Gwangalli Beach Busan
Busan's iconic Gwangalli Beach offers stunning Gwangan Bridge views, vibrant nightlife, and a free Saturday drone show.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Drone show and bridge lights
Gwangalli Beach Busan
Best Time
Drone show and bridge lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Busan's iconic Gwangalli Beach offers stunning Gwangan Bridge views, vibrant nightlife, and a free Saturday drone show.
"Gwangalli Beach truly captures the spirit and beauty of this coastal city!"
🎯 Drone Show Seating
Watch from the beach for free; head left of center for best views. Arrive early!
🏨 Hotel with a View
Book hotels like Hotel 1 for stunning Gwangalli Beach and bridge views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gwangan Bridge at Night
Iconic bridge illuminated, creating a breathtaking cityscape. A must-see spectacle!
Gwangalli Beach Drone Show
Mesmerizing Saturday night drone displays over the water. Arrive early for the best views!
Beachfront Promenade
Lively strip with cafes, restaurants, and street performers. Perfect for evening strolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Drone Show Spectacle
Bridge Views & Nightlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Drone Show Seating
Watch from the beach for free; head left of center for best views. Arrive early!
🏨 Hotel with a View
Book hotels like Hotel 1 for stunning Gwangalli Beach and bridge views.
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Bring a mat and snacks from convenience stores for a comfy beach experience.
🛥️ Yacht Tour Option
Enjoy a scenic yacht tour around Gwangalli for about 15,000 KRW.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Drone Show Seating
Watch from the beach for free; head left of center for best views. Arrive early!
🏨 Hotel with a View
Book hotels like Hotel 1 for stunning Gwangalli Beach and bridge views.
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Bring a mat and snacks from convenience stores for a comfy beach experience.
🛥️ Yacht Tour Option
Enjoy a scenic yacht tour around Gwangalli for about 15,000 KRW.
🚗 Getting Around
Consider Uber or Kakao Taxi for convenient transport, especially for groups.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gwangalli Beach is a highly recommended destination in Busan, praised for its stunning nighttime views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge and its lively atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the clean sandy shores during the day and the vibrant promenade filled with cafes and restaurants. The free Saturday drone show is a major highlight, offering a magical experience for all ages. It's considered by many to be a superior beach experience compared to others in Busan due to its surrounding amenities and entertainment.
"Gwangalli Beach is absolutely one of the must-visit destinations in Busan. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, this beach always leaves a lasting impression. The stunning panoramic view of Gwangandaegyo (Diamond Bridge) lit up at night is simply breathtaking — one of the most iconic scenes in Korea.
During the day, the beach offers a relaxing atmosphere with soft sand and a clean, inviting shoreline. The water is calm enough for a pleasant swim, and the entire area is well-maintained. The beachside promenade is perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, or simply sitting with a coffee and watching the waves.
At night, the area transforms into a lively hub with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars offering local and international cuisine. The light shows on the bridge combined with the vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable experience. You’ll also find live street performances and an energetic vibe that makes it perfect for both solo travelers and groups.
Highly recommended: Visit in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and stay into the night to see the bridge illuminated.
If you are in Busan, don’t miss Gwangalli Beach — it truly captures the spirit and beauty of this coastal city!"
S.H. M
"Visit: May 2025
Beautiful, especially at night time as you have a great view of the Gwangalli bridge when it's lit up! The street is pretty lively, and there's a lot of food and cafes nearby the beach for a bite!"
Daniel Tran
"One if the best beach in Busan! It's nice and chill in the morning, with beach goers doing paddle board.
Towards the evening, the bridge lights up with the words, "Busan is good" while giving updates on the temperature and so on. There are also boats that bring tourists out to let off fire works, so we get to see fire works every night!"
Aloysius Goh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Busan Station, take Subway Line 1 to Seomyeon Station, then transfer to Line 2 and alight at Gwangan Station. The beach is a short walk from the station. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, taxis are generally easy to find in Busan. For more convenience, especially with luggage, consider booking a Kakao Taxi or a larger Kakao Venti van.
Absolutely! The most convenient subway station is Gwangan Station on Line 2, which is just a few minutes' walk from the beach.
For groups, booking a Kakao Venti van or Uber can be more comfortable and cost-effective than multiple taxis.
Several bus routes serve the Gwangalli Beach area. You can check local bus schedules or use a navigation app for the most up-to-date routes from your location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Gwangalli Beach is a public beach and entry is free. You only pay for food, drinks, or activities.
Gwangalli Beach is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding restaurants and cafes have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late night.
The Gwangalli Beach drone show is free to watch from the beach. It's recommended to arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
Viewing the illuminated Gwangan Bridge from the beach or promenade is free. Costs would only apply if you dine at a restaurant with a view or take a specific bridge tour.
Keep an eye on local Busan tourism websites or social media for announcements about events like the fireworks festival or other performances.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire promenade offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the Gwangan Bridge as a backdrop. For unique angles, consider the beach itself during sunset or the upper floors of beachfront hotels.
The Gwangan Bridge is most stunning at night when it's fully illuminated. Sunset also provides beautiful lighting for capturing the bridge and the beach.
Yes, you can capture great photos of the drone show from the beach. Consider using a tripod for stability and a camera with good low-light performance.
Locals often recommend finding a spot on the beach itself, slightly to the left of center, for the best views of both the bridge and the drone show.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and bridge. For night shots and the drone show, a camera with good ISO performance and a tripod are beneficial.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gwangalli Beach boasts a wide array of dining options, from fresh seafood and Korean BBQ to international cuisine. Many cafes and restaurants line the promenade.
Yes, numerous restaurants and cafes along the Gwangalli Beach promenade offer excellent views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge, especially at night.
You'll find many trendy cafes offering coffee, pastries, and light snacks. Many have outdoor seating perfect for people-watching and enjoying the beach atmosphere.
Yes, besides the upscale restaurants, you can find more budget-friendly options like street food stalls and local eateries slightly off the main promenade. Convenience stores also offer quick snacks.
Many restaurants along the promenade are family-friendly, offering diverse menus that cater to different tastes, including options for children.
🎫 🏨 Accommodation
Popular choices include Hotel 1, known for its direct beach views, and other hotels along the promenade offering ocean vistas. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak season.
Yes, several Airbnbs offer stunning views of Gwangalli Beach and the Gwangan Bridge. Look for listings that specifically mention ocean or bridge views.
Staying directly on or across from Gwangalli Beach provides the most convenient access. Gwangan Station is also a good hub for transportation.
It's advisable to book accommodation several months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during popular times like weekends or holidays, or if you want a room with a specific view.
While beachfront hotels can be pricier, exploring options slightly further inland or looking for guesthouses and hostels can offer more budget-friendly choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Gwangalli Beach Drone Show
For the best experience, consider positioning yourself mid-beach or slightly to the left, as the drones often fly in that direction. While watching from the beach is free and immersive, some prefer the comfort of a beachfront restaurant or cafe, which may offer dedicated viewing areas or simply a more relaxed setting. Remember to check the official schedule as showtimes can vary, and it's wise to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.
Pro-tip: Grab snacks and drinks from a nearby convenience store to enjoy during the show, making your beachside experience even more comfortable. The drone show is a highlight for many, offering a unique and memorable evening in Busan.
The Iconic Gwangan Bridge
During the day, the bridge offers a majestic backdrop to the beach, and its sheer scale is impressive. However, it's after sunset that the Gwangan Bridge truly comes alive. The vibrant lights reflect on the water, creating a romantic and lively atmosphere that draws crowds to the beach promenade. Many hotels and restaurants along Gwangalli Beach are strategically located to offer prime views of this iconic landmark, making them popular choices for visitors.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Gwangan Bridge is a vital transportation link. Its presence significantly enhances the visual appeal of Busan's coastline, making Gwangalli Beach a must-visit destination for its stunning nighttime vistas.
Accommodation with a View
Beyond hotels, Airbnbs also offer excellent opportunities for enjoying these views. Some listings boast unique features like sliding beds that extend onto terraces, providing an unparalleled connection to the beach environment. When booking, pay close attention to room descriptions and photos to ensure you secure a room with the desired vista. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for rooms with premium views, as they are in high demand.
Choosing accommodation with a view enhances the overall Gwangalli Beach experience, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the coastline and the iconic bridge day and night. It transforms your stay from just a place to sleep into an integral part of the scenic journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit