Famed for its sun-drenched beaches and shopping centres, Haeundae-gu is an affluent residential district east of Busan’s city centre. It’s home to a diverse choice of eateries and the Busan Museum of Art, as well as the wildlife-filled Sea Life Busan Aquarium.

Things to do

You can spend a day relaxing on Haeundae Beach, one of the most famous stretches of sand in South Korea. Rent an umbrella and sun loungers during the warmer months or cool off in the air-conditioned shopping centres that back the beach. There are plenty of fast-food international eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, as well as food trucks serving locally-caught seafood.

For some of the best views in Haeundae-gu, follow the walking trail that leads to the top of Dalmaji Hill, which is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season when its trees ignite with flowers. The hill is also famed for its views of the moon, with the acclaimed 10th-century poet Choe Chi-won known to stay here to revel in the nighttime beauty.

Travelling with kids? Pay a visit to the Sea Life Busan Aquarium, which is home to around 250 marine species from across the globe. Coincide your visit with the otter, penguin and stingray feeding sessions, get up close to fearsome piranhas and surreal-looking sea jellies, then board the glass-bottom boat to see sharks in the 3,000-ton main tank.

Getting around

Haeundae-gu is 30 minutes by train from the centre of Busan or around 1.5 hours from Gimhae International Airport. The Busan Subway Line 2 travels throughout the district, as do several bus routes. The beachfront area of Haeundae-gu is easy to explore on foot.