Busan is a fantastic family-friendly destination if you’re visiting South Korea with kids, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. From exploring colorful villages and scenic parks to trying out local street food and enjoying the beach, there’s something for all ages and interests. Families can also visit cultural attractions like temples and museums, as well as indulge in shopping at markets and malls. Here’s our recommended Busan itinerary for 3 days.
Day 1: Beaches and Markets
What to Do:
Busan is known for its beautiful beaches, so it’s only fitting that you start your Busan itinerary for 3 days with a visit to one of them. Haeundae Beach is the most popular beach in Busan, and it’s a great spot for families with kids. The beach is wide and sandy, with clear water that’s perfect for swimming and playing. You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.
After spending the morning at the beach, head to the Jagalchi Fish Market, one of the largest seafood markets in South Korea. Kids will love seeing all the different types of fish, shellfish, and other sea creatures on display. You can even buy fresh seafood and have it cooked right in front of you at one of the market’s many restaurants.
What to See:
Aside from the seafood, one of the most interesting things about the Jagalchi Fish Market is the way the vendors display their wares. Many of them set up their stalls outside, with huge piles of seafood stacked high on tables. Inside the market, you can see tanks of live fish and other creatures and watch as the vendors prepare and cook the seafood.
After visiting the fish market, take a stroll through BIFF Square, a street lined with shops and restaurants. The square is named after the Busan International Film Festival, which is held here every year. Kids will enjoy seeing the movie-themed statues and decorations, and you can grab a snack or souvenir from one of the street vendors.
Where to Stay:
For a family-friendly hotel that’s close to both Haeundae Beach and the Jagalchi Fish Market, check out the Shilla Stay Haeundae. This modern hotel has spacious rooms with great views, and it’s located right in the heart of the Haeundae neighborhood, so you’ll have easy access to all the restaurants, shops, and attractions in the area.
Where to Eat:
After visiting the fish market, head to the nearby Gukje Market for lunch. This bustling market is one of the oldest in Busan, and it’s a great place to try out some local street food. There are plenty of food stalls selling everything from dumplings and noodles to fried chicken and rice cakes.
How to Get Around:
The easiest way to get around Busan is by subway or taxi. Haeundae Beach and the Jagalchi Fish Market are both easily accessible by subway, and taxis are plentiful in the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
Day 2: Temples and Museums
What to Do:
Start the second day of your Busan itinerary for 3 days with a visit to the Beomeosa Temple, one of the most famous temples in South Korea. This beautiful temple is located in the mountains just outside the city, and it’s surrounded by lush forests and hiking trails. Kids will love exploring the temple’s many buildings and statues, and you can even join a traditional Buddhist ceremony if you’re lucky.
After visiting the temple, head to the Busan Museum of Art. This modern museum showcases a variety of contemporary and modern art, as well as traditional Korean art and artifacts. There are also interactive exhibits and activities for kids, making it a great destination for families.
What to See:
The Beomeosa Temple is a must-see destination in Busan, with its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to explore the temple’s many halls and buildings, and don’t miss the beautiful pagoda and the bell pavilion. The temple also offers great views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
At the Busan Museum of Art, you’ll find a variety of interesting exhibits and collections. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality experience that lets you explore traditional Korean homes and markets. Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden, which features works by both Korean and international artists.
Where to Stay:
For a unique and family-friendly accommodation option, check out the Benikea Hotel Press. This eco-friendly hotel is located in the center of Busan, and it offers spacious rooms with plenty of natural light. The hotel also has a rooftop garden and a restaurant that serves traditional Korean cuisine.
Where to Eat:
For lunch, head to the nearby Seomyeon neighborhood, which is known for its great food and shopping. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, including the popular Seomyeon Food Alley. Here, you’ll find dozens of food stalls selling everything from Korean barbecue and seafood to fried chicken and desserts.
How to Get Around:
To get to the Beomeosa Temple, take the subway to Beomeosa Station and then catch a bus or taxi to the temple entrance. The Busan Museum of Art is easily accessible by subway, with the Busan Museum of Art Station located just a few minutes’ walk away. Taxis and buses are also readily available in the area.
Day 3: Parks and Villages
What to Do:
On the last day of your Busan itinerary for 3 days, spend some time exploring the city’s beautiful parks and traditional villages. Start with a visit to the Taejongdae Resort Park, a scenic coastal park that offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs. Kids will love exploring the park’s hiking trails and viewing platforms, and you can even take a cruise along the coast to see more of the area.
Next, head to the Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful and unique neighborhood that’s known as the “Santorini of the East.” The village is filled with colorful houses and street art, and there are plenty of shops and cafes where you can grab a snack or souvenir.
What to See:
The Taejongdae Resort Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Busan, with its rugged coastline and scenic views. Make sure to visit the park’s lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and explore the nearby Yeongdo Island, which is known for its traditional fishing villages and seafood markets.
At the Gamcheon Culture Village, you’ll find a fascinating mix of traditional and modern architecture, with colorful houses and murals lining the narrow alleyways. Kids will enjoy exploring the maze-like streets and discovering the hidden cafes and shops tucked away in the village.
Where to Stay:
For a comfortable and family-friendly hotel in the heart of the city, check out the Lotte Hotel Busan. This modern hotel offers spacious rooms with great views of the city, and it’s located just a short walk from the Busan International Film Festival Square and the Seomyeon Food Alley.
Where to Eat:
For a delicious and authentic Korean meal, head to the nearby Dongnae Market. This historic market is one of the oldest in Busan, and it’s known for its great food and traditional atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of stalls selling everything from spicy rice cakes and noodles to grilled pork and seafood.
How to Get Around:
To get to the Taejongdae Resort Park, take the Busan subway to Nampo Station and then catch a bus or taxi to the park entrance. You can also take a cruise from the nearby Yeongdo Island to the park.
Final Thoughts:
With its beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and fascinating cultural attractions, Busan is a fantastic destination for families with kids. Whether you’re exploring the city’s traditional villages or enjoying the modern amenities of its bustling neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant and exciting city. So if you’re planning a trip to Busan with your family, be sure to follow this itinerary to make the most of your time in this amazing city.
