Where to Stay in Busan → 5 Best Areas & Top Hotels in 2024

Buckle your seatbelts and let’s discover together the best areas and hotels where to stay in Busan, the second largest city in South Korea!

I did in-depth research into the city and found the top 5 neighborhoods to stay and the most amazing hotels for each area, which I listed from most to least expensive.

In short, Haeundae is the best area to stay in Busan, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions. But as I mentioned 4 more areas are waiting right below, if Haeundae is not your cup of tea.

Since Busan is such a popular holiday destination, loved by many tourists as it’s a more relaxed alternative to Seoul, I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance, and secure your spot early! 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Who’s all set and ready to book their favorite hotel in Busan, South Korea? If that’s you then have a look at the shortlist below:

A bit confused by all the areas? Check out the map below, it will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Busan, South Korea, that I’ll talk about in this post:

1. Haeundae-gu – best area to stay in Busan for first-timers

No better place to start your Busan adventures than Haeundae-gu! 

Home to one of the most famous beaches in South Korea, Haeundae Beach (map) this neighborhood is the place to be for tourists who are visiting the city for the first time. 

The vibrant neighborhood is pretty big, and there are many things to discover besides the beach, although it’s tempting to spend your days chilling on the soft sand.

So if you’re looking for some fun attractions, definitely visit the Sea Life Busan Aquarium, the Kidzania Busan Theme Park, the Busan Museum of Art and the Daecheon Park (map).

Haeundae-gu is always humming with energy and not only during the day! This area is also a great place to stay for those who want to enjoy the city’s nightlife, as there are lots of bars and clubs.

But before dancing, you’ll probably want to grab a bite and Haeundae Traditional Market (map) is a great place to do that. 

Since the area is on the coast, you’ll find lots of amazing sunset spots, like the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory (map) which offers some breathtaking views! 

Other accommodation options in Haeundae-gu

Things to do in Haeundae-gu

• Go for a long swim at Haeundae Beach
• Spend a fun afternoon at the Sea Life Busan Aquarium 
• Take the kids to Shinsegae Centum City Theme Park
• Visit the GoEun Museum of Photography
• Eat delicious street food at Haeundae Market
• Enjoy the views on the Igidae coastal walk (map)
• Go on the little capsule trains at Haeundae Blueline Park (map)

2. Gwangalli – where to stay in Busan on a budget

We’re continuing our list with the top places to stay in Busan, with another awesome area that is perfect for people traveling on a budget!

And guess what? Just like Haeundae-gu, Gwangalli also has a beach! It may not be South Korea’s most famous beach, but at least it’s not as busy as that one.

Gwangalli beach (map) is just as pretty, but it has more of a laid-back vibe. This is where locals come to relax, and there aren’t many tourists around, so if you’re looking for a more tranquil place, then this may be the right one for you!

The area, which is located in the larger Suyeong-Gu district, has a subway station (map) so you can easily explore other parts of the city!

PRO TIP: If you’re coming during the cherry blossom season (usually in the first 2 weeks of April) make sure you head to this street (map) in Gwangalli where there are lots of cherry trees lining the street! 

While here, you should head to Millak Waterside Park (map) at night, to admire the famous Gwangan Bridge, when all the lights are up! 

Let’s check out the best Busan hotels in this area:

Other accommodation options in Gwangalli

• Enjoy a fun day on Gwangalli Beach
• Admire the views of Diamond Bridge
• Take a trip to the Gamcheon Culture Village (map)
• Go for drinks & pizza at Sol Taphouse Gwangan (map)
• Take a trip to the Seokbulsa Temple (map)
• Visit the Geumyeon-Am Buddhist Temple (map)

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Nampo-dong – best place for the urban vibe

Namo-dong is a central commercial area that has everything you need during your holiday! 

And by that, I mean fabulous shopping sites, attractions, delicious street food, and great hotels. 

This area is super vibrant and always buzzing, so I doubt you’ll ever get bored here! You’ll want to see as much of it as possible!

You’ll most likely spend your days eating in Jagalchi Fish Market (map), which is the largest seafood market in Korea, exploring Biff Square (map), and admiring the views from the famous Yeongdo Bridge. 

Since the neighborhood is set on the coast, you’ll also get some amazing waterfront views while walking around, especially at sunset.

Other accommodation options in Nampo-dong

Things to do in Nampo-dong

• Eat delicious street food in Jagalchi Fish Market
• Buy cool souvenirs from Biff Square
• Admire the views near Yeongdo Bridge (map)
• Catch a movie at the Megabox Busan Theater (map)

4. Seomyeon – the trendiest place to stay in Busan

Not only one of the coolest places in the city, but also one of the most convenient ones in terms of location.

Located in the center of the city, Seomyeon is a vibrant area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops! Seomyeon Subway Station (map) is connected to 2 of the most important subway lines (1 and 2), which you can use to easily reach important tourist places like Haeundae Beach or Nampo-dong.

PRO TIP: If you’re planning to take any day trip tours, then you should know that most tour companies offer pick/up and drop off at/from Busan Station, Seomyeon Station, Haeundae Station and Nampo Station. So staying around any of those areas might be convenient if you want to join some tours. 

Although a bit touristy at times, Seomyeon is the kind of place where you can never get bored! There’s always something to do here, during the day and night! So I wouldn’t recommend this area to people who like quiet, tranquil places.

During the day there are many things to do like shopping in the Samjung Tower Mall (map), having fun at the Running Man Busan theme park, the market and exploring the Songsanghyeon Square (map). And when the sun sets you can hop from bar to bar (or restaurant to try the delicious food).

Now let’s check out the top-rated hotels in Seomyeon. 

Other accommodation options in Seomyeon

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NOTE: If you’re looking for other fabulous places to stay in Busan, I’d recommend checking the Ananti resort at Busan Cove! That entire area is super fancy and has lots of fabulous places to stay. 

Things to do in Seomyeon

• Eat delicious food at Seomyeon Market (map)
• Try all the cafes on Jeonpo Cafe Street (map)
• Get souvenirs from Samjung Tower Mall 
• Spend a fun night at Seven Luck Casino (map)
• Explore the Songsanghyeon Public Square

5. Jung-gu – best place to stay in Busan for shopping

This is a pretty big area, perfect for those of you who want to shop all day long!

Jung-gu is home to the famous Gukje Market (map) and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (map).

where you can eat some of the best Korean food in the city! Yep, if you want to try all sorts of yummy traditional dishes, definitely visit those 2 places.

From there you can make your way to Bosu Book Street (map), an alleyway filled with open-front bookstores and cafes! Honestly, this is like heaven on earth for any book lover! I’d probably end up spending the whole day there, drinking coffee and buying books!

Some other attractions that you should definitely check out while here are the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum Annex, where you can learn more about the city’s history and Yongdusan Park (map) where you can visit the Diamond Tower (also known as Busan Tower! The tower has a fab observation deck from where you can admire the stunning views and also a cafe. 

PRO TIP: If you want to explore other cities in the country, like Seoul you can take a trip with the bullet train from Busan Train Station (map). It takes around 2h and 40 min to get there (whereas a normal train will take you around 6h). If this is something you want to do then staying in Jung-gu would be super convenient as the area is set near the train station. 

Other accommodation options in Jung-gu

Things to do in Jung-gu

• Drink coffee and buy books on Bosu Book Street
• Eat yummy food in Gukje Market & Bupyeong Kkangtong Market 
• Go for a walk in Yongdusan Park (map) 
• Take a trip to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (map)
• Admire the views from the Diamond Tower (map) 
• Visit the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum Annex

BONUS: Best hotels on the beach in Busan

Want to wake-up everyday to a stunning view of the ocean and right on the sandy shores? Then definitely check out this bonus where I’ve included some of the best hotels on the beach in Busan.

All are listed from most to least expensive:

Luxury (US$250 and up)

• Ananti Hilton Busan – this hotel has a breathtaking design, and it resembles a kind of modern temple! Featuring rooms with a balcony and soft brown decor, this luxurious place to stay has a restaurant and a bar! Relax by the swimming pool and admire the breathtaking views. You’re also more than welcome to spend a whole afternoon at the spa center trying different massages.
• The Westin Josun Busan – wake-up, head to the beach, eat and repeat! That should be your motto while visiting Busan! This 5-star hotel is set right on the beach, and it offers views of both the ocean and the skyscrapers. Each room has lovely decor, but it’s the indoor pool and spa center that will steal your heart.

Mid Range (US$150 – $250)

• Fairfield by Marriott – set on the sandy shores of Songdo beach, this hotel offers spacious rooms with a minimalist yet super cool design and large windows. The accommodation is filled with facilities that will make your stay in Busan amazing! Including a restaurant, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Budget (up to US$150)

• Mipo Oceanside Hotel – this hotel in Busan has an awesome price, and you should definitely not miss it! Especially since it offers rooms with sea views, coffee facilities, a bar, and plenty of activities like walking tours and pub crawls. Let the fun begin!
• Tokyo Inn Busan – set on the famous Haeundae beach in Busan, this hotel offers affordable but super charming rooms equipped with all the necessary facilities like a private bathroom, a flat-screen Tv, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy a delicious (free) breakfast in the morning, and then head out to explore the city!

FAQs about hotels in Busan

💰Is Busan cheaper than Seoul?

Yes, Busan is cheaper than Seoul, especially when it comes to hotels. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination in South Korea, I would recommend starting with Busan.

📅 How many days do you need in Busan?

Spending 4 to 5 days in Busan, South Korea, will give you plenty of time to explore all its attractions, the beaches, and the markets.

🏨 Which are the best luxury hotels in Busan?

🤔 Where to stay in Busan for first-timers?

Haeundae-gu is the best place to stay in Busan for the first time, as this is where you’ll find the most amazing beach, fun attractions and great hotels.

⚖️ Is it better to stay in Seomyeon or Nampo?

Both are great! Seomyeon is great for those who want to stay in the central area of Busan, while Nampo is set on the coast and is perfect if you want to stay near the ocean. 

🚄 Where to stay in Busan if you want to use public transport?

Seomyeon is one of the best areas to stay in Busan if you want to use public transport as its station is connected to 2 of the most important subway lines (1 and 2).

🏖️ Is Gwangalli or Haeundae Beach better?

Haeundae is the best beach, but it can get super crowded so if you’d prefer something smaller and not as busy, then head to Gwangalli beach.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Busan

Already packing your bags to head to Busan? I know, this city can have this effect on people!

Now that you’ve read this guide on where to stay in Busan, I’m sure you’re more than ready to hit the road. But before that, you should really book your accommodations in advance, as this city is super popular and the hot places always sell out first. 

If you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, then check out my top 2 favorite ones, both located in Haeundae:

Have fun exploring this city in South Korea and don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below if you have any questions! I’d be happy to help you out!

Happy exploring,

Victoria

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