Enjoy Busan
For a winter escape, head east
While Busan is the nation's most popular summer vacation destination, winter in the city is quietly captivating. As the crowds thin and the air turns crisp, the city reveals a calmer, more intimate side, where ocean views, hot springs and neighborhood streets come into focus. In this edition of Busan Is Good, the spotlight turns to the eastern districts, where modern cityscapes meet the sea and local life unfolds at a leisurely pace.
Unlike in summer, Haeundae Beach in winter captivates visitors with its quiet and leisurely atmosphere. It's the perfect place to stroll with the sound of waves in the background while gazing at the Haeundae Light Festival installations.
Sunrise surfing at Songjeong Beach
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Gijang-gun
■ Haeundae－gu & Gijang－gun: Winter waves and seaside thrills
Haeundae Beach may be famous for summer, but winter brings its own kind of magic. Quiet walks along pale sands, vivid blue waters and the steady rhythm of waves create a soothing escape. The colder air sharpens the colors, making the scenery feel almost cinematic.
Just north, Songjeong Beach comes alive as a winter surf haven. Surfers in thick wetsuits ride the seasonal swells, often surprised by how inviting the water feels. Cozy cafes line the shore, offering warm drinks and panoramic ocean views, perfect for a relaxed winter break.
For all-in-one fun, the Osiria Tourist Complex in Gijang delivers. Lotte World Adventure Busan and Skyline Luge keep the energy high despite the cold, while Gijang Premium Outlets invite visitors to beat the winter blues with retail therapy. A short drive away, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple crowns the rocky coastline, its elegant structures overlooking the clear winter sea, a must-see in any season.
There's a store for every taste on Jeonpo Cafe Street.
Dongnae Free Foot Bath
Dongnae Eupseong Fortress
■ Busanjin－gu & Dongnae－gu: Cafes, hot springs and history
Jeonpo Cafe Street in Busanjin-gu District feels especially welcoming in winter. Its narrow alleys are filled with distinctive cafes, eateries and boutique shops, each offering a warm retreat from the cold. The neighborhood buzzes with a cozy, local charm that makes it easy to linger.
For a deeper sense of tradition, Dongnae-gu District offers a classic Busan experience. Near Oncheonjang Station, a free outdoor footbath uses the mineral-rich hot spring water that has defined the area for centuries. Locals gather here to unwind, making it a simple yet authentic way to connect with everyday life in the city.
Nearby, Dongnae Eupseong Fortress invites a quiet walk through history. Once a key defensive site during the Joseon Dynasty, its stone walls now frame a peaceful path where past and present blend, far from the city's bustle.
Millac the Market is a popular, year-round destination for people of all ages.
A night view from Uam-dong Urban Forest
Yongho Starlight Park
■ Suyeong－gu & Nam－gu: Nighttime views
Millac The Market in Suyeong-gu District is a standout indoor destination year-round. The cultural complex combines restaurants, lounges, and specialty shops under one roof. Large windows open to ocean views, making it a favorite gathering place, especially on cold days.
As night falls, Nam-gu offers some of Busan's most striking winter views. From Uam-dong Urban Forest, the illuminated Busanhangdaegyo Bridge glows against the harbor, its warm lights contrasting with the crisp night air. Nearby, Yongho Starlight Park provides an unobstructed view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge from a fresh angle. Converted from an old pier, this quiet waterfront park is ideal for a peaceful evening stroll away from the crowds.