Some of the best nightlife experiences in Busan are rooftop venues offering excellent views of the city, but the contrast between the bright splendour of the city's beaches and the calm waters of the sea must be seen from up close.

Haeundae Beach and Nurimaru Marine City, just opposite the beach, are renowned spots for stunning night-time views, while Mt. Hwangnyeong Smoke Signal Tower and Mt. Yongdu Park offer panoramic views of the whole city. Foodies can enjoy a wide range of street food and souvenirs at the lively Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market. Check out our guide to places to go at night in Busan

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    Busan Cultural Center

    The top arts and culture hub in Busan

    Busan Cultural Center
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    Busan Cultural Center is the city’s premier exhibition and performance space – it hosts over 1,000 events per year. The major metropolitan artistic institutions play at its elegant 1,409-seat concert hall, including the Philarmonic Orchestra, Korean Traditional Orchestra, Chorus, Dance Company, Theatre Company, Youth Orchestra, and Girls and Boys Chorus.

    Smaller theatres host more intimate shindigs, and there’s an enormous Conference Hall for international events. If you’re keen to catch an exhibition, the Grand Gallery displays works from Korea and around the globe. But don’t expect to see much foreign art because the centre’s overarching aim is to promote Korean culture to the world.

    Location: 1 UN pyeonghwa-ro 76beon-gil, Daeyeon 4(sa)-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +82 (0)51-607-6000

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    Haeundae Beach

    Haeundae Beach
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    Haeundae Beach, which is surrounded by the tallest buildings in Busan, is great during the day, but its beauty really flourishes at night. The contrast between the quiet night sea and surrounding colourful skyscrapers creates a fantastic atmosphere. The lights reflecting on the water can only be described as dreamy. There's no shortage of cafés, restaurants, and hotels, which is why it’s so popular with people who want to relax and take in the night scenery.

    Location: 47 Dalyeong-gil 62 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

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    photo by Chelsea Marie Hicks (CC BY 2.0) modified

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    Nurimaru Marine City

    Nurimaru Marine City
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    • Nightlife

    Nurimaru Marine City was built in conjunction with the 13th APEC summit, but still offers beautiful scenery throughout the years. When the wind is calm, lights are reflected on the waters of Haeundae Beach, which results in an especially colourful and brilliant night-time view. Gwangan Bridge, renowned throughout South Korea for its gorgeous night-time attraction, can be seen here, so make sure you don’t miss it while you’re in Busan.

    Location: 116 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

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    SPA LAND Centum City

    A must-do for spa-goers in South Korea

    SPA LAND Centum City
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    • Luxury

    SPA LAND Centum City is the most comprehensive Korean-style spa house in the country. The massive megaplex features 22 spring-fed spas that source mineral-rich water from 1,000 metres below ground. Add to that a sprawling open-air foot spa, plus 13 themed saunas and jjimjilbang (traditional Korean baths), and you’ve got ample opportunity to relax and rejuvenate your skin.

    Standard entry passes allow 4 hours inside, although you can stretch that out to 6 if you dine at the in-house restaurant (there are enough unique experiences to pass a whole day here). 

    Location: 35 Centumnam-daero, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +82 (0)51-745-2900

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    Yongdusan Park

    Yongdusan Park
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    The nighttime views from the 120-metre-high Busan Tower at Yongdusan Park are not to be missed, though the illuminated park and tower are just as great from the ground. Need to check the time? Take a glance over at the giant illuminated flower clock. Then go through the tunnel of light to view Busan Harbor Bridge from the Busan Tower Observation Deck, before moving to the lower floor. A space that showcases the 4 seasons with light will be waiting for you.

    Location: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +82 (0)51-860-7820

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    Mt. Hwangnyeong Smoke Signal Tower

    Mt. Hwangnyeong Smoke Signal Tower
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    The signal tower on Mt. Hwangnyeong, visible from just about anywhere in Busan, is a place where smoke signals were used to deliver urgent news throughout the city in the past. Naturally, you can get a full view of Busan at night when you climb to the top of the tower. Prepare to be dazzled by the panoramic view of Busan sparkling in the night. The view of Busan at night from the top of the mountain offers a romantic atmosphere that’s popular with couples.

    Location: San 50-1, Jeonpo-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea

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    Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market

    Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market
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    • Food
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    • Nightlife
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    Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market near Gukje Market turns into a foodie’s paradise at 7:30 every evening. When the market's food stands start popping up, you better be ready to make quick decisions because long queues will build up while you’re thinking about what to eat. The food prices are relatively inexpensive, but if you’re not prudent, you could end up emptying your wallet while trying to eat every tasty treat.

    Location: 48 Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +82 (0)51-243-1128

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    Amisan Observatory

    Amisan Observatory
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    From Amisan Observatory at Mt. Ami, you can enjoy views of far-off islands and a sandbar formed by an estuary, where Nakdong River meets the sea. The best views are at dusk, when this lonesome landscape is soaked with the red light of the sunset. At night, you can check out musical fountains at the nearby beach.

    Location: 77 Dadaenakjo 2-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays and New Year’s Day)

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    The Bay 101

    The Bay 101
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    The Bay 101 is precisely what you seek if you're tired of climbing to high places for nighttime scenery in Busan. It's a yacht club with dozens of pubs, restaurants and cafes surrounded by the city's skyscrapers. As you'll be dining al fresco on its expansive deck, you might be overcome with an unexpected sense of relaxation despite being among these tall buildings. 

    Location: The Bay 101, 52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

    Open: Daily from 9 am to midnight

    Phone: +82 (0)51-726-8888

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    photo by Photopmh (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Paradise Casino

    A luxe oceanfront casino in Busan

    Paradise Casino
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Paradise Casino is one of the top gambling dens in Busan – it’s a vibrant, luxurious affair with expansive ocean views. The glamorous establishment resides within Paradise Hotel, a 5-star resort on Haeundae Beach.

    As with most Asian casinos, baccarat is the card game of choice here. However, if you’re not accustomed to the rules, you’ll find a small selection of more familiar options like roulette and blackjack, too. And there’s always plenty of slots. Unique services – such as cardigan and eye-glass rental – keep patrons happy, and the beach is at your doorstep whenever you need fresh air.

    Location: 296 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82 (0)51-749-3550

    Map