Planning your first trip to Busan? As South Korea’s vibrant coastal metropolis, choosing where to stay can make or break your experience. From the sun-soaked shores of Haeundae to the electric energy of Seomyeon, each neighborhood offers a unique slice of Busan life.
Our pick of the best hotels in Busan 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Signiel Busan
- ✨ 5-Star: Grand Josun Busan
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Nampo Ocean2Heaven Hotel& Spa
- 💸 Cheap: Ekonomy Haeundae Hostel
- 🏢 Apartment: Pale De CZ Condo
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Aventree Hotel Busan
- 🏩 For Couples: Asti Hotel Busan Station
This local’s guide breaks down the 5 best areas to stay in Busan, perfect for first-time visitors. Whether you’re seeking beachfront luxury, foodie adventures, or authentic local experiences, you’ll find your ideal neighborhood match.
Busan Districts Overview: 5 Best Areas for Every Traveler 📋
- 🏖️ For Beaches: Haeundae
- 🛍️ For Shopping: Seomyeon
- 🐟 For Foodies: Nampo
- 🌉 For Coastal Vibes: Gwangan
- 🏡 For Local Experience: Sasang
1. Haeundae – Best Place to Stay in Busan for Beach Lovers 🏖️
🏖️ Beach Paradise: Haeundae, often referred to as the heart of Busan’s beach scene, is the perfect place to stay for first-time visitors looking to immerse themselves in the city’s coastal atmosphere, stunning ocean views, and iconic attractions in Busan.
🚶♂️ Accessible Hub: This centrally located neighborhood is easily accessible by public transport, offering convenient access to some of Busan’s most famous landmarks:
- Haeundae Beach: This renowned 1.5km stretch of white sand is the most popular beach in Busan, attracting millions of visitors each year for swimming, sunbathing, and festivals.
- SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium: Located near the beach, this aquarium is one of the major attractions in Busan, home to over 250 species of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish.
- Haeundae Market: This traditional market is a great place to sample local street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes), odeng (fish cakes), and ssiat hotdogs (a Busan specialty)
🚇 Easy Transportation: Haeundae is well-connected to other parts of Busan via the Busan Metro system. Haeundae Station on Line 2 serves as the main transportation hub, providing easy access to Gwangalli Beach, Nampo-dong, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
🎡 Unique Attractions: In addition to the beach, Haeundae offers several unique sights, such as the Haeundae Blueline Park (a coastal monorail with stunning ocean views), the Busan X the SKY observation deck, and the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory (a beautiful cliffside skywalk).
Where to stay at Haeundae? 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Haeundae
- Paradise Hotel Busan – Luxurious hotel on Haeundae Beach with stunning ocean views, spacious rooms, outdoor spa, and multiple dining options.
- Park Hyatt Busan – Modern and sophisticated hotel with beautifully appointed rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, and high-end restaurants.
- Signiel Busan – The hotel offers lavish contemporary rooms and suites, many with balconies featuring views of Haeundae Beach and Mipo Harbor.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Grand Josun Busan – modern 5 star hotel featuring air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
- The Westin Josun Busan – Hotel with indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and six dining options serving various cuisines.
- Haeundae Centum Hotel – Great value hotel with modern rooms, complimentary breakfast buffet, close to Haeundae Beach and Centum City.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Ekonomy Haeundae Hostel – Budget-friendly hostel with spacious, clean dormitory rooms and free breakfast, close to Haeundae Beach and public transportation.
- Pale De CZ Condo – The condo features a fitness center, veranda, terrace, and an indoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi in the rooms.
2. Seomyeon – Best Area to Stay in Busan for Shopping 🛍️
If you’re a shopaholic like me, Seomyeon is the place to be in Busan. This bustling neighborhood is the city center of shopping and entertainment, packed with department stores, underground malls, and endless dining options.
🌟 Top sights:
- Lotte Department Store: This massive department store offers a wide range of high-end fashion brands, luxury goods, and duty-free shopping.
- Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center: With over 1,000 shops, this underground mall is a one-stop-shop for fashion, accessories, and souvenirs at affordable prices.
- Bujeon Market: This market is a great place to find affordable clothing, textiles, and unique local goods.
🍽️ Culinary Delights: Seomyeon is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse culinary scene that ranges from Korean BBQ and street food to international cuisine and trendy cafes. The area is particularly known for its bustling nightlife, with countless bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late into the night.
🎭 Attractions: Seomyeon offers cultural attractions, such as the Jeonpo Cafe Street (a trendy area lined with unique cafes and dessert shops), the Seomyeon Market (a traditional market known for its noodle stalls and street food), and the Seomyeon Food Alley (a bustling street filled with local eateries and pojangmacha, or tent bars).
Where to stay in Seomyeon? 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Seomyeon
- Lotte Hotel Busan – This luxurious hotel is just a short ride away from Seomyeon Station. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, and the hotel features multiple dining options and excellent amenities.
- Arban Hotel – I love the modern and stylish vibe of this hotel. The rooms are well-appointed, and the hotel’s location is perfect for exploring Seomyeon’s shopping and dining scene.
- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Busan – This hotel is located right on the bustling Seomyeon 1st Avenue. The rooms are comfortable, and the hotel’s proximity to local shops, restaurants, and bars is unbeatable.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Lion Hotel – This hotel is conveniently located near Seomyeon Station. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
- Busan Business Hotel – Just a short walk from Seomyeon and Buam subway stations, this hotel offers a great value for money. The rooms are well-maintained, and the on-site buffet restaurant is a nice bonus.
- Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon – This reliable chain hotel is just a 6-minute walk from Seomyeon Station. The rooms are simple but functional, and the hotel provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Angel Hotel – The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, and private parking (available at an extra charge).
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Queens Hotel Seomyeon Busan – The hotel offers simple yet cozy rooms with free private parking on site, making it a convenient choice for guests who drive.
3. Nampo – Best Area to Stay in Busan for Food & Markets 🐟
🐟 Jagalchi Fish Market: No trip to Busan is complete without a visit to Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. This sprawling market is a feast for the senses, with countless stalls selling every type of seafood imaginable, from squirming octopus to massive tuna.
🔝 Insider Tip: For the freshest catch, head to the market early in the morning when the fishermen bring in their hauls. You can even pick out your own fish and have it cooked up on the spot at one of the many restaurants upstairs.
🌟 Top sights in the area include:
- Gukje Market: Get lost in this massive traditional market selling everything from clothes to kitchenware to electronics.
- Nampodong Street: Stroll down this lively street packed with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
- 40 Steps Culture & Tourism Theme Street: Climb the colorful stairs and explore the quirky art installations and murals along this historic alleyway.
- Busan Modern History Museum: Learn about the city’s fascinating past at this museum housed in a former bank building.
🎥 BIFF Square: Just a short walk from Jagalchi is BIFF Square, a bustling area named after the Busan International Film Festival. This pedestrian-friendly zone is lined with street food stalls, movie theaters, and souvenir shops selling everything from K-pop merch to handmade crafts.
💸 Money Saver: For a cheap and filling meal, grab a cup of odeng (fish cake soup) for just a few thousand won. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.
🌳 Yongdusan Park: When you need a break from the crowds, head to Yongdusan Park, a hilltop oasis in the heart of Nampo. This peaceful park offers stunning views of the city and the harbor, as well as a few surprises like the quirky Busan Tower and the sobering Busan Memorial Tower.
Where to stay in Nampo? 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Nampo
- Griffinbay Hotel – This 4-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom, along with a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service.
- Nampo Ocean2Heaven Hotel& Spa – Offering air-conditioned rooms with a balcony and city or sea views, this 3-star hotel is situated 2.6 km from Songdo Beach.
- Hotel Foret Premier Nampo – This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a desk, kettle, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with a bidet. It also features a terrace and free WiFi throughout the property.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Stanford Inn Busan – This hotel offers modern guest rooms with free WiFi access throughout the area. It is conveniently situated for exploring Busan.
- Radiant Nampo Hotel – This 3-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi, and is conveniently located near Gukje Market and Gwangbok-Dong.
4. Gwangan – Best Area in Busan for Beach Views & Nightlife 🌉
🏖️ Gwangalli Beach: The star sight here is undoubtedly Gwangalli Beach. This 1.4km stretch of soft sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. The beach really comes alive at night, with buskers, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere that’s hard to resist.
🍽️ Seafood Heaven: If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat. The streets behind Gwangalli Beach are packed with restaurants serving up the freshest catches from the nearby Millak Raw Fish Market.
🌟 Top sights in the neighborhood are:
- Gwangan Bridge: Marvel at this iconic suspension bridge, especially when it’s lit up at night.
- Oryukdo Skywalk: Take a thrilling walk on this glass bridge jutting out over the ocean for breathtaking views.
- F1963: Browse the trendy shops, cafes, and galleries in this converted wire factory turned cultural complex.
- Dongbaekseom Lighthouse: Visit this picturesque lighthouse on a small island for great photo ops and coastal views.
🥳 Money Saver: For a budget-friendly meal, hit up the street food stalls along the beach. Must-tries include hotteok (sweet pancakes), odeng (fish cakes), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Your wallet and taste buds will thank you.
🌿 Millak Waterfront Park: When you need a break from the beach, head to this green oasis. With walking trails, outdoor art installations, and stunning coastal views, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
⏳ Time Saver: The park is just a short walk from Gwangalli Beach, so you can easily combine both attractions in one trip. No need to waste time traveling between sights.
🚇 Easy Access: Getting to and around Gwangan is a breeze thanks to the well-connected Gwangan Station. From here, you can easily hop on the subway to explore other parts of Busan like Haeundae or Seomyeon.
5. Sasang – Best Area in Busan for Authentic Local Life 🏡
If you’re looking to experience a more local side of Busan, Sasang is the perfect neighborhood to explore. This residential area near Gimhae International Airport offers a glimpse into everyday life in the city, with a few hidden gems thrown in for good measure.
⏳ Time Saver: The river is easily accessible from Sasang Station, with a number of bus stops and bike rental shops nearby. No need to waste time navigating public transportation or hunting for parking.
🌟 Top Sights:
- Samnak Park: Enjoy the tranquil nature and scenic river views at this ecological park.
- Seonam Cultural Center: Immerse yourself in Busan’s arts and culture scene at this modern venue.
- Nakdonggang River: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the riverbank.
- Gamcheon Culture Village: Take a leisurely stroll or bike and enjoy the surroundings.
- Eomgung Park: Visit this small but charming park known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
🍚 Local Eats: Sasang may not be known for its culinary scene, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of delicious eats to be found. The neighborhood is dotted with local eateries and traditional Korean restaurants serving up homestyle favorites like kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), and kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup).
💸 Money Saver: For a cheap and filling meal, head to one of the many kimbap shops in the area. These no-frills eateries serve up rolls of rice and veggies wrapped in seaweed, along with other simple dishes like ramyeon (instant noodles) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
🚇 Easy Access: One of the best things about Sasang is its convenient location and transportation options. Sasang Station connects to the Busan Metro system, making it easy to get to other parts of the city like Seomyeon, Haeundae, and Gwangalli.
Busan Travel FAQ: Hotels, Transportation & Safety ❔
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Busan?
Haeundae is the most popular area, known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for a beach getaway. If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, Seomyeon, the central downtown area, is the place to be, with its abundance of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. For a quieter beachside experience that’s more popular with locals, consider staying in Gwangalli.
How many days do I need in Busan?
When planning your trip to Busan, most recommend spending at least 2-3 full days to explore the city’s major sights and attractions. Three days provide enough time to visit the beaches, markets, temples, and different neighborhoods. If you have more time, extending your stay to 5 days allows you to see everything at a more leisurely pace and even take day trips.
Is Busan a walkable city?
Although Busan is a large, spread-out city and not very walkable overall, certain neighborhoods like Seomyeon, Nampo-dong, and Haeundae are easy to explore on foot. To navigate between different areas, Busan has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses and subways.
Is it expensive to live in Busan?
The cost of living in Busan is relatively affordable compared to other major Asian cities. Expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment are reasonably priced. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood and type of accommodation, but comfortable options are available at lower price points than cities like Seoul.
Is Busan safe?
In terms of safety, Busan is generally considered a safe city for travelers and residents, with low crime rates. However, some data indicates that Busan has the highest crime and suicide rates compared to other major Korean cities. While certain areas near Busan Station can be a bit seedy at night, tourist areas are generally safe.
