Choosing where to stay in Busan, South Korea was tougher than I expected. On a shoestring budget and flying solo, I was torn between the fancy ocean views of Haeundae or Gwangalli Beach and somewhere more wallet-friendly. Spoiler alert: I went with my wallet, and it didn't disappoint! I picked Nampo-dong, also known as Nampo, as my base in Busan and it was perfect for a solo traveller like me.

So, what’s the deal with Nampo? Well, imagine a budget-friendly place in Korea where you can easily explore Busan by train or bus, wander traditional markets and sip lattes in sleek cafes by day, and eat incredible Asian foods and sip soju by evening—all set against the backdrop of the Busan Tower.

In this article, I’ll spill the beans on the top spots in Nampo—plus, I've got a treat for you: a free Naver map of Nampo-dong with all the best attractions and dining spots marked. Because who doesn't love a good foodie find?

Reminder: Google Maps does not work in Korea. I recommend downloading Naver Maps (Android or Apple) so you can access my free Nampo map with pins. Plus, I've even included Korean translations for place names in this article so you can easily copy/paste them to Naver or Uber if needed.

This guide should have everything you need to plan your stay in Nampo and your visit to Busan.

Table of Contents:

• Getting to Busan from Seoul

• Where to Stay in Nampo

• Freebie: Nampo Map with Restaurant & Attraction Pins

• Free Things To Do in Nampo

• Restaurants in Nampo

• Places to Visit Around Busan

• Day Tours from Nampo, Busan

• Getting Around Busan from Nampo

Getting to Busan from Seoul

The train ride from Seoul to Busan is relaxing and some parts are quite scenic. I highly recommend taking the KTX train from Seoul Station to Busan Station. The KTX is nicer and much faster than alternative options.

Be sure to book directly on the Korea Trains website or buy a ticket at a train station. Do not book through a third party website as they charge huge premiums and there are many scam sites out there.

Where to Stay in Nampo: Maron Hotel Nampo (마론 호텔 남포)

The Maron Hotel Nampo was a real find in Busan. It’s got a solid 8.1-star rating on Booking.com, and from what I saw, it deserves every star. You get a lot of bang for your buck: my room was spacious, squeaky clean, and the bed was a dream—super comfortable. Plus, I could catch a glimpse of the Busan Tower right from my window, which was a cool bonus.

I chose a premium non-smoking room with a king bed, which was a spacious 26 m² (280 ft²) room. For three nights, I paid a total of ₩ 189,808 (USD $145 / CAD $198) - which is a bargain for a hotel room in Korea!

What I loved most about this place was how it’s right in the thick of things. You’re within walking distance of all the cool spots in Nampo, and it's super easy to hop on a bus or train to zip around Busan. And hey, if you're thinking of booking, use my affiliate link to do it. It helps me out without costing you extra, and you’ll be all set for a great budget stay in Nampo, Busan.

Of course, if you prefer to look for something higher budget or a hostel, you can also search for those instead:

FREEBIE: Nampo Map with Restaurant & Attraction Pins

South Korea poses one major challenge to tourists: Google Maps doesn't work here. Korea offers two alternative apps, Naver Maps and Kakao Maps, which both work well... in Korean.

To make your life easier, I'm gifting you a FREE MAP OF NAMPO where I've pinned the places you'll want to walk to and a bunch of restaurant and cafe recommendations. Just be sure to download the Naver Maps app (Android or Apple) on your phone so you can access it on the go:

Free Things to Do in Nampo

Nampo is a good base for exploring Busan, but you also want to make time to visit Nampo-dong, as it's a great neighborhood for a day of low-cost wandering and getting a feel for daily life in Korea. All of these free attractions are within walking distance from Maron Hotel Nampo and can be visited in the course of a leisurely day, just walking and eating your way through the streets.

Yongdusan Park (용두산공원) and Busan Tower (부산다이아몬드타워)

Stroll up to Yongdusan Park, a green oasis that's more than just home to Busan Tower. With lush paths, a temple, historical monuments and seasonal flowers, it’s a patch of tranquillity with a view. Be sure to check out works by local artists in the park, including artisan shops near the steps.

While you're in Yongdusan Park, you can take the opportunity to visit the emblem of the city of Busan: Busan Tower. The 120-meter (394-foot) tall tower was built in 1973 and was designed to resemble a grand Korean drum. On a clear day, the observation deck provides a sweeping canvas of Busan's urban landscape, the Gwangan Bridge, and the tiny specks of ships dotting the blue canvas of the sea.

Visiting Yongdusan Park is free, but if you'd like to go up to the observation deck of the Busan Tower, it costs ₩ 12,000 (USD $9.15 / CAD $12.50) per adult and is open daily from 10 AM until 10 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM).

If you're staying in Nampo, then Yongdusan Park is worth a visit at night via the escalator entrance which has a fun light/art exhibit on the way up (or down)! Plus, the Busan Tower becomes even more magical at night when it's all lit up, casting a warm glow over the Yongdusan Park.

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Jagalchi Fish Market (부산 자갈치시장)

If you're up for a splash of local flavour, Jagalchi Market is the place to dive in. This traditional market is where Busan's ocean bounty is at its freshest and the ajummas (market ladies) mean business. Jagalchi Market is a large indoor market where you'll find all sorts of fresh seafood and fish, dried goods and restaurants. I'm told it's busiest early in the morning when chefs are picking out their menu items.

Wander out the back door for a sea view of the harbour and maybe even some live entertainment. When I was there, it so happened that a group of senior citizens from an amateur singing club were putting on a show and it was lovely. After exploring the fresh market floor, you can head upstairs to check out the dried seafood and other goods, or pick something fresh to eat right there.

After exploring the Jagalchi Fish Market building, and for a more authentic meal experience, continue onwards from the main floor to the outdoor fish markets, which you can't miss from the rows of brightly coloured umbrellas lining the way.

The outdoor market goes on and on, and eventually, I saw signs calling it "Haen Market at Chungmudong" with many more spots to choose from for a fresh seafood meal. Personally, I think the local spots to eat outside here look more authentic and tasty than those inside the Jagalchi Market building!

BIFF Square (광장)

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), a major film event for the region and beyond, typically happens every October. The festival isn't just about film screenings; it's a cultural celebration that includes theatres, BIFF Square, handprint events and a bustling night market. BIFF Square is named after the festival and is located here in Nampo.

On a normal day, it's a regular square and pedestrian street, but with loads of delicious street food options for you to indulge in, like hotteok (sweet pancakes) stuffed with seeds and honey, gyeran-ppang (sizzling egg bread), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), eomuk (fish cakes), mandu (Korean dumplings), pajeon (savoury pancakes). You will find street food like this here or at Gukje Market, your next stop, so be sure to save space to enjoy!

Gukje Market (국제시장)

Shop where the locals shop at Gukje Market. It's a covered maze of goodies where you can haggle for anything from vintage clothes to K-pop merch to food items and alcohol. Each alleyway holds a new surprise – it's like a treasure hunt in the heart of Busan. There is also a section full of street food, with plastic stools lining food stalls, like those listed above at BIFF Square.

Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street (광복로문화패션거리)

Right down the street from Maron Hotel, you'll find Gwangbok-ro, also known as Fashion Street. While I'm not much of a shopper, I do love a good pedestrian street. Gwangbok-ro kind of acts as the main street of Nampo and the proximity of it to the hotel makes it easy to find your way around the neighborhood.

You'll find a lot of recognisable brands on this street and it will also lead you to Lotte Department Store (롯데백화점 - 부산 광복점), so if you're looking to do some shopping these could be good stops for you. Personally, I found the store Artbox fun and picked up some quirky souvenirs and gifts for family members there.

For more attractions, restaurants and cafe suggestions, download the Korean map app Naver Maps (Android or Apple) and access my pins on my free Nampo Guide Map:

Restaurants in Nampo

The food in Nampo was unreal, from unassuming street food stalls to mindblowing flavours at beautiful dine-in restaurants. You can find my favourites and the ones I wished I had time to try, in my free Naver Map of Nampo.

Note for Solo Travellers: Keep in mind that Korean restaurants are really designed for their communal style of eating, so as a solo traveller, you will need to adapt and put yourself out there. I did find the Izakaya-style restaurants felt nice for solo diners since they often have bars or booths for one.

Note for Vegetarians: If you are a vegetarian or halal, it will definitely be a struggle here as all restaurants are meat heavy. Learn more about that and my suggestions for vegetarians in my Guide to South Korea.

Alright, here are a few must-try food spots for your stay in Nampo:

Hak Izakaya (학 이자카야)

If you can splurge one day, I highly recommend treating yourself to a meal at Hak Izakaya. The staff were so kind and patient with me despite the language barrier, and the attention to every aspect of my meal was superb. I had eggplant tempura - which turned out to be a gigantic plate of tempura with a delectable sauce on top - and the most incredible melt-in-my-mouth tuna sashimi of my life.

In a nice surprise, a group of friendly Koreans sitting at the other end of the bar even bought me a beer after my meal, and we did our best to chat, which was absolutely heartwarming!

Ginam Yunju Makgeolli (기남윤주막걸리)

I honestly couldn't tell you what I ate exactly at Ginam Yunju Makgeolli, but it was all delicious, and I would go again in a heartbeat. As you can see, it was very meat (pork) heavy, with many unlimited side dishes.

You can thank a guy I talked to on Bumble who ended up ghosting me for this recommendation :D

Takara - Main Branch (타카라 본점)

If mouth-watering skewers are up your alley, Takara is a must-try. I sat at the bar and asked the chef for a set of five skewers based on his recommendations. My set included chicken karage, spicy beef, bacon-wrapped mushrooms, chicken and asparagus, and bacon-wrapped scallops with pineapple. I assure you, this is the type of food you will never forget.

Neruda Coffee (커피네루다)

On a rainy day, this cafe offered some cozy vintage vibes and great perspective for people watching from its four floors. Like most cafes in South Korea, Neruda Coffee doesn't sell food - only drinks and small deserts. But what it does, it does well, so I can definitely recommend this spot to get caffeinated before you get on with exploring Busan.

"Unnamed" Pancake Stall

In front of the hotel, on the small street connecting it to Gwanbok-ro, there is a small stall selling pancakes and I tried an absolutely delicious chocolate almond one! If it's open when you walk by, be sure to treat yourself to this dessert street food. It has no name and no Naver pin, but you'll see it there.

For more restaurant, cafe and attraction suggestions, download the Korean map app Naver Maps (Android or Apple) and access my pins on my free Nampo Guide Map:

Places to Visit Around Busan

Busan has a lot to offer, and Nampo will make a great base for exploring it, but don't stay here the whole time - get out and experience the culture, natural beauty, temples, spas and beaches of Busan!

Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을)

A short bus or Uber ride away from Nampo, you'll find rows of colorful houses cascading down a hillside with ocean views in Gamcheon Cultural Village. This area is a living gallery, complete with murals and sculptures that tell its storied past. Meander through the alleys and you’ll find cozy cafes and quaint shops from which you can take in the great views. There is also plenty of street food to try along the way.

You would never guess that what is today a popular spot for tourists to take great Instagram pictures, Gamcheon Culture Village was originally a war refugee settlement! With the help of local artists, Gamcheon Culture Village transformed from a shanty town in the 1950s to a vibrant community in the 2000s.

While I think its nickname as "Korea's Machu Picchu" is certainly an overstatement, I do think this unique community is worth visiting, especially if you can go outside of peak tourist times (i.e. weekdays or early in the morning).

Yeongdo Island's Taejongdae Resort Park (부산 국가지질공원 태종대)

Known for its rocky cliffs, panoramic sea views, and the iconic Danubi Train, Taejongdae is a natural park that offers picturesque lighthouses and walking paths. Located on the southern end of Yeongdo Island, you can spend a morning or afternoon here wandering hiking trails with oceanviews and taking in the scenic Yeongdo Lighthouse and Taejongdae Park views.

Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsules & Beach Train (해운대블루라인파크)

Beach hopping gets a whole new look in Busan, thanks to the sky capsules and beach trains from Haeundae Beach to Songjeong Beach. The famous sky capsules do need to be booked a bit in advance, but you can get a seat on one of the beach trains more easily at the station. There are likely to be long lines, but they did move efficiently.

The ride is only about 20-30 minutes end-to-end, but the views are beautiful. Start your journey from Mipo Station near Haeundae Beach, make a stop at the Cheongsapom Daritdol Skywalk observation deck, and then continue on to the last stop, Songjeong Station, where you can grab a Korean corn dog and enjoy more rest in the sun on the beach.

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)

Haeundae Beach is the hot spot for all things sun, sand and scenic views in Busan. This iconic stretch is all about beach vibes and cool waters. If you're interested in seeing sea creatures, check out Sea Life Busan aquarium, also located here on the beach.

As mentioned above, for a more interesting day, you can hop on the famous beach train or capsule and ride along the coast with epic views.

Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도 스카이워크)

For more dramatic ocean views, stop at the free Oryukdo Skywalk near Haeundae Beach. It has a glass-bottomed platform that makes you feel like you're walking over the sea, and you can see 5-6 islands from here.

Songjeong Beach (송정해수욕장)

Songjeong Beach is a more chill version of Haeundae Beach. While the views aren't quite as fantastic as Haeundae, it is still a great beach with a laidback atmosphere.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사부산)

The stunning seaside Buddhist Haedong Yonggungsa Temple offers a dramatic backdrop of the sea, and is popular for sunrise visits.

Beomeosa Temple (범어사부산)

Nestled on the slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain, the historic Beomeosa Temple is a peaceful retreat and a fine example of Korean Buddhist architecture.

Spa Land in Shinsegae Centum City (스파랜드 센텀시티)

After days of exploring, your muscles deserve a break, right? Spa Land, located in Shinsegae Centum City mall, is one of the biggest spas in all of Korea, so it's worth checking out! With its 'jjimjil-bang' (heated bathhouse), massage chairs and spa zones, it's a great recharge station.

Different themed heated rooms offer you a unique Korean sauna experience, after which you can bathe and exfoliate in a traditional Korean bath house. I recommend checking out Soul of Seoul blog's account of visiting before you go, to understand what to expect.

Shinsegae Centum City (신세계 센텀시티)

Spa Land is actually housed in a huge department store: Shinsegae Centum City. But Centum City isn't just big; it's Guinness-World-Record big at 293,905 m² (3.16 million ft² ) of floor space. It's a shopping haven with endless options to splurge, dine, be entertained, golf or even ice skate! If your wallet's ready for some action or if you just want to window shop your heart out, this is your playground.

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)

Gwangalli Beach is a slice of coastal magic with less hustle than Haeundae but just as much charm. The view of the Gwangan Bridge is stellar – especially at night when it's all lit up. The cafes and restaurants here make it the perfect spot for beachside snacking and sipping.

Check to see when the evening drone shows at Gwangalli Beach are on because they are meant to be fantastic!

United Nations Memorial Cemetary (재한유엔기념공원)

This came highly recommended as a stop on a sunny day. Busan is home to the only United Nations Memorial Cemetary in the world and it is dedicated to those who lost their lives for world peace and freedom during the Korean War. It includes gardens, monuments and memorials, as well as the United Nations Memorial Hall.

The cemetery is free to visit and open every day from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Museums in Busan

An interesting fact about Busan: It was actually the capital of Korea for a short time during the Korean War, from 1950-53, when Seoul was captured. While you don't feel this when exploring Busan, a modern city with beautiful beaches, charming harbours and traditional fish markets, you can explore more about this wartime capital in some of its museums.

Consider visiting one of the free museums, such as the Busan Museum (open daily from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM) or the Busan Modern History Museum (open Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00 AM − 5:00 PM).

For quirkier museums in Busan, consider the Busan Museum Of Movies (appropriate given Busan is home to the Busan International Film Festival!), the Busan Coffee Museum, or a trick eye museum (popular throughout Asia).

Find a full list of museums in Busan here on their tourism website.

Day Tours from Nampo

If you have a longer stay in Nampo or anywhere in Busan, there are a number of day trips you can take to see more cultural sites and natural wonders. Here are a few to consider:

• Mt. Naejang Trip from Busan (one of Korea's most famous mountains, especially in autumn, Buddhist temples and panoramic views)

• Gyeongju Old Capital Day Tour (temple ruins and cultural relics in the old capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom)

• Tongyeong City Tour (coastal city with maritime history and cable car up Mt. Mireuksan)

• Geoje Island Excursion (coastal cliff views and home to Geoje Shipbuilding Marine Cultural Center)

• Jinju Fortress Day Trip (historic city of Jinju, history from Imjin War and home to autumn lantern festival)

• Ulsan Industrial Tour (the world's largest automobile assembly plant and the country’s biggest shipyard)

• Andong Hahoe Village (traditional Korean culture, Joseon-era houses, mask dance performances)

• Suncheon Bay Wetlands (natural beauty, reed fields)

I always book my day trips through my GetYourGuide app as I've found them to be reliable in quality and service:

Getting Around Busan from Nampo

Navigating Busan from the central hub of Nampo is super accessible thanks to the city's efficient public transportation network and Uber rideshares.

The biggest challenge is that Google Maps doesn't work in South Korea, so you will need to use Naver or Kakao Maps, as well as Google Translate, to find bus or train directions. But don't feel intimidated by this! It's slightly inconvenient, but it's doable, and I explain how to do it in my Guide to South Korea.

Both buses and subways in Busan are surprisingly affordable, offering a day's worth of sightseeing without putting a dent in your wallet. So from the moment you step out of your Nampo base, the entire city is just a ride away.

Here are some tips on getting around Busan from Nampo:

Getting Around by Subway

The subway system, in particular, is a godsend for travellers in Busan. Nampo Station, located right in the heart of the district, is part of Busan's extensive subway Line 1. This line connects you to major spots like Seomyeon, the city's bustling commercial area, and Busan Station, where you can catch KTX trains to other parts of Korea.

From Nampo, reaching Busan's beautiful beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli is quite straightforward. For instance, to get to Haeundae Beach, you can take a direct subway ride on Line 2 after a quick transfer at Seomyeon Station. The whole journey should take you around 45 minutes to an hour, but it's an easy trip with trains running frequently.

Gwangalli Beach, famous for its fine sand and the stunning Gwangan Bridge, is also accessible via subway. You'll transfer lines at Seomyeon as well, but hop off at Gwangan Station. From there, the beach is just a short walk away, lined with cafes and spots to grab a bite for your beach day.

Getting Around by Bus

Buses in Busan are plentiful and can whisk you away to farther-flung attractions that aren't directly served by the subway, such as the cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, as well as to the beaches. The bus stops are clearly marked, and with Naver Maps on hand, you'll have all the information you need to navigate the routes.

As for the Gamcheon Cultural Village, it's an absolute must-see. You can take a bus from Nampo which will drop you fairly close to the village, or if you prefer the subway for most of your journey, get off at Toseong Station. From there, exit the station and take a local bus or a taxi up to the village.

Getting Around by Uber

Rideshares via Uber are easy to get in Nampo and throughout Busan, however, they are not cheap. For instance, I took an Uber from Maron Hotel in Nampo to Haeundae Beach and it cost ₩ 23,800 (USD $18.15 / CAD $24.80).

While it was nice to enjoy the scenic seaside views along the way, and it was a bit faster than public transportation since it was mid-day, taking the subway would have cost a tiny fraction of that. Also, keep in mind that Busan's traffic can get heavy around peak time, putting you at a stand-still.

Overall, know that the affordability and reliability of Busan's public transport make these journeys hassle-free, allowing you more money and time to soak up the sun on the beach and explore natural wonders.

Until Next Time, Nampo!

That’s a wrap on our Nampo adventure, folks! I hope this little guide helps you eat, wander, and explore Busan, South Korea just like a local. With your map in hand (don't forget to save it!), you're all set to uncover all the tasty bites and sights that Nampo-dong has tucked in its vibrant alleys. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover here. Let me know in the comments if I missed something good!

Here’s to full bellies, rich experiences, and stories to tell when we're back from the bustling streets of Busan. Safe travels, and may your journey through Korea be a memorable one.

KEEP READING FOR YOUR TRIP TO SOUTH KOREA:

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