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Where to stay in Busan for the first time: the best hotels

Last Updated on November 8, 2024 by Alex

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. The ocean sets it, and this vibrant place draws millions of tourists for a good reason. Choosing where to stay in Busan shouldn’t be too complicated with the proper guidance, and that’s why we are here!

Even though we lived in Seoul, after our first visit to Busan, the city became our favorite destination in the country, a place we returned to as often as possible.

In today’s guide, we will include all the best areas to consider when looking for a place to stay in Busan, depending on your travel style, length of stay, and much more.

No South Korean itinerary would be complete without at least a few days of exploring Busan, the colorful metropolis by the sea.

When choosing where to stay in Busan, you will first learn that the city is long and set along the sea. That means you will need to travel a bit to see most of the important attractions in town.

However, staying close to the train station or in Seomyeon will place you in the middle of the city. But let’s dive into this complete guide to help you choose the best accommodation in Busan.

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Table of Contents
  1. Where to stay in Busan – quick guide
    1. Yeongdo Island
      1. What to do in Yeongdo Island, main attractions
      2. Where to stay on Yeongdo Island
        1. LaValse Hotel 
        2. Bay Hound Hotel
    2. Haeundae Beach
      1. What to do at Haeundae Beach
      2. Where to stay at Haeundae Beach
        1. Hotel Hyggelig
        2. Felix by STX Hotel & Suite
    3. Gwangalli Beach
      1. What to do at Gwangalli Beach
      2. The best Gwangalli Beach hotels
    4. Seomyeon
      1. Best hotels in Seomyeon
        1. Lotte Hotel Busan
        2. Browndot Business Seomyeon
    5. Nampo-dong
      1. Best Hotels in Nampo
        1. Griffinbay Hotel – 4*
        2. Aventree Hotel Busan – 3*
        3. K-Guesthouse Premium Nampo 1 
    6. Near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Songjeong Station
      1. Best hotels near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
        1. Eastern Amber Hotel
        2. Illroy Resort 
        3. Ananti Hilton Busan – 5*
    7. Kyungsung University area
      1. Where to stay near Kyungsung University
    8. Sasang-gu
      1. Best hotels in Sasang
        1. Sorgente Business Hotel
        2. Zam 101
  2. Where to stay in Busan for the first time
  3. The best area to stay in Busan for nightlife
  4. The best area to stay in Busan for the beach
  5. The best area to stay in Busan for families with children
    1. Other FAQ
      1. Which part of Busan is best to stay?
      2. What is the best way to get around Busan?
      3. Is Busan walkable?
      4. Where is the most central place to stay in Busan?
      5. Is 1 day in Busan enough?
    2. Other Busan & South Korea Travel Resources

Where to stay in Busan – quick guide

Yeongdo Island

Where to stay in Busan

We chose this area for our first visit to Busan mainly because of the hotel that caught our attention.

The island is easily accessible from the airport or the train station and will set you close to some of the most important tourist attractions in town.

As you might expect, Busan is not a small city, so choosing the right area to stay in is crucial if you want to make the most of your time here.

Yeongdo Island is close to Jagalchi Fish Market and the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk. However, public transportation allows you to get to places like the Gamcheon Village or even further away from popular beaches in town.

We enjoyed staying in the area; it was the perfect choice for our first trip.

Read also: How to get from Seoul to Busan – the complete guide!

What to do in Yeongdo Island, main attractions

The island is small but still offers plenty of attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones:

Taejongdae Park -an ocean-side park located on the southern tip of Busan. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the sea and nearby islands and plenty of recreational activities to enjoy.

The park boasts a variety of attractions, such as lively walking paths with plenty of trees and plants along its 1km circumference, numerous observation decks overlooking the ocean from various heights, two ancient lighthouses dating back to 1906, and even a traditional Korean village complete with thatched-roof houses.

Jeoryeong Coastal Trail—Bordered by the sea on one side and a dense forest of trees on the other, the trail is ideal for stunning views. It is divided into three sections, each offering a unique experience.

The first section takes visitors along the cliffside and offers spectacular ocean views. The second section is more challenging, with steep slopes and rocky terrain. The third section is quiet and secluded, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful stroll.

Marine Adventure Park

Achidulle-gil

Jeoryeong Coastal Walk

You will also be close to Jagalchi Market and Busan Tower.

Where to stay on Yeongdo Island

LaValse Hotel

One of the most Instagram-worthy hotels in Busan, LaValse Hotel is set on Yeongdo island.

Set close to some tourist attractions, within walking distance of a subway station, the hotel offers stunning views over the harbor and the surrounding hills.

LaValse Hotel Busan

We stayed in a standard room with ocean views, and we liked how simple and modern the interior was. The hotel also serves breakfast at its rooftop cafe and has a sauna.

Breakfast was good and consistent. However, we were served the same thing every morning for the 3 days we stayed there.

The corner room is its main attraction, but you should book well in advance if you want to find one available. They also have a Korean-style room where you sleep on the floor, which would also be a unique experience.

Since check-in is done relatively late in South Korea (after 3 PM), we could leave our luggage in the storage area without additional fees. Also, the hotel provides a city map, and even though the lady at the reception wasn’t proficient in English, we managed to go through check-in and check-out smoothly.

This hotel is perfect for couples or friends traveling together, but we have also seen families with toddlers enjoying their stay.

Bay Hound Hotel
Where to stay in Busan

This is a much more affordable hotel option on Yeongdo Island, across the street (or a small port) from LaValse Hotel.

The 3* hotel has a nice and cozy interior design. It is ideally set on the main street close to the bridge that links the city to the island, and certain rooms have bathtubs.

Large windows allow plenty of light inside the room, and previous guests have appreciated the hotel’s cafe, where breakfast is served daily.

In our view, this is a great option and alternative to the more popular LaValse Hotel.

Haeundae Beach

Haeunda Beach subway stop

Our second favorite area to stay in is Busan, which is suitable, especially when you are planning to stay for a more extended period and want to take advantage of the beach as well.

Set a bit further away from the city center yet in a vibrant area, this place transforms from day to night, and you will feel like you have traveled to someplace new.

Plenty of luxury hotels are lined up along the beachfront, but you can also choose from mid-range hotels or apartments with sea views.

During our week-long stay in Busan, we chose to stay here because we wanted to be minutes away from the sea, indulge in delicious and fresh seafood, and still be perfectly connected by bus or subway to all the other main attractions in town.

Read also: The Absolute Best Things to do in Haeundae Beach Busan

A stay at Haeundae is great for couples looking for a special destination and luxury hotel, but it is also great for families traveling with kids because the kids will be happy at the beach.

What to do at Haeundae Beach

Our second favorite area in Busan offers plenty of things to do. Here are only a few of them:

Spend time at the beach

Visit SEA LIFE Aquarium Busan, especially if you are traveling with kids

Go on a walk on Dongbaek Island

Enjoy SPA Land – traditional Korean SPA

Go for a facial at SPA 1899

Go for a sunset cruise from Mipo

Take the Blue Train Line

Where to stay at Haeundae Beach

Paradise Hotel Haeundae Beach

If you are traveling for a special occasion or want to go all-in and choose luxury hotels, here are my hotel suggestions:

  • Paradise Hotel is one of the region’s fanciest and most Instagrammable hotels.
Hotel Hyggelig
Where to stay in Busan
Hotel Hyggelig

If you are looking for a mid-range hotel in a great location, only minutes away from the beach, I strongly recommend the Hotel Hyggelig, which we stayed in.

The hotel has a nice cafe with a stunning rooftop terrace. The rooms are spacious and come with a balcony. We had a sea view from our room, and we were less than 5 minutes away from the beach.

This is also an excellent option for families because they have triple rooms and a 3-bedroom apartment.

Nearby, we had restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, and most of the main attractions of Haeundae.

Because we traveled from Seoul by car, parking was free at the hotel.

Felix by STX Hotel & Suite

If you would rather stay in an apartment and have access to a kitchen, Felix by STX Hotel & Suite offers great room options.

The rooms are fully furnished, the bathrooms have a bathtub, and the hotel’s location is perfect—right next to a bus stop and walking distance from the beach.

MAMA Guesthouse Haeundae

If you are familiar with Korean-style accommodations and would rather stay in a guesthouse, here is an option close to Haeundae Beach. These are the most economical options; in many cases, you won’t have a private bathroom in your bedroom.

MAMA Guesthouse Haeundae is a highly appreciated guesthouse with simple yet cozy rooms and private bathrooms. The hostel is located within walking distance of the beach, close to bus and subway stops, and very close to the street food alley.

Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli-Beach-Busan

Gwangalli is the second most popular beach in Busan, with a mix of cool restaurants and impressive skyscrapers.

A 1.4-kilometer-long sandy beach overlooking the famous Gwangandaegyo Bridge is where you will find plenty of hip cafes and traditional and Western-style restaurants.

We believe Gwangalli has a more youthful vibe than Haeundae, even though both are great destinations for partying and relaxation.

The nearby Millak Waterfront Park, set at the northernmost point of Gwangalli, is a fun hangout spot for youngsters.

What to do at Gwangalli Beach

Spend time at the beach

Enjoy some of the best cafes in town

Eat your heart out at one of the seafront restaurants

Millak Waterfront Park

See the Gwangandaegyo Bridge light up at night

From there, you will be close to Haeundae Beach.

The best Gwangalli Beach hotels

H Avenue Hotel Gwangalli branch

Set on the waterfront, this hotel offers rooms with stunning views over the ocean and the city’s skyline. Although the area can be extremely animated, the hotel’s location is very quiet, making it the perfect destination for a romantic escape.

The hotel also offers larger rooms that accommodate up to 4 people, and most guests enjoyed the stunning terrace and wine bar.

Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington

Set right on the beach, with restaurants and shops at its doorstep, this 4* hotel is another great option to consider at Gwangalli Beach.

Some rooms offer a mountain view, while others will sweep you off your feet with their incredible sea view. The Semi-Kitchen Double Inside View is perfect for those who plan to spend a bit more time in Busan and would like to take advantage of a fridge, sink, and microwave.

The Premier Double Room with Ocean View is perfect for a special occasion if you are traveling for your honeymoon or anniversary. What drew my attention, in particular, was the city view you get from your bathtub.

Staying here puts you 10 minutes away from the subway station, and you can enjoy the hotel’s terrace with a view.

Gwangalli Perfect Ocean View APARK

Where to stay in Busan

If you are not looking to stay at a hotel, this apartment might tick all your boxes. It has a balcony with a sea view, a big fridge, a microwave, and an induction stove.

The place is perfect for a couple wanting to spend longer in Busan.

Seomyeon

Seen as the center of Busan, Seomyeon is where you will find plenty of hotels, restaurants, and stores. Stay here for the city vibe because you will definitely feel much different than in the previously mentioned areas.

Similar to Gangnam in Seoul, you’ll find everything from shopping centers to fish markets or fun clubs here. Coffee lovers will have a whole cafe street to explore while shopping addicts will find department stores to get lost in.

Best hotels in Seomyeon

Lotte Hotel Busan

Lotte is one of the largest companies in South Korea, and it is a major player in almost any sector.

Their hotels are among the most luxurious in South Korea, thus a stay at the Lotte Hotel in Busan should be on your list. The 5* hotel is within walking distance of the subway station and has an on-site duty-free store, an indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center.

Browndot Business Seomyeon

A more affordable option, the hotel offers free private parking and a charming rooftop garden. Only 5 minutes away from the subway station, the hotel’s location is one of its strong points.

The spacious rooms come equipped with a bathtub, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring the streets of Busan.

Nampo-dong

Stretching around the Nampo-dong subway station, this area is close to the harbor, the fish market, and many of Busan’s tourist attractions.

By staying here, you will be close to the sea and Yeongdo Island but also within walking distance of many of the most traditional markets in Busan. You should come here to taste local food cooked in an authentic manner and shop for souvenirs to take back home.

Bupyeong Night Market is your destination for affordable and delicious street food. Still, in the area, you will also find some of the most popular restaurants in town serving charcoal-grilled pork.

Yongdusan Park is also nearby. To get there, you will need to cross Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street, a dream destination for fashionistas and K-Fashion enthusiasts.

All in all, Nampo-dong is a vibrant area to stay in, and it will place you in a convenient location no matter what you choose to do and see around town.

Best Hotels in Nampo

Griffinbay Hotel4*

A charming hotel offering a harbor view from its rooms, it is located within walking distance of both Jagalchi Market and Gukje Market.

This hotel might be the perfect choice for a longer stay in Busan because rooms come equipped with a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge, and a kettle.

Aventree Hotel Busan3*

Aventree is another South Korean hotel chain you will get familiar with during your visit here.

People chose this hotel because of its location, precisely in the center of Nampo-dong, with plenty of things to do and see around. Unlike in many places, the staff at this hotel speaks English, which was highly appreciated by previous guests.

If you are traveling by train, this area is relatively close to Busan Station and Gamcheon Village.

K-Guesthouse Premium Nampo 1

This is the place for you if you’re looking for really affordable accommodation that also offers great value for money.

Rooms are big and clean, with large windows offering natural light. The location is opposite Nampo station and next to the fashion shopping street.

Guests can enjoy a shared room with a stunning harbor view, and most enjoy the breakfast served at this guesthouse.

Near Haedong Yonggungsa TempleSongjeong Station

Where to stay in Busan

On our first visit to Busan, as we searched for the BlueLine Park Train, we ended up on the beach at Seongjeong. This is a very different area than everything we had seen in Busan up to that point: plenty of tiny houses hosting surfing schools, people walking carefree to the beach, and countless cafes and bars lined up along the seafront.

It is safe to say this is a great area to stay in when you want to vacation in Busan. You won’t be very close to the city center or main tourist attractions, but you will have public transportation close by to take you anywhere you like.

Further north along the coast, as you move towards the famous Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you will also find one of the most luxurious resorts in South Korea.

I suggest you stay here if this is not your first trip to Busan or if you want to sit back and relax in nature by the sea.

Best hotels near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Eastern Amber Hotel

Located by the sea, minutes from the beach, this hotel will also place you four bus stops from the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

With a simple yet stylish interior design, this hotel provides free parking for its guests and has a restaurant where they can enjoy meals by the sea.

Illroy Resort
Where to stay in Busan

You might expect an extensive resort with plenty of rooms, swimming pools, and more. However, this is a small hotel set by the sea, 12 minutes away from the main beach in the area.

It is practically a Korean guesthouse, with spacious rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace with a pool. Some rooms have a bathtub by the window for your ultimate Instagram-worthy picture.

Ananti Hilton Busan – 5*

The ultimate luxury resort in Busan, Ananti Hilton, will make you feel like royalty. Remotely set outside of town, close to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the hotel is built on the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

During your stay, you can spend time at one of the many infinity swimming pools, relax at the hotel’s SPA, and choose between various dining options. As night falls, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar and enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view.

You won’t want to leave this place!

Kyungsung University area

Choose to stay here if you don’t want to be in a tourist area but still have access to plenty of shops and restaurants.

The area around Kyungsung University is known for its lively nightlife, shopping districts, historic attractions, and delicious food. It’s also conveniently close to the beach! Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or explore new things, there’s something here for everyone.

This district has everything from traditional markets to modern malls and beautiful temples to unique museums.

By choosing to stay here, you will be relatively close to the beach (30 minutes from Gwangalli Beach) and have easy access to the western part of the city.

The area is easily reached by subway at Kyungsung University subway station.

Where to stay near Kyungsung University

The slight problem with this area is that you won’t find many hotels or sound options. However, you can look for Airbnb options, as there are a few at reasonable prices.

Sasang-gu

The Sasang district is far from the city center, close to Gimhae Airport. While this might be a good option for someone traveling early in the morning, I wouldn’t choose to stay here if I plan to spend only a few days in Busan.

Although the area is not close to the city center, it is linked to the train station by subway—the green line will take you directly to Haeundae Beach, and you can easily change lines for the other attractions in town.

Another reason to choose to stay here is if you are traveling by bus, as the Busan West Intercity Bus Terminal is next to the subway station.

Best hotels in Sasang

Sorgente Business Hotel

The hotel is just a 10-minute light rail ride from Gimhae International Airport. It boasts a terrace and provides free Wi-Fi access in all its rooms.

The hotel is located 7 km from Seomyeon Medical Street, the healthcare center in Busan.

Each room in this 2-star accommodation has a desk, a flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom. Rooms have views of the city, and all rooms are also fitted with a kettle. Guests will find a seating area within their room.

Exit 6 of Sasang Station (Busan Line 2 and Busan-Gimhae Lightrail) is located just 200 m from the hotel, making it convenient for visitors to travel around the city.

Zam 101

Zam 101 is a hotel in Busan, just 7.8 km from Seomyeon Station.

Various amenities include a shared lounge, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar.

Travelers can also explore nearby attractions such as Gukje Market (8.9 km), Busan China Town (9.2 km), and Busan Station (10 km).

The hotel offers comfortable guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, complimentary toiletries, and a desk.

Where to stay in Busan for the first time

If you are visiting Busan for the first time and plan to tick off most of the important tourist attractions on your bucket list, we recommend staying near the city center.

Nampo-Dong or Yeongdo Island would be our top choices for your first time in Busan.

The best area to stay in Busan for nightlife

Overall, Busan is a pretty vibrant town; you will find areas with great entertainment in most places on this list.

However, staying close to the beach in Gwangalli or Haeundaea will also put you close to the main nightlife streets.

Nampo-dong has its fair share of nightclubs, restaurants, and night markets, so you can also explore this area.

The best area to stay in Busan for the beach

Where to stay in Busan

If you plan to spend your days at the beach, stay in Haeundae or Seongjeong.

The first one is more vibrant and posh, while the second one is more of a place for hippies and surfers.

The best area to stay in Busan for families with children

All the above locations have hotels that offer family rooms to choose from when traveling with your family. That said, we would always stay in Haeundae with the kids.

The beach is within walking distance, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, the famous Busan Aquarium is on the beach, and the area is ideally linked to the rest of the city by public transportation.

Additionally, there is a wide array of hotels and apartments to choose from, conveniently located on the beach or nearby.

Other FAQ

Which part of Busan is best to stay?

The best part of Busan to stay in depends on your desire.

If you want to be close to the beach, then Haeundae-gu and Gwangalli are ideal locations.

Jagalchi or Nampo-dong provides plenty of traditional attractions for those who want to explore cultural sites.

Other significant areas include Seomyeon and Dongbaek Island, offering stunning views and many things to do.

What is the best way to get around Busan?

In our opinion and experience, public transportation is the best way to get around Busan. The subway and bus systems are very well connected and will take you anywhere in the city.

Is Busan walkable?

Yes, Busan is a very walkable city. It has wide streets, sidewalks, and plenty of parks and public areas that make it easy to get around on foot. The city center also offers excellent ocean views, making it a pleasant place to take a stroll.

However, there are many tourist attractions all over the city, so if you want to see them all, you should use public transportation.

Where is the most central place to stay in Busan?

If you want to stay centrally, choose Nampo or Seomyeon as your base in Busan.

Is 1 day in Busan enough?

We loved Busan and returned several times, spending more time in the city. Thus, in our opinion, one day in Busan is not enough—you should at least spend the night.

Other Busan & South Korea Travel Resources

Busan itineraries: one day2 days, 3 days

Your ultimate South Korea bucket list

South Korea 10 days itinerary |  5-day itinerary

What to do in Winter in Korea

SIM Card or Pocket WiFi? What to choose

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