorite among surfers and those who appreciate a more local vibe. Smaller than Haeundae, Songjeong Beach has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that attracts both beginner and experienced surfers. In the fall, the waves are perfect for surfing, bringing enthusiasts from all over Korea. Unlike Busan’s busier beaches, Songjeong is quieter, making it a great escape from the crowds.
It’s also a beach that I really like because of its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere compared to Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches. It’s less crowded, which makes it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the coast.
What I love most about Songjeong Beach are the calm waves, ideal for beginners who want to try surfing or for those who just want to relax by the water. I also consider this beach the best for swimming because you don’t have to walk too far out for the water to get deeper, unlike at other beaches.
The sunrise here is absolutely stunning; the way the light spreads across the horizon is something you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for a serene getaway or an opportunity to catch some waves, Songjeong Beach is a beautiful place to escape the busier parts of the city, and I highly recommend visiting!
THINGS TO DO:
Walk along Jukdo Park: At the beach’s northern end, Jukdo Park provides a scenic walking path through pine trees with great views of the sea.
Sunrise Watching: Early risers should head to Songjeong for spectacular sunrise views, as the beach’s eastward orientation makes it ideal for dawn.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
After a morning on the waves, head to the nearby village area for some fresh seafood. The area offers several local seafood restaurants serving up freshly caught fish, sashimi, and shellfish. You can also explore nearby Haeundae Market, located just a short drive away, for more authentic local foods and souvenirs.
Whether you seek the iconic vibe of Haeundae, Gwangalli’s city lights, the family-friendly appeal of Dadaepo, or the surfer haven of Songjeong, Busan’s beaches promise unique experiences that showcase Korea’s coastal beauty.
If you want to know more about what you can do in South Korea, check out these posts:
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