Busan is home to some of South Korea’s best beaches – Haeundae, Gwangalli and Songo are just a few names that come to mind. With so many beaches to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Lounge under the sun for a quick tanning session, or if you’re feeling peckish, have some chicken and beer ordered straight to the beach, a unique service only available in Korea. With the sun in your eyes, sand between your toes and the sound of waves in the distance, there is no way the day can go wrong: the first step is of course, is picking the right beach. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, be sure to check out these beaches in Busan.
Haeundae
The liveliest of Busan’s Beaches, Haeundae is the place to be for party animals. Lined with bars and pubs, Haeundae is famous throughout the country for being one of South Korea’s most popular beaches. The sandy beach spans about 1.5km long, so you don’t have to worry about securing a spot. Apart from swimming and water sports, Haeundae beach is also home to Busan Aquarium, one of Korea’s top aquariums that houses over 250 different species of fish, algae, reptiles and amphibians with a glass bottom boat and fascinating shark dive. The beach also has a folk square, where you can enjoy traditional Korean games like tuho (arrow-throwing) and Korean wrestling. Festivals are held regularly on Haeundae beach throughout the year. These include the annual Polar Bear Festival, where there will be swimming competitions, food booths and photo zones for all to enjoy.
Gwangalli
What sets this beach apart is the spectacular view it offers of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, especially during the night time. The expansive stretch of the bridge against the bright lights of Busan will surely set the mood. Gwangalli area is filled with amazing restaurants, quirky cafes and high end boutiques. A romantic evening stroll down Gwangalli beach will be perfect to take in the sand, sky and sea. The beach has its very own water cleaning program, so the water is sure to be sparkling clean. If you come in the nighttime, you’ll get the chance to catch the illuminating light show from Gwangandaegyo bridge.
Songdo
A great alternative to Gwangalli and Haeundae, Songdo is a quieter beach that’s still worth visiting if you’re looking to relax and escape the crowds. Apart from dipping your toes in the water, you can also walk on the glass bottom bridge, that allows you to watch the waves beneath your feet. The bridge, known as Songdo Beach skywalk, is Korea’s longest curved sea over-path. It is 104 metres long, and reinforced with steel and wood. Walk along this bridge on a sunny day and you will be rewarded with amazing views of the sky meeting the sea in marvellous shades of blue. You can also choose to take a cable car from Songdo beach to a peak for great views of Busan. You can purchase tickets for a regular cable car or a glass bottomed one for a 5-8 minute ride that will take you across the sea.
Dadaepo
Located just a few steps away from Dadaepo beach station, Dadaepo beach is known for the iconic man-made structures scattered along the beach as well as Sunset Fountain, the world’s largest grounded fountain. There’s also a broadwalk, and benches if you’ve forgotten to pack a beach towel. Take a short break and enjoy some good company. As dusk falls, the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams Music Show begins. The music show is scheduled to happen on Tuesday to Sunday evenings either at 7.30pm or 8.00pm, depending on the day. The show lasts 20 minutes and is a fantastic display of lights and waterworks that is guaranteed to wow. Over a hundred songs will be used to time dazzling water displays. Otherwise, the fountain operates six times daily, and visitors young or old are more than welcome to run in and play to their hearts’ content.
Songjeong
Seafood, surfing, coffee and of course, clear waters—Songjeong beach has got it all. Popular amongst surfers, Songjeong beach is also filled with seafood restaurants, perfect for those craving fresh seafood straight from the sea. Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time for watersports. There’s no need to panic if you left your surfboard back home; you can always rent a surfboard from one of the many nearby surfer shops, and try your hand at riding the waves. If you’re looking to learn surfing instead, there are surfing schools set up on the beach where you can sign up for classes. Beach lovers can even opt to stay at the many beach resorts along Songjeong, such as Songjeong Marina Resort and Hotel Laon. After all, waking up every morning to the sound of seagulls and the salty sea air sounds like nothing short of a dream come true.
