Are Busan’s Top 10 Attractions Really Worth Visiting?

I like to make my own opinion about everything, and that’s especially true when I travel. So, of course, I can’t help but check out the “top 10” of a place to see for myself what all the fuss is about.

If you know me a little, you’ll remember that I’m usually not a big fan of the most famous or trendiest spots (with a few exceptions, of course).

That’s why I’ve decided to compile a list of the top 10 attractions featured on the sites I use often: Klook & Tripadvisor to tell you what I really think of them, but also to suggest my favorite alternatives or let you know where I’d actually rank them.

Don’t forget that this is my opinion and mine alone only, so you can totally disagree, no hard feelings.

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1. Haeundae Blueline Park/Haeundae Beach

Ranked number one on both Klook and Tripadvisor, I’m siding with Klook on this one!

Because although Haeundae isn’t really for me: I don’t really like the neighborhood, and even less its beach; that’s just how it is, I have to confess that there’s one thing that keeps bringing me back to Haeundae: the Blueline Park.

Its coastal scenery and peacefulness make it the ideal setting if you want to escape the concrete jungle of the city.

On the other hand, the beach is far from the most beautiful in town and only earns my top pick during the summer festival.

⁎ If you’re looking for a more peaceful beach that’ll make you forget you’re even in Busan, for me nothing beats Dadaepo beach, with its endless stretch of sand and its blazing, mesmerizing sunset.

So forget about Haeundae beach making the top 10, while Haeundae Blueline Park would definitely be in my top 5 (though perhaps not in first place, since there are so many beautiful places in Busan).

↪ See also: check out my Most Overrated & Underrated Places In Busan!

2. Gamcheon Culture Village

Both sites agree on one thing: Gamcheon Culture Village ranks second.

Of course, this colorful village needs no introduction, as it has become a symbol of Busan; so it’s no surprise that it’s in the top 10.

And even though the village and its hidden artworks are worth a visit, I’d dare say that its place in the top 10 seems a little too high to me. Yes, I would include it on the list, but I might maybe rank it #6.

↪ See also: 3 Days In Busan: The Ideal Itinerary or 6 Days In South Korea’s Beautiful Coastal City!

3. Skyline Luge/Haedong Yonggungsa

This is where Klook surprised me: by including the Skyline luge in the top 10 attractions. I mean, sure, it’s fun, but does it deserve such a high ranking or even a spot on this list at all? Sorry, but in my opinion, not really.

On the other hand, a temple by the sea like Haedong Yonggungsa makes perfect sense, even if #3 is, again, a bit of a stretch when you consider all the other temples, particularly the ones less visited in Busan.

⁎ Samgwangsa, famous for its Lotus Lantern Festival, is another beautiful temple, quieter and beautiful year-round, that’s definitely worth a visit!

↪ See also: read Busan’s 8 Most Beautiful Temples At A Glance!

4. Haedong Yonggungsa/Gwangalli Beach

We find once again Haedong Yonggungsa vs Gwangalli, this time.

While there’s no need to reintroduce the temple, I’m quite happy to find Gwangalli on this list.

Trendy and with a splendid view over Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Gwangalli Beach is the hot spot in all seasons but is especially loved for its lively and charming nights.

I would still rank it a little lower on my list of top beaches, certainly after Dadaepo beach, for example.

↪ See also: 20 Free Things To Do & Hidden Gems In Busan!

5. Songdo Sky Park/Beomeosa

Finally, a bit of a change of pace and two welcome attractions on this list. Klook surprises me once again by including Songdo Sky Park.

Its observatory platform with unrivaled views of the sea and mountains, as well as its nearby Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge definitely make it a unique place to visit in Busan.

As for Tripadvisor, they’ve really made my day by finally highlighting Beomeosa, a breathtaking temple nestled at the foot of Geumjeongsan mountain.

And even though Songdo Sky Park deserves your time, I’d probably rank it a little lower in the top 10; on the other hand Beomeosa is worth more than the 5th place in my opinion. Honestly I’d probably rank it #1 or #2, that’s how beautiful and unique this temple in Busan is to me.

↪ See also: my complete guide to Beomeosa Temple & Songdo Beach!

6. Gwangalli Beach/Jagalchi Market

Gwangalli beach is back, but this time with Jagalchi market.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first to tour markets in South Korea and spend a good amount of time eating my way through the various stalls, but why Jagalchi?

Okay, it’s one of the largest seafood markets, where you can buy fish and then eat it on the second floor. But let’s be honest, the prices are more expensive here, no doubt because of its fame, which makes the experience less enjoyable.

So if you’re around Nampo-dong, feel free to stop by, but otherwise, is it worth the detour, or even a place on this list? Frankly? Not really.

And speaking of markets, why isn’t Gukje market on the top 10? Now that’s a market worth your time and taste buds!

7. Haeundae Beach/Songdo Cable Car

Here we have the popular Haeundae beach against Songdo cable car.

And since Haeundae always, much to my surprise, makes it onto lists of the top attractions, I also don’t really understand the hype surrounding Songdo cable car.

Having tried both, yes, the ride is nice, but the panorama isn’t as beautiful as the one you’ll get from the sky capsule at the Blueline Park, if I had to compare.

So its inclusion on this list is a bit of a wonder…

8. Busan Diamond Tower/BIFF Square

I love the Busan Tower, I mean I used to live just a 5-minute walk away, so yes, it’s a nice viewpoint, and it’s kind of like a beacon to me, but should it be on this list of top attractions? I don’t think so.

I’m pretty sure it’s only there because it’s an iconic landmark of Busan.

As for BIFF Square, sure there are a lot of food stalls there, but the nearby Gukje Market and the streets around Nampo-dong are a true foodie’s paradise (enough to make you forget about this square).

The only reason I go to BIFF Square is for their ssiat hotteok (a Busan specialty).

↪ See also: check out my Food Guide To Busan: My 20 Must-try, Delicious Restaurants!

9. SEALIFE Busan Aquarium/Taejongdae

I’m firmly against anything that involves caging animals or mistreating them, so for me, the aquarium is a big NO..

But I’m glad that Tripadvisor recognizes the beauty of Taejongdae, where geological wonders, rocky plateaus, ocean-eroded cliffs, refreshing forest and breathtaking coastal views await you. I’d even probably even put it in my top 5.

10. Huinnyeoul Culture Village/UN Memorial Cemetery

Another cultural village on this list, and a lovely one at that, which is actually one of my favorite alternatives to Gamcheon.

This charming art village that was once the place where Koreans took refuge during Korean War, is now a peaceful but picturesque area, worth a little visit.

While the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan is, without a doubt, steeped in important, albeit tragic history, and is both a peaceful and beautiful place, its spot in the top 10 is a bit too far-fetched to me considering the Busan Museum itself (located next door) isn’t even included on the list.

What shocked me the most is that none of these top 10 mention the coastal walks, hikes, museums, parks, and viewpoints that the city has in abundance.

Stay tuned for my personal top 10 of Busan (it’s going to be hard to choose…)!