· · · · ·

Where to Stay in Busan for the Best Experience

In our busy schedule during the 10-day trip to South Korea, I had to squeeze Busan to see a different vibe in South Korea. So, after staying in Seoul for a few days (where we had an amazing time, so check out my 4-day itinerary for first timers in Seoul), we decided to take a train to visit Busan. First thing I did (like I always do) is planning where to stay in Busan, which usually is a much more time-consuming part of travel preparation.

So why Busan, what’s so special about it? Busan is quite special, in my opinion: salty air, neon reflections on the water, the smell of grilling seafood wafting from the port. We only stayed for 2 days and I wish we had more time.

Having so little time, I wanted to make a good and efficient plan, including well located hotel. It took me hours. If you’re wondering where to stay in Busan, you’re in the right place, this city has neighborhoods for every style: beach lovers, foodies, culture hunters, and people who want a little bit of everything.

2 days in Busan

Where to Stay in Busan: The Ultimate Guide to Beaches, City Vibes & Hidden Gems

Below I’ll guide you through the best areas, suggest hotels (from boutique to splashy new launches), and give honest pros and cons so you can pick the perfect base for your trip. Of course, I did not stay in all of them, but did a ton of research before the trip, especially carefully choosing the best areas for our style of travelling: walking a lot, using transportation and close to the action.

HAEUNDAE — beach glamour and long days by the sea

Haeundae is Busan’s star: a long sandy beach, a skyline of hotels, and endless summer energy. It’s where you’ll find morning joggers, seafood BBQs by night, and a crowd that ranges from families to honeymooners. If your idea of Busan involves salt air, beachside cafés and a buzzy promenade, Haeundae is for you. And this is where we chose to stay on our short visit.

Top hotels in Haeundae:

  • Park Hyatt Busan (Marine City / Haeundae) — A luxury hotel with sweeping harbour and skyscraper views. Perfect for special occasions; expect refined service, spacious rooms and a calm, modern design aesthetic.

  • Signiel Busan (LCT / Haeundae) – A dramatic, high-rise hotel with breathtaking skyline views. Great if you want to wake up to the ocean framed by glass and soak in a premium rooftop experience.

  • Grand Josun Busan (Haeundae / Centum area) – Large, full-service luxury (spa, pools, dining). Excellent if you want resort comforts with easy beach access.

  • L7 HAEUNDAE by LOTTE HOTELS (Haeundae Beach area) – Trendy, design-forward and close to the beach; great for couples and style-minded travelers.

  • Best Western Haeundae Hotel; Toyoko Inn Busan Haeundae 2; Hotel MIDO Myeongdong equivalent – (budget and midrange options in the Haeundae zone).

  • MAMA Guesthouse Haeundae – an affordable, friendly option for backpackers and solo travelers.

Why stay in Haeundae :

  • Pros: Beach access, lively nightlife, great seafood restaurants, easy ferry/day-trips to nearby islands.

  • Cons: Can be crowded in summer; prices peak in high season; nightlife noise in some areas.

  • Who it’s for: beach lovers, families, first-timers who want a classic Busan experience.

  • Transport notes for Haeundae: From Gimhae Airport, the airport limousine buses run direct to Haeundae; you can also take the metro (Line 2) with a transfer. To/from Busan Station expect a 30–45 minute metro ride depending on connections.

where to stay in busan

SEOMYEON — the city’s pulsing crossroads

Seomyeon is where modern Busan truly comes alive, a vibrant, fast-beating heart that never really sleeps. Picture neon-lit streets packed with cafés, karaoke bars, beauty stores, and restaurants serving everything from spicy tteokbokki to sizzling Korean BBQ. It’s the perfect blend of urban energy and local flavor, making it one of the best places to stay in Busan if you love being surrounded by life and convenience. From here, you can reach nearly any part of the city thanks to the excellent subway connections (Lines 1 and 2 intersect right at Seomyeon Station), and you’re just a quick ride away from both the beach and the mountains.

Hotels & highlights:

  • Seomyeon Brown-dot hotel Gold (Seomyeon) – compact, modern, and right next to the shopping streets; ideal for travelers who want to walk everywhere.

  • Cozy Tree Hotel Seomyeon – a boutique option with comfy rooms and a relaxed design, tucked in the neighborhood’s quieter side.

Why stay in Seomyeon:

  • Pros: Best public transport connections (Seomyeon Station is a major node), huge selection of restaurants, late-night shopping and entertainment.

  • Cons: Very busy and noisy at night; less scenic than the beachfront; hotels tend to be smaller rooms.

  • Who it’s for: shoppers, nightlife lovers, travelers who want to be centrally connected.

  • Transport notes for Seomyeon: The Busan Metro Lines 1 & 2 intersect here, making it a great jumping-off point for everywhere in the city. From Gimhae Airport, take the metro with one transfer (about 30–40 minutes).

CENTUM CITY / MARINE CITY — modern shopping, K-pop vibes and luxury

Centum City, where Shinsegae Centum City Mall is located (officially the world’s largest department store), feels like it was designed for anyone who loves a little indulgence. It’s not just about shopping, the complex also features spas, ice rinks, cinemas, and endless dining options, making it a destination on its own. You could spend a whole day here hopping between designer stores and cozy cafés, or relax at Spa Land, one of Korea’s most beautiful and modern jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses).

Hotels & highlights:

  • Lotte Hotel Busan (Centum City) – attached to major shopping and trade centers; useful for shoppers and business travelers alike.

  • Grand Josun Busan – (straddles the Haeundae/Centum vibe; you’re close to both the beach and Centum’s malls).

Why stay here:

  • Pros: Massive shopping and dining, modern architecture, quieter streets than Haeundae’s beachfront at night.

  • Cons: Slightly less “character” than older districts; can feel more corporate.

  • Who it’s for: shoppers, families who want mall convenience, business travelers.

  • Transport notes for Centum City/Marine City: Easy access from Gimhae Airport via metro and buses; Centum City is a short subway ride from Busan Station and well connected to Haeundae.

GWANGALLI — the bridge-lit beach and café culture

Gwangalli, with its beautiful crescent beach and glowing view of the Gwangan Bridge, is a place where you can relax but still have experience of a city.  During the day you can stroll along the beach, sip coffee at the shoreline cafés, and catch  sunset colours reflected in the bridge lights.

Come nightfall, the promenade fills with locals and tourists (think of it as a perfect romantic, date walk), making it lively but still more relaxed than Busan’s busiest beach district.

But a few things to keep in mind: you might find that from Gwangalli you’ll travel 20-30 minutes to visit major inland attractions (like market districts or hillsides) so if your 2-day trip is packed with sightseeing, you’ll want to plan carefully. Also, on weekend evenings the beach area can get noisy and busy, which might affect a restful night if you’re in a room facing the street. Overall: yes – Gwangalli is a very good idea for a 2-day trip, particularly if beach-time and a relaxed seaside vibe matter just as much as the city’s major sights. For me, more cetral location was much more convenient though.

If you’re thinking of staying in the Gwangalli area for your short Busan trip, consider this: The very best hotels aren’t always directly on Gwangalli Beach, but instead just a short walk or taxi ride away in the neighboring seaside zones like Marine City or Haeundae.

Why stay near Gwangalli:

  • Pros: Stunning night views of the bridge, slightly less crowded than Haeundae, great café culture and nightlife that feels relaxed.

  • Cons: Not as many big luxury hotels; a little further from Centum City and some attractions.

  • Who it’s for: couples, photographers, travelers who want a stylish yet calmer beach vibe.

  • Transport notes for Gwangalli: From Gimhae Airport it’s a straightforward bus or metro+bus combo. It’s a short taxi ride to Haeundae and well-served by buses.

NAMPODONG / BIFF SQUARE — old port vibes and cinematic corners

Nampodong is where Busan’s maritime soul truly shines , a district where the scent of the sea mingles with sizzling street food and the buzz of open-air markets. This is the beating heart of old Busan, a place that tells stories through neon signs, fish stalls, and narrow alleys that look straight out of a film set. The area pulses with energy day and night, from the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can try raw fish straight from the ocean (including still moving octopus tentacles or eel, which, of course, I did not dare to try), to BIFF Square, the birthplace of the Busan International Film Festival.

Here, you’ll find street vendors selling tteokbokki and hotteok, tiny shops filled with trinkets, and locals chatting over seafood platters. It’s chaotic, colorful, and wonderfully authentic, a must for anyone who wants to experience Busan’s local rhythm.

Hotels (nearby options):

If you want to stay close to all the action, Nampodong and its surroundings have several stylish yet affordable options.

  • The Lavalse Hotel, overlooking Yeongdo Bridge, offers sweeping harbor views and a touch of elegance just steps from the market area.
  • Another excellent choice is the Aventree Hotel Busan, right in the center of Nampodong, which combines modern comfort with unbeatable access to BIFF Square and Gukje Market.

Why stay here:

  • Pros: Authentic markets, historical lanes, great street food, close to cultural attractions like Yongdusan Park and the Busan Tower.

  • Cons: Streets can be touristy during the day; some hotels are smaller/older.

  • Who it’s for: foodies, culture lovers, first-time visitors seeking an authentic taste of Busan.

  • Transport notes for Nampo: From Busan Station you can ride the metro a couple stops or take a short taxi. From Gimhae Airport, take the metro and change lines; Nampo is central for walking to many attractions.

where to stay in busan

YONGSAN / BUSAN STATION (central access)

This is Busan’s transport hub: Busan Station (for KTX), intercity buses, and easy links to the rest of Korea. Staying near Busan Station makes sense if you plan on day trips — or want a straightforward arrival/departure.

Hotels:

Why stay here:

  • Pros: Best for transport links – KTX, buses, metro; easy to arrive/depart; practical for short stays.

  • Cons: Less “scenic”; hotels can feel functional rather than charming.

  • Who it’s for: transit travelers, day-trippers, those arriving late/early.

  • Transport notes: From Gimhae Airport, airport buses and the metro connect directly to Busan Station. KTX from Seoul arrives here, making it an easy hub.

MIPO / MI-PO & SURROUNDINGS — coastal calm and local rhythms

For a genuine seaside feel outside Busan’s main tourist hubs, Mipo and its nearby coves offer a slower pace and breathtaking ocean views. It’s where locals come for a morning stroll along the coast or to share fresh seafood dinners as the sun melts into the sea. The area feels more like a small coastal village than a city district, with fishing boats bobbing near the shore and cozy cafés tucked into hilly streets. The Mipo Oceanside Hotel is one of the best options in this area — perfect for travelers who crave sea breezes and quiet moments away from the crowds of Haeundae, yet still want to be close enough to enjoy its nightlife and restaurants.za

Why stay here:

  • Pros: Quiet, ocean-facing rooms, local seafood restaurants.

  • Cons: Farther from Busan’s main attractions and public transport lines.

  • Who it’s for: travelers with a car or those seeking a seaside retreat.

  • Transport notes: Mipo is easier to reach by car or intercity bus; public transit may require transfers.

Practical tips to choosing where to stay in busan

  • First time and want it all: Pick Haeundae or Seomyeon — beach + nightlife + transport.

  • You’re a foodie: Nampodong / Jagalchi area — wake up for market breakfasts.

  • Shopping + malls: Centum City — big malls, movie theaters and easy walking.

  • For a slow seaside reset: Mipo or quieter Haeundae edges.

  • Arrival/departure convenience: Busan Station or anywhere with easy metro links.

Choosing where to stay in Busan really depends on the kind of adventure you’re after as every neighborhood shows a different side of this vibrant coastal city. I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect place to stay in Busan, even if it’s just for a short trip, so you can make the most of your adventure in this vibrant seaside city.

See also:

Quick note on getting to Busan

Most international travelers arrive via Gimhae International Airport (PUS). From the airport you can take the Busan Metro Line 1 or the Airport Limousine Bus to main districts (Seomyeon, Haeundae, Busan Station). If you’re coming from Seoul, the KTX high-speed train drops you at Busan Station in about 2.5–3 hours. Taxis are plentiful but factor in traffic, especially during peak times. Keep a T-money card handy — it works on metro, buses, and taxis.

where to stay in busan

Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

where to stay in busan

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

  • Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
  • AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
  • Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
  • Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
  • Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
  • World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
  • WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
  • Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
  • Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
  • Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
  • Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

Did you like the post? Pin it for later:

where to stay in busan

Ania is a founder of Postcards from the World, a place where she wants you to be inspired to travel and visit new places This is also a place where you can find tips and honest travel guides to help you with you plan your dream trips with ease.

Similar Posts

One Comment

  1. Pingback: 2 days in Busan: a quick guide to the coastal city in South Korea - Postcards From The World

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *