A visit to Busan wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach. While many think summer is the ideal time to visit, Busan’s beaches have a charm that shines year-round.
From early morning strolls along the beach to evenings buzzing with buskers and artists, there’s always something to enjoy.
I’ve explored several beaches in Busan. Each beach has its own unique vibe, offering something special for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best beaches in Busan, uncovering what sets them apart and why they’re worth adding to your itinerary.
If you’re wondering how the heck to get to Busan — and where to crash once you’re there — I’ve got you covered. You can read about the different ways to get to Busan from Seoul HERE and where to stay HERE.
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At A Glance: Best Beaches in Busan
- Haeundae Beach – Most popular and tourist-friendly
- Gwangalli Beach – Great nightlife with lots of cafes, bars and restaurants
- Songjeong Beach – A favorite among locals and surfers, more low-key
- Songdo Beach – Busan’s underrated gem with a Cloud trail and cable car
- Dadaepo Beach – Off the beaten path, perfect for quiet sunsets and nature lovers
Best Beaches In Busan
Haeundae: The Most Popular Beach in Busan
As one of the most popular beaches in Busan, its soft golden sand and gentle waves make it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.
Haeundae isn’t just a summer destination—it’s a year-round favorite, with each season bringing its own unique charm.
Best of all, it’s open 24/7, so you can visit whenever the mood strikes.
The walk from Haeundae Beach’s subway stop via exits 3 or 5 is as lively as the beach.
Along the way, you’ll find a variety of stores, cozy cafes, and tempting restaurants to explore.
The central promenade often features themed flower displays—perfect for snapping photos or selfies.
You might not even notice there is a fountain! Its jets are embedded in the sidewalk. When active, it shoots water into the air with a light and music show.
Summer is Haeundae Beach’s busiest season, drawing crowds with its warm waters and endless activities, from swimming and sunbathing to thrilling water sports.
Spring and fall have mild weather and are excellent alternatives if you’re looking for a less crowded experience.
One of my favorite springtime visits was for the Sand Festival, an event that transforms Haeundae Beach into an open-air art museum.
Gigantic sand sculptures, painstakingly crafted over weeks, fill the shoreline and light up beautifully at night.
There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy at Haeundae Beach, making it a destination for everyone.
You’ll find attractions near the beach like Busan’s SEA Life Aquarium, the Busan X the Sky observatory featuring the world’s highest Starbucks, and the scenic Dongbaeksom Island, home to the iconic APEC House.
For those looking to explore a bit further, nearby attractions like the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, the Haeundae Beach Train, and the Skycapsule add even more variety to your visit. Read more about things to do in Busan HERE
I also encourage folks to visit Spa Land Busan for the ultimate luxurious sauna experience if you’ve got the time.
Directions: From Haeundae Station, out of either exit 3 or 5, head straight until you see the beach.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at L7 HAEUNDAE by LOTTE
Gwangalli: Best Beach For Stunning Nighttime Views
Gwangalli Beach is famous for its breathtaking views of the Gwangan Bridge, especially when it lights up at night. This stunning beach in Busan offers a more relaxed vibe than Haeundae but still maintains lively energy.
The walk to Gwangalli, from exits 3 and 5 of the Gwangan subway station, is a pleasant stroll lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and even a grocery store.
There’s no shortage of spots to relax and take in the view. The street facing the beach is lined with many cafes and bars, offering the perfect setting for unwinding.
If you prefer the sand, you can always sit back and enjoy the breeze or take a leisurely walk along the shore.
To the left of the beach is the Millak area, home to a lovely garden that changes with the seasons, offering a colorful display year-round.
This area also features a traditional and modern market where you can shop for unique items and enjoy local eats.
Gwangalli Beach pulses with vibrant energy day and night in any season. It can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
Evenings are particularly magical, with the lights from the Gwangan Bridge reflecting beautifully on the water.
On Saturday nights, the beach hosts an incredible drone show featuring 1,000 drones lighting up the sky.
It’s my favorite beach in Busan and where I prefer to stay. I’ve visited in both spring and fall when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds.
I unexpectedly stumbled upon the Gwangalli Yellowtail Festival in May, a delightful surprise.
And in the fall, I return specifically for the annual fireworks festival, where I’m always mesmerized by the stunning fireworks display
Directions: From Gwangan Station, from Exit 5, go left and walk down the street. From Exit 3, go right and walk down the street.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Homers Hotel
Songjeong: Busan’s Hidden Gem for Relaxation and Surfing
Songjeong Beach is one of the three major beaches in eastern Busan, alongside Haeundae and Gwangalli.
As one of the more relaxed beaches in Busan, it is popular with families and surfers looking for a quieter retreat.
Songjeong is considered one of the off-the-beaten-path beaches in Busan, with its gentle waves and shallow waters making it ideal for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, you won’t find large crowds here outside of the summer months, making it an ideal spot if you’re looking for a quieter beach experience.
This beach is a popular summer destination for families and surfers alike. In fact, it’s gaining a reputation as a surfer’s paradise because the conditions are perfect for surfing year-round.
The beach train ends here, so you can easily hop on to visit Haeundae Beach and other spots along the coast. Or you can stroll along the coastal walkway to enjoy the views.
On the other end of the beach, Jukdo Park is nearby, offering stunning views of the beach and sea.
I’ve been to Songjeong Beach a few times and stayed here. Regarding accommodations, it’s a bit out of the way from most major attractions, so you’ll need to factor in more time for commuting.
The area seems to have fewer cafes and restaurants compared to the more tourist-heavy beaches like Haeundae or Gwangalli.
As a result, I’d consider this a ‘less touristy’ beach for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
Directions: From Songjeong Station, out of either exit 1 or 2, cross the street, turn right, keep going forward toward McDonald’s on your left, and bear left at the intersection.
Keep walking until you see a roundabout and the sea. It’s about a 15-minute walk.
BY BUS: from Haeundae Beach station, take bus 181 to Songjeong beach stop and walk to the beach.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at H AVENUE SONGJEONG
Songdo Beach: Busan’s Historic and Scenic Beach Escape
Songdo Beach holds historical significance as Busan’s first public beach, established in 1913.
In 2000, it underwent a major five-year reconstruction, which expanded its coastline and revitalized the area.
While it’s a popular beach in Busan, I still consider it one of those off-the-beaten-path gems.
It’s a bit out of the way, only accessible by taxi or bus, which means you’ll need to factor in extra commute time.
When I visited in the spring and fall, it was pleasantly uncrowded. Given its clear waters and golden sand, I imagine it becoming busier during the summer swimming season.
Across from the beach, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and a few cafes, offering a great spot to relax and refuel after a day by the sea.
The Songdo Cloud Trails and Busan Air Cruise are just a short walk from the beach, making it a popular spot for tourists.
The cable car offers a scenic ride over the sea, taking you to Amnan Park, where you’ll also find the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge and other interesting sites.
If you’re up for more exploration, it’s only a short bus or taxi ride to Jagalchi Market and BIFF Street. To read more about things to do in Busan, click HERE.
Directions: From Jagalchi Station Exit 2 , take bus 96, 26, 30, 7, or 71. Get off at Songdo Beach and walk for 3 minutes.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Grab The Ocean Songdo
Dadaepo Beach: Best Beach in Busan For Watching The Sun Set
Located on the west side of Busan, Dadaepo Beach is truly out of the way, but it’s worth the journey.
From what I’ve gathered, it’s a fantastic spot to watch both the sunrise and sunset.
This is one beach in Busan I unfortunately didn’t make it to, but it’s high on my list for my next trip.
The coastal park at Dadaepo greets visitors with the largest sunset fountain in the world.
From the end of April to October, a mesmerizing fountain show takes place, complete with colorful lighting and synchronized music, making it a perfect stop for evening travelers.
Nearby, Morundae Peninsula is a designated national geopark, offering a stunning blend of a pine forest and coastal landscape, with unique rock formations that create an unforgettable sight.
Also nearby is the Amisan Observatory, where the Nakdonggang River—home to many migratory birds—meets the ocean.
It provides a picturesque view of the river meeting the sea, offering a serene experience for nature lovers.
For a relaxing evening, a handful of cafes and restaurants near the Dadaepo Beach subway station make it an ideal spot to unwind after a sunset adventure.
Directions: From Exit 2 of Dadaepo Beach Station, walk for about 8 minutes.
Or Get off Bus 11, 2, 3, 338, 96, 96-1, or 1000 at Dadaepo Beach
General Beach Information
All major beaches in Busan, including Haeundae, Gwangalli, and others, follow similar schedules and rules.
They partially open from June 1 to June 30, with the official swimming season running from July 1 to August 31. During this time, swimming is permitted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., after which lifeguards clear the water for safety reasons.
While it’s common to see people in the water outside the official hours, it’s important to note that lifeguards are not on duty during these times.
So, if something goes wrong, there won’t be immediate assistance available, and it’s safer to stick to the designated swimming hours.
Beach Rules
- Fireworks: Not permitted for safety and environmental reasons.
- Glass Bottles: prohibited to prevent injuries and ensure cleanliness.
- Pets: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Smoking: prohibited anywhere on the beach.
- Littering: Visitors are expected to carry their trash out, as there are limited bins along the beach.
- Swimming Hours: Restricted to official hours (e.g., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for safety.
- Drone Use: Not allowed due to privacy and safety concerns.
- Drinking is allowed, just no glass containers.
Tips For The Beach
- Bring a mat purchased from any convenience store.
- Save small plastic bags to fill with sand to keep the mat from blowing away.
- You can save your spot on the beach with the mat and walk away for a bit.
- Freeze bottles of water, and they will stay cold as they melt.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, and consider bringing an umbrella for relief from the sun.
- If you burn easily, consider wearing a long-sleeve rash guard
- Bring a hat and sunglasses. These can help protect you from the sun, especially if you’re spending a long time on the beach
- Bring snacks or food from nearby spots.
- Pack out trash.
- Wear flip-flops or water shoes. The sand gets hot.
- Consider bringing a portable charger. If you’re spending a full day at the beach, it’s always good to have a backup power source for your phone.
- Towel and extra clothes: For drying off after swimming or protecting yourself from the wind later in the day.
FAQ
Yes, umbrellas, mats, and floaties are available for rent along the beach. These rentals are typically managed by sections lined by the lifeguard posts. If you prefer, you can also bring your own umbrella and beach gear.
Yes, there are always restrooms at the beach. Busan’s popular beaches, including Haeundae, Songjeong, and Gwangalli, typically offer showers, changing rooms, and lockers during swim season, but amenities may vary.
Beaches like Haeundae and Songjeong are ideal for families due to their shallow waters and family-friendly amenities.
While swimming is most popular in summer, many beaches remain accessible year-round. However, the water is a bit cold for swimming in winter. Haeundae Beach hosts a Polar Bear Festival in early December.
Busan’s beaches are free, but some activities or amenities, like rentals or attractions, may require a fee.
In Conclusion
From the buzz of Haeundae to the laid-back vibe of Gwangalli, the surfing scene at Songjeong, and the peaceful charm of Songdo and Dadaepo, Busan’s beaches each offer something unique.
Whether you’re here to swim, stroll, surf, or just soak up the views, there’s a perfect stretch of sand for every kind of traveler.
No matter which beach you choose, you’ll find space to unwind, explore, and enjoy the natural beauty that makes Busan unforgettable.