Busan South-East (All itineraries, flexible move or customized plan)

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan - Located on the northeastern coast of Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a unique attraction as it is one of the few temples in Korea situated by the sea, with most being in the mountains. Originally constructed in 1376 by the esteemed Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo dynasty, the temple features the Seawater Great Goddess Buddha (Haesu Gwaneum Daebul), the Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, the Yongwangdang Shrine, the Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (housed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions overlooking the ocean. Many visitors come here on New Year’s Day to make wishes as they watch the sunrise. April is particularly beautiful with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The temple is also illuminated with lanterns during the celebration of Buddha’s birth in the fourth month of the lunar calendar, offering a stunning night view.

Daebyeon Port Entrance - Recognized as one of the 100 beautiful fishing villages by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Daebyeon Port hosts the anchovy festival. Anchovies, a specialty of Gijang, swim in shoals. Anchovy Theme Square, the festival’s main venue, features iconic towers and stunning sculptures enhanced by lighting, music, and fountains. Visitors can also enjoy abalone porridge with live seafood and shop for dried seafood.

Gijang Crab Market - Gijang Market is an outdoor market offering a variety of products, including fishery and agricultural goods. It showcases seasonal fishery products, with seaweed and anchovy available in spring and cutlassfish popular in autumn. The cutlassfish sold around Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are renowned nationwide for their exceptional taste. Visitors can also sample live King crabs at the market.

Haeundae Dalmaji-gil Road - Known as Busan’s Montmartre, Dalmaji-gil Road is celebrated for its views of the blue ocean, white sandy beach, Camellia forest, and pine tree forest, making it one of Busan’s eight scenic sites. Haeundae Dalmaji Hill and the moon viewed from Cheongsapo add to the area’s enchanting ambiance.

Songjeong Beach - Songjeong Beach extends for 1.2 kilometers with a width of 30 to 60 meters. Its white sandy beach is perfect for families with young children due to its shallow waters. The beach is a popular spot for pre-wedding photoshoots. The surrounding area offers many hoe (sliced raw fish) restaurants. Jukdo Park, located north of the beach at the entrance to Songjeonghang Port, features the white and red lighthouses of the harbor, a popular photo spot, and a view of the beach from Songiljeong Pavilion at Jukdo Park’s peak. The path leads through a grove of evergreens, and fishermen often line the breakwaters to the lighthouses.

Haeundae Beach - Haeundae Beach is Busan’s most famous beach. The white sand beach stretches 1.5 kilometers over a 30- to 50-meter wide area, creating a stunning coastline before a shallow bay, ideal for swimming. Haeundae Beach attracts crowds every summer. The area offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to private guesthouses, making it a perfect summer vacation spot. Haeundae Beach is also known for various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Nearby facilities include Dongbaekseom Island, Busan Aquarium, a yachting dock, BEXCO, driving courses, and more.

Dongbaekseom - Situated on Dongbaekseom Island, known for its beautiful natural landscape with dense camellia and pine trees, Nurimaru APEC House has served as a memorial hall and a prestigious international conference venue since the APEC summit meeting. Nurimaru, a three-story building, is a modernistic interpretation of “jeongja,” a traditional Korean pavilion. Its roof shape symbolizes Dongbaekseom Island’s ridgeline. The interior design showcases Korea’s creative traditional culture. The terrace, featuring a Korean wooden floor concept, overlooks Oryukdo Island, Gwangan Bridge, and Dallmaji Hill. Located near Haeundae Beach, it offers a spectacular view of the beach and the appearance of a reputable international conference hall blending modern and natural beauty.

Shinsegae Centum City - Shinsegae Centum City Department Store is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest shopping complex globally, offering a wide range of entertainment options, including an ice rink, movie theater, golf range, and spa. The store features 21 designer brands and 622 famous brands. As Korea’s first department store, Shinsegae reflects decades of retail experience in this flagship location. Globally renowned experts like Italian architect Claudio Silvestrin and American architecture and design firm Callison completed Centum City under the “golden sea” concept. The department store has become a defining landmark in Busan.

Busan Cinema Center - The Busan Cinema Center is the exclusive venue for BIFF, Asia’s largest film festival, and has gained international recognition. Opened on September 29, 2011, it was established due to the aspirations of film professionals seeking an official theater for BIFF and Busan metropolitan city’s strong desire to become a representative Asian movie and visual city.

UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea - The UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea honors UN soldiers from 16 countries and UN aids from five countries who were killed in battle during the Korean War from 1950-1953. It is the only memorial cemetery worldwide dedicated to UN soldiers. Initially holding up to 11,000 graves, most fallen soldiers were repatriated at their families’ request, leaving 2,300 graves. The serene park spans 135,000 square meters of grassy plains. Notable sites and memorials include the Memorial Service Hall, Memorabilia Hall, two Turkish Monuments, Greek Monument, Australian Monument, British Commonwealth Monument, and two ponds.

Igidae Park - The Igidae Coastal Walk stretches 4.7 kilometers from Igidae Dongsaengmal to Oryukdo Sunrise Park. The course takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the beautiful landscape with a bottle of cool water, surrounded by forest on one side and the sea on the other. It’s a great place for trekkers of various skill levels to find a path that suits their abilities. Take a break at the jagalma-dang (pebble beach) or the observation area along the way. As a bonus, the Igidae Coastal Walk is a fantastic alternative destination to view the annual fireworks that light up the night sky every late October over beautiful Gwangalli Beach and the surrounding environment.

Oryukdo Skywalk - Oryukdo Island consists of Usakdo Island, Surido Island, Gonggotdo Island, Guldo Island, and Deungdaedo (Lighthouse) Island. Due to the upper part of Usakdo dividing into two segments, the island is sometimes known as Bangpaedo Island and Sol Island, depending on the water level. As many ships pass by Oryukdo Island en route to Busan Port, it serves as a symbol of Busan’s cultural heritage. Oryukdo Skywalk is located at Seungdumal, meaning a saddle, due to the point’s shape. It was also called Jallokgae by local residents and female divers.

Geoje Island - (All itineraries, flexible move or customized plan)

Geoga Grand Bridge - The “Geoga undersea tunnel and bridge” project began in early 2004, creating an 8.2km motorway between Busan, Korea’s southernmost, second-largest city, and Geoje Island. Of this 8.2km, four-lane fixed link, there are 4km of immersed tunnel and two 2km cable-stayed bridges. The immersed tunnel is expected to become one of the world’s longest, especially in a seismically active area. “Geoga Bridge” opened on December 13, 2010, reducing the travel distance between Geoje Island and Busan by linking Gadeok Island, part of Busan, and Geoje Island, Korea’s second-largest island after Jeju. The route shortens the travel distance between the two destinations to 60 kilometers from the previous 140 kilometers, allowing drivers to travel between them in 50 minutes, compared to about 130 minutes previously.

Hakdong Mongdol Beach - Hakdong Mongdol Beach, covered with small black pebbles, spans 1.2 kilometers in length and 50 meters in width, covering a 30,000 ㎡ area. Walking on the pebbles stimulates acupressure points on the feet, providing health benefits for visitors. Unlike other southern beaches, Hakdong Mongdol Beach has deep water and rough waves, but various water activities are available. Nearby accommodations and restaurants are available, and the beach’s dock offers boat excursions around popular attractions.

Geoje Panorama Cable Car - The “Geoje Panorama Cable Car” (거제파노라마 케이블카) runs 1.56 km from Hakdong Pass to Mt. Nojasan Observatory. It operates 45 carriages and can accommodate up to 2,000 people per hour, taking 6-8 minutes one way to reach the summit of Mt. Nojasan. True to its name, the panorama offers a 360-degree view of Hallyeohaesang National Ocean Park and Daemado (near Japan Island) in the distance. The fare is 15,000 won for regular carriages and 20,000 won for crystal carriages with a floor view.

Windy Hill - On the way to Haegeumgang Village, visitors may encounter the fishing village of Dojangpo. On the village’s left side is Dojangpo Wharf, where one can take a tour ferry to Oedo Island and Haegeumgang River. Looking up from here, one can see a hill covered in grass overlooking the sea, known as Windy Hill. The site gained popularity after being used as a filming location for popular Korean dramas like “Eve’s Garden (2003)” and “Merry-Go-Round (2004).” The name “Windy Hill” was given by visitors who became fans. Walking toward the hill along the wooden promenade from the wharf, one can see Hakdong Village from a distance.

Sinseondae - Sinseondae Cliff
Sinseondae Observatory, located between Dojangpo Maeul and Haegeumgang, offers picturesque views of fantastically shaped rocks against the deep-blue ocean hues. “Sinseon” in Korean means supernatural beings; the beauty of this spot is said to attract such beings to frolic. The blue and yellow colors layered in the rocks tell a unique history of the terrain. A stairway from the road leads directly to the lookout point. Just past a gas station along the coastal highway, Sinseondae Observatory reveals itself. Walking out onto the rocks of Sinseondae, views of the surrounding islands and incredible landscape open up to viewers. Many commercials and TV shows have been filmed here, taking advantage of this amazing setting. April and May are the perfect times to see the bright-yellow canola flowers across the island.

Gyeongju UNESCO - (All itineraries, flexible move or customized plan)

Bulguksa Temple - Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple complex comprising a series of wooden buildings on raised stone terraces. The grounds of Bulguksa are divided into three areas: Birojeon (the Vairocana Buddha Hall), Daeungjeon (the Hall of Great Enlightenment), and Geungnakjeon (the Hall of Supreme Bliss). These areas and the stone terraces were designed to represent the land of Buddha. The stone terraces, bridges, and the two pagodas – Seokgatap (Pagoda of Sakyamuni) and Dabotap (Pagoda of Bountiful Treasures) – facing the Daeungjeon attest to the fine masonry work of the Silla.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex - Large ancient tombs of kings and nobles of the Silla Kingdom can be seen around Gyeongju at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. There are twenty-three large tombs located here; 13 have been excavated, but only 1 (Cheonmachong - tomb of King Michu) is open to the public. The tomb’s chamber contained a lacquered wooden coffin with burial goods placed around it. A total of 11,500 artifacts were recovered from the tomb, demonstrating the king’s lavish lifestyle. The tomb was excavated in 1973 and is believed to date from the fifth century.

Gyeongju Folk Craft Village - Gyeongju Folk Craft Village consists of 40 thatched and tile-roofed houses, inhabited by local artisans skilled in traditional arts and crafts. Various fields of crafts production, including metal, pottery, timber, jewels, hanbok (Korean traditional clothes), and stone-crafts, can be found in the village.

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village - At Gyeongju Gyochon Village, visitors can see the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan (Important Folklore Material No. 27) and try some Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju Liquor (Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 86-3). The village centers around the Gyeongju Choi Clan, a family known for maintaining their wealth over 12 generations, producing many important figures. Visitors can learn about the lifestyle and spending habits that enabled the family to do this. The village is also home to the site of Yoseokgung, the house of Silla Princess Yoseok. Nearby attractions include Gyerim Forest, Naemulwangneung Royal Tomb, and Gyeongjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School.

Gyeongju National Museum - Gyeongju National Museum is cherished by visitors and residents alike as it houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla dynasty (57 BC - AD 935). The museum recently underwent renovation, separating into an art gallery, historical artifacts exhibition hall, Wolji Pond exhibition hall, and a planned exhibition space. In addition to improving facilities for visitors’ convenience, Gyeongju National Museum is making efforts to contribute to the community and reestablish its identity as a museum by providing lifelong learning opportunities and improving management. As a significant cultural center, Gyeongju National Museum not only strives to preserve, exhibit, and research the rich history and culture of Silla, but also aims to become a cultural multi-complex center by promoting international exchange opportunities, social education programs, and a variety of special exhibitions.

Cheomseongdae Observatory - Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (r. 632-647), it was used to observe stars to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962. It stands 9.17m high, and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m. The Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice, and the 24 solar terms (also known as the astronomical solar year) were determined by observing stars. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard for deciding directions: north, south, east, and west. The 362 stones used to build Cheomseongdae represented the 362 days in a lunar year.

Bomun Lake - Bomun Tourist Complex is Gyeongju’s international tourist district, centered around Bomunho Lake, located about 10 kilometers east of downtown Gyeongju. The area spans approximately 8,000 km² and contains an international-scale luxurious hotel, family-friendly condos, a golf range, and pleasant walking passages designed to suit the diverse needs of tourists. The tourist complex attracts crowds in April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The sight of cherry blossoms around Bomunho Lake and Bulguksa Temple is popular even among domestic travelers.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond - Anamji pond
Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond served as a secondary palace for the Silla Kingdom’s crown prince and a banquet site for important national events and visitors. The pond was created in 674 during King Munmu’s reign, featuring three small islands and a landscape of 12 small hills to the northeast. After Silla’s fall, the site was abandoned and forgotten. The pond was referred to as “Anapji” from the Goryeo and Joseon periods onwards. In the 1980s, a pottery fragment with the letters “Wolji” (a pond that reflects the moon) was found, revealing the pond’s true name. After the discovery, the site was renamed to the current Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

After the tour, return to Busan for a night tour.

Busan South-West (All itineraries, flexible move or customized plan)

Songdo Beach - Opened in 1913, Songdo Beach is Korea’s first beach. After its golden period in the 1960s and 1970s, the beach became deserted. Efforts to restore its former beauty have made it even more breathtaking than in its heyday. With its pristine sandy beach, clear water, cloud trails, and an overwater cable car, Songdo Beach is once again a popular tourist destination, attracting over five million visitors annually. Enjoy spectacular coastal views of Songdo Beach from a scenic marine cable car ride. See the vast waters, cliffs, and rock formations. Opt for the transparent crystal cabin to see Yannan Park, Nampodong City, and Namhwang Bridge.

Taejongdae - Taejongdae Cliffed Coast was formed by many layers of rock being forced together beneath a lake during the Cretaceous period, then worn away over time by the sea. The coast features many geological formations, including sea caves and uniquely shaped rocks. Visitors can enjoy walking on the forested paths or take the train course to easily access Taejongdae Observatory and Yeongdo Coastal Culture Space.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village - Huinnyeoul Culture Village
Huinnyeoul-gil, Busan’s representative original downtown center, was named after the water current at Bongnaesan Mountain’s foot, resembling white falling snow. In December 2011, the old house was remodeled into a unique Culture and Art Village reflecting life in Yeongdo. Above the steep wall of the Jeoryeong Coastal Trail is a unique view of the village, where small houses cluster along the narrow alley formed by the coast at the cliff’s end. This is where refugees’ sorrowful lives began and where the current cultural village community of Huinnyeoul Culture Village has been established.

Busan Gamcheon Culture Village - Gamcheon Culture Village is formed by houses built in a staircase-fashion on a coastal mountain’s foothills, earning it the nickname “Machu Picchu of Busan.” Many alleys cutting through this community are vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents.

Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street - Nampodong, Busan’s old downtown area, offers a variety of brand shops and affordable local stores. Between the streets, there are street food alleys.

Gukje Market - Gukje traditional market
Originally formed by Korean War refugees, this downtown market has grown into Busan’s largest. Here, you can find the best wholesale prices for clothing, silk, linen, curtains, bags, glasses, and many imported items. Similar to Namdaemun Market in Seoul, the stores are small, and the vendor-filled alleys are narrow. Kukje Market spills out into the streets and continues into Kwangbok-dong & Namp’o-dong. Along its southern boundary is the Jagalchi Fish Market.

Busan Tower - Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan, standing proudly at 69 meters above sea level at a height of 120 meters. The top of the tower is modeled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju. Loved by Busan citizens and tourists alike, the tower offers a stunning night view and plenty to see, such as the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the Bell of the Citizens, a flower clock, and a bust of the Busan-based independent activist, Baeksan An Hee-je.

Jagalchi Market - Jagalchi Fish Market
This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. Visitors can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. Even today, visitors can see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians), and other seafood on wooden boxes along the road outside the market and along the shore.

Gwangalli Beach - Gwangalli Beach is 1.4 km long, 25~110 m wide, and is famous for its fine sand. The area has undergone a water cleaning program, resulting in pristine beach water, attracting many young tourists. In addition to the beachfront, the Gwangalli area is filled with romantic restaurants and cafes, as well as stores selling famous fashion brands. The area offers plenty, but many people visit in the evening to enjoy the bright lights of Gwangandaegyo Bridge stretching across the horizon.

• Private transportation
• Night tour
• Guide + driver or driving guide
• Airport (PUS) pickup and drop-off
• Gas, toll, and parking fees included

• Meals and admission fees are payable decide yourself on the spot
• Accommodation (Hotel, Airbnb) is not included

From ancient times to the present, Busan has been a city of natural beauty, where mountains, sea, and rivers harmonize to create a wonderful landscape and a center of transportation and trade hub.

To the east of the surrounding city, you can see the splendid Buddhist culture of the Silla Kingdom in Gyeongju, the 1000-year-old capital of the Silla Kingdom, and learn about the lifestyle and philosophy of ancient Koreans through the tombs of the Silla kings and nobles.

Geoje Island is the second-largest island in Korea after Jeju Island. we will take a cruise to visit the Botanical Garden, a filming location for famous movies and TV shows, and then see a Korean War POW camp history.

It can be a memorable trip by booking a hotel in Busan without the hassle of lodging while visiting interesting stories and attractions from local guides in nearby cities and enjoying the abundant culture, history, scenery, and various famous local foodies for 4 days on your customized private trip.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.