Busan’s vibrant coastal metropolis, has become one of Asia’s must-visit travel destinations, a city where beaches, mountains, and neon-lit streets all collide.

But let’s be honest, not every place that makes it onto a travel list actually lives up to the buzz.

We’re counting down 10 of Busan’s most talked-about attractions and deciding whether each one truly deserves the spotlight, or if it might be just a little overrated.

10. Dongbaekseom Island & APEC House – Underrated

Located at the edge of Haeundae, this pine-covered island has boardwalks, ocean views, and the iconic APEC House. It’s quiet, refreshing, and often overlooked because most tourists stick to Haeundae Beach itself.

#9. Oryukdo Skywalk – Properly Rated, With a Cavaet

A glass-bottom walkway that juts out over dramatic sea cliffs. It only takes 10–15 minutes to visit, but the views of the East Sea are breathtaking. Not an all-day activity, but definitely worth a stop especially if you make an afternoon of it by hiking nearby Igidae Park.

#8. Songdo Beach & Cable Car – Underrated

Songdo was Korea’s very first public beach. Today, it has a modern cable car with glass floors, a long suspension bridge, and far fewer crowds than Haeundae or Gwangalli. A great spot for families or anyone who wants a beach with character.

#7. BIFF Square & Nampo-dong – Overrated

Once the center of the Busan International Film Festival, this area is now mostly busy shopping streets and food stalls. While the street food is fun, the area has lost much of its unique identity. Still worth a quick visit, but not as cinematic as its name suggests.

#6. Beomeosa Temple – Underrated

Tucked into the mountains, this 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple is peaceful and filled with history. Fewer tourists make the trip compared to other attractions, so you get a more authentic cultural experience surrounded by nature.

#5. Taejongdae Park – Underrated

Clifftop trails, lighthouses, and ocean panoramas that rival Jeju Island. You can take the small Danubi train around or hike on foot. It’s a full-day nature escape within the city, and yet many visitors never bother to go.

#4. Jagalchi Fish Market – Properly Rated, But Depends

Korea’s largest seafood market is touristy, yes, but where else can you pick live seafood and eat it cooked on the spot? It’s noisy, colorful, and a true taste of Busan’s identity. If you’re not a seafood person, you’ll probably want to give it a pass.

#3. Gamcheon Culture Village – Overrated

Famous for its pastel houses and art murals, but these days it feels more like a staged photo zone than a real neighborhood. Still beautiful, but often overcrowded with tourists and Instagram hunters.

#2. Gwangalli Beach – Properly Rated

Known for its night view of the Gwangan Bridge, this beach is lively, full of cafés, and a hotspot for fireworks and drone shows. It’s busy, but the energy makes it worth visiting at least once.

#1. Haeundae Beach – A Little Bit Overrated

Busan’s most famous beach and the face of its tourism campaigns. While the skyline and summer festivals are impressive, the beach itself is crowded, commercialized, and less relaxing than people expect. Great for the “I’ve been there” factor, but not the best for a peaceful beach day. Gwangalli has a much better street beach vibe with loads of cafes to enjoy the sea views which Haeundae Beach lacks along most parts of the beach.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu