Sunrise and Sunsetin Busan, South Korea

Busan is South Korea's second-largest city, located on the southeastern coast. Its east-facing beaches offer direct sunrise views over the East Sea, while the southern cliffs and flat western shoreline provide clear horizons for sunset over the Korea Strait.

Best sunrise spots in Busan

1. Haeundae Beach

   Faces east-southeast with an unobstructed view of the East Sea -- the sun rises directly over open water in front of the city's high-rise skyline. Metro Line 2, Haeundae Station (Exit 5), 15-minute walk; free access.

2. Gwangalli Beach

   The Gwangan Bridge frames the eastern view at sunrise, with the sun rising over open water; 7 km from the city center via Metro Line 2, Gwangan Station (Exit 5).

3. Oryukdo Skywalk

   A glass-bottomed walkway 37 m above the Korea Strait, facing south-southeast toward the Oryukdo Islets; the adjacent area is officially named Oryukdo Sunrise Park. Open 09:00-18:00, free entry; Bus 27 from Busan Station.

4. Hwangnyeongsan Mountain

   At 427 m, the summit gives a 360-degree view -- the sun rises above Haeundae and the East Sea on the eastern ridge. Easiest access by taxi from Metro Line 2, Geumnyeonsan Station; no entrance fee.

5. Igidae Coastal Walk

   The 4.7 km cliff trail runs east-southeast along the Korea Strait, with direct water views toward Haeundae and the Oryukdo Islets as the sun rises. Start at the Oryukdo Skywalk end (Bus 27 from Busan Station); free access 24/7.

Best sunset spots in Busan

1. Dadaepo Beach

   Located at the westernmost tip of Busan where the Nakdong River meets the coast, facing west-southwest with a completely open horizon. Take Metro Line 1 to Dadaepo Beach Station (last stop), Exit 2; the free Sunset Fountain of Dreams show runs at 20:00 on weekdays.

2. Gwangalli Beach

   Facing south-southeast, the beach gets long evening light across the 7.4 km Gwangan Diamond Bridge before it switches to its illuminated night display.

3. Taejongdae Resort Park

   Forested cliffs on the southern tip of Yeongdo Island face west-southwest over open sea with no land obstruction. No subway access -- take Bus 88 or 30 from Metro Line 1, Nampo Station (Exit 6); park entrance is free, the Danubi Train costs 3,000 KRW.

4. Hwangnyeongsan Mountain

   The western panorama from the top spans the Gwangan Bridge, Gwangalli Beach, and the city center; a rooftop viewing lounge is open 11:00-02:00.

5. Igidae Coastal Walk

   Walking west toward the Gwangalli exit, the trail ends at Dongsaengmal Observatory with the Gwangan Bridge framed against the evening sky.