Where to Stay in Busan: Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide (2025)
Planning a trip to Busan? If you’re unsure where to stay in Busan, this guide will help you navigate the city’s neighbourhoods and hotels, ensuring you make the best choice for your stay.
As South Korea’s second most populous city, Busan has a unique coastal charm. When we travelled from Seoul to Busan on our South Korea trip, we immediately noticed its laid-back vibe compared to the fast-paced environment of the capital. However, despite having only about one-third of Seoul’s population, we underestimated how widespread Busan is and how far apart its must-see attractions are.
Choosing the wrong area to stay in Busan can result in spending much of your time on public transport, which might take away from your experience of exploring the city’s attractions.
We’ve stayed in different hotels in the coastal city and explored all of Busan’s key areas during our trips. In this guide, we’ll share our insights on the best neighbourhoods for tourists in Busan. We’ll outline the pros and cons of each area and give you hotel recommendations across different price points.
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Short on time?
Here are our top picks for a memorable stay in Busan:
Top Hotels in Busan
Best Neighbourhoods: Our top pick is Haeundae, especially for first-time visitors. It has everything – ocean views, beachside cafés, and the widest range of hotels.
Seomyeon is our #2 pick and perfect if you want a lively, central spot with shopping and nightlife.
Where to Stay in Busan: 5 Best Areas, Maps & Top Hotels for All Budgets
Busan is huge, and its attractions are spread all over the city. There are quite a lot of neighbourhoods to stay in that you could choose from.
To help you decide where to stay in 2025, we’ve picked different areas that are great for tourists. There’s no single “best” area for everyone visiting Busan, as it depends on your interests and budget, but some areas cater better to first-time visitors than others.
If it’s your first time in Busan, we recommend one of these five neighbourhoods:
Below, you can see these five places to stay for Busan tourists in our illustrated map:
Let’s look more in-depth into these five areas to help you find your perfect place to stay.
1. Haeundae
Best area for: beach lovers, families, luxury travellers, or first-time visitors who want a lively, seaside atmosphere.
Pros
Cons
Haeundae (Korean: 해운대) is a top choice for first-time visitors to Busan. As one of South Korea’s most famous beachfront locations, it offers beautiful views, soft sands, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The area is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy for you to explore other parts of Busan.
Our top tip: Don’t miss the Sky Capsule in Haeundae Blueline Park, which we absolutely loved! These retro-looking capsules run along Heaundae’s coastline and offer a fantastic ocean view.
What’s excellent about Haeundae is the wide range of hotels and guesthouses that suit different budgets and preferences.
You’ll also find a mix of high-end shops, local markets, and restaurants serving everything from traditional Korean cuisine to international fare.
Did you know? Haeundae is often called Marine City because of its stunning coastal location and modern high-rise buildings.
If you love nightlife, this area is a great place to be! The neighbourhood has numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Top Things to Do in Haeundae
Haeundae Beach: Busan’s most famous beach.
Haeundae Sky Capsule: Ride a cute retro capsule along the coastline.
Sea Life Busan Aquarium: Explore marine life from around the world, including sharks, turtles, and penguins.
Dongbaek Island: An island linked to Haeundae Beach with beautiful coastal trails.
Haeundae River Cruise: We loved their night cruise, and they also offer day and sunset cruise tours.
X the Sky: Observatory on the 100th floor of South Korea’s second-largest building.
Shinsegae Centum City: A huge department store with an ice rink and more.
Spa Land Centum City: Experience jjimjilbang, a traditional South Korean bathhouse with modern spa features.
Dalmaji Hill: Hike up the hill for stunning views of the beach and city.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Haeundae
MAMA Guesthouse Haeundae (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – This stylish guesthouse is just a 2-minute walk from Haeundae Beach, offering cosy, affordable rooms with access to a shared kitchen and a rooftop terrace with sea views.
L7 Haeundae by Lotte (Booking.com | Agoda) $$ – Located in a prime location right on the beachfront, this brand-new, hip hotel offers modern rooms with comfortable beds, a rooftop bar with panoramic ocean views, and a fitness centre.
Park Hyatt Busan (Booking.com | Agoda) $$$ – This 5-star hotel is the best luxury hotel in Busan and is perfect for special occasions (e.g. honeymoons and anniversaries). It has stylish rooms, breathtaking sea views, an indoor pool, and a spa, and it’s located near the beach and shopping district.
2. Seomyeon
Best area for: nightlife, shopping, foodies, trendy and cool vibes, convenient and central location, and day trips from Busan.
Pros
Cons
Seomyeon (or Seo-myeon; Korean: 서면) offers a convenient, affordable, and exciting base for exploring Busan. It’s well-linked to other parts of the city through buses and subway lines.
The area serves as the commercial heart of Busan, with numerous shopping malls and department stores.
Did you know? Seomyeon is one of Busan’s busiest areas and also the city’s most densely populated.
This neighbourhood has a lively nightlife scene, with over 200 bars and clubs, alongside many karaoke rooms and restaurants.
In addition, you’ll find various types of hotels and guesthouses in Seomyeon that suit different budgets.
Our top tip: If you love historical sites, consider taking a guided day trip to Gyeongju from Seomyeon. We took this 1-day Gyeongju tour, and it was exceptional.
Top Things to Do in Seomyeon
Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center: Explore a massive network of shops selling everything from clothes and Korean beauty products to electronics.
Lotte Department Store: A famous shopping destination with international and local brands.
Busan Citizen’s Park: Take a stroll in this beautiful green space.
Nightlife: Experience Seomyeon’s nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, karaoke bars, and live music venues – either on your own or on a guided Seomyeon Pub Crawl.
Seomyeon Food Alley: Sample local street food at this culinary hotspot.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Seomyeon
Queens Hotel Seomyeon (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – This affordable and stylish hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds and a fitness centre. It’s a solid choice for business or leisure travellers who seek modern amenities and a convenient location.
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Busan (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – This modern hotel has spacious rooms, a spa, and a rooftop bar with stunning city views near Seomyeon Station.
Lotte Hotel Busan (Booking.com | Agoda) $$ – This luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, impressive panoramic views of Busan, and direct access to the subway station (Lotte actually claims to be the largest hotel in Busan with 650+ rooms).
3. Busan Station
Best area for: nightlife, shopping, foodies, trendy and cool vibes, convenient and central location, and day trips from Busan.
Pros
Cons
Busan Station is perfect for first-time travellers because it’s the city’s main transportation hub. You can easily access local buses and metro lines from here, which will take you to Busan’s popular sights, including Jagalchi Fish Market and BIFF Square.
There are also several eateries where you can try Korean dishes. In our opinion, even the casual spots around Busan Station offer a good variety of options.
Our top tip: Yongdusan Park and the famous Busan Tower are close to the Busan station area. You can take the bus or subway, but we recommend walking – it’s just a 35-minute stroll!
However, while the area is convenient, it may not be as lively or modern as other neighbourhoods like Seomyeon or Haeundae.
Top Things to Do Near Busan Station
Texas Street: Explore the small district, which was once a popular spot for American soldiers stationed in Korea.
Busan Chinatown: A lively area with Chinese-Korean eateries and cultural shops.
Choryang Ibagu-gil: Climb the hilltop alleys located near the Station.
Recommended Hotel Stays near Busan Station
Notte La Mia Hotel (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – This affordable hotel is a short walk from Busan Station and has clean, spacious rooms. It’s an ideal base for exploring the city, with friendly service and convenient amenities.
Ramada Encore by Wyndham (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – Located right next to the station, this modern hotel has clean, comfortable rooms and a fitness centre. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.
ASTI Hotel Busan Station (Booking.com | Agoda) $$ – Right across the street from Busan Station, this 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds and city views. You can enjoy a rooftop bar, a spa, and easy access to public transport.
4. Nampo
Best area for: shopping, street food lovers, and traditional markets.
Pros
Cons
Nampo-dong (or Nampo; Korean: 남포) is a popular choice for tourists visiting Busan! You’ll find yourself close to many markets, such as Gukje Market and Jagalchi Fish Market, as well as Yongdusan Park.
The area offers a variety of shopping options and is well-connected to other parts of Busan. There’s also a good selection of hotels available.
Did you know? One of Nampo’s main attractions is Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in Korea.
The area is also renowned for its neon lights and culinary scene. There, you can find everything from street food to high-end restaurants.
Our top tip: For the best city view of Busan, visit Busan Tower in Nampo. Although only 120 metres tall, the views are unbeatable, even compared to the taller Busan X the Sky!
Additionally, it’s just a 15-minute bus ride from Gamcheon Culture Village, where you can explore the colourful hillside community.
Top Things to Do in Nampo
Gukje Market: A vast maze of street market stalls with clothes, Korean crafts, and more.
Jagalchi Fish Market: Visit Korea’s largest seafood market, either on your own or on a guided tour with a local.
Yongdusan Park: Hike to the top of the hill for panoramic city views.
Busan Tower: Visit the observation deck for stunning cityscapes.
BIFF Square: Enjoy famous Korean street food in the heart of the film festival district.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Nampo
Nampo Ocean2Heaven Hotel & Spa (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – This modern hotel has cosy, spacious rooms with beautiful harbour views. Located in Nampo-dong’s shopping district and close to Jagalchi Fish Market, it’s ideal for exploring the area.
Stanford Hotel Busan (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – Just two minutes from Jagalchi Market, this stylish, budget-friendly hotel has tidy, quiet rooms and a convenient restaurant.
Aventree Hotel Busan (Booking.com | Agoda) $$ – Situated along Nampo’s main shopping street and right in BIFF Square, this hotel has spacious yet quiet rooms. It’s about a 5-minute walk away from Yongdusan Park.
5. Gwangan
Best area for: young couples, foodies, sunsets, beach views, and nightlife.
Pros
Cons
In the Gwangan area, you’ll find Gwangalli Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Busan. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic Gwangan Bridge. The nightly light show on the Gwangan Bridge is a must-see!
The area around Gwangalli Beach is full of restaurants, bars, and cafes. With so many dining and entertainment options, you’ll easily find something that suits your taste.
Our top tip: If you’re in Busan on a Saturday, don’t miss the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show (see the picture below). With over 700 drones lighting up the sky, it was one of the highlights of our trip!
Gwangan is well-connected to other parts of Busan, so exploring the city from this neighbourhood is easy.
Did you know? The Gwangan Bridge (also known as the Diamond Bridge) spans 7,420 metres (4.6 miles) and is the second-longest bridge in South Korea.
There’s a good range of modern hotels and guesthouses available, many with stunning ocean views, including rooftop bars and proximity to the beach.
Top Things to Do in Gwangan
Gwangalli Beach: A beautiful, relaxed alternative to Haeundae Beach.
Gwangan Bridge (Diamond Bridge): See the bridge’s colourful lights at night.
Pub Crawl: Hit Gwangalli Beach’s famous clubs and bars with an English-speaking guide.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Gwangan
H Avenue Gwanganri Beach (Booking.com | Agoda) $ – This stylish hotel sits directly on Gwanganri Beach, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an inviting terrace with sea views for all guests.
Hotel Central Bay (Booking.com | Agoda) $$ – This 3-star hotel overlooking the beach offers spacious, clean rooms with modern furnishings.
Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington (Booking.com | Agoda) $$ – Right along the beach, this 4-star hotel offers spacious, clean rooms with beautiful beach views.
Other Popular Neighbourhoods in Busan
Here are a few other neighbourhoods in Busan that we’ve explored. These might be great options for return visitors to Busan, but we don’t think they best fit first-timers. Here’s why…
Songdo Beach
Songdo Beach is stunning, and taking the Busan Air Cruise here is a must-do activity for a great view of the coast. However, it’s a bit far from most other popular spots in Busan, so travelling around the city can become time-consuming.
If you’re visiting Busan for the first time, staying in a more central area may be more convenient for exploring.
Seongjeong Beach
Seongjeong Beach offers beautiful views and a quieter setting than Haeundae Beach, which some travellers may prefer. However, the area is less developed, so there are fewer amenities and activities nearby, making it a bit less convenient for first-time visitors.
If you’re after a lively atmosphere and more entertainment options, other beaches might be a better fit.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon is one of the most charming and photogenic spots in Busan, with its colourful houses and winding streets. It’s a great place to visit, but the neighbourhood can get quite crowded, especially in peak seasons, and the steep hills make walking here a bit challenging.
For first-timers, it might be better to visit as a day trip rather than staying in the area.
Sasang
Sasang is a more residential and industrial area near Gimhae International Airport. The neighbourhood is also further from the top sights, making it less convenient as a base for exploring the city.
We’d recommend Sasang mainly for those on extended stays who want to experience Busan’s quieter, local side or its natural attractions.
Getting Around in Busan
As you may know by now, Busan is relatively spread out and not the most walkable city. If you plan to explore, public transportation will be your best friend.
The Busan Metro is an affordable and efficient way to reach major attractions. Four main subway lines connect popular spots like Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Nampo-dong.
Our top tip: Be sure to buy a rechargeable T-money card, which works for subways, buses, and even taxis. You can purchase one at convenience stores like CU, 7-Eleven, or GS25.
For areas not directly served by the subway, buses are a reliable option.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also great alternatives. For example, we took an Uber to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is quite far from downtown Busan. It was super convenient and relatively cheap.
Our top tip: We typically use Google Maps to navigate cities, but it won’t show walking directions in Korea. Instead, download Naver Maps (our personal go-to) or Kakao Maps, both popular and accurate for navigating Busan’s streets.
FAQ: Areas in Busan
Here’s a quick look at some frequently asked questions about staying in Busan to help you make the best choice for your trip.
What’s the best area for first-time visitors to stay in Busan?
The best place for first-time visitors to stay in Busan is Haeundae. This seaside area offers a beautiful beach, easy access to attractions, and hotels for all budgets. For a more central location, Seomyeon or Nampo are also good choices, with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Where is the city centre of Busan?
The city centre of Busan is Seomyeon. This area is the heart of the city, packed with shops, restaurants, and offices. It also has many financial and medical institutions, making it a busy downtown area.
Is Busan walkable?
Busan has some walkable areas, especially in Haeundae and Seomyeon, which are known for shopping and dining. However, the city’s vast size and hills often require you to take public transportation, such as buses, subways, or taxis, to get around comfortably.
Why is Busan so famous?
Busan is famous for its beautiful beaches, mountains, and temples. As South Korea’s second most populous city, it is known for fresh seafood and a laid-back feel. With many markets and festivals, Busan is a popular destination for visitors looking for relaxation and local experiences.
How many days are ideal for a trip to Busan?
We recommend spending 3-4 full days in Busan. This gives you enough time to visit the must-see attractions, relax on the beaches, and enjoy local culture. If you can, extend your trip to 5 days to include a day trip to Gyeongju.
Final Thoughts
Busan offers plenty of fantastic places to stay, often at prices lower than Seoul. With each neighbourhood offering its own vibe, you could stay in different areas and have entirely unique experiences. Enjoy a relaxed beach stay in Gwangan, take a ride on the colourful Busan Sky Capsule for some great coastal views, or head to Seomyeon for shopping, bars, and a fun night out!
In this guide, we’ve covered the five best areas for tourists in Busan. If you’re still undecided, here’s a quick recap of our top picks:
- For luxury, the Park Hyatt Busan at Haeundae Beach is a fantastic choice.
- If you want something mid-range, consider Asti Hotel Busan Station or L7 Haeundae by LOTTE.
- For budget travellers, MAMA Guesthouse Haeundae offers excellent value.
No matter where you choose to stay, we’re sure you’ll enjoy exploring this seaside city!
Looking for more South Korean travel inspiration? Check out our other posts:
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