Take the off-the-beaten-path when you visit Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea that’s just about 3 hours from the capital city of Seoul. After all, this seaport city is home to magnificent coastal sights, pristine beaches, and yummy seafood dishes, to boot. Aside from these, it also boasts of unique attractions like a rainbow-colored village and a temple by the sea — some of the many local locations that make for great Instagram spots in Busan!
So come and grace your IG feed with tons of gorgeous photos from this city’s lesser known attractions and vibrant landmarks.
Top photo by: Shutterstock
» Gamcheon Culture Village
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ADDRESS: 200 Gamnae 1(il)-ro, Gamcheon 2(i)-dong, Saha-gu, Busan
TYPE OF LOCATION: Village
Witness the candy-colored houses of this charming village that is often dubbed as the “Macchu Picchu of South Korea” given how the buildings are built in a staircase fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain.
Walk along narrow paths and you’ll love how it is filled with vibrant murals and sculptures that are created by the local residents, and you can basically spend your day inside these vibrant houses that are converted into art galleries, cafes, and shops.
TIP: Go climb up the Sky Garden for the best view of the village!
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» Haeundae Beach
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ADDRESS: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu
TYPE OF LOCATION: Beach
Snap photos to your heart’s content when you’re at the picturesque Haeundae Beach which is typically referred to as one of the best Instagram spots in Busan.
So arm yourself with your best beach wear and bask in the warm sun as you feel the sea breeze. Besides, given its 1.5km long expanse, there are a number of places that will make for great photos.
TIP: Take pictures during magic hour, or avoid the crowds by heading here before sunrise. (Check out the nearby Dongbaek Island, Busan Aquarium, yachting dock [for the night photo above] and so much more. Another nice beach to check out as well is Gwangalli Beach).
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» Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
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ADDRESS: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang
TYPE OF LOCATION: Temple
Close to Haeundae Beach is this famed temple that is interestingly perched on the coast (most of Korea’s temples are in mountains).
In here, you can marvel at the temple’s intricately painted details and majestic sculptures. as well as its stairway that’s adorned by stone lanterns.
TIP: Check out the temple at night as it is illuminated by bright lanterns. Opt to visit in April too when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
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» Taejongdae Resort Park
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ADDRESS: 24 Jeonmang-ro, Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu
TYPE OF LOCATION: Park
Head to this natural park that features stunning rock formations and lovely coastline views!
Designated as a Busan monument (along with Oryukdo Island), Taejongdae is said to represent Busan. If you head under the lighthouse, there is a rock there called Sinseon and it is named after the myth that gods and goddesses came down in this park to relax.
TIP: Don’t forget to strike a pose against the cotton candy-like hydrangeas!
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» Oedo Island
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ADDRESS: OedoIrun-myeon, Geoje-s
TYPE OF LOCATION: Island
Stumble upon this western-style botanical wonderland, which is just a ferry ride away from Busan.
Gaze in awe at the island’s marvelous topiaries and tropical gardens that house over more than 3,000 plant species. This garden island is also known as the filming location for the finale of hit K-drama, Winter Sonata.
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» Beomeosa Temple
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ADDRESS: 250 Beomeosa-ro Geumjeong-gu
TYPE OF LOCATION: Temple
Gaze in awe at the impressive ancient temple that dates back to 678, one of the great Instagram spots in Busan that’s found on the east of Geumjeongsan Mountain.
Marvel at the exceptional architectural details of the temple including the three-storied Iljumun Gate and its Daeungjeon Hall (often called as one of the most luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty).
TIP: Don’t miss a photo under the colorful array of lanterns and the surrounding wisteria woods (often at their most beautiful in May).
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» Cafe Rooftop
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ADDRESS: 139-4 Cheongsapo-ro, Jung-dong, Haeundae
TYPE OF LOCATION: Cafe
Delight in the airy interiors and bright-colored walls of Cafe Rooftop which is located in the town of Cheongsapo.
You will absolutely love its unobstructed sea views as well as the numerous thoughtful touches that will help make for that Instagram-perfect photo.
TIP: Relax and catch the romantic beach sunset from the rooftop, away from the crowds.
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» Yeongdodaegyo Bridge
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ADDRESS: 46, Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu
TYPE OF LOCATION: Bridge
Head over to this popular drawbridge that connects the Jung-gu and Yeongdo-gu districts!
TIP: Catch sight of the bridge as it lifts up to make way for ships — after all, this will also reveal the pavement’s design – a couple of birds seemingly in flight.
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» Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
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ADDRESS: Jeonpo 1-dong, Busanjin-gu
TYPE OF LOCATION: Mountain top
Climb up (or hail a taxi to) Hwangnyeongsan Mountain for a striking view of the city of Busan!
Capture photos of vast flower fields, the lush, verdant landscape, and even the famous Diamond Bridge at night.
TIP: Come up around sunset to not only enjoy the end of the day but also the night view.
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» Oryukdo Island
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ADDRESS: 137, Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu
TYPE OF LOCATION: Island
This is a rocky group of islands off the southern coast of Busan, and depending on the tide, it may appear to be five or six islands (hence the name ‘o’ meaning five and ‘yuk’ meaning six in Korean).
A great spot here is by the rocky coastline (as pictured above).
TIP: Before heading off to Oryukdo islands, come feel the cool breeze as you make your way to Oryukdo Skywalk, one of the many sought after Instagram spots in Busan. Snap photos of the winding wooden walkway as well as the scenic landscape, and you’ll be amazed to see that the horseshoe-shaped bridge perched on top of the cliff is made entirely of glass!
Activities to Do Around Busan?
Check out these top things to do in Busan for fun activities and tours!
» BONUS Instagram Spots in Busan: Nakdonggang Bird Sanctuary
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ADDRESS: 1240, Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
TYPE OF LOCATION: Sanctuary
Eulsukdo Island is a popular spot for bird watching as it house over a hundred thousand of species (rare ones included).
TIP: If you come around the middle of September until November, you can witness this picturesque pink muhly grass in the park or sanctuary! It sure makes for great photos for your feed! (This same plant is also found at Samnak Ecological Park).
» Compare All BUSAN Hotels & Rentals «
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Overall
Be captivated by one of South Korea’s most visited cities and capture its best by visiting these top Instagram spots in Busan!
busan is a very suitable place to visit when on vacation
Hwangnyeongsan mountain is so hard to spell, but the view is unreal! I was so lucky and witnessed an amazing sunset from up there. Would love to go back… I feel like Busan is such an underrated city, it has so many cool spots.
Aaahhh. Haeundae Beach is beautiful
It really is! It makes me want to go back to Korea :D
Hi Aileen,
Thankyou for the comprehensive write up on touring Seoul and Busan, it is helpful as I will be spending 2 weeks in South Korea as independent travellers in April 20.
Can the Discover Seoul Pass, having the function of T card, be used to pay for train, bus and other expenses in Busan and other cities in South Korea?
Hey there! I’m very happy to hear that my posts help. :) Regarding the T-money card, it should work on Busan.
“T-Money cards can work in all Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju buses. Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju Metropolitan Subway networks.”