Busan in winter is a magical experience—crisp ocean air, breath-taking coastal views, and a quieter, more peaceful vibe compared to the bustling summer months. From exploring scenic train rides along the coast to indulging in fresh seafood and hearty local dishes, every day in Busan was filled with new adventures and delicious discoveries.
We booked a trip to Busan in January 2025 to celebrate Y’s 2 year old & last flight as a lap-infant From aquariums to museum and cozy street food markets, we spent 6D5N trip in Busan! Since it was winter and the temperature was between of -10 to 5, we didn’t spend a lot of time outdoor. I will save the temple and beach visit for the future! If you are looking for ideas on where to bring your little ones during winter, do read more!
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our 6-day Busan itinerary, packed with travel tips, must-visit spots, and of course, the best food finds!
Read Essential Busan Travel Guide: Tips on Transport, Money, SIM Cards & More here
Read more on travelling with baby here
Trip Summary
Day 1: Arrived in Busan - check in Paradise Hotel - SEA LIFE Aquarium - Haeundae Beach
Day 2: Blueline Park, Haeundae Market &
Day 3: Maritime Museum , BIFF, Jagalchi Fish Market, LOTTE Mart/ Department Store
Day 4 : Busan Science Center, Gamcheon Culture Village
Day 5: Bujeon Market, Jeonpo Cafe Street, and LOTTE Department Store
Day 1: Arrival, Haeundae Beach & Seafood Delights
Checking into Paradise Hotel Busan
We arrived in Busan early in the morning, excited to begin our winter adventure. Our first stop was Paradise Hotel Busan, a luxurious, family-friendly hotel situated right by Haeundae Beach. The hotel offers stunning ocean views, top-notch facilities, and a relaxing hot spring spa—perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. Unfortunately, our rooms weren’t ready yet, so we left our luggage at the front desk and set out to explore.
Read more about our experience in Paradise Hotel Busan Here
Brunch at 소공동순두부
For our first meal in Busan, we headed to 소공동순두부, a cozy and well-known restaurant specializing in sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew). This dish is a Korean comfort food staple, made with silky tofu simmered in a rich, spicy broth, often accompanied by seafood, pork, or beef. The restaurant’s version stood out for its incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth tofu and deep, flavorful broth.
While it wasn’t the most affordable sundubu we’ve had, the quality and taste made it worth every won. The meal was served with an assortment of banchan (Korean side dishes), including kimchi, pickled radish, and marinated seaweed, adding a delightful variety to the experience.
Address: 1396-58 Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Exploring Haeundae SEA LIFE Aquarium
After our satisfying meal, we made our way to Haeundae SEA LIFE Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Korea. The ocean tunnel was an absolute highlight, offering a 360-degree view of marine life swimming all around us—sharks, stingrays, and schools of colorful fish glided effortlessly through the water.
Another exciting section was the touch pools, where visitors could interact with sea creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers. Y especially loved the penguin exhibit, where the playful little birds waddled and swam with surprising speed.
Tip: If you want an even more immersive experience, check the feeding schedule for special animal interactions! We manage to catch the mermaid show while we were there! We bought our discounted Sea Life Aquarium here
Afternoon Stroll Along Haeundae Beach
After an eventful morning, we returned to the hotel to rest and recharge. In the late afternoon, we took a leisurely stroll along Haeundae Beach, which looked completely different in winter compared to its summer counterpart. The crisp winter breeze, soft golden sands, and gentle waves created a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere. Without the usual summer crowds, we could fully appreciate the vastness of the ocean and the city skyline in the background.
Dinner at Heamakkin Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce-Marinated Crab)
For dinner, we visited Heamakkin Ganjang Gejang, a famous seafood restaurant in Busan. If you love seafood, this is a must-try spot for ganjang gejang (soy sauce-marinated raw crab). The crab meat was incredibly tender and soaked up the deep umami flavors of the soy sauce marinade, making each bite a delight.
Since H isn’t a fan of raw crab, we opted for a steaming hot crab stew with squid, which turned out to be the perfect dish for the chilly evening. The broth was rich, spicy, and packed with the natural sweetness of the crab and squid, warming us up instantly. The best part? I get to finish all the crab myself! The restaurant staff were incredibly friendly, making the dining experience even better.
Heamakkin Ganjang Gejang
Address: 24, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 298beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Day 2: Blueline Park, Coastal Views & Haeundae Market
Riding the Beach Train & Sky Capsule
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Blueline Park, a scenic railway that runs along Busan’s stunning coastline. We boarded the Beach Train from Mipo Station to Daritdol, taking in the gorgeous ocean views and charming seaside villages along the way.
One of the highlights was visiting the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, a glass-bottomed viewing platform extending over the sea. Standing on transparent glass with waves crashing below was both thrilling and mesmerising!
Next, we took the Sky Capsule, a colorful mini-train that runs on an elevated track above the coastline. The slow pace allowed us to fully soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and rocky shores.
Tip: If you’re planning to take the Sky Capsule, we recommend boarding at Cheongsapo Station instead of Mipo Station, as the queues tend to be shorter. More details here
Blueline Park
Address: 116, Cheongsapo-ro, Haeundae-gu
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Coffee Break at DIART Coffee
After our scenic ride, we stopped by DIART Coffee, a cozy seaside café known for its artisanal coffee and handcrafted desserts. We tried their signature hand-drip coffee, which had a rich, smooth flavor, and paired it with a slice of their popular cheesecake. The warm café setting, combined with the sound of waves crashing outside, made for an incredibly relaxing experience.
DIART Coffee
Address: 12 Cheongsapo-ro 128beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Exploring Haeundae Market
In the afternoon, we visited Haeundae Market, a traditional market filled with local vendors selling fresh seafood, street food, and souvenirs. We indulged in ssiathotteok (seed-filled pancakes), which were slightly crisp on the outside and filled with a sweet, nutty filling. Another must-try was tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), which had a slightly different flavor compared to those in Seoul—more savory. Perhaps we were a little early, there were not much shop open or crowd there.
Haeundae Market
Address: Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
We visited Matchandeul Wang Sogeumgui, A highly-rated spot for premium Korean barbecue, this restaurant is a must-visit for meat lovers. This restaurant specializes in grilled pork belly (sogeumgui) with a focus on high-quality, thick cuts of meat. The pork is seasoned simply with salt, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Oyster is really good and fresh too! The restaurants have several outlets, the one visited is located at Seomyeong
Matchandeul Wang Sogeumgui
24-3 Jungang-daero 691beonga-gil, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
Daily 11:30 am–11 pm
Day 3: Maritime Museum, BIFF Square & Jagalchi Fish Market
Exploring the National Maritime Museum
We started our morning at the Busan Maritime Museum, a must-visit for anyone interested in Korea’s rich naval history and marine culture. The museum features interactive exhibits, ship models, and even a small aquarium showcasing various marine species.
One of the highlights was the outdoor ship display, where we got up close to real vessels used in Korea’s maritime industry. Y especially enjoyed the hands-on exhibits and other fun activities.
National Maritime Museum
Address: 45 Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Gujek Market & Traditional Tofu Stew
Next, we made our way to Gujek Market, a hidden gem for authentic local food. Unlike the more touristy markets, Gujek Market has a laid-back, traditional charm. We had lunch at Dolgorae Sundubu (豆腐), a small family-run restaurant famous for its sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew). What made this place special was their homemade tofu, which had a silky-smooth texture and absorbed the broth’s deep, umami flavors perfectly. The warm stew was exactly what we needed to fight the winter chill.
Dolgorae Sundubu
Address: 15 Junggu-ro 40beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
BIFF Square: Busan’s Movie Street & Street Food Heaven
After lunch, we headed to BIFF Square, the heart of Busan’s film and street food scene. Named after the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), this area is famous for its star handprints, neon lights, and bustling street food vendors. A must-try was tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), served with a deep-fried twist. The street food here has a slightly different taste compared to Seoul—spicier and richer in flavor.
Jagalchi Fish Market: Korea’s Largest Seafood Market
From BIFF Square, we took a short walk to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market. The market was a feast for the senses—live seafood tanks, colorful fish stalls, and vendors loudly calling out their daily catches.
What makes this market unique is that you can buy fresh seafood on the first floor and have it cooked at one of the restaurants on the second floor. We didn’t have a full meal here but enjoyed watching locals haggle for giant crabs, fresh sashimi, and abalone.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Address: 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Dinner at Anmok (Y’s Favorite Restaurant!)
In the evening, we visited Anmok, a Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant known for its unique take on dwaeji-gukbap (pork soup with rice). The broth was thick, flavorful, and packed with deep umami goodness, perfect for warming up on a chilly night. Plus, the staff was friendly! Y loved the dish so much that we ended up eating here three nights in a row! That alone speaks volumes about how good it was.
Anmok
Address: 14 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin District, Busan
Day 4: Busan Science Center & Gamcheon Culture Village
Morning at Busan Science Center
We spent the morning at Busan Science Center, an interactive museum filled with hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and science experiments. The center has three floors of exhibits, but we only managed to explore two before it closed for lunch break.
Y had an amazing time testing out space simulations, physics experiments, and robotic displays. The staff were incredibly friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Busan Science Center
Address: 11 Jungang-daero 260beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9:30 am–12 pm, 2–4:30 pm (Closed Mondays)
Lunch at Sinbalwon – Famous Dumpling Spot
For lunch, we headed to Sinbalwon, a highly-rated dumpling restaurant. We queued for 30 minutes, expecting a meal that would blow us away. However, while the dumplings were good, they didn’t quite live up to the hype. The skin was a bit thicker than we preferred, and the flavors were mild compared to other places we’ve tried.
Sinbalwon
Address: 62 Daeyeong-ro 243beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Opening Hours: 11 am–9 pm, closed on Tuesday
Exploring Gamcheon Culture Village
In the afternoon, we visited Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful hillside neighborhood known for its vibrant murals, art installations, and quirky cafés. Originally a poor refugee settlement, the village was transformed into a cultural hotspot, making it one of Busan’s most Instagram-worthy places.
There are hidden photo spots scattered throughout the village, so getting a map at the entrance is a great idea. However, Google Maps was our best friend in navigating the winding alleys!
Gamcheon Culture Village
Address: 10, Gamcheon 2-gil, Saha-gu
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Dinner at Jejuga
Jejuga is a well-known restaurant in Busan, specializing in fresh seafood and traditional Korean dishes, particularly abundant seafood platters and sashimi. The restaurant is famous for its haemul-tang (spicy seafood stew) and hoe (Korean-style raw fish) as well as abalone porridge, both of which highlight the region’s freshest catches. We tried the abalone porridge and sadly we find it mediocre and prefer the one in seoul
Day 5: Bujeon Market, Jeonpo Café Street & Shopping Spree
Breakfast
Visited Yeongja Myeonok for kalguksu (knife-cut noodles). The freshly made noodles have a soft yet slightly chewy texture, perfectly absorbing the warm, comforting soup Other than Kalguksu, H ordered the jajangmyeong and it did not disappoint. The portion are generous too! The fast and friendly service makes this spot ideal to enjoy a traditional Korean noodle and the perfect meal in this weather!
영자면옥 손칼국수 본점
Address: 29 Saessak-ro 8beon-gil, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
Daily 7:30am - 8pm
Morning at Bujeon Market
On our last full day in Busan, we visited Bujeon Market, one of the city’s largest traditional markets. Compared to Jagalchi Market, this place had a more local feel, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to dried seafood and Korean snacks. We bought dried persimmon, dried seafood and etc
Bujeon Market
Address: 35, Bujeon-ro, Busanjin-gu
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Jeonpo Café Street – Busan’s Trendy Coffee Scene
Jeonpo Café Street is a trendy district filled with Instagrammable cafés. We even visited a hair salon. We stopped by Old Mont Bagel and it did not disappoint. It is a minimalist coffee shop for a relaxing break and enjoyed a for bagel and coffee. Staff was very friendly too! Only downside is there are limited seating area.
OLD MONT Bagel Busan
Address: 58 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
LOTTE Department Store Busan Main
In the late afternoon, we visited Lotte Department store for last minutes shopping as mega mart are closed on Ttuesday. We went straight to food hall and bought snacks and pastry.
Dinner at Heeyanae Seoksoe Jukkumi (Grilled Baby Octopus)
For our final dinner, we tried Heeyanae Seoksoe Jukkumi, a restaurant specializing in spicy, charcoal-grilled baby octopus. The octopus was smoky, tender, and packed with bold flavors—an incredible way to end our trip.
Heeyanae Seoksoe Jukkumi
Address: 25-3 Jungang-daero 691beonga-gil, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
Opening Hours: 5 pm–12 am , closed on Sunday
Day 6: Departure to Singapore
Our return flight to Singapore was scheduled for 7 AM, which meant an early morning departure from our hotel. Booking a taxi via K-ride was quick and hassle-free, and the journey to Gimhae International Airport took around 30 minutes with minimal traffic.
However, we highly recommend setting off early, as the airport was unexpectedly crowded, even at dawn. The check-in and security lines were longer than expected, likely due to peak travel times and additional winter travel precautions. If you have an early flight, arriving at least 2 to 2.5 hours in advance is ideal to ensure a stress-free departure.
Travel Tips for Visiting Busan with Kids in January 2025
1. Supermarkets Are Closed on Mondays
If you plan on stocking up on groceries or local snacks, take note that big supermarkets in Busan are now closed on Mondays, following a policy change in May 2024. Previously, closures were on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, but this has been adjusted to Mondays instead.
Alternative: Convenience stores like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven remain open 24/7, so you can still grab essentials.
2. The Airport Is Not Fully Covered – Prepare for Cold Transfers, Unlike some international airports with fully enclosed terminals, Gimhae International Airport requires passengers to take a shuttle bus from certain areas to the main terminal.
Tip: If you are traveling in winter, make sure to keep your winter coat, gloves, and scarves easily accessible in your carry-on. The short walk from the shuttle bus to the terminal can feel much colder than expected, especially if there is wind chill.
3.Prepare for Sudden Weather Changes
While Busan’s average winter temperature ranges from 0°C to 10°C, it can drop significantly lower depending on the year. When we visited, it was one of the coldest Januaries in Busan, with temperatures plunging to -10°C on some nights.
Overall, Busan in winter offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, cultural experiences, and incredible food, making it a fantastic off-season destination. While the city is famous for its beaches and summer festivals, experiencing Busan in the cold season reveals a serene, less crowded, and equally enchanting side of Korea.
Although this journey focused on indoor experiences, we are already planning a return visit in another season to see Busan in full bloom during spring or vibrant energy during summer.
If you’re planning to visit Busan with kids in winter, keeping these travel tips in mind will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Whether you’re indulging in warm street food, taking in the scenic coastal views, or hopping between cozy cafés, Busan in winter is an adventure worth experiencing.
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