Daily Busan
Surf, sand and more at Busan beaches
Ready to dash across hot sand and dive into cool waves? All seven of Busan's beaches will officially be open on July 1, inviting visitors to soak up the sun, splash in the surf and bask in the city's signature summer vibe.
Busan's beaches offer much more than swimming and sunbathing. Here is a quick guide to everything you can experience, from dynamic music festivals to peaceful sunsets.
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Gwangalli Beach, with its dazzling drone show.
Gwangalli Beach
Long days and longer nights are the raison d'etre for Gwangalli Beach. As a go-to spot for marine leisure sports, Gwangalli offers visitors jet skiing, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, motorboating and more.
As night falls, the area becomes an outdoor party as customers pour in and out of the restaurants, cafes and bars lining the main strip.
The Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show dazzles crowds every Saturday night with 1000 synchronized drones dancing to music in a 12-minute spectacle. During the summer, shows start at 8 and 10 p.m.
Make sure you're there on July 5 at 8 p.m. for Korea's first combined drone and laser show, a high-tech feast for the eyes.
Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's representative beaches.
Haeundae Beach
Busan's most popular beach is the ultimate summer playground as the site of the 2025 Haeundae Festa. From July 1 through the end of August, beachgoers can enjoy food trucks, live performances, interactive activities and wellness experiences.
If dancing on sand is your idea of fun, then Haeundae is the place to be. Silent DJ parties will take place nightly from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can enjoy Water Bomb events, water parties with live DJ sets from 2 to 6 p.m.
If dancing isn't physical enough, check out Iron Camp, a challenging obstacle course inspired by the Netflix hit series "The Iron Squad." Think ropes, trenches and boot-camp grit, all set against a sparkling seascape. If you like your exercise to be less intense, the Yoga & Pilates Zone is for you.
If drill instructors and burning quads aren't your idea of relaxation, head to the Refresh Zone, a laid-back oasis with bean bags and shaded seating.
Songjeong Beach, a surfer's paradise.
Songjeong Beach
Ask any local surfer and they'll tell you that Songjeong Beach is the real deal. Tucked where the East Sea meets the South Sea, this coastal gem offers consistent swells year-round, making it a popular surf spot for beginners and pros alike.
The beach's shallow waters and soft sandy bottom create ideal conditions for newcomers to get started without the fear of wipeouts. For seasoned surfers, the waves offer just the right rhythm to ride all day.
When locals began hanging ten in the early 2000s, Songjeong Beach quickly established itself as the birthplace of Korea's modern surfing culture. Today, it's home to a thriving surfing scene with schools, rental shops and a laid-back community vibe.
Songdo Beach Skywalk, with beautiful lights at night.
Songdo Beach
Songdo Beach boasts a 100-year-long legacy of entertaining Koreans during the summer. Since it opened to the public in 1913, people have spent countless hot days swimming in the shadow of the pine-covered island from which the area gets its name.
Over the years, the area has evolved from a quaint, local swimming hole to a buzzy, tourism hot spot thanks to must-visit attractions.
Take a stroll on the 365-meter Songdo Cloud Walk, the longest skywalk in Busan. For an even better view, take a ride on the Songdo Sea Cable Car. The 1.62-kilometer ride reaches a height of 86 meters, offering a stunning panoramic view of the area.
Dadaepo Beach, where you can enjoy the sunset while paddleboarding.
Dadaepo Beach
Nestled at the mouth of the Nakdonggang River on the western edge of the city, Dadaepo Beach offers warm, shallow waters and a family-friendly vibe.
The beach also offers natural wonders that the other beaches lack. Bring the kids to chase crabs and dig for clams in the area's tidal flats, or take a walk on Morundae Peninsula, a national geopark offering dense pine forests and a coastal landscape with unique rock formations.
Kids also love running through the dancing jets of water at the Sunset Fountain of Dreams.
The real magic begins at sunset, when the sky overhead turns into a blue, violet and pink painting. Take it all in atop a standup paddleboard for a view you'll never forget.
The shallow water and gentle waves at Ilgwang Beach make it great for the whole family.
Imrang Beach has a charming, secluded atmosphere.
Ilgwang and Imnang
Looking for peace and quiet? Head to Gijang-gun County, where Ilgwang and Imnang beaches offer tranquil escapes from the city.
Ilgwang Beach's 2-kilometer arc of golden sand is perfect for long walks, lazy lounging or seaside picnics.
Imnang Beach, a 15-minute drive away, charms visitors with its pine forest, soft sand and crystal-clear water. It's the kind of beach people secretly hope to keep to themselves.
Editor: Ji Minkyeom, Song Soomi
Copy Editors: Anton J. Mapoy, Ryu Hyoseung
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