Hidden Gems from Busan, South Korea

South Korea » Busan

During the summer of 2024, I had the life-changing opportunity to return to South Korea after a six-year absence, this time as a recipient of my second Critical Language Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State. For two months, Busan was not just my classroom but also my playground, my home, and my inspiration.

With three hours of Korean lessons each morning, cultural excursions, language partner meetups, and the occasional group trip, my schedule was full. Yet I carved out time almost every day to explore the city on my own terms. By the end of my stay, I knew Busan so well I could navigate entire neighborhoods without even looking at a map—a small but proud achievement.

What surprised me most was that some of the places I visited were spots that many locals had never been to. These weren’t the obvious attractions, such as Haeundae Beach or Jagalchi Market. Instead, they were the tucked-away corners, the artistic enclaves, and the scenic escapes that made me fall in love with the city all over again.

Some of the following places may not make sense if you only have a weekend in Busan. But others are absolute musts, and I’ll highlight those for you.

Here are my top hidden gems in Busan—the ones that made my summer unforgettable.

Beomeosa Temple – A Spiritual Escape in the Mountains

Beomeosa might be well known among those who study Buddhism, but it often gets overlooked when people talk about Busan’s “must-see” spots. For me, it was at the very top of my list. As someone fascinated by Buddhism and its history, I couldn’t miss it.

On my very first weekend, my language partner and I set out from Pusan National University. The journey took about 20 minutes, involving two bus transfers and a steep walk uphill before finally reaching the temple gates. The effort was worth it. Founded in the year 600, Beomeosa is one of Korea’s most important temples, and it still feels very much alive with practice and devotion.

When I visited early on a Saturday morning, there were no tourists in sight—only local worshippers offering prayers at the shrines. The peaceful atmosphere was striking. The architecture was just as impressive, with ornate hanok-style temple buildings, vibrant patterns, and intricate wooden details.

We spent about an hour wandering the grounds, taking in the serene environment. For those with more time, there are hiking trails leading further up the mountain for even better views. Beomeosa also offers temple stay programs, where you can spend the night and experience Buddhist life firsthand—a unique way to deepen your cultural experience in Korea.

If you’re looking for a quiet, spiritual side of Busan, away from the beaches and neon lights, Beomeosa is a hidden gem that deserves far more recognition.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain – Panoramic Views Over Busan

Hwangnyeongsan is one of the best places in Busan to take in the city from above. I had this spot on my list ever since I came across an Instagram reel showing its dazzling night views, and it definitely lived up to the hype.

I went with two friends, thinking it would be a quick hike, but it turned into a nearly two-hour climb—and it was steep! Since we couldn’t locate the proper trail, we followed the road all the way up. By the time we reached the summit, we were exhausted, but the view made every step worth it. From the lookout, you can see Busan stretching endlessly in both directions, with city lights sparkling like thousands of stars.

At the top, we discovered a small café with windows overlooking Gwangalli and Haeundae Beaches. We sat down with iced drinks (about ₩7,000 each), relaxed by the window, and enjoyed the view in comfort. It was the perfect ending to a tough but rewarding climb.

If you visit, try to time your trip for sunset on a clear day—the transition from golden skies to twinkling city lights is unforgettable. And if hiking isn’t your style, don’t worry: you can also take a taxi or drive right up to the top.

Hocheon Cultural Village – A Quiet Hidden Corner of Busan

While Busan has several well-known cultural villages, Hocheon Cultural Village remains one of its lesser-known treasures. I only discovered it when I was running out of things to do and stumbled across a mention of it—apparently, it was even featured in the Korean drama Fight My Way.

Curious, I asked my language partner to join me, and we decided to make a whole day out of it. We started with coffee in Jeonpodong, then had samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at a nearby restaurant before heading up to Hocheon in the evening. The bus dropped us off near the top, and by nightfall, we were overlooking the village lights.

There’s a small bar perched above the village with a cozy atmosphere. We sat there for about half an hour, taking in the quiet view. My language partner tried a mojito—she said it wasn’t great, but the vibe of the place was enough to make her want to return with her boyfriend.

Hocheon may not be as colorful or busy as Gamcheon or Huinnyeoul, but that’s part of its charm. It’s calm, authentic, and offers a chance to enjoy Busan from a more laid-back perspective.

History Museum & Busan Museum – Free Windows into the City’s Past

One of the most rewarding discoveries during my time in Busan was how much you can learn about the city and Korea as a whole through its museums. Both the Modern and Contemporary History Museum and the Busan Museum became favorites of mine.

The Modern and Contemporary History Museum, located in Nampodong, is small but impactful. Be aware that they sometimes stop letting visitors in earlier than the posted closing time—I learned this the hard way when I first tried to visit. Entry, like all national museums in Korea, is free, which makes it a great budget-friendly activity.

When I finally made it inside with two friends, the highlight for me was a photography exhibit on Busan, which captured the city’s evolution in a very personal way. The permanent galleries upstairs focus on colonial history and beyond, with powerful examples of how Japanese occupation shaped Busan in particular. As someone who researched colonial-era Korean women’s literature for my thesis, it was fascinating to see a Busan-centered perspective instead of the more familiar narratives from Seoul or the North.

Earlier in the summer, I also spent time at the Busan Museum, another free national institution. This one is larger, with exhibits ranging from pre-colonial history to the Korean War. What stood out to me most was a special collection of Korean art acquired by major chaebols (family-run conglomerates), which offered a glimpse into both Korea’s cultural wealth and its modern economic forces.

Together, these museums gave me a richer sense of Busan’s layered history, from its ancient roots to its place in contemporary Korea.

Jeonpodong Cafe Street – A Coffee Lover’s Paradise

If you’re a fan of coffee culture, Jeonpodong Cafe Street is a must. I first discovered it thanks to my roommate, who was absolutely obsessed with exploring cafes in Busan. She insisted on taking me along to some of her favorite spots, and I quickly understood why this was her favorite part of the city.

The street is packed with unique coffee shops and restaurants, each with its own personality and style. I loved wandering from one spot to the next, sampling different drinks and enjoying the carefully designed interiors. By night, the area really comes alive—the cafes and streets light up beautifully, creating a cozy, almost magical atmosphere.

It’s not just about coffee, either. You’ll also find plenty of shops and eateries scattered throughout, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon (or evening) here. Conveniently, it’s only a stop or two away from the bustling Seomyeon shopping district, so you can easily pair the two in one outing.

If you love discovering local cafe scenes, Jeonpodong is one of the best spots in Busan to do it.

Final Thoughts

Busan may be South Korea’s second-largest city, but it has a way of feeling both dynamic and intimate at the same time. Beyond its well-known beaches and bustling markets, the city is full of hidden corners that reward anyone willing to explore a little deeper—whether that’s hiking up to breathtaking viewpoints, wandering through colorful cultural villages, or spending hours in a cozy café street.

What struck me most is how Busan balances contrasts so effortlessly. You can find yourself at a serene temple in the mountains in the morning, sipping a latte in a trendy café by the afternoon, and then watching the neon lights glitter over the ocean by evening. Each of these hidden gems—big or small—adds another layer to the city’s story, making every visit unique.

If you give Busan the time it deserves, you’ll find that it’s not just a stopover city or a beach destination, but a place of culture, creativity, and character. And once you’ve experienced its hidden treasures, you may find yourself already planning your return.

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