Things to Do in Busan - the perfect 2-day itinerary. Experience the beaches, culture, shopping, and food

Imagine a trip filled with the ocean, scenic views, shopping, great food! Well, that is Busan for you!

If you’re short on time but want to see the best of the city, this 2-day guide to things to do in Busan is designed for first-time visitors who want maximum impact with minimal rushing.

From seaside capsule trains and sky-high observatories to market street food and glowing night beaches, this itinerary answers exactly what to do in Busan — focusing on the most memorable things to do in Busan, Korea, over two well-paced days.

Day 1 — Modern Busan, ocean views & night lights (East Busan)

1. Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)

Haeundae Beach is Busan’s most famous seaside stretch and the best place to ease into the city. It’s lively but relaxed, with a long boardwalk, cafés, and nonstop ocean views that immediately set the tone for the trip.

Why this place matters

• This is Busan’s iconic “postcard beach” and the heart of East Busan.
• Many of the city’s top attractions are clustered nearby, making it the ideal starting point.

What to expect here

• A wide sandy beach, casual coastal walks, street snacks, and plenty of cafés facing the sea.
• Even a short stroll gives you that unmistakable Busan coastal vibe.

How to get there (start of the day)

• Take the subway to Haeundae Station (Line 2) and walk about 5–10 minutes toward the beach.
• Map Links: Google / Naver      

2. Busan Haeundae Blueline Park — Sky Capsule & Beach Train

This scenic coastal railway is one of the most popular attractions in Busan, Korea, offering uninterrupted ocean views along the shoreline. The Sky Capsule is especially popular for its slow, elevated ride above the sea.

Why this place matters

• It’s Busan’s most Instagram-famous experience and one of the easiest ways to enjoy the coastline without hiking or long walks. (Get your ticket here)

What to expect here

• A relaxed ride hugging the coast, passing cliffs, beaches, and fishing villages.
• The Sky Capsule feels private and photo-friendly, while the Beach Train is great for hopping between stops.

How to get there (from Haeundae Beach)

• Walk or take a short taxi ride to Mipo Station, one of the main Blueline Park boarding points near Haeundae Beach.
• Map Links: Google / Naver

3. BUSAN X the SKY (LCT Observatory)

BUSAN X the SKY is the city’s tallest observatory, located in the LCT Landmark Tower overlooking Haeundae. From the top, you get sweeping views of the ocean, beach, and skyline all at once.

Why this place matters

• It offers the single best “big picture” view of Busan — perfect for understanding how the city stretches between sea and mountains. (Get your ticket here)

What to expect here

• Floor-to-ceiling glass views, photo zones, and a calm, modern observatory experience.
• It’s especially impressive on clear afternoons or just before sunset.

How to get there (from Blueline Park)

• Exit the Blueline Park near Haeundae and walk or take a short taxi ride to the LCT Landmark Tower area.
• Map Links: Google / Naver

4. Centum City (센텀시티)

Centum City is a modern commercial district best known for Shinsegae Centum City, Busan’s largest department store. It’s also home to Spa Land, one of Busan’s most famous jjimjilbangs.

Why this place matters

• It’s the perfect mid-trip reset: shopping, dining, and relaxing all in one place after a morning of sightseeing.

What to expect here

• Massive indoor shopping, cafés, restaurants, and the option to unwind at Spa Land if you want a traditional Korean spa experience.

How to get there (from BUSAN X the SKY)

• Take the subway from Haeundae Station (Line 2) to Centum City Station (about 10 minutes).
• Map Links: Google / Naver

5. Night: Gwangalli Beach + Gwangan Bridge lights

Gwangalli Beach is Busan’s most famous night beach, known for its close-up views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge. The atmosphere here is lively but relaxed, with cafés and bars lining the shore.

Why this place matters

• This is Busan’s signature night scene — the glowing bridge over the ocean is unforgettable.

What to expect here

• Soft sand, ocean breezes, live performances on some nights, and endless photo opportunities with the bridge lights reflecting on the water.

How to get there (from Centum City)

• Take the subway on Line 2 from Centum City Station to Gwangan Station, then walk about 5–10 minutes toward the beach.
• Map Links: Google / Naver

Day 2 — Old Busan, markets & dramatic coastal cliffs (West & South Busan)

6. Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을)

Gamcheon Culture Village is a colorful hillside neighborhood filled with murals, art installations, and narrow alleys. Often called the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” it’s one of the city’s most visually striking areas.

Why this place matters

• It represents Busan’s creative side and offers some of the best city-and-sea viewpoints from above.

What to expect here

• Steep lanes, pastel houses, small art shops, and scenic lookout points. Expect some walking and stairs.

How to get there (start of Day 2)

• From central Busan, take Subway Line 1 to Toseong Station, then transfer to a local bus heading up to Gamcheon Culture Village.
• Map Links: Google / Naver

7. Jagalchi Market + Nampo / BIFF Square street food crawl

Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest seafood market and the heart of Busan’s food culture. Just steps away, BIFF Square and Nampo-dong are packed with legendary street snacks.

Why this place matters

• This is where Busan’s identity as a port city truly comes alive — loud, delicious, and unforgettable.

What to expect here

• Fresh seafood stalls, casual eateries, and famous street foods like ssiat hotteok (seed-filled sweet pancakes).

How to get there (from Gamcheon Culture Village)

• Take the bus or taxi back down to Toseong or Jagalchi Station (Line 1) and walk toward Jagalchi Market and BIFF Square.
• Map Links: Google / Naver

8. Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도 스카이워크)

Oryukdo Skywalk is a glass-floor viewing platform suspended over rocky coastal cliffs. It offers a short but thrilling perspective straight down into the ocean below.

Why this place matters

• It’s one of Busan’s most dramatic natural viewpoints and is completely free to visit.

What to expect here

• A brief walk on transparent glass panels, strong sea winds, and panoramic views of the open ocean.

How to get there (from Jagalchi / Nampo area)

• Take a taxi (most convenient) or subway and bus combination toward Oryukdo Islets / Igidae Coastal area; taxis save significant time here.
• Map Links: Google / Naver

Busan has more things to do and enjoy that what is listed here. But, if you want to capture the essence of things to do in Busan without feeling rushed: modern beaches and skyline views on Day 1, then culture, food, and raw coastal scenery on Day 2, this would pretty much get all the 'hot-spots' covered.

If you’re wondering what to do in Busan, this route strikes a balance between famous highlights and local atmosphere — the reason things to do in Busan, Korea, consistently surprise even seasoned travelers.

If you want to book a hotel on a budget near Haeundae, check out our top 5 recommendations here.