Your Perfect Day 2 in Haeundae: Beach, Temple & Winter Lights
If you're visiting Busan during winter, dedicating a full day to Haeundae Beach is absolutely essential. Here's how to experience the best of this coastal district, from ancient temples to modern attractions and seasonal light festivals, even when temperatures dip to -2°C in early mornings and evenings.
Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Start your day by heading to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan's largest and most impressive temple. From your hotel, it's just a 2-minute walk to the nearest bus stop. Take bus number 100 directly to the temple (1,550 KRW per person). Using a T-Money card makes boarding quick and easy—just tap and go.
The temple sits dramatically on a mountainside overlooking the ocean, offering breathtaking views. If you arrive around 11:30 AM on a weekend, you might be invited to enjoy temple vegetarian meals—a delicious cultural experience. Note that weekends get crowded, so positioning for photos can be challenging, but the spiritual atmosphere more than compensates.
Midday: BlueLinePark & Sky Capsule
After exploring the temple, return to the bus stop and take bus 100 back toward the coast. Get off at the Mipo Station stop and head to BlueLinePark to experience the Sky Capsule, a scenic cable car ride along Haeundae Beach.
The colorful four-person cabins run slowly along the coastline from Mipo to Cheongsapo, taking about 30 minutes. The cabins offer excellent photo opportunities and sweeping ocean views. Weekend and holiday tickets often sell out quickly online, so consider purchasing them in person at the station (approximately 45,000 KRW for three people per cabin). If you'd prefer, you can walk back to Haeundae Beach in about 30 minutes and visit the Observatory Tower located mid-route.
Afternoon: Cheongsapo & Seafood
When you exit the Sky Capsule at Cheongsapo, turn right toward the coast and photograph the distinctive white and red lighthouses—iconic photo spots with stunning backdrops. Nearby, catch bus H-02 heading to Haeundae Traditional Beach Market, a food lover's paradise.
Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the market's many stalls. After your meal, stroll onto Haeundae Beach itself to soak in the atmosphere and prepare for evening festivities.
Evening: Winter Light Festival
The Haeundae Light Festival transforms the beach area with colorful illuminations and decorations, running through February 26, 2026. The cold winter air and twinkling lights create a magical romantic atmosphere. Explore the decorated sections along Gunam-ro and the traditional market area as evening falls.
Return to Your Hotel
At around 9:00 PM, head to the main road bus stop near the beach and take bus 307 directly back to Dongnae. Your hotel should be just a 5-minute walk from the final stop.
Pro Tips for Your Busan Trip
- Plan your itinerary in advance using travel groups, Klook, and AI tools—following a set schedule ensures smooth execution.
- Use public transportation (subway and buses) throughout Seoul and Busan. Install K-Ride or Uber apps as backup options, and link your Vietnamese bank card for taxi rides if needed after hours.
- Purchase a T-Money, Climat, or WOW transportation card for convenient payment on all buses and trains.
- Choose hotels carefully—prioritize new, clean accommodations in central locations near subway stations and bus stops. Booking platforms like Agoda provide reliable descriptions, photos, and flexible cancellation policies, though breakfast is often not included. Korean cities don't typically have breakfast vendors until after 10:00 AM, so plan to grab coffee and pastries from chains like Starbucks or Holly's Coffee.
Temperature Expectations
Winter in Haeundae reaches -2°C to -6°C, but sunny daytime weather is common. If you're hoping to see snow or hit the slopes, this particular visit won't deliver snow—but the crisp winter air, clear skies, and festive lights make the experience uniquely magical.
