Where to stay

Busan is built on the seafront, making it a great destination for those looking to combine the action of the city with lazy days on the beach. Haeundae is home to the most popular stretch of white sand, with colorful beach umbrellas for hire and plenty of hotels offering ocean views across the shallow bay. To stay closer to Busan City Centre, book a room in the Gwangalli neighborhood, where romantic restaurants and cafes branch off from the beachfront. Alternatively, a slice of luxury awaits in Marine City's upmarket hotels, which are within close distance of Haeundae beach and overlook the yacht-filled harbor.

Shopping is a major drawcard for visitors to cosmopolitan Busan. The city hosts one of the world's largest department stores, Shinsegae Centum City, located in Haeundae. Stay in the Seomyeon district, the commercial heart of Busan, for underground malls and busy streets filled with cosmetics, jewelry, and fashion stores. Booking a room in the Jung District provides easy access to shopping sprees in the underground malls, department stores, and luxury designer stores of the famous Myeongdong neighborhood. For bargain hunters, a stay in this district is also perfect for the popular markets of Gukje (Nampodong International Market) and Bupyeong Kkangtong.

After dark, sparkling Busan's diverse dining scene offers something to tantalize everyone's taste buds. Stay in the Nampo neighborhood for seafood delicacies at the Jagalchi Fish Market, and find traditional Korean food, mixed with lively entertainment, at BIFF Square. Comfortable hotels surround Chinatown, where tasty treats are guaranteed, and nearby Texas Street keeps the party going all night long. Seomyeon is the place to stay for a combination of excellent restaurants, street food stalls, atmospheric bars, and dynamic nightclubs. However, Haeundae and Gwangalli also offer plenty of romantic cafes, pubs, nightclubs, and classy lounges for cocktails in luxury hotels.