13 Best Things To Do With Kids In Busan, South Korea

things to do with kids in portland
Jen
Jen 
Updated
| 9 min read

Busan is a beautiful city in South Korea that offers plenty of attractions and activities. Those visiting the city with kids in tow will also find plenty to keep them busy. And your accommodation is sorted too, thanks to the wide variety of Airbnb vacation rentals in Busan.

Need help keeping your kids occupied while visiting Busan? We are here to help! Keep your little ones occupied during your trip. Below are the best ideas on things to do with kids in Busan.

1. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Londenp used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is a beautiful place to take your kids any day of the week while visiting Busan. The best part is that it is free! Here you can explore the historical temples right on the ocean, see the glistening seaside, or just enjoy a stroll along the water in the sunshine on a nice day. This unique attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple placed along the shore line; most temples in South Korea are located in mountain settings. This amazing temple was built back in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong. So lucky for you, if you are Buddhist you can worship in the temples here!

Other photographic sights to enjoy while visiting here are, the Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (which is enclosed inside a cave), and a sacred three story temple with several lions all looking out over the ocean. If you love the ocean, head down the 108 stairs and take a look at the stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape. After going down 108 steps, you will be able to photograph or admire the temples above. Halfway down the 108 steps you can stop to enjoy the calming sound of the waves, and view the magnificent sunrise if you time it correctly!

Many Koreans flock here on New Year’s Day to make a wish for the new year while watching the sun come up. April is probably one of the best and most beautiful times of the year to visit this area, since the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom. The birth of Buddha is also celebrated here in April which brings Koreans from all over and offers an incredible night view as the temple area is lit with bright lanterns. As you can imagine, there are tons of photos to be taken here! If you are driving here the parking cost is minimal, starting at 1.5 USD per car.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Address: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan

Website: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

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2. Yongdusan Park



If you’re looking for places to visit in Busan with toddlers, consider checking out Yongdusan Park. Here you can explore Busan tower (for free!) and the surrounding park. Yongdusan Mountain in downtown Busan is one Busan’s three famous mountains, and can also be seen from here. It was originally called Songhyunsan Mountain, which means a mountain with a view of the sea through a very thick pine tree forest.

The name was later changed to Yongdusan, meaning a mountain peak that is shaped like a dragon’s head, which used to protect this area from invaders arriving by ship. The park offers beautiful views of Busan Port and the surrounding areas. If you are in the area at sunset after a day strolling in the park, the night landscape from Busan tower is magnificent, so go check it out!

Yongdusan Park

Address: 37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan

Website: Yongdusan Park

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3. Gamcheon Cultural Village



Gamcheon Culture Village was formed by residential houses being built in a staircase like design on the seaside of a steep mountain, which has earned this area the nickname of “Machu Picchu of Busan.” There are many alley ways cutting through this small, tight knit community which are brightly decorated with colored murals and sculptures created by local residents. You can come here and take pictures year round, but be mindful that people do live here so they like to keep visiting hours from 9am to 5 or 6pm (year round).

Other things to enjoy in the area; the Gamcheon Cultural Village Information Center, a small museum dedicated to the cultural village’s history, an art shop, local cafes and restaurants and a workshop. If you wanted a tour of the area they do offer guides, but you must make reservations in advance; Korean speaking here: Cultural Tourism Explanation Guide: +82 517802177, and other languages here: Cultural Tourism Explanation Guide: +82 517802177.

Gamcheon Cultural Village

Address: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan

Website: Gamcheon Cultural Village

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4. Dongbaek Island

things to do with kids in portland | dongbaek island
Source: instagram


What used to be a beautiful island off the coast of Busan, is now a part of Busan’s mainland! This tourist attraction is completely free and open 10am to 5pm. Dongbaek Island is one of the most popular kid-friendly tourist attractions in Busan. Korea has multiple islands to its fame, but this one is famous for its dongbaek trees. It is a very small nature preserve and easy to access by foot, even with strollers or small children if you are staying in or visiting the Haeundae Beach area. You can walk there on foot from Haeundae Beach in less then 10 minutes!

At the top of the island, there is a statue and a monument of Choe Chi-Won, a scholar and writer during the previous Silla Kingdom. The island also has Dongbaek Park and a high statue of a mermaid near the beach, which many tourists can easily visit on their way to or from the beach.

Dongbaek Island

Address: U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Website: Dongbaek Island

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5. Sea Life Busan Aquarium


Known as the best aquarium in South Korea, The Busan Aquarium boasts over 35,000 species of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians. This newly updated facility is open year round, and for only 22 USD you can access the aquarium from open (10am) to close (8pm)! This is a great space for kids because it is three levels of nonstop action and also has an outdoor park for them to play on! On the first underground level is a souvenir shop and multiple places to grab a snack if you get hungry, while the second and third levels showcase the various exhibits and displays.

The third level contains the main underground sea tunnel, which holds more species of fish then we can count! The tunnel experience is just like walking along the ocean floor with many diverse sea creatures swimming above. This is the most popular area of the aquarium and is sure to amaze any visitor, from kids to adults. The simulator available for playing with on this floor can stimulate the imagination and provide a unique feeling of the life for sea creatures on the ocean floor. Sea Life Busan Aquarium is certainly one of the most fun places to visit with kids in Busan.

Sea Life Busan Aquarium

Address: 266, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Website: Sea Life Busan Aquarium

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The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Barry

6. Oryukdo Skywalk

Oryukdo Skywalk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user S099001 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Busan’s Oryukdo group of islands is an unmissable attraction for lovers of the sea. And the best place to be awed by this attraction’s magnificent view is at Oryukdo Skywalk, which your kids will love too. Perched against a cliff, this all-glass platform protrudes a couple of meters from the cliff, offering a breathtaking view of the waters beneath as well as the islands at a distance. Although the experience might be unnerving for those afraid of heights, it’s undoubtedly unforgettable. Visitors are allowed to spend just about five minutes on the bridge when there are lots of people so make sure you take loads of pictures of yourself and your kids against the stunning ocean backdrop.

Oryukdo Skywalk

Address: 137 Oryuk-doro, Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea

Website: Oryukdo Skywalk

Opening hours: 9am - 5:50pm (daily)

Price: free

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7. BIFF Square

BIFF Street at Evening
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ryan Bodenstein used under CC BY 2.0

Known as Busan’s movie district, BIFF Square is where movie aficionados troop to. Stretching about 428 meters (1400 feet), this street celebrates the Korean film industry and is a great place to get familiar with the country’s culture. Home to the eponymous Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), this district will captivate your kids’ attention with its pomp and color, and this is on a normal day. However, if you happen to visit during the festival, you’ll experience an extravaganza of music, films and food that should keep you on your toes throughout the day. Stroll through BIFF Square and spend time exploring the movie theaters as well as the dozens of stores and eateries that you can enjoy with your kids.

BIFF Square

Address: 58-1 Gudeok-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

Website: BIFF Square

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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8. Songjeong Beach

Songjeong Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrewssi2 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Escape the crowds and bring your kids to this small and tranquil beach. Not too far from the city center, Songjeong boasts amazing waves that attract beginner surfers. And its shallow waters are excellent for children who are eager to get themselves wet. If you love fishing, you can head to the northern side where there are dedicated fishing spots. Perhaps you’d love to take a boat tour? These are also offered at Songjeong. If you time your trip right, you might get to experience the Songjeong Beach Festival which is held around June each year. This beach is also the venue for the Harvest Full Moon Seaweed Festival.

Songjeong Beach

Address: 58-1 Songjeonggwangeogol-ro, Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Busan Citizens Park

Busan Citizens Park
Source: Needpix

Located a short train or bus ride away from the city center, Busan Citizens Park is more than just a picnic site. It’s a representation of the city’s love for nature; this explains the hundreds of flora species found in the park. Busan Citizens Park is a tranquil haven where locals love to chill out and you’ll definitely find this to be a welcome shift from the city’s boisterous nature. The massive real estate boasts a section of the Bujeoncheon and Jeonpocheon Streams that flow through here. A stroll in the park will also bring you past fountains and through forests in the nature park. Your kids will love the play areas - there are nine of these to choose from.

Busan Citizens Park

Address: 73 Simingongwon-ro, Beomjeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea

Website: Busan Citizens Park

Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)

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10. Songdo Cloud Trails

Songdo Cloud Trails
Source: Photo by Flickr user bryan... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

More popularly known as Songdo Skywalk, this trail snakes its way over Songdo Beach offering an elevated view, similar to Oryukdo Skywalk. However, unlike the latter, this one is made of a combination of wood and glass. The 365-meter-long (1200-foot) trail stretches from the rocky beach all the way to the ocean, with a lighthouse at the end. Songdo Cloud Trails will reward you with magnificent views of the sea, the perfect place to take some photos with your kids. Both the tranquillity and the sea views are enough reasons to visit this skywalk. However, if these aren’t enough, perhaps the chance to ride a cable car might change your mind.

Songdo Cloud Trails

Address: 129-4 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

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11. Songdo Marine Cable Car

Songdo Marine Cable Car
Source: Photo by Flickr user bryan... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This attraction prides itself on being the country’s very first cable car. However, its claim to fame are its glass-floor cars, 13 to be precise. Along with 26 regular cable cars, Songdo Marine offers an opportunity to view the vast land and seascape around Songdo Beach. Make your way to Songnim Park where the cable cars set off. The ride spans about a mile (1.6 km) over the waters and offers an uninterrupted view of the magnificent cliffs that your kids will surely love. The ride then terminates ar Amnam Park. To avoid long queues, consider visiting on weekdays to dodge to weekend crowds.

Songdo Marine Cable Car

Address: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea

Website: Songdo Marine Cable Car

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 9pm

Price: 8 USD onwards

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12. Busan Museum

Busan Museum at Day
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user neepster used under CC BY-SA 2.0

As you’d expect from any city museum, Busan Museum is a place to learn about Busan’s history and culture. First opened in 1978, this museum has, over the years, amassed a treasure trove of knowledge that’s at the disposal of all who visit. With three floors filled with ancient artifacts that date back to Prehistoric Age, you can expect your kids (and yourself) to learn loads about Busan’s history and that of the world too. The best part is that both admission and parking are free, offering access to everyone.

Busan Museum

Address: 63, UN pyeonghwa-ro, Nam-gu, Busan

Website: Busan Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm

Price: free

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13. Matchandeul Wang Sogeum Gui Seomyeon

Korean barbecue
Source: Pixabay

Allow your kids to experience Korean cuisine at this restaurant in Busan. This eatery is best known for its finger-licking barbecue with a fan-favorite being the pork belly. This being a popular joint, you’ll most likely have to wait a bit before you get a table. Thankfully, the restaurant’s organized waiting system ensures that walk-in customers don’t face too much of a hassle. Once seated, you’ll enjoy not just the pork but also some clay pot rice, which goes down well with their kimchi soup. Do note that you’re required to order a minimum of three meat selections, not a problem if you love meat. Moreover, you’ll get unlimited veggie sides to accompany the pork.

Matchandeul Wang Sogeum Gui Seomyeon

Address: 24-3 Jungang-daero 691beonga-gil, Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea

Opening hours: 11am - 1:30am (daily)

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Did you have an awesome time in Busan?

Dragon temple, Busan, South Korea
Source: Photo by user Anna L Martin used under CC BY 2.0

We hope these cultural and outdoor excursions made your trip memorable! Head over to our other articles on Busan if you are looking for a bite to eat or a place to stay for the weekend!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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I am originally from New Jersey, went to college in New York City, and have since lived in Chicago, Las Vegas, Sydney, Prague and now Daegu, South Korea. I love exploring new places, learning new...Read more

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