🌊 Exploring Haeundae Beach: Busan’s Iconic Coastal Getaway
Haeundae Beach is one of the most famous and beloved beaches in South Korea. Known for its long stretch of white sand, scenic skyline, and year-round events, this beachside neighborhood is a must for beach lovers, foodies, and K-culture fans.
🏖️ What is Haeundae Beach?
Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장) is a 1.5-kilometer-long beach in Busan. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside relaxation — all surrounded by skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and nightlife.
📍 Basic Information
- 📌 Location: Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
- 🚇 Subway: Haeundae Station (Line 2), Exit 3 or 5 (10-minute walk)
- 🕘 Beach Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (swimming zones)
- 💵 Admission: Free
- 🚨 Lifeguards: On duty during official summer season (July–August)
🌟 Top Things to Do
- 🧺 Relax on the Beach: Rent parasols or just enjoy a picnic by the sea.
- 🚂 Walk the Haeundae Sky Capsule or Beach Train: Scenic rides along the coast with ocean views.
- 🌴 Visit Dongbaekseom Island: A coastal park with lighthouse views and the famous Mermaid Statue.
- 🌅 Explore Haeundae Blue Line Park: Great for sunset walks and seaside photo ops.
- 🐠 Check out SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium: One of Korea’s largest aquariums, located right by the beach.
- 🌃 Enjoy Night Vibes: Rooftop bars, night markets, and live busking shows on the boardwalk.
📸 Best Photo Spots in Haeundae
Haeundae isn’t just about swimming — it’s also a stunning spot for seaside photos, especially during golden hour or after sunset. Here are the must-visit photo spots and how to capture them best:
- 📍 Haeundae Beach Sign
:A colorful and iconic sign at the beach entrance that proves you’ve made it!
📸 Photo Tip: Visit early morning or around 5–6 PM for soft light and fewer people in the background. - 📍 Sky Capsule & Beach Train (블루라인파크 스카이캡슐)
: Pastel-colored capsules gliding above the coastline — super photogenic from all angles.
📸 Photo Tip: Stand on the pedestrian walkway parallel to the tracks for a wide ocean view and capsule passing by in the frame. - 📍 Mermaid Statue at Dongbaekseom (동백섬 인어상)
: A bronze statue inspired by the Legend of Princess Hwangok, framed by cliffs and ocean.
📸 Photo Tip: Best during sunset or cloudy skies — use portrait mode with the statue in the foreground and waves in the back. - 📍 Night View from the Beach
: City skyline meets ocean horizon — the lights of the LCT Tower and The Bay 101 shimmer across the water.
📸 Photo Tip: Bring a tripod or use a stable surface for longer exposure shots around 7:30–8:30 PM. - 📍The Bay 101 Marina (더베이 101)
: A modern yacht marina surrounded by luxury buildings and reflection pools.
📸 Photo Tip: Come right after sunset for the "blue hour" — reflections on the water look magical. Use wide-angle mode for best effect.
🍽️ Local Foods Loved by Haeundae Locals
Beyond beachfront cafés and chain restaurants, Haeundae is also known for local eats that Busan residents genuinely love. Here are a few must-try dishes locals line up for — especially after a dip in the sea!
- 🐙 Milmyeon(밀면 – Cold Wheat Noodles)
:Busan’s signature summer dish, with chewy noodles in icy broth or spicy sauce.
Where to Try:
📍 Gomae Milmyeon (고메밀면) – A famous spot just 7 minutes from Haeundae Beach.
⏰ Tip: Go early — locals queue up for lunch!
🌎 Google Maps: 🔗Gomae Milmyeon - 🦑 Grilled Eel (장어구이)
:Rich in flavor and often eaten as a stamina-boosting meal after swimming.
Where to Try:
📍 Pungcheonman Minmul Jangeo (풍천만민물장어) – A long-standing local favorite just few minutes walk from the beach
⏰Best at dinner time with a seaside view.
🌎 Google Maps: 🔗Pungcheonman Minmul Jangeo - 🥘 Dwaeji Gukbap(돼지국밥 – Pork Rice Soup)
:A hearty, comforting Busan specialty made with pork broth, rice, and fermented shrimp.
Where to Try:
📍 Haeundae Wonjo Halmae Gukbap (해운대 원조 할매국밥) – Popular among both locals and savvy travelers.
💬 English menu available; open late!
🌎 Google Maps: 🔗Haeundae Wonjo Halmae Gukbap - 🐟 Sliced Raw Fish(회 – Hweh)
:A must-try at the beach — super fresh, often served seaside with seaweed soup and ssam (lettuce wraps).
Where to Try:
📍 Haeundae Hwejjip (해운대 횟집) – A whole alley of raw fish restaurants right by the beach and this particular spot is the most beloved by locals and tourists.
⏰ Tip: Pick a place with a rooftop view or plastic tables right near the sand — locals love it casual!
🌎 Google Maps: 🔗Haeundae Hwejjip - 🔥 Grilled Shellfish(조개구이 – Jogae-gui)
:Shellfish grilled over charcoal right at your table, with melted cheese, garlic butter, and spicy sauces.
Where to Try:
📍 Hwanguem Jogaegui Hwejjip(황금조개구이횟집) – located on the first floor of the Best Western Haeundae Hotel and just a 1-minute walk from Haeundae Market — making it a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions and trying other popular spots in the market.
⏰ Tip: Best enjoyed at night with soju and ocean breeze!
🌎 Google Maps: 🔗Hwanguem Jogaegui Hwejjip
🍹 Best Night Bars with a View
Looking for the perfect place to wind down after sunset in Busan? Whether you want oceanfront cocktails or a cozy pub vibe just steps from the beach, here are some of the top local-loved spots near Haeundae Beach:
- 🍺 Oase Busan
- What: Rooftop pub with a sweeping view of the beach.
- Vibe: A relaxing fusion of restaurant and bar — great for sunsets and sea breeze.
- Try: Their quirky “Ddong Beer” (soft-serve style beer foam).
- Hours: Around 5 PM–1 AM on weekdays, later on weekends.
- 📍 Tip: Head early for terrace seating — it fills up fast!
- ⭐️ Instagram: @oasebusan
- 🌎 Google Maps: 🔗Oase Busan
- 🍹 Fuzzy Navel
- What: Tropical cocktail bar famous for its signature menu, developed in collaboration with Chef Kyujin Lee's team from Ramsey, a Michelin French restaurant in B usan, is a fusion of tradition and modernity.
- Vibe: Trendy, social, with occasional bartender fire shows.
- Why Go: One of Haeundae’s most iconic nightlife spots.
- Open: Usually late afternoon to late night.
- 📍 Tip: Ideal for pre-party drinks or group hangouts with beach views.
- ⭐️ Instagram: @fuzzynavel.busan
- 🌎 Google Maps: 🔗Fuzzy Navel
- 💡 Bonus Tips
- Check out Gunam-ro Street (the main road leading to the beach) — it comes alive at night with live performers, dessert stands, and karaoke bars.
- For a more chill start to the evening, try Billie Jean, a hidden bar with cool basement vibes and cocktails.
- Willing to venture out? HQ Gwangan near Gwangalli Beach offers an unbeatable night view of Gwangan Bridge with great beers.
🎬 K-Dramas & Films Shot Here
Haeundae has appeared in many dramas and films, especially for its romantic or scenic beachside setting. Notable appearances include:
- Tidal Wave (해운대)– A 2009 disaster film featuring a massive tsunami hitting the beach
- Haeundae Lovers (해운대 연인들) – A romantic comedy drama set around the Haeundae area.
- A Star’s Lover (스타의 연인) – A romantic series with memorable scenes filmed around Dongbaekseom and the beach.
- The King: Eternal Monarch (더 킹: 영원의 군주) – Features a nighttime scene at the Haeundae plaza fountain.
- Strong Girl Nam-Soon (힘쎈여자 강남순) – Includes scenes from Haeundae's vibrant beachfront and backstreets.
- Something in the Rain (밥 잘 사주는 예쁜 누나) – A quiet beach walk here plays a key romantic moment.
💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors
- 🌞 Summer Season (July–August): Expect large crowds — arrive early for a good spot.
- 🧴 Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen and beach mats — umbrellas are available for rent.
- 🌊 Swimming Zones: Only open during summer hours with lifeguard supervision.
- 🚿 Foot Showers & Changing Rooms: Available for public use along the beach.
- ⚠️ Avoid Jellyfish: Stay inside marked zones during jellyfish warning periods.
🌴 Nearby Attractions
🐠 SEA LIFE Aquarium
📍 Location: 266 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
💡 Highlights: Home to over 35,000 marine animals from 250 species, including sharks, penguins, and sea turtles. Features an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel and interactive feeding shows.
🔅 Ideal For: Families, couples, and anyone interested in marine life.
☝️ Tip: Great indoor option, especially on rainy days.
🚂 Haeundae Blue Line Park
🛤 Route: A 4.8 km scenic coastal railway from Haeundae Mipo to Songjeong.
🏖 Attractions: Includes the Haeundae Beach Train and Sky Capsule, offering panoramic ocean views.
💡 Highlights: Stops at Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, a 191-meter elevated walkway with transparent floors and stunning sea views.
🔅 Ideal For: Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
🌺 Dongbaekseom Island
📍 Location: At the western end of Haeundae Beach.
🏝 Features: A peaceful island adorned with camellia flowers, offering walking trails, the Nurimaru APEC House, and views of Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
🔅 Ideal For: Leisurely walks and nature photography.
🏙️ BUSAN X the SKY
📍 Location: 30 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
🗼 Features: An observation deck on the 100th floor of the LCT Landmark Tower, providing 360-degree panoramic views of Busan.
🔅 Ideal For: Sunset views and cityscapes.
🛍️ Haeundae Traditional Market
📍 Location: 22-1 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
🦀 Features: A traditional market offering a variety of street foods, fresh seafood, and local produce.
🔅 Ideal For: Experiencing local culture and tasting authentic Korean snacks.
🔗 Useful Links
- Visit Busan: 🔗Haeundae Beach
- 🔗SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
- Visit Busan: 🔗Blue Line Park
- Visit Busan Pass: 🔗Busan X the Sky