Enjoy Busan
Nightlife and nightmares in historic downtown
On summer nights, Yongdusan Park turns into a bright, illuminated landmark.
Yongdusan Village reopened in July and revitalized the nightlife in the historic downtown area. First introduced in September 2022, Yongdusan Village quickly became one of the most popular entertainment options in the city. With plenty of activities and dining options, residents and tourists flock to the village in Yongdusan Park in Jung-gu district.
The 2023 edition of Yongdusan Village has undergone upgrades to enhance guests' experience. A new escape room offers visitors a thrilling, hair-raising challenge. A diverse range of food and beverage booths await hungry customers. Here is a handy guide to everything Yongdusan Village has to offer.
Yongdusan Village is open during the day as well.
■ Information and payment kiosks
The village's central plaza is located at the base of the Diamond Tower, a well-known landmark in Yongdusan Park. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by picnic tables, little shops, a welcome shelter and a performance stage. Visitors will then notice the kiosks, where almost everything in Yongdusan Village can be conveniently ordered, from food and beverages to event tickets. Kiosks support Korean and English languages, and payments can be made via credit card or cash.
◎Address: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu
A variety of beverages and snacks are available at Yongdusan Village.
A variety of beverages and snacks are available at Yongdusan Village.
■ Delightful food stands
Vibrant yellow food stands offer an array of food options to satisfy any craving. The cafe stand has 19 beverage options, including Americano, herbal tea and lemonade. The stand also serves an "ashotchu," which is trending on Korean social media. The beverage is made by adding a shot of espresso into iced tea, creating a uniquely sweet and bitter flavor. The next stand sells ice-cold draft beers and offers milkshakes and fruit slushies for all members of your family.
If you are craving a snack, another booth offers all sorts of delectable food. Diners can have buttered corn on the cob, ramen, and kimbap, or rice rolls. A popular food item is the "tornado potato," a thinly-sliced potato spiraled around a skewer that is deep fried and coated with a sweet, salty and spicy seasoning. It might take a little while to order, but you don't want to miss out on tasting this unique and addictive take on the classic potato chip.
There are also plenty of items to satisfy a sweet tooth. Vendors offer traditional Korean favorites like "patbingsu," shaved ice served with sweetened red beans, "sikhye," a sweet beverage made of rice, and "misutgaru," a beverage made from multigrain powders.
Food and drink prices vary between 2,000 to 5,000 won and local small businesses operate all booths.
◎ Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
This year, Yongdusan Village unveils a new thrilling attraction, The Rest Ward, which is scarier than last year's haunted house, Legend of Dragon Valley.
You won't be able to escape from The Rest Ward unless you collect keys.
■ Heart pounding thrills
The main attraction of Yongdusan Village is The Rest Ward, an escape room experience. From the outside, the building might not look as imposing as last year's haunted house, which was decorated with blood and other creepy items. However, do not be fooled; the simple gray and dull exterior is meant to look like an abandoned hospital and belies all manner of hair-raising situations.
Inside The Rest Ward, you only have a flashlight and your wits as you solve puzzles, answer questions, collect keys and navigate six pitch-black rooms to escape. All the while, terrifying monsters lie in wait to sabotage your efforts.
The escape room experience lasts 10 to 15 minutes and can accommodate up to six people per session. To prevent loss and picture taking, participants are not allowed to carry their mobile phones while inside the game. Staff members are on hand to help you evacuate should you fail the mission.
Admission costs 12,000 won per person. Discounted tickets are available to Jung-gu residents and Visit Busan Pass holders. Proof of residency and a valid ID are required to purchase discounted tickets.
Discounts can also be applied when buying ticket packages to The Rest Ward and Diamond Tower. All tickets can be purchased at the kiosks.
◎ Hours: Open 5 to 10 p.m. daily.
◎ Admission: 12,000 won.
▷9,000 won for Jung-gu residents.
▷8,400 won for Visit Busan Pass holders.
▷15,000 won when purchased with a ticket to Diamond Tower.
The beautiful night view from Yongdusan Village makes for a romantic night.