A fantastic location in Busan – a major Korean metropolitan city located south of Seoul – is Gwangalli Beach. As a former resident of Changwon, a neighboring city equally worth visiting, I made numerous bus trips to Busan. I enjoyed visiting its many beaches – particularly Haeundae Beach – as well as its many cultural sites.
Getting There
In order to reach Busan, I recommend you travel via South Korea’s superb train system: the KTX. Travel time and ticket information is available online. You can also travel via intercity bus. Once you reach one of several bus stations, or the train station, you can easily reach Gwangalli Beach via Busan’s excellent subway system. Take subway line 2 to Geumnyeonsan or Gwangan Station. From there, it is a roughly five-minute walk. Particularly unique is the sound of seagulls, played within the subway cars, as you reach the beachside subway stops. This will help you to mentally prepare for your beachside stay.
The Beach
What separates Gwangalli Beach from Busan’s other beaches is, among other things, the suspension bridge set across the water. This is known as Gwangan Bridge. If you stay after nightfall, you will be able to observe a terrific LED light show. Personally, I enjoyed purchasing a mat, on which to sit, at the local convenience store, and simply enjoying the sun. If you ever visit this or other beaches in Korea, you will notice that groups of families and friends will order chicken to the beach. More over, people will often roam the beach selling chicken. I encourage you to partake in this tradition, as Korean fried chicken is so very delicious.
The Pathway
As mentioned, I have visited Gwangalli Beach on numerous occasions over the past several years. One of my favorite things about this beach is the walk and bike path that extends along some border of the ocean. I would love to walk or run and, as you take this path, you will see many other people enjoying it as well. Take a look at the pictures below to see some of my favorite sites along that path.
One of my favorite things about Gwanagalli Beach, much like Haeundae Beach, is the musicians who set up during the day and evening. Strolling the beach, you will often have the opportunity to hear catchy music, in any number of languages, though often Korean and/or English. Make sure to bring your camera!
Busan International Fireworks Festival
The Busan Fireworks Festival, one of the more impressive fireworks festivals in Asia, is held annually at Gwangalli Beach. Like the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, it is definitely worth attending. The sky is set ablaze with colorful lights, just as impressive music complements it.
In Closing
Gwangalli Beach makes for an amazing visit. If and when you visit Busan, there are many cultural and historical landmarks worth your time. That said, especially in summer, you will likely want a cool beach to both enjoy the sun and get wet. Let Gwangalli Beach be that place. You won’t soon forget it. Do consider, however, rules and regulations regarding COVID-19 that may impact your access to the beach.
Read More: Haeundae Beach Busan
