Gwangalli Beach

 (광안리해수욕장) is 1.4 km long, 64m wide, and is famous for its fine sand. This area has undergone a water cleaning program, and as a result, the water of the beach is pristine. The clean waters of this are also attract many fishermen. For those looking for some action, there is the Olympic Yacht Rental where you can rent yachts. You can also enjoy water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and other exciting water sports. On the beach there is an outer concert stage where the Busan Ocean Festival and other various events are held. The area has a cultural center, a museum, theaters for plays and movies, an art gallery, TV station, and famous Korean and non-Korean fashion brand name shops. It is a popular gathering place for young people in their 20s and 30s

This is Gwangalli Beach (광안리 해수욕장) in Busan, Korea. And while Haeundae gets all the publicity, Gwangalli Beach quietly thrives as one of Korea’s hidden gems.A nice beach, cafes, nightlife, restaurants, entertainment — there’s plenty to do, and something for everyone.If you’re looking to swim, the thing that sets Gwangalli Beach apart from Haeundae isn’t so much what it has as what it lacks: namely, massive crowds. On our visit the beach was quite free as it is going to be winter soon. The water is getting cold. Still couple love to sit around the beach as it is less crowded.

Gwangalli beach is famous for its night look. When the sun sets it might be time to get out of the water, but it isn’t time to leave the beach. After dark Gwangalli Beach takes on a different but equally cool vibe.Gwangalli Beach is set in a cove. Spanning this cove is Gwangan Bridge — a massive, 6.5km long, doubledecker suspension bridge. The bridge is a fairly imposing sight by day, but at night it lights up and looks amazing reflected on the surface of the water.

Of course, Gwangan Bridge isn’t the only thing to flex its neon muscles after dark. Like every other entertainment destination in Korea, Gwangalli is awash with neon from dusk til dawn. Honestly, I’d guess that even a small Korean city could give Times Square a run for its money when it comes to bright neon lights. 

The road running from one end of the beach to the other is loaded with cafes, restaurants, bars, and higher-end hotels. If you’re in the mood for food there’s a decent variety on offer.  But if you’re in Busan you really ought to eat fish — the fresher the better.

And the fish doesn’t get much fresher than you’ll find it at Millak Raw Fish Town (민락 회 타운). Dining at Millak is an experience not to be missed. It really deserves its own post, but here’s a quick overview.

Located on the north end of Gwangalli Beach, Millak Raw Fish Town is famous for its raw fish. Don’t forget to try it.. J

Directions

  How to Get to Busan from Seoul Take a train from Seoul Station (subway line No.1, 4) → Arrive at Busan Station (Time it takes: By KTX: 2hrs 40 mins., By Saemaeul: 3hrs 40 mins., By Mugunghwa: 5hrs 20mins. / First bus is at 05:25, Last bus is at 23:00, Intervals are between 5~10 mins.)

Local Transportation

  How to Get to Gwangalli Beach from Busan Station 1. From Busan Station, take city bus No. 41, 42, 140, 239, 240, 139 and get off at Gwanganlli Beach (runs frequently) 2. From Express Bus Terminal, take city bus No. 131, 131-1 3. Take subway line no. 1 from Busan Subway Station and transfer from subway line no. 1 to no. 1 at Seomyeon Station. Get off at Gwangan Station(subway line no. 2, exit 3 or 5) and walk 5 minutes.