South Koreans do a LOT of things well including (but not limited to) their wild nightlife, mouthwatering street food and mesmerizing Buddhist templates. Busan does not disappoint in any of the above.
As South Korea’s second most populous city and number one tourist spot, Busan is known for its rich history, neon lights, vibrant nightlife and out-the-gate street food. Welcoming visitors from all over the world into loving arms, Busan will fill you with food and fun from the moment you arrive.
The city is located in the south of Korea and is home to DAZZLING beaches stretched all down the coast. With all the nature in Busan, this big city feels less overwhelming than the capital, Seoul.
But it is a massive and sprawling city, and choosing where to stay in Busan can be overwhelming. The best areas to stay in Busan are really dependent on you and what you want to see!
In this guide, I’m going to break down the top places to stay in this enchanting city and what makes each unique. To take it one step further, I’ve outlined the “can’t miss” activities in each area, so you’ll know exactly what to do when you hit the ground in Busan (you’re welcome, friend).
Let’s jump right to it and figure out which place is best for you!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Busan.
Apartment with ocean view | Best Airbnb in Busan
This apartment is located just a bit further than Nampo, but it’s very well connected to the metro lines. The Airbnb is so close to the ocean that you can even see the water from your window. The view is even cooler at night when the city starts to light up. You’re close to many shopping opportunities as well as restaurants, street food markets and cool attractions.
Jstay Gwangalli Beach | Best Hostel in Busan
Jstay Gwangalli Beach is our favourite hostel in Busan. It features comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free wifi and shared bathrooms. This bright and airy hostel is conveniently located near the beach as well as popular shopping, sightseeing and dining. Towels are also included with your reservation.
Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is from a good dorm room with good people. Book one of these sweet hostels in Busan and get ready for the time of your life!
Ark Blue Hotel Busan | Best Hotel in Busan
The Ark Blue Hotel gets our vote for the best hotel in Busan. It is centrally located in Haeundae and is an excellent base for travellers looking to drink, dance and party. This hotel has 96 modern rooms with stylish décor. They also offer free wifi, valet parking and a laundry service.
Busan Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Busan
Nampo
Nampo is our number one pick for the best neighbourhood in Busan to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time. This busy and bustling neighbourhood is located in central Busan.
Gwangalli
Gwangalli is a beautiful neighbourhood situated outside of the city centre. It’s just a short subway ride from the heart of the action and is where visitors can experience the tropical paradise that South Korea is famous for.
Haeundae
If you’re someone who likes to stay at the centre of the action, Haeundae is the neighbourhood for you! Situated on the northeastern edge of the city, Haeundae is our best recommendation for where to stay in Busan for nightlife.
Seomyeon
The Seomyeon neighbourhood is located in the centre of the city. This vivacious and vibrant area is known for its good selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and attractions.
Sasang
Sasang is one of the most overlooked neighbourhoods in Busan with most visitors opting for Busan accommodation closer to the city centre. But, for families, that can be a huge mistake!
Busan is a massive city.
It is located in southeastern South Korea and is the second most populous city after Seoul. Many South Korea visitors include Busan on their itineraries. An economic, cultural and educational centre, Busan is a dynamic and engaging city that enchants visitors with its rich history, beautiful beaches, energetic nightlife, and exquisite food.
This guide will explore the best places in Busan to stay based on what you want to do.
Nampo is located in the centre of the city. This lively and vibrant neighborhood is home to shopping, restaurants, nightlife and more. It’s where you’ll find the most popular and famous tourist attractions in the city, which is why it’s our number one choice for the best area in Busan to stay for your first visit.
Travel north from here and you’ll arrive in Seomyeon. One of the coolest places to stay in Busan, Seomyeon is where you’ll find the best street food and hottest hangouts.
Gwangalli is a busy and bustling neighborhood in eastern Busan. This hip and happening seaside district offers a relaxed vibe and atmosphere and is where you’ll find a good selection of affordable accommodations. It’s also our top pick for where to stay in Busan for one night because there’s so much to see and enjoy.
On the eastern edge of the city is Haeundae, the best neighborhood to stay in Busan for nightlife. This vivacious district is home to the best bars, clubs and pubs in Busan and offers a range of after-dark fun.
And finally, on the western side of the city is the lively yet relaxed neighborhood of Sasang. Our best recommendation for where to stay in Busan for families, Sasang is a district packed with natural attractions, outdoor activities, and plenty of delicious things to eat.
Busan’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best places to stay in Busan.
#1 Nampo – Where to Stay in Busan for Your First Time
Nampo is our number one pick for the best neighborhood in Busan to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time.
This busy and bustling neighborhood is located in central Busan. It is known for its neon light, mouthwatering restaurants and as the home of the city’s succulent and unmissable street food scene. If you’re someone who likes to eat well, Nampo is the perfect neighborhood for you!
But there’s more to Nampo than lights and fire. This vibrant neighborhood is also packed with history and culture. Here you can step back in time and experience South Korea’s rich and tragic history, as well as explore its culture and chaos – basically, a lot of the Busan places to visit are located nearby.
Things to See and Do in Nampo
- Browse the shops at Gukje Market.
- Climb to the top of Busan Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Delve deep into the history of the city at the Busan Modern History Museum.
- Explore the lively and vibrant BIFF Square.
- Feast on amazing dishes at Kong Bat Eh.
- Indulge in delicious local delicacies, like spicy tteokbokki, ggom jangeo, and ssiat hotteok.
- Shop, snack and sample your way through the bustling Jagalchi Market.
- Treat yourself to a few new items from Gwanbokro Culture and Fashion Street.
Apartment with ocean view | Best Airbnb in Nampo
This apartment is located just a bit further than Nampo, but it’s very well connected to the metro lines. The Airbnb is so close to the ocean that you can even see the water from your window. The view is even cooler at night when the city starts to light up. You’re close to many shopping opportunities as well as restaurants, street food markets and cool attractions.
Hostel The Local | Best Hostel in Nampo
This modern hostel is one of the best places in Busan to stay. It has an incredible location at the heart of the city and offers easy access to Busan’s top tourist attractions. Rooms are clean and well-equipped with comfortable beds. Fresh coffee is also available each morning.
Stanford Inn Busan | Best Hotel in Nampo
The Stanford Inn is a comfortable hotel in Busan city centre. It is just a few minutes walk from notable landmarks and attractions, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. This three-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms and provides bottled water and a shuttle service.
Hotel Foret Premier Nampo | Best Hotel in Nampo
This four-star hotel is ideally located in Nampo, the best neighborhood in Busan to stay in for sightseeing. It is close to popular attractions like Busan Tower and is a quick walk to Gukje Market. They provide air-conditioned rooms with a pillow menu and plenty of modern amenities.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 Gwangalli – Where to Stay in Busan on a Budget
Gwangalli is a beautiful neighborhood situated outside of the city centre. It’s just a short subway ride from the heart of the action and is where visitors can experience the tropical paradise that South Korea is famous for. In Gwangalli you can enjoy a pristine white sand beach and sun-filled days while meeting relaxed and social expats and locals.
This hip and happening ‘hood is also our top pick for the best area in Busan to stay in if you’re on a budget. Tucked throughout this seaside district are a great selection of backpacker hostels and good-value hotels. From cheap and cheerful to stylish and modern, there’s something for travellers of all tastes in Gwangalli.
Things to See and Do in Gwangalli
- Drink incredible coffee at Angel-in-us.
- Enjoy a delicious brunch at Caffe Primo.
- Excite your sense with Mexican fare at Sharky’s Bar and Grill.
- Grab a few drinks at Beached Café.
- Indulge in local dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi and japchae.
- Rest, relax and soak up some rays on Gwangalli Beach.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Bing Bing Bing.
- See an interesting collection of art at Doshi Gallery.
- Sip tasty cocktails at Bong G.
- Watch the exciting and lively light show that illuminates Gwangandaegyo (Diamond Bridge).
Jstay Gwangalli Beach | Best Hostel in Gwangalli
Jstay Gwangalli Beach is our favourite hostel in Busan. It features comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free wifi and shared bathrooms. This bright and airy hostel is conveniently located near the beach as well as popular shopping, sightseeing and dining. Towels are also included with your reservation. Once you’ve booked your stay, plan your trip using our Busan itinerary!
Cheap condo with great style | Best Airbnb in Gwangalli
This beautiful little studio is way more than you’d expect for the nightly price. Modern design, clean and with a comfortable bed, you’ll be more than happy during your stay. You’re only moments away from the beach. There are also lots of great nightlife, drinking and eating options around you since the area is very popular amongst travellers. Experience it yourself – it’s worth it!
Hotel 1 Busan | Best Hotel in Gwangalli
Hotel 1 Busan is set in Gwangalli, one of Busan’s best neighborhoods. This charming two-star property is close to the beach and allows for easy access to restaurants, shops and bars. It is comprised of 167 rooms with a range of contemporary features. You’ll also enjoy free wifi and breakfast each morning.
Dawn Beach Hotel | Best Hotel in Gwangalli
The Dawn Beach Hotel is an excellent option for Busan accommodation if you’re on a budget because it provides a comfortable setting at a great price. Rooms have modern décor, private bathrooms, air conditioning and bottled water. Guests can also enjoy dining at the on-site restaurants.
#3 Haeundae – Where to Stay in Busan for Nightlife
If you’re someone who likes to stay at the centre of the action, Haeundae is the neighborhood for you!
Situated on the northeastern edge of the city, Haeundae is our best recommendation for where to stay in Busan for nightlife. The city’s dedicated entertainment district, Haeundae is packed is lively bars, exciting clubs, incredible restaurants and laid-back pubs. So, whether you want to dance the night away or sip a glass of wine by the seaside, Haeundae has everything you could possibly want – and so much more!
Haeundae is also one of the best places to stay in Busan if you’re looking to shop until you drop because it has vibrant city markets, high street boutiques and high-quality shops to experience and explore.
Things to See and Do in Haeundae
- Dance the night away at Club Kudeta.
- Drink draught beer at Peter’s Pub.
- Enjoy a night of drinks and games at Thursday Party.
- Excite your senses with a flurry of flavours by trying local dishes like dwaeji gukbap, milmyeon, and samgyeopsal.
- Grab a pint at Wolfhound Irish Pub & Restaurant.
- Listen to excellent loud music at Club Babau.
- Party until dawn at Billie Jean.
- Sample local craft brews from Galmegi Brewing.
- Sip excellent cocktails at Papa’s Bar.
- Try local street food and seafood at Haeundae Market.
- Work on your tan at Haeundae Beach, the most famous beach in South Korea.
Citadines Haeundae Busan | Best Hotel in Haeundae
This four-star hotel can be found in one of the best areas to stay in Busan. It is just steps from Haeundae Beach and Market and is surrounded by great bistros, bars and cocktail lounges. Rooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, kitchenettes and private balconies.
White studio close to nightlife | Best Airbnb in Haeundae
Come back home from a great night out and enjoy the clean, timeless and modern of this incredible Airbnb. Want your own space and a comfy bed to cure your hangover? No problem! You’ll have the apartment to yourself, no need to share with other roommates. The area around you is ideal if you want to experience the nightlife, with lively and busy streets, great food options and amazing bars.
With Guesthouse | Best Hostel in Haeundae
This excellent property is located at the heart of Haeundae, the best area in Busan to stay in for nightlife. You’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants nearby, as well as options for sightseeing and shopping. This property provides comfortable dorms with privacy curtains and a variety of modern features.
Ark Blue Hotel Busan | Best Hotel in Haeundae
The Ark Blue Hotel gets our vote for the best hotel in Busan. It is centrally located in Haeundae and is an excellent base for travellers looking to drink, dance and party. This hotel has 96 modern rooms with stylish décor. They also offer free wifi, valet parking and a laundry service.
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Grab an eSIM!#4 Seomyeon – Coolest Place to Stay in Busan
The Seomyeon neighborhood is located in the centre of the city. This vivacious and vibrant area is known for its good selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and attractions. It offers a great mix of nightlife and history, as well as shopping and culture. And, although it can be a bit touristy, Seomyeon wins our vote as one of the coolest places to stay in Busan.
Seomyeon is home to some of the hippest hangouts in the city. Visitors may be attracted by its bright lights and lively atmosphere but it’s the neighborhoods’ delicious food and intriguing landmarks that keep them coming back for more!
Things to See and Do in Seomyeon
- Browse the shops and stalls at Shinsegae Centum City, the largest shopping complex in the world.
- Dance the night away to the latest songs at Club Fix.
- Excite your taste buds by eating your way through Seomyeon Food Alley.
- Explore the Bujeong Market where you’ll find a great selection of traditional foods, spices, treats and more.
- Go for a stroll through Busan Citizens Park.
- Pick up a souvenir or two from the Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center.
- Shop until you drop at Lotte Mall Dong Busan, the biggest and best mall in Busan.
- Sip, sample and shop your way along lively, vibrant and thrilling Jeonpo Café Street.
Ibis Ambassador Busan City Centre | Best Hotel in Seomyeon
The Ibis Ambassador is conveniently located in Seomyeon. It is a short walk from world-class shopping and there are plenty of dining, nightlife and sightseeing options nearby. This modern hotel provides comfortable beds, cosy rooms, and a myriad of excellent features.
Busan Business Hotel | Best Hotel in Seomyeon
This fantastic three-star hotel has a great location in Busan. It is close to world-class shopping and is ideally situated for sightseeing, dining and hitting the town at night. This hotel boasts a range of features, like an on-site coffee bar, and guests can enjoy free wifi throughout their stay.
Convenient studio with style | Best Airbnb in Seomyeon
If you’re looking forward to exploring one of the coolest areas in Busan, you might as well just find a place to stay right in the middle of it. This little apartment is 3min away from the Seomyeon station. There you can find shops, sick street food options, attractions and very lively streets (especially at night). The apartment is on the 21st floor so you’ll even have a spectacular view.
BnB Busan Guesthouse Hostel | Best Hostel in Seomyeon
This charming property provides comfortable Busan accommodation in the coolest neighborhood in town. It has three types of rooms each with comfortable beds and modern features. A delicious and filling breakfast is also included with each reservation at this safe and cosy hostel.
#5 Sasang – Where to Stay in Busan for Families
Sasang is one of the most overlooked neighborhoods in Busan with most visitors opting for Busan accommodation closer to the city centre. But, for families, that can be a huge mistake!
Located on Busan’s western edge, Sasang is a lively residential neighborhood, and our top pick for where to stay in Busan with kids. This area is brimming with parks and nature reserves making it the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to rest, relax or explore the green heart of the city.
Serene river walks, peaceful hikes and seasonal cherry blossom spotting are just a few of the great activities that Sasang has to offer.
Things to See and Do in Sasang
- Aim for a strike at PBA Bowling.
- Eat delicious dishes at Gobong Min Gimbap in.
- Enjoy a day of sun, sand and surf at Dadaepo Beach.
- Go cherry blossom spotting and snap those every so popular pics for the ‘gram.
- See an excellent collection of art, sculpture, design and more at the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan.
- Spend a day exploring Sasang Neighborhood Park, a relaxing urban green space with a children’s park, slides, bouncing bubbles and plenty of things to climb.
- Take a day trip to nearby Gamcheon Culture Village and enjoy the stunning scenery and charm.
- Visit Samrak Ecological Park.
Hotel O Happy | Best Motel in Sasang
This motel is ideally located in Sasang. It is close to public transit, the airport and the train station and is well-connected throughout Busan. This motel offers comfortable and spacious rooms with excellent features at an affordable price. There’s also free wifi and on-site parking.
Premium AVA Hotel | Best Hotel in Sasang
The Premium AVA Hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Busan with kids. This modern hotel has comfortable rooms with free wifi and flat-screen TVs. There’s also a great selection of on-site amenities, like a Jacuzzi and a sauna.
Sense Motel | Best Hotel in Sasang
The Sense Motel is a convenient base for exploring Busan. It is located in Sasang and is a short drive from popular attractions like BIFF Square and the Jagalchi Market. This two-star property offers air-conditioned and comfortable rooms with coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and bottled water. Guests can also enjoy a variety of amenities nearby.
Big and modern family home | Best Airbnb in Sasang
Family holiday in South Korea? Heck yeah! If you want to bring your relatives with you, this Airbnb is the perfect home for you and your folks. Fitting up to 10 people, you can be sure that you’ll never have a boring minute at this place. There are lots of bus/metro stops around you, so it’ll be super easy to get around and explore the rest of the city.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Busan
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Busan and where to stay.
What To Pack For Busan
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Busan
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Busan
Busan is an incredible city with so much to offer visitors. With its rich history, diverse culture, vivid nightlife, flavourful food, and pristine beaches, Busan is most certainly worth your travel time and your hard-earned travel dollars.
In this Busan neighborhood guide, we’ve looked at the five best neighborhoods to stay in. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here is a recap:
Jstay Gwangalli Beach is our favourite hostel because it has comfortable and air-conditioned rooms with towels included. It also has an unbeatable location near Gwangalli beach, and there’s plenty of shopping, dining and sightseeing nearby.
Another option is the Ark Blue Hotel Busan. This fantastic hotel is in Busan’s entertainment district and offers easy access to bars, clubs and restaurants. It has modern rooms with stylish décor and a selection of great services.
While South Korea can be very safe, it’s super important to make sure you get travel insurance!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around South Korea.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Busan.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Busan to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Busan is a great way to maximise your time.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
