What to do in Busan at night

Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Alex

So you decided to spend a few days exploring Busan and are planning your itinerary? However, you are unsure what to do in Busan at night. You have come to the right place because we saw the city briefly and loved everything about it, day and night.

Busan is a vibrant city with so much to offer. It will keep you entertained from the early morning to the very night. During our one year in South Korea, we loved going back and exploring all the undiscovered places.

Hosting the most popular beach in Korea, Haundae, and some of the most colorful and picturesque neighborhoods in the country, Busan will also entertain you at night.

Here are our top things to do in Busan at night!

This post contains affiliate links. Read more about it on our disclosure page here.

Go on a sunset cruise

Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you sail along Busan’s tranquil waters, watching the sun set over its calm surface.

This is an ideal way to spend quality time with family and friends while taking in all nature offers.

With its picturesque views, gentle breeze, and calming atmosphere, your evening will be filled with peace and relaxation.

So don’t miss out on this fantastic experience – book your spot on a sunset cruise from Mipo along Busan’s beaches and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Go on a night tour

If you don’t feel like creating your itinerary, a night tour will take you to many of the most essential things and places to see at night in Busan.

The night starts with a cruise along Busan’s coast as the city lights up and sparkles.

Get a transfer to Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, the second-tallest peak in Busan, which offers a stunning view of the city.

Visit Busan Cinema Centre and finish the night by walking around the neighborhood.

Book your night tour here!

See the city from above

Find and climb to the top of some of the highest points in Busan for a perfect view. No wonder these places are the most popular in every town you visit. Here are 3 of the best in Busan:

Busan Tower

Located in the heart of Busan, South Korea, the iconic Busan Tower is a must-see for any visitor.

This tower is 120 meters high and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding ocean.

The tower also houses several restaurants and cafes that offer delicious meals with an equally impressive view.

In addition to its stunning beauty, visitors can enjoy cultural performances on the outdoor stage or participate in exciting activities such as cable car rides (Songdo Cable Car) and bungee jumping.

You can also book a night tour to take you on a Songdo Cable Car ride to The Bay 101, Gwangalli Beach, and Yeongdo Seaside Park. See more about the tour here!

Busan Haeundae X the Sky

Climb to the 100th floor of one of the tallest buildings at Haeundae Beach and admire the night view of the city, ocean, and distant islands.

Haeundae L City Landmark Tower is the second tallest building in Korea, after Lotte Sky Tower in Seoul. This observatory is not only enjoyable for its views but also offers a number of shows, videos, and eateries, making it the perfect place for an outing.

Book your ticket here!

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain (황령산)

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is an iconic sight in Busan, South Korea. Rising to an impressive 427 meters, it is the second tallest peak in the Geumnyeon Mountain Range and provides hikers with a spectacular vista that stretches across three districts: Busanjin-gu, Nam-gu, and Suyeong-gu.

The hike to the summit is a great adventure that can be completed in two to three hours. The rewards for reaching the peak are many. From here, hikers can experience breathtaking views of downtown Busan and its unique nightscape. One can find a citizen’s recreation area and a youth training center at the foot of the mountain.

Bay 101 (더베이101)

Set on Dongbaek Island with sumptuous skyscrapers behind, this is a fancy hot spot close to Haeundae and Gangwalli beaches.

Come here after sunset and enjoy a stunning view, shop for souvenirs at the fancy 101 Gallery, enjoy dinner at the Daedo Restaurant, or grab a bite from one of the pubs and enjoy it with a view.

Illumia Park

ILLUMIA is no ordinary park.

Spanning an impressive 153,000 acres, it’s become a beloved destination in Busan for visitors.

The park comes alive with millions of LED lights cleverly wrapped around its numerous features.

It’s easy to be captivated by the sheer visual spectacle of this unique night-time landscape.

There’s plenty to explore and admire, from the thematic pathways to the Greek and Italian pavilions.

The musical fountain adds an extra layer of ambiance, creating shows accompanied by light and sound.

It si part of the LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam

Address: 929, Garak-daero, Gangseo-gu, Busan

Gwangalli Bridge

Gwangalli Bridge at night is a sight to behold.

The bridge spans Gwangan Beach and lights up the surrounding area with vibrant colors. It features an LED lighting system that changes color with the rhythm of music during special events and holidays.

Gwangalli Bridge also has several restaurants and cafes along it, making it a great spot for people-watching or relaxing after a long day.

In addition to all this, the bridge offers stunning views of Gwangalli Bay and some amazing sunsets, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Have dinner with a view at Haeundae Beach

Once night falls, Haeundae Beach offers many options, no matter your budget.

During our one week in Busan, we tried it all: eating at the food stalls along the beach, getting street food from Haeundae Market, posh drinks at Paradise Hotel, and fish or Korean barbeque at one of the restaurants next to Mipo.

Pay attention because we were served silkworms as an appetizer at one of the seafood restaurants.

Go to the Busan SPA Land (Centrum City)

We believe the best way to end your day is at the spa. South Korea has fantastic spa facilities, such as SPA Land in Busan.

Located in Shinsegae Department Store Centum City, close to Gwangalli and Haeundae beaches, this place is a haven for saunas and hot spring lovers.

If this is your first time at a Korean SPA, read our comprehensive guide on how to make the most of your time at the jimjilbang. We’ve seen many people unsure about the rules and how to use the SPA facilities, and the guide will answer all your questions.

The 18 different hot springs and 13 theme spas you can choose from all use hot spring water with sodium bicarbonate pulled up from a thousand meters underground.

Get your entry ticket here!

Busan Cinema Center (부산 영화의 전당)

The Busan Cinema Center is an awe-inspiring film culture complex that presents many cinematic performances and screenings.

Its facilities include a variety of theaters, such as large and small theaters, cinematic, sky theater, and indie plus, as well as the majestic outdoor theater, which can seat up to 4,000 people.

This venue hosts the opening and closing ceremonies of the Busan International Film Festival, one of the most renowned film festivals in the world.

At Busan Cinema Center, you can indulge in various cultural activities related to movies. In addition to screening new releases worldwide, they also hold interactive workshops and classes for aspiring directors, actors, or writers.

Address: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
부산광역시 해운대구 수영강변대로 120

Eat at the Busan night market

Bupyeong (Kkangtong) Market (부평시장(깡통시장)

It is a vibrant and exciting place to visit at night. As the sun sets, the market comes alive with street vendors selling a wide variety of food, trinkets, and souvenirs. Here, you will find traditional Korean food and products, but also international options, such as Japanese and Filipino produce.

The smells of freshly cooked seafood mingle with laughter as people haggle over prices or take time out for a snack.

Colorful LED lights illuminate the area while locals and tourists soak the atmosphere.

It’s an experience that can’t be found anywhere else – you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world.

Address: 48, Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan 부산광역시 중구 부평1길 48

BIFF Square

Located in Jung-gu, the area is famous for its annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

It is a bustling hub of activity and culture, with many restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping centers, and movie theaters all around.

Many stores in the area also sell all kinds of items related to film festivals like DVDs, posters, and more.

At night, BIFF Square comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere. The movie theaters’ lights cast a magical glow, while the shops stay open late for visitors to explore their wares.

People come out to enjoy dinner and drinks in the nearby restaurants and cafes while couples stroll around, taking in the beauty of the square.

Go shopping

Busan is a vibrant city with plenty of night markets and shopping opportunities. From the bustling Jagalchi Market to the trendy Nampo-dong area, Busan has something for everyone who loves to shop after dark.

Koreans like to shop, so it’s no wonder there are plenty of department stores.

Lotte Duty-Free

It is conveniently located close to Jagalchi Market, so you can shop before visiting it.

Shinsegae Centrum City

Is listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest department store in the world, so you should visit it. It closes at 8 PM during the week and at 9:30 PM from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays. You will also find SPA Land, so you can mix the two together on your Busan itinerary.

Address: 부산광역시 해운대구 센텀남대로 35 (우동) | 35, Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Busan Centrum City subway station, line 2)

Other night markets worth checking out for shopping are:

Gukje Market

One of the most vibrant markets in South Korea is located near the city’s port. It has been a significant trading hub since its establishment in 1949 after the Korean War.

This market offers an amazing range of goods, from fresh produce to clothing items, including some of the best street food in the country.

Not only that, but Gukje Market also provides shoppers with a unique cultural experience; it’s filled with stalls selling traditional Korean handicrafts and souvenirs, and plenty of vendors offer exciting stories about their wares.

Address: Area of Sinchang-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Busan
부산광역시 중구 신창로4가 일원

Bujeon Market

Another lively, bustling local market in Busan you should not ship when you have more time in the city and want to go off the beaten path. Come here not only for fresh fish but also for other local products. Bujeon Market is less known to tourists.

Address: 부산진구 중앙대로 748, 부산광역시, 부산광역시, 대한민국

Busan Paradise Casino

Busan Paradise Casino is a premier destination for gaming and entertainment in the city’s heart.

With over 1,500 slot machines and table games spread across two floors, there’s something for everyone at Busan Paradise.

The casino also boasts an impressive selection of restaurants featuring international cuisine and a luxurious spa and wellness center.

For those looking to take their luck to the next level, the VIP rooms offer high-stakes gaming with exclusive access to private suites and lounges.

Dongbaek Park & Island 동백공원

Located just behind the Westin Josun Hotel at Haeunda Beach, this is the perfect place for a night stroll.

The place is not an island but a small peninsula on which you can walk along the sea. We went after sunset, and it was still charming and relaxing.

You can take one of the two trails: the shorter one along the coast, only 450 m long, or the longer one, almost 1 kilometer long.

Busan Cultural Center

Attend a concert or visit one of the exhibitions at the Busan Cultural Center.

Busan Cultural Center is a cultural hub located in the city’s heart. It was established in 2007 to promote and preserve Korean culture and tradition through various exhibitions, performances, lectures, and other activities.

The center has become an essential landmark for locals and tourists with its stunning architecture that blends modern design with traditional elements.

Inside, visitors can explore interactive exhibits on Korean history and culture, attend workshops, or participate in special events such as dance classes or traditional music concerts.

Amisan Observatory

An astronomical observatory that offers amazing views of the night sky and of its unique location where the Nakdonggang River meets the ocean.

The observatory houses telescopes used to observe the Nakdonggang River and its unique natural landscape. Come here during sunset for the most stunning views.

It also has a cafe and gift shop for visitors to enjoy while taking in the sights of the night sky.

Address: 77 Dadaenakjo 2-gil, Saha-gu (Dadae-dong)

What to do in Busan at night – 17 GREAT activities

Table of Contents