Busan/Haeundae

Haeundae is a district in the east of Busan that is known as the main tourist destination of the city and home to the nationally renowned Haeundae Beach.

Understand
Haeundae is one of the country's main tourist destinations. It offers Korea's most famous beach, upmarket hotels, the newest shops and luxury apartments. Due to the relatively recent development of the area, it lacks the tradition and history that can be found in the rest of the city.

Many Koreans have happy memories of traveling to Busan to spend a hot summer's day on the packed beach in Haeundae.

Although a little distance away to the east, the Songjeong area with its impressive beach is also part of the Haeundae-gu district.

By metro
The easiest way into Haeundae from central Busan is via metro line 2. The Haeundae area starts at the, stops by the beach at and ends at. Haeundae Station will bring you closest to the action on the beach (The train will even play seagull sounds on arrival).

By bus
There is a direct limousine bus from Gimhae International Airport that will stop near most of the major hotels in the Haeundae area. More expensive than public transport, but more convenient if you have a lot of luggage. 60-90 minutes - ₩8,500. There are also a number of municipal buses that go to Haeundae.

By taxi
A taxi into Haeundae from most parts of Busan will cost between ₩7,000 to ₩25,000.

Busan Station to Haeundae Beach will cost around ₩18,500, and from Gimhae airport about ₩30,000.

By car
By car, you can drive east over the famous (at least for Koreans) Gwangalli bridge in order to get to the Haeundae area. Parking in Haeundae is possible outside during quiet days with various small car parks around, although parking near the beach on a hot summer's day or public holiday will be a challenge.

By train
The mainline train connections through the Haeundae area are now closed. Busan Station is about 40 minutes away from the area and is directly connected by metro line 2.

See

 * Recent Haeundae Beach.jpg

Do




Biking
Biking is no longer allowed on Haeundae beach (as of 2024). The traffic and driving conditions around Haeundae are not friendly to bicycles, although people sometimes ride around. There are many dedicated bike lanes around the area, although pedestrians do not appear to heed them.

E-Scooters are available to hire, but also not really used much.

Buy




Drink
Most of the bars that appeal to westerners are on the main street (Gunam-ro) between Heundae subway station (exit 5) and the beach. Below is a small selection.



Budget
The streets behind the western side of Haeundae beach are completely full of.

The following listings are for traveler friendly hostel style accommodation:



Splurge
Most of Busan's luxury hotels are along Haeundae Beach. The hotels listed below all offer ocean view and city view rooms, but be prepared to pay extra for the ocean view. Weekend rates are always more expensive than weekday rates, and rates go sky high during the summer peak season (varies by hotel, but roughly July to August). Rates can also go up during special events (e.g. Busan International Film Festival).



Stay safe


Haeundae is, like Busan and South Korea in general, very safe. Refer to the Busan article for details.

There is a Tsunami warning system and signs on the beaches, although the risk of a Tsunami is far less than in nearby Japan. In the unlikely event a tsunami warning is issued for Busan or the South Korean coastline, head for the top of a tall building or higher ground. (Higher ground is not easily accessible from Haeundae Beach.)

Traffic can be hectic with a lot of tourists unfamiliar with the area trying to find their way around whilst driving. It is worth checking carefully before trying to cross the road even if you think that you have the right of way.

Connect
Along the beachfront there is government provided free Wi-Fi. Most coffee shops around the area also seem to offer.