Haedong Yonggungsa is a breathtaking temple located on the coast of Busan, making it one of the most unique temples in South Korea. Founded in 1376, this temple stands out from others that are typically nestled in the mountains, as it is situated right by the sea, offering a completely different atmosphere. The temple's name, which translates to "East Sea Dragon Palace Temple," is rooted in a legend that a dragon ascended from the sea to bring divine energy to the area. One of the temple's most captivating features is the harmonious blend of the temple's architecture with the stunning coastal scenery. To reach the temple, visitors must descend 108 steps, and as they do, they are greeted by a breathtaking view of the sea. Haedong Yonggungsa is especially famous as a prime spot to watch the sunrise, with many visitors arriving early in the morning to witness the spectacular scene of the sun rising over the East Sea, casting its golden light over the temple.
You have three options in the Cheongsapo area: 1.Blueline Sky Capsule A small private capsule ride above the coastline, offering beautiful panoramic ocean views along one of Busan’s most scenic routes. 2.Blueline Beach Train A relaxed coastal train journey from Songjeong to Mipo, passing Cheongsapo with approximately 30 minutes of stunning seaside scenery. 3.Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory A glass-floored skywalk extending over the ocean, where you can enjoy dramatic coastal views, waves beneath your feet, and one of Busan’s most photogenic seaside spots. For options 1 and 2, we can also make the reservation on your behalf, so please let us know if you would like us to arrange it. If we do not receive your request or tickets are sold out, the tour will proceed with a visit to Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory instead.
This amazing suspension bridge is a true gem of Busan, South Korea, stretching an impressive 7.4 kilometers. Although the bridge itself is only accessible by vehicle, it offers breathtaking views as you drive across it, allowing you to enjoy and photograph both Gwangan Bridge and the beautiful surrounding coastal scenery. Every Saturday evening at 8 PM and 10 PM, a spectacular drone show takes place above Gwangalli Beach, which can be seen together with the illuminated Gwangan Bridge in the background, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere. Additionally, in October, Gwangan Bridge becomes the centerpiece of Busan’s largest fireworks festival, with breathtaking displays reflecting over the water.
The Samik Beach Apartments in Busan are a breathtaking sight during cherry blossom season, typically from mid-March to early April. Imagine vibrant, rainbow-colored apartment buildings beautifully contrasted with vivid pink cherry blossoms. The cherry trees bloom so profusely that they create a canopy of flowers, almost completely obscuring the sky. As you stroll through the area, you’ll be immersed in a sea of delicate pink petals, with the bright, colorful buildings providing a stunning backdrop. This picturesque scene is a must-visit for tourists, offering an unforgettable experience and countless photo opportunities. Whether you're a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Samik Beach Apartments during cherry blossom season are sure to captivate your heart and leave you with lasting memories. (Cherry Blossom Season Visit Only / Gwangandaegyo Bridge Alternative During Non-Blooming Season)
Gukje Market originated after the Korean War when refugees began selling goods to make a living, and it has since grown into one of the largest and most famous markets in Busan. Here, you can find a wide variety of items, including women's and men's clothing, electronics, household goods, cosmetics, and more. The market is especially known for its retro atmosphere, offering a mix of vintage and modern items that make it feel like time has stood still. Beyond shopping, Gukje Market offers a glimpse into Busan's rich history. The market is home to stores selling traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs, giving visitors the chance to explore local culture through the goods on display. Additionally, food stalls are scattered throughout the market, where you can sample a variety of street foods as you stroll through. Gukje Market is a vibrant space where the past and present come together, offering a great way to experience the diverse charm of Busan.
BIFF Square is one of Busan's top attractions, especially for movie lovers and tourists. It is the heart of the annual Busan International Film Festival, where films from around the world are showcased and various movie-related events take place. As you walk through the square, you'll find the handprints of famous directors and actors embedded in the pavement, giving you the feeling of walking through a movie star's hall of fame. In addition to its cinematic charm, BIFF Square is also a food lover’s paradise. The area is lined with food stalls offering some of Busan’s most famous street foods, including ssiat hotteok (seed-stuffed pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and odeng (fish cakes). Here, you can indulge in delicious Korean snacks while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. BIFF Square is a must-visit spot in Busan, where you can immerse yourself in both the world of cinema and the rich local food culture, making it a truly memorable experience for all visitors.
This market has a fascinating history, starting after the Korean War when women who had fled the conflict began selling fish to support their families. What began as a modest endeavor has since transformed into one of Korea's most iconic fish markets, famous for its incredible variety of seafood, impressive size, and spotless cleanliness. Visitors are in for a treat as they can handpick the freshest catch and have it prepared on the spot at local restaurants, savoring delicacies like sashimi or grilled fish in the most authentic and flavorful way. Adding to the market's charm is its lively slogan in the Busan dialect: "Oiso (come), Boiso (see), Saiso (buy)." This catchy phrase invites everyone to dive into the vibrant energy of the market, where the sights, sounds, and smells create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're here to indulge in local seafood or immerse yourself in the bustling maritime culture, this market is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Busan.
Step inside a massive, repurposed shipyard warehouse where the salty breeze of Busan’s port meets the aroma of world-class specialty coffee. Momos Roastery & Coffee Bar isn’t just a cafe—it’s the headquarters of Jooyeon Jeon, the first Korean World Barista Champion. Watch 20-foot coffee silos and high-tech roasters in action through floor-to-ceiling glass, all while massive cargo ships pass by just outside the window. Whether you’re sipping their signature "Momos Candy" espresso or a rare pour-over, you’re tasting the "Golden Standard" of Korean coffee culture in its most raw, industrial-chic setting. Pro Tip: Don’t leave without a bag of their "Busan" blend—it’s the ultimate stylish souvenir from the heart of the harbor.
Gamcheon Culture Village is a place where the rich history of post-war refugees and vibrant modern culture come together. Originally built by those who fled to Busan during the Korean War, the village was once a collection of modest, makeshift houses on steep hillsides. Over time, it has evolved into a lively cultural destination while preserving the traces of its past. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways and maze-like streets, discovering the village’s unique architecture and gaining insight into the lives of its early inhabitants. The biggest charm of Gamcheon Culture Village is its visually striking beauty, with colorful houses that look like stacked LEGO blocks. Landmarks such as the "Little Prince and the Fox" statue overlooking the village, and murals of BTS members Jimin and Jungkook, are popular attractions for fans and tourists alike. Gamcheon Culture Village blends art, history, and vibrant culture, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
Our guide, Mimi excelled in local knowledge, adaptability to our needs as tourists at ' intermediate ' level of Korean culture. The visit to Ahopsan bamboo thickets, to Yonggungsa and Beomeosa temples and the Korean BBQ lunch were the highlights!
If you're visiting Busan, book a tour with Arthur as your private guide (aka King Arthur 👑)! My husband and I only had one day in Busan (and it was our first time visiting), and Arthur made every minute count. We told him we loved great food and learning about local culture, and he curated the perfect itinerary! We visited over 12 attractions, including our must-sees like the Sky Capsule train, cable car, Buddhist temple, and seafood market. Along the way, we sampled incredible local food from stalls Arthur personally recommended and learned so much about Busan and everyday life in Korea. Arthur was punctual, communicative, incredibly knowledgeable, and had an incredible sense of humor! He patiently answered all our questions and made the entire day feel like exploring the city with a local friend. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Busan. Thank you, King Arthur, for an unforgettable experience! We can't recommend him enough!
Alan took me and my party of 8 around Busan for the day. Alan was prompt in picking us up and had excellent communication. He took us to the main attraction sites in East and West Busan and told about the history and modern Korean culture. The highlight was the migrant community centre where Alan told us the story behind the adoption of the Petite Prince. We had a great time and Alan made it easy especially as it was a busy tourist day. Thank you Alan! This was a multi generation trip and he was very relaxed and accommodating, highly recommended 😉
That's exactly what you need from a guide. Highly recommend!
Alan was wonderful. Alan is knowledgeable guide, speaks good English and is a lot of fun. We were 4 couples on a cruise, in short time we managed to see a lot. Alan had a new and very comfortable car.
A gracious and informative guide made for a splendid day-long outing. We felt like we really got to know Busan.
Jason picked us up and dropped us off at the cruise ship port and drove us around Busan in a comfortable air conditioned van. He was born and raised in Busan so he had a lot of great information to share. We had some heavy bouts of rain, we had some dietary restrictions, and I was using a wheelchair at the time but he was able to adjust our itinerary and stops to accommodate all of that. A highlight for me was the sky capsule - book it and you won’t regret it!
We had a great day with Lee SangHeon (Jason) in Busan. We visited many great spots including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a beautiful hanok cafe, Gamcheon culture village and more. He was a lovely man and great guide. Telling us some of the history of Busan, Making recommendations for snacks, where to buy cosmetic products and pointing out places of interest. We would definitely recommend his tour and also your guide for Busan. Oh and he took some great pictures for us too. Five stars.
Arthur was excellent and one of the standout guides of the trip. He had sharp local knowledge, good pacing, and an easy way of explaining context without overloading us. Busan felt personal and straightforward to enjoy with him, and we’d specifically recommend booking him if you’re going.
Mimi was delightful, attentive, informative, and we enjoyed our tour immensely. Mimi, we can't thank you enough for your gracious hospitality.. Amazing tour. Thanks a million! Ali and Francesco
Completely customizable itinerary that led us to the east and west of Busan. Thousand was a great and engaging guide, with tons of personality and stories about Busan. As a local resident, he has a true passion for his city and is knowledgeable about so many details and tips. His car was brand new and he was an incredible driver as well. We were comfortable the whole day and we learned so many new customs and cuisines and discovered new sights and experiences.
We had a fantastic guided tour with Mimi (Han Mi-hyang) in Busan today. We got to know the different districts very well and Mimi's rich knowledge of places, culture and daily life. We were two couples, one who only spoke Korean and us who only spoke English. Both couples were very pleased. Absolutely a pleasure.
Busan is a bustling and busy city, and very spread out. We unfortunately had booked on a Saturday and a holiday weekend. So not only did we have to deal with tourists, but locals as well, at all the sights we visited. It was therefore busy and overwhelming at times, particularly at the temple and the Cultural Village. Our favourite thing we did was the cable car crossing. Our guide, Brian, did his best and gave us information, but we were left waiting long periods when he had to look for parking. Not his fault, but a bit annoying. A very comfortable van to transfer us, and we loved crossing the very impressive bridges.
Jake is very helpful with patience. He customize the tour tailored to our needs and he has great experience in Busan. Always on time and helpful. I would recommend him to other friends
A fantastic personal guided tour in a very comfortable SUV. We were coming off a cruise ship and met by our guide at the port and personally driven around to visit all the main sights. So much more enjoyable than a coach trip! We would highly recommend.
JB was an amazing guide. He was patient and very helpful. We enjoyed our conversations with him, he steered us in the right directions to buy quality souvenirs, and we had a lot of fun. Would highly recommend anyone to use JB.
Our tour in Busan with Mimi was absolutely fantastic! We learned so much about the history and culture of the city. Mimi was a wealth of knowledge, spoke excellent English, was so energetic and enthusiastic, and made us feel so welcome in her city. I can’t recommend this tour enough!
Fun shore excursion in Busan. Jason did a nice job outlining a great day seeing the highlights of the city.
First, a big shoutout to Dylan, the owner of the tour company, who arranged our day trips wonderfully. Travelling with kids—especially an infant—can be challenging, but everything was planned in a very comfortable and thoughtful manner. And a special mention to CK, our day-tour guide, who was absolutely fabulous! From the very beginning, he made sure we were comfortable at every stop and was incredibly patient with our kids and their occasional tantrums. 😄 CK has great knowledge of the city, and the whole experience felt less like travelling with a tour guide and more like exploring the city with someone we already knew. And if you have an Instagram checklist of photo spots—CK is your man! 📸 He knows all the best spots, will happily take you there, and is a pretty good photographer himself. Just one warning: keep plenty of extra space on your phone because CK clicks pictures like the KTX! 😂 By the end of the day, you’ll probably be scrolling through 100 photos trying to decide which one is the best. Jokes apart, CK genuinely made our day memorable. His patience, friendliness, and knowledge made travelling with kids so much easier. If you’re touring with CK, you’re going to have a great time. Highly recommended!
Jenny was an exceptional guide for our half day tour of Busan. She met us at our cruise boat and tailored our 4 hour tour to see the highlights of several sites to include the beach train, a shopping street, the famous Gukje refugee market and Gamcheon Culture Village. Jenny was warm and friendly and spoke very good English.
Our guide was wonderful! He customized the day to fit our needs. He was very informative and thorough. I highly recommend this company. Ask for AJ!
Fantastic trip around Busan with JB. Very attentive, knowledgeable and in perfect English which was not always a given during our trip around Korea. JB also went out of his way to give our daughter an unforgettable visit to Jimin’s dad’s cafe (the one from BTS, you know :). We also were able to do all the highlights in BusaN during our full day trip something that would have taken us much more time on our own. Overall, comes highly recommended.
Mia was an incredible tour guide. She was knowledgeable and fun! She took us to many incredible sites and helped us have amazing experiences. Was definitely one of the best tours we’ve been on. I only wish we had more time with Mia.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My wife Thu and I had a wonderful day exploring Busan with Mimi. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and her engaging explanations brought every place we visited to life. It made such a difference having someone who could help us appreciate the stories behind the beautiful sights. Mimi’s warm, friendly manner made us feel comfortable from the start. She made the whole day feel relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable, and we loved spending time in her company. She also took some fantastic photos of us together, which we really appreciated. Having those memories to look back on made an already lovely experience even more special. We wholeheartedly recommend Mimi to anyone visiting Busan. Thank you, Mimi, for looking after us so well and giving us such a memorable day! Christian & Thu
We had a terrific Busan city tour with Jason. He had planned a fantastic day but was flexible with the itinerary so we could make adjustments. He took us for a delicious lunch at the fish market and helped us order. His van was very comfortable for the day of sightseeing.
We did a tour today with Jason Lee and he was phenomenal - very knowledgeable and nice to chat with. Showed us all the best spots in Busan!
Jason picked us up at the hotel to begin an informative insightful and colourful day. We all really enjoyed the experience as he took us from Buddhist temple to Japanese tea garden - then for an authentic fish market tour and lunch, finishing at Gamcheon village. He even went out of his way to organise us tickets for the Sky train. What a gent. Jason is extremely knowledgeable and a very experienced guide making this an excellent way to enjoy the sights of Busan. The only way to see Busan if you don’t have too much time. Great guide great day and a lot of fun . Thank you
Jason Lee was the consummate professional. Offering an impeccable level of service. Jason coordinated for a seamless pickup and drop off at my cruise ship and showed me a suburb day seeing the best of Busan. Jason customized the tour to suit my interests and optimized our itinerary to be as efficient as possible to see as much as possible in the day from his unique perspective as a local passionate to show and inform me about his home country. I highly recommend booking.
Our guide was Mia and she was amazing. She was very kind and patient and actively adjusted the tour based on our personalities and requests. It was a very comprehensive tour of busan
Jasmine was an awesome tour guide. She showed me all the best spot to take memorable pics, and made the day a breeze to navigate thru all the different places we went.
Daisy was great. We had a lot to cover in a short time with a strict return to ship time. We got everything accomplished. She shared some history and took us everywhere.
My Busan tour was truly unforgettable, thanks to the exceptional guidance I received. From the colorful alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village to the serene beauty of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Jason ensured that every moment was both meaningful and enjoyable. He brought the vibrant hillside community to life with stories about its transformation from a modest settlement into a thriving art village. At the seaside temple, the Jason’s thoughtful commentary highlighted the temple’s unique coastal setting and spiritual significance. A memorable parts of the day was sharing a meal together at Busan’s famous fish market. At Busan Tower, Jason emphasized not only the panoramic views but also the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding park. It was a perfect balance of city energy and quiet reflection.
Seowoo was an extremely sweet, funny, and intelligent tour guide. His broad knowledge of history and culture across the globe and high language skills added a whole other layer to our experience in Korea as Filipino-Americans. He brought us to many cool spots and enlightened us with interesting facts we wouldn’t have known otherwise. Very grateful for this experience and would definitely recommend! P.S. Appreciate the flexibility, excellent driving skills and picking us up from the train station and back. A great day in Busan indeed! Seowoo you’re the best!
It was a short but very informative visit to Busan. Dylan met me at the train station and introduced me to the visit schedule. He is very passionate about the city and his business. I was able to adjust the schedule to suit my preferences. In a short time, we were able to visit many sites and have a great Korean lunch. It was a perfect introduction to the city, which I will visit for a longer time during my next trip to Korea. Dylan dropped me off at the train station at the end of the program. I will highly recommend his services.
Our guide Jenny was very cordial, pleasant and accommodating. She was a great tour guide as well as a shopping guide! She gladly catered to all our requests! I would recommend her to anyone visiting Busan. She’s the best!!!
It was great! Jenny, our tour guide was so welcoming, kind and exceptional! Best we’ve been with in all our travels! We love her!!
We had a wonderful day off the cruise ship with Leo in a high end private van! We were picked up right outside our ship w our names on a sign. Went to he beautiful temples, took the train ride and did the sky walk. We then went to the fresh fish market where we selected our king crab and fish to eat and had it cooked for us. It was DELICIOUS! Two people in our group didn’t eat seafood so Leo took them to a wonderful Korean BBQ place. We then did the market for treats and Olive Young face care. Afterwords he took us to amazing coffee and then stopped at the beautiful lookout over the houses and back to the ship on time. Highly recommend a tour with Leo! Thanks so much for an amazing day.
Alan spoke excellent English; enabling a knowledge based conversation of Basan and Korea. Alan was also very patient with a group of 8 people.
Today we had an amazing tour with JB! He is an excellent guide, and he is full of knowledge and was able to customize a trip to allow us to see the most of Busan as we could possibly see! He is kind and patient. Do not hesitate to book this experience! You will get A+ services. We love private tours so we do not have to see things we don't care about and love to bounce around and see lots of things. JB kept up with our energy and exceed our expectations!
Brian was incredibly knowledgeable, interesting, kind and helpful. We loved visiting Haedongyonggung Temple and Gamcheon Cultural Village, made all the better by having Brian giving us the history and showing us the secret spots. We weren’t fans of the beach train particularly, it wasn’t particularly scenic and I wouldn’t recommend spending your time on it when there are so many other amazing places to see.
Loved Busan! Our tour guide Arthur was great! he made sure to narrate and let us know the history of every part of Busan we drive thru. He accommodate our trip based on the places we wanted to see. The city and traffic was pretty hectic due a holiday, but he knew the short cuts look for alternative for us to be able to enjoy our few hours in Busan. I recommend this tour :-) thank you Arturo best regards from Puerto Rico!
Wow! This was the ultimate way to see Busan! Personalized experience, at our own pace, and Fiona was an excellent guide. She contributed to us enjoying our trip so much! We just had a little time in Busan and this was the best way to do it. I travel quite a bit and can say she is one of THE BEST tours that we’ve been on. Book this without hesitation. You will not regret it!!! Worth. Every. Penny.
Well planned and organized, Finn was a fantastic guide. Very patient with the old folks and provided good dining options. He provided good info on where we went and little titbits of everyday life in Busan. Will recommend him for anyone!
Great tour of Busan with Jason! He was very knowledgable and gave us great information about Busan. We were even able to make a stop for duty free shopping and then he dropped us off on the shopping street at the end of the sightseeing tour! We had a great time and would highly recommend this tour in lieu of the cruise ship group tour. Well worth the money!
Fantastic day with a private driver/tour guide. I would recommend this service, no delays and not rushed. Finn was friendly and polite and provided details on the places we visited. Very enjoyable day.
Very prepared. Texted us days before to ask what we wanted to see. Was waiting for us as we exited the ship with a sign with my name. Had a colored itinerary for us. Super caring in helping my husband who has mobility issues. Best guide we’ve had yet. Very highly recommend!!
Wonderful tour with Mia. She helped make all of our Busan dreams come true. I highly recommend this company to share yours as well.
Jenny was absolutely fantastic. She is friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to tailor the tour to your needs. I strongly recommend her.
Our family had a wonderful time exploring Busan with Korea Go Tours. Although our tour was short and the weather was rainy, the experience turned out to be memorable thanks to our excellent guide, Dylan. Dylan thoughtfully brought our family to some of Busan's key attractions and made every stop engaging and enjoyable. He shared valuable insights about Busan and Korea, blending history, current events, and personal experiences that gave us a deeper appreciation of Korean culture and daily life. His sense of humor, interesting stories, and fascinating tidbits about Korean life kept us entertained throughout the tour. One of the highlights for our family was visiting the local market, where we were able to experience Korean culture and lifestyle up close. The shopping was also fantastic! We highly recommend Korea Go Tours to anyone visiting Korea. A special thank you to Dylan for his patience, kindness, care, and dedication in making our family's visit to Busan so enjoyable despite the rainy weather. We truly appreciated the time and attention he gave us and will remember this experience fondly.
Kang was exceptional! Made our day very enjoyable. Adjusted our itinerary on the go and made everything very easy for us.
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