Where To Stay In Busan First Time 2024 - 6 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Busan first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Busan first time?
Where to stay in Busan with family?
Where to stay in Busan on a budget?
Where to stay in Busan for couples?
Where to stay in Busan for nightlife?
Where to stay in Busan near train station?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Busan
| Name of the area in Busan | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Haeundae is one of the most popular areas for tourists as it is known for its beautiful beach. The area is also packed with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping malls, providing plenty of entertainment options. You can find all sorts of accommodation options in all budget classes, all while being located centrally and having good access to public transport, including the metro. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | As the commercial and entertainment hub of Busan, Seomyeon is a great choice for those who want to be in the center of the action. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars to discover and it has a great nightlife scene too. Seomyeon is also well-connected to other parts of the city by public transportation, making it convenient for exploring Busan. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is located in the heart of Busan and is known for being a bustling neighborhood full of markets, shopping streets, and cultural attractions. You can explore places like Jagalchi Fish Market, BIFF Square, and Yongdusan Park. There are also plenty of accommodation options in Nampo-dong, ranging from upscale hotels to budget guesthouses. Especially when you want to explore the city’s (local) attractions, this is an excellent base. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Gwangalli is another popular beach area in Busan but offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Haeundae. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy the beach without the crowds. Gwangalli Beach is lined with cafes and restaurants offering stunning views of Gwangan Bridge, especially at night when it’s beautifully illuminated. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | For a unique experience, you can consider staying in Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the “Santorini of Korea” due to its colorful houses built on the mountainside. It’s a charming area with narrow alleyways, street art, cafes, and art galleries. Just keep in mind that accommodation options here are limited. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | If you prefer a quieter and more residential atmosphere, Dongnae is a good option. This area is known for its hot springs, historic sites, and traditional markets. It offers a glimpse into traditional Korean culture while still being easily accessible from other parts of the city. |
Where to stay in Busan first time
The best areas to stay in Busan first time are Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Nampo-dong
These three areas are among the most desired areas and provide great access to the rest of the city.
Haeundae is by far the most popular area of these three, simply because it’s the area with great access to the beach while remaining centrally located and with plenty of entertainment venues nearby.
Seomyeon offers even more entertainment and a great nightlife scene but doesn’t offer direct beach access.
Nampo-dong is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect area to explore the city’s (local) attractions.
There are thee alternative areas that you should consider staying at.
Gawngalli is another popular beach area in Busan but offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Haeundae.
Gamcheon Culture Village is the area where you can find colorful houses built on the mountainside, which is one of the main attractions of the city.
Although this a unique area to stay at, accommodation options are limited.
Lastly, Dongnae is a good option too.
It’s mainly a residential area, but the area is known for its hot springs, historic sites, and traditional markets, making it an excellent base for those who want to experience the traditional Korean culture while having good access to other parts of the city.
Where to stay in Busan with family
The best areas to stay in Busan with family are Haeundae, Gawngalli, Nampo-dong, and Dongnae.
It goes without saying that having direct access to the beach is a great perk when travelling with kids.
Therefore, Haeundae is most likely the best option when visiting Busan with family as the area offers direct beach access and plenty of entertainment options while remaining centrally located.
As it’s the most desired area among tourists and it attracts quite some crowds, you should consider staying at Gawngalli instead, if you prefer a quieter experience.
If you don’t mind staying in a more central area without direct access to the beaches, you have two good options.
Nampo-dong is located in the heart of the city and here, you can have great access to the city’s (local) attractions.
Dongnae is a quieter and more residential area that is known for its hot springs, historic sites, and traditional markets and offers a glimpse into traditional Korean culture.
All four areas have good access to public transport to easily reach the other parts of Busan.
Where to stay in Busan on a budget
The best areas to stay in Busan on a budget are Seomyeon and Nampo-dong.
Despite being the commercial and entertainment hub of Busan, Seomyeon offers a range of budget accommodation options, including hostels and guesthouses.
The area is home to many affordable eateries, street food stalls, and budget-friendly shopping options.
As you’re centrally located, you have great access to public transport, and exploring other parts of Busan should not cost that much.
Another great option is Nampo-dong, an area that is known for its markets, local shopping streets, and cultural attractions.
You can find plenty of affordable accommodation options in this area too.
As you can see, areas without direct access to the beach often offer more value for money.
With that being said, there are still affordable accommodation options in areas that have direct access to the beach, but they are harder to find.
Where to stay in Busan for couples
The best areas to stay in Busan for couples are Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Gamcheon Culture Village.
Haeundae is one of the most popular areas in Busan and it also offers a romantic atmosphere along its beautiful beachfront.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to discover and you have access to Dongbaek Island and Nurimaru APEC House which offer scenic views
The downside is that it’s also a very busy area.
If you still prefer to stay right at the beach, but in a more laid-back setting, then Gwangalli is a better option.
The beach offers stunning views of Gwangan Bridge, especially at night when it’s beautifully illuminated.
Just keep in mind that it’s less bustling than Haeundae.
If you, as a couple, don’t mind not having direct access to the beach, then Gamcheon Culture Village is the right option for both of you.
Known as the Santorini of Korea, this charming village offers colorful houses, narrow alleyways, and street art, which create quite a unique and romantic experience.
The only downside of Gamcheon Culture Village is that it doesn’t have that many accommodation options.
All three areas are well-connected to other parts of the city, so you can easily travel to the main attractions, beaches, and nightlife areas to spend quality time together.
Where to stay in Busan for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Busan for nightlife are Seomyeon, Haeundae, and Nampo-dong.
When it comes to bars, clubs, karaoke rooms, and late-night eateries, Seomyeon is by far the best option.
It’s the nightlife hub of Busan and you can party until the early hours of the morning.
None of the other areas can compete against it.
However, there are areas that do offer nightlife too, only not as wild as Seomyeon.
Haeundae is a popular area during the summer months when tourists flock to the beach bars and clubs.
Nampo-dong is known for its vibrant street culture and bustling nightlife scene.
The area is home to numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs, as well as street food stalls that stay open late into the night.
Where to stay in Busan near train station
The best areas to stay in Busan near train station are Seomyeon and Nampo-dong
Seomyeon is situated near Busan’s central train station, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to stay close to transportation hubs.
Aside from its accessibility, the area offers all sorts of accommodation options in all budget classes and a great nightlife scene, all while being centrally located.
While Nampo-dong is not directly adjacent to Busan’s main train station, it’s still relatively close and easily accessible by public transportation.
The area offers plenty of accommodation options, dining choices, and attractions, including Jagalchi Fish Market and BIFF Square.
Nampo-dong is home to many markets, shopping streets, and (local) cultural attractions, making it an excellent base to explore the city’s highlights.
1. Haeundae
Simply put, Haeundae is the most popular area to stay in Busan among tourists.
That’s because this area is home to Haeundae Beach, one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in South Korea.
And many tourists want to stay as close as possible to this 1.5-kilometer-long beach.
Being the tourist epicenter of the city, there is an abundance of accommodation options.
While prices here are higher compared to other areas, you can still find budget-friendly accommodation options, but also plenty of luxurious hotels with stunning ocean views.
As you can expect from such a popular area, the food scene won’t disappoint you.
Haeundae is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls offering both local Korean cuisine and international fare.
You can indulge in fresh seafood at the fish markets or enjoy Korean barbecue, sushi, pizza, and more.
Especially during the summer months, the nightlife scene gets bustling too and what makes Haeundae’s nightlife scene unique compared to Seomyeon (the nightlife epicenter of the city), is that you have many beachfront bars here.
Most importantly, Haeundae is well-connected to other parts of Busan by public transportation, including buses and the subway.
Busan’s major attractions, such as Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, and Beomeosa Temple, are easily accessible from Haeundae, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
Is there anything not to like about Haeundae?
To be honest, for the majority of the tourists, this is the ideal area.
But as it’s such a popular area, it feels touristy and crowded.
Gwangalli (fourth paragraph) is a great alternative for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere while having access to the beach.
And if you don’t mind staying in an area without direct access to the beach, you even have more alternatives, which I will discuss in the next paragraphs.
But as said, the majority of the tourists will be extremely happy when picking Haeundae as their base during their stay in Busan.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Busan in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Seomyeon
Seomyeon is another excellent area to stay at when visiting Busan.
The area is located in the heart of the city.
It serves as a major transportation hub with easy access to both the Busan Metro as well as bus lines.
Visiting Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, and Gamcheon Culture Village is a piece of cake.
But what Seomyeon is really known for is being a bustling area full of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
The area is filled with shopping streets, department stores, boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, ensuring there’s always something to see and do.
Especially when you want to discover Busan’s nightlife scene, there is no better option than staying in or as close as possible to Seomyeon.
From trendy cocktail bars to cozy pubs, you can find it all here.
Keep in mind that Seomyeon is one of the busiest and most densely populated areas in Busan, which means it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Also, you don’t have direct access to the beach, which is something many tourists prefer.
And although you have excellent access to public transport and getting to different areas in Busan is a piece of cake, the area itself does not have main attractions.
But I can’t deny the fact that Seomyeon is one of the most convenient areas in the city and if you also like to explore Busan’s nightlife, there is no better option than this.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Busan in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Nampo-dong
Nampo-dong is located in the heart of the city and is home to several iconic cultural attractions.
From here, you can easily explore Jagalchi Fish Market, one of Korea’s largest seafood markets, as well as BIFF, which offers a glimpse of Busan’s film culture.
You’re within walking distance of Busan Station, making it also a great area to visit other cities by train, as well as other parts of the city by bus and metro.
Nampo-dong comes alive at night.
While the nightlife scene is not as wild as Seomyeon, you can still find plenty of trendy cocktail bars and traditional pubs.
As this area is located right at the waterfront, you can enjoy beautiful views of Busan’s skyline, Yongduan Park, and Busan Harbor.
It’s also possible to take a boat tour from here where you can see the city from a different perspective.
As you’re located in the heart of the city, there are plenty of shopping and dining options.
Overall, it’s the ideal area for those who want to explore the city’s (local) attractions.
But is there something not to like about this area?
As this area doesn’t have direct access to the beach, many tourists tend to stay in an area that does have access to the beach and simply visit Nampo-dong during the day or night.
Because of that, the area has fewer accommodation options than, for example, Haeundae.
Simply because Haeundae is far more popular and tourist-friendly.
This area is primarily a commercial and entertainment district.
But with great access to public transport and major attractions, beautiful skyline views, and plenty of entertainment options, it’s an area that is definitely worth considering.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Busan in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Gwangalli
Gwangalli is a great alternative beachfront area to the popular Haeundae.
The beach is one of Busan’s most picturesque and less crowded beaches and it offers stunning views of Gwangan Bridge.
Compared to the bustling crowds of Haeundae, Gwangalli offers a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for travelers seeking a quieter beach experience.
The area has a more local vibe, with fewer tourists and a slower pace of life.
You can find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars that offer panoramic views of the ocean and Gwangan Bridge.
When you combine this, you understand why especially families with younger kids and couples tend to stay in this area.
But while Gwangalli may be known for its beach, it also offers a variety of cultural attractions and entertainment options for you to enjoy.
Nearby attractions include the Busan Cinema Center, hosting film festivals and cultural events, as well as the Diamond Bridge Observatory, offering panoramic views of the city and ocean.
Gwangalli is well-connected to other parts of Busan by public transportation, including buses and the metro.
It’s very easy to reach Haeundae Beach, Dongbaek Island, and Jagalchi Fish Market from Gwangalli.
Just keep in mind that a laid-back area like Gwangalli comes with a few disadvantages.
For example, the area has limited nightlife options.
You’re located further from the tourist epicenter.
There are fewer shopping options.
And there is less variety in accommodation options.
But in return, you can enjoy a beautiful beach with stunning views without the crowds.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Busan in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is not your typical area.
Also known as the Santorini of Korea due to its colorful houses built on the mountainside, this area is ideal for travellers interested in culture, art, and history.
Unfortunately, there are not many accommodation options within the village, but there are several great options around this colorful masterpiece.
In the village itself, you can find many galleries, studios, and exhibitions of the work of local artists.
The village offers countless photo opportunities, making it a great, Instagram-worthy destination.
You can enjoy panoramic views of Busan’s coastline and surrounding hillsides and climb to the village’s highest points, such as the Little Prince Observatory and the Gamcheon Culture and Art Center.
You’re located not far from Gwangalli, which means that it’s pretty easy to reach its laid-back beach.
But there are a few things that you should know before you book a hotel here.
The area lacks amenities and conveniences that you find in more developed tourist areas, simply because Gamcheon Culture Village is primarily a cultural and artistic attraction.
Gamcheon Culture Village is situated on steep hillsides, with many narrow staircases and alleys leading up and down the slopes, which causes mobility issues.
And moving to other parts of the city is not as convenient compared to the popular tourist areas.
So why would you choose to stay here?
The area around Gamcheon Culture Village is a bit of an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Experienced travellers will love it here, especially when you want something unique and when you love panoramic views.
But also consider this: you can also just visit Gamcheon Culture Village during the day or early night and stay in a more convenient and more developed area with direct access to the beach.
With that being said, I know for a fact that there is a group of travellers out there who highly appreciate a stay near Gamcheon Culture Village.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Busan in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Dongnae
Dongnae is one of the oldest and most historically significant areas in Busan.
The area is home to historic sites such as Dongnae Hyanggyo Confucian School, Dongnae Castle Site, and Geumjeong Fortress.
What Dongnae is really known for are the natural hot springs.
You can indulge in a rejuvenating soak at one of the area’s many public bathhouses or luxury hot spring resorts.
As the area is mainly a residential area, you find fewer tourist amenities but more amenities that cater to its citizens.
One of the best ways to experience the local vibe is by visiting one of the many traditional markets in this area where you can enjoy authentic Korean street food.
Popular markets include the Dongnae Market and the Bujeon Market.
Dongnae is surrounded by beautiful greenery and scenic landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Make sure to visit the nearby Dongnae Cultural Park or hike along scenic trails in Geumjeongsan Mountain.
Overall, Dongnae offers a more laid-back and local atmosphere compared to Busan’s bustling tourist areas, making it an ideal place to experience authentic Korean culture.
Just keep in mind that you’re located further away from the tourist areas and that the area lacks a proper nightlife scene.
And travelling around the city is simply not as convenient as in the central areas.
But, if you want to have an authentic experience with great access to natural hot springs, nature, and real Korean street food, consider staying in Dongnae.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Busan in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.