What is Haeundae?
Haeundae is a representative tourist destination located in Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea, known for its world-famous Haeundae Beach as well as various tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping destinations.
Introduction to Location and Characteristics
Haeundae is located in Haeundae-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, at the point where the elegant beach and Mt. Geumjeongsan meet. It boasts the longest beach in South Korea and is a popular destination for tourists both domestically and internationally.
Tourist Attractions in Haeundae
Haeundae Beach
Location and Characteristics Introduction
Tourist attractions in Haeundae
Haeundae Beach
Dongbaek Island
Haeundae Marine City
Gwangalli Beach
Food and Dining
Recommended Haeundae restaurants
Haemultang (spicy seafood soup) and Haemuljjim (steamed shellfish)
Shopping
Shinsegae Department Store Haeundae Branch
Lotte Department Store Haeundae Branch
Haeundae Market
Travel Tips
Transportation Guide
Accommodation Recommendations
Recommended Activities by Season
Dongbaek Island
Dongbaek Island is a small island located at the southern end of Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea. The island is famous for its natural beauty and historical significance. Here are some key points to know about Dongbaek Island:
- Location: Dongbaek Island is located at the southern end of Haeundae Beach, in the Haeundae-gu district of Busan.
- History: Dongbaek Island has a long and storied history, dating back to the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). According to legend, a princess named Hwangok used to live on the island and pick camellia flowers there.
- Camellia Forest: Today, Dongbaek Island is known for its beautiful camellia forest, which blooms in the winter months. The forest is home to more than 70 different varieties of camellia trees.
- Haeundae Lighthouse: At the top of the island, you'll find the Haeundae Lighthouse, which was first built in 1903. The lighthouse has a fascinating history, and visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- APEC House: Also located on Dongbaek Island is the APEC House, a former conference center used during the 2005 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Today, the building is open to the public as a cultural center, with exhibits on the history of the APEC summit and the island itself.
- Coastal Walk: The island is surrounded by a beautiful coastal walk that takes visitors around the perimeter of the island. The walk offers stunning views of the ocean and Haeundae Beach, and is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Overall, Dongbaek Island is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Haeundae Beach. Its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance make it a fascinating and memorable place to
Haeundae Marine City
Haeundae Marine City is a modern urban development located in the Haeundae District of Busan, South Korea. It features a collection of high-rise residential and commercial buildings, including luxury apartments, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. The area is known for its upscale atmosphere and beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Many tourists visit Haeundae Marine City to enjoy its trendy cafes and restaurants, as well as to experience the vibrant nightlife scene. The area is also a popular spot for events and festivals throughout the year.
Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach is a popular beach located in the Gwangan-dong neighborhood of Busan, South Korea. The beach is known for its beautiful white sand, clear blue water, and stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge. It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Gwangalli Beach is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal or a drink with friends. In the evening, the beach comes alive with a beautiful light show that illuminates the bridge and the surrounding area. Gwangalli Beach is a must-visit attraction for tourists visiting Busan.
Delicious Food and Restaurants
Recommended Restaurants in Haeundae
There are many great restaurants in Haeundae, offering a wide range of Korean and international cuisine. Here are some recommended restaurants to try:
- Geumryong: This Korean restaurant is famous for its delicious seafood dishes, including grilled fish, sashimi, and seafood stews.
- Mom's Touch: This fast-food chain is a great option for a quick and tasty meal. Their signature dish is the crispy chicken burger.
- Gogung: Gogung is a popular Korean restaurant known for its traditional Korean dishes, including bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi stew.
- Ganga Haeundae: This Indian restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Indian dishes, including curry, biryani, and tandoori chicken.
- Butcher's Cut: This steakhouse serves high-quality cuts of meat, including wagyu beef, and offers a sophisticated dining experience.
- La Stella: This Italian restaurant is known for its delicious pizzas and pasta dishes, as well as its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Sulbing: Sulbing is a popular Korean dessert cafe chain that serves a variety of bingsu (shaved ice dessert) flavors, including green tea, strawberry, and chocolate.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Haeundae. Be sure to explore the area to discover even more delicious dining
Haemuljjim and Haemultang, Spicy Seafood Stew
Haemuljjim and haemultang are both popular spicy seafood stews in Korean cuisine. Haemuljjim, also known as spicy steamed seafood, is made by steaming a variety of seafood, such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid, in a spicy sauce made with chili pepper flakes, garlic, and soy sauce. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and side dishes, such as kimchi and pickled vegetables.
Haemultang, on the other hand, is a spicy seafood hot pot that is cooked at the table. The ingredients can vary, but typically include a variety of seafood, such as crab, shrimp, clams, and squid, as well as vegetables like onion, scallions, and mushrooms. The broth is made with gochujang (Korean chili pepper paste), gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes), garlic, and soy sauce, among other ingredients. The stew is served boiling hot and is typically eaten with rice and side dishes.
Both haemuljjim and haemultang are hearty, flavorful dishes that are perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy spicy food. They are commonly found at seafood restaurants and markets in Korea, including those in Haeundae, which is known for its fresh seafood.
Shopping
Shinsegae Department Store Haeundae Branch
Shinsegae Department Store is a well-known and respected retail chain in South Korea, and the Haeundae branch is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the area. The store is located in the heart of Haeundae and offers a wide range of products, from luxury fashion brands to everyday items.
The department store is divided into different sections, including men's and women's fashion, cosmetics, home appliances, and gourmet food. Visitors can find high-end designer brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, as well as popular Korean brands like Bean Pole and MLB.
In addition to shopping, the store also has a wide variety of dining options, including a food court and several restaurants serving Korean and international cuisine. The top floor of the department store features an observatory deck, offering a panoramic view of Haeundae beach and the surrounding area.
Overall, the Shinsegae Department Store Haeundae Branch is a must-visit for shoppers and travelers looking for a high-quality shopping experience in Busan.
Lotte Department Store Haeundae Branch
The Lotte Department Store Haeundae Branch is another popular shopping destination in Busan. It is located in the Haeundae Centum City complex, which is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the world.
The department store offers a wide range of products, including luxury fashion brands, cosmetics, home appliances, and gourmet food. It also has a large selection of Korean products, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
One of the highlights of the Lotte Department Store Haeundae Branch is its impressive food court, which features a wide variety of Korean and international cuisine. It also has several restaurants serving Korean BBQ, sushi, and other types of cuisine.
In addition to shopping and dining, the department store also has a cinema complex, an ice skating rink, and an aquarium. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top floor of the store.
Overall, the Lotte Department Store Haeundae Branch is a great place to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in Busan.
Haeundae Market
Haeundae Market is a bustling traditional market located in the heart of Haeundae, offering a unique shopping and cultural experience for visitors. The market has a history that dates back over 50 years and is one of the largest traditional markets in Busan.
The market features hundreds of stalls selling a variety of goods, including fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, clothing, souvenirs, and traditional Korean snacks. It's a great place to explore and experience the local culture and to pick up some unique souvenirs.
One of the must-try items at Haeundae Market is the ssiat hotteok, a popular Korean street food. It's a type of pancake filled with seeds and nuts and is served hot and fresh from the vendor's cart.
Aside from shopping and eating, the market is also a great place to observe the daily life of the locals. The vibrant atmosphere and colorful displays of goods make it a fun and memorable experience.
Overall, Haeundae Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic Korean traditional market experience in Busan.
Travel Tips
Transportation Guide
- Subway: The Haeundae Station on Line 2 of the Busan Subway is located right in the heart of Haeundae. You can take the subway to various attractions in the area.
- Bus: There are several buses that run through Haeundae. You can take the city bus or the intercity bus to get to your destination.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Haeundae. You can easily hail a taxi on the street or find one at a taxi stand.
- Car rental: If you want more flexibility in your travels, consider renting a car. There are several car rental companies in the area.
- Bicycle: Bicycles are available for rent at various locations around Haeundae. It's a great way to explore the area and get some exercise at the same time.
It's important to note that Haeundae can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, so public transportation or walking may be your best bet for getting around.
Recommended Accommodations
Here are some recommended accommodations in Haeundae:
- Park Hyatt Busan
- Paradise Hotel Busan
- Shilla Stay Haeundae
- Novotel Ambassador Busan
- Haeundae Grand Hotel
These hotels are located in convenient locations with easy access to the beach, shopping, and dining areas. They also offer various amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants to ensure a comfortable stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Here are some recommended accommodations in Haeundae:
- Park Hyatt Busan
- Paradise Hotel Busan
- Shilla Stay Haeundae
- Novotel Ambassador Busan
- Haeundae Grand Hotel
These hotels are located in convenient locations with easy access to the beach, shopping, and dining areas. They also offer various amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants to ensure a comfortable stay.
I hope you have a happy trip to Korea.