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Gwangalli Beach
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · KR

Gwangalli Beach

Getting around: Take Metro Line 2 to Gwangan Station and walk about 10 minutes toward the water, or Geumnyeonsan Station is also within walking distance.
Hours: Open 24 hours as a public beach; swimming season (with lifeguards) generally runs June to late August.

Gwangalli Beach is Busan's second major city beach after Haeundae, smaller and with a more local, cafe-and-bar-lined atmosphere, framed by the striking Gwangan Bridge lit up across the bay at night. During the day it's a decent swimming beach; after dark the promenade behind it turns into one of Busan's liveliest strips of rooftop bars and seafood restaurants with a bridge-view backdrop.

It draws a younger, more nightlife-oriented crowd than Haeundae, and the annual Busan Fireworks Festival is launched from here each fall, drawing enormous crowds along the whole waterfront.

Gwangalli Beach FAQs

How does Gwangalli compare to Haeundae?

Gwangalli is smaller and quieter for swimming but has a livelier bar and cafe scene along the beachfront, especially at night.

What's the best time to visit?

Sunset into evening, when Gwangan Bridge lights up and the promenade fills with diners and drinkers.

Is it good for swimming?

Yes during the official summer season with lifeguards; outside those months swimming isn't officially supervised.

Can I see fireworks here?

The Busan Fireworks Festival, usually in October or November, launches from Gwangalli and draws massive crowds.

Is parking available?

There's a public parking garage nearby, but it fills quickly on weekends and evenings; the metro is more reliable.

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