10 Most Instagrammable Places in Busan

Haedong Yonggungsa is a 14th-century oceanside Budhhist temple in Busan. Most temples in South Korea are located in the mountains, but this particular complex is unusually perched on rocks, overlooking the sea. It is 1 of 3 sacred places in South Korea dedicated to Buddha. Locals say that your wishes will come true if you pray wholeheartedly at this shrine.

Haedong Yonggungsa's scenic setting makes it beautiful to photograph at any time of day. The temple is illuminated in the evenings. But for something extra magical, arrive just before sunrise. You can even visit in April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Haeundae Beach, with its over 1.5 km of golden sand and calm blue water, is one of Busan’s most famous shorelines. You can easily sit for hours at this picturesque spot – enjoying a bit of swimming, people-watching, and soaking up the vibe. If you visit in winter, you can get shots of the Haeundae Polar Bear Festival, which sees people of all ages braving an icy swim.

Summer is when Haeundae Beach is at its busiest, so be prepared to share with crowds of national holidaymakers. However, you can avoid the crowds altogether by visiting before sunrise. For panoramic photos of Haeundae Beach and Busan's shiny skyscrapers, head to Dongbaek Island Park at the western end of the beach.

The Taejongdae Resort Park is a natural landscape on the island of Yeongdo, about an hour-long bus ride from Busan. With dozens of picture-perfect spots and beautiful ocean views, it’s an excellent destination for both amateur and professional photographers to spend the day.

Highlights include the Yeongdo Lighthouse, Mangbuseok Rock, Taejongdae Observation Deck, Jagalmadang (pebble beach), and the Taejongsa and Gumyeongsa temples. You can ride the Danubi Train, which stops at various sites within the park. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as you need to walk to reach some locations.

The Busan Tower is the place to go for stunning bird's-eye view photos of the South Korean city. The 120-metre-high tower has an observation deck, from which you can take in sweeping views of Democracy Park, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Busandaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, and Oryukdo Island.

On clear days, you can even spot Daemado Island (also called Tsushima). To enjoy the sparkling lights of Busan harbour, plan a nighttime visit. Apart from taking in and capturing the gorgeous vistas, you can also learn some history of the Busan Tower via exhibitions, interactive media, and VR equipment.

The Gamcheon Culture Village is a former slum-turned charming destination at the foothills of a coastal mountain. It has colourfully painted Lego-like houses, vibrant murals, twisting alleyways, and steep stairs – what more could you ask for in an Instagrammable place in Busan? You can easily spend an entire day walking along the narrow paths that wind through the village.

Stop to admire walls decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents or pop into ancient houses that house quaint cafes, shops, and art galleries. To explore the area, all you need are comfortable walking shoes and a fully charged camera.

The Oryukdo Skywalk is a glass, horseshoe-shaped walkway that juts out over a rocky coastline. The 15-metre-long path consists of 24 tempered glass plates supported by iron columns and side railings.

Even if you aren’t afraid of heights, watching the waves crash into the cliff directly below can be a thrilling experience. Before taking photos of the glass skywalk, snap some pics of the winding wooden walkway with the sea beyond. Admission to the walkway is free.

The Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge in Busan connects Amnam Park to a small rocky uninhabited island called Dongseom Island. The bridge is 127 metres long and wraps around the island, giving you the feeling that you’re walking on the ocean.

You can see waves crashing against the rocks below when you cross the bridge. It offers 360-degree views of the island, the open sea, and Busan. Stand at the top of the bridge to capture a winning photo, looking down on the island. Take note that the bridge is closed in bad weather and on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.

Beomeosa Temple is an impressive Buddhist temple perched on the slopes of Geumjeongsan mountain. One of the best Instagram spots in Busan, the temple backs back to the 7th century but was later restored in the 17th century.

Highlights include the luxurious Daeungjeon Hall, a 3-storey stone pagoda, and the 3-storey Iljumun Gate at the entrance. Beomeosa Temple can get busy on weekends and holidays, so try to arrive as early as possible to enjoy the surroundings in solitude. There are also hiking trails to explore. For a memorable experience, consider booking a temple stay.

The Jagalchi Fish Market is Busan’s famous seafood market, which is the largest of its kind in South Korea. The market is housed in a 7-storey building near Nampo Port and has 2 sections – an indoor market and several outdoor stalls. You can see hundreds of weird and wonderful sea creatures, such as eels, octopi, giant rays, flatfish, and sea slugs.

You'll even be able to take photos of some animals who are still alive and squirming in large tanks in the “live seafood section”. While the market officially opens in the mid-morning, you can arrive early – 5 or 6 am – to watch the vendors set up their stalls.         

BIFF Square is a lively movie district that hosts the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), along with shopping, dining, and nightlife attractions. What started as no more than a pair of cinemas is actually a street in the Nampo-dong commercial district. On a stroll there, you can feel the electric energy of Busan’s youth.

Apart from shopping and dining, you can view handprints of famous Asian and western actors and directors on the sidewalk. BIFF Square is also well-known for its street food. Try some local favourites, such as tteokbokki (spicy Korean rice cakes) or hotteok (sweet pancakes).