For those coming to Busan to enjoy the sea, choosing between Haeundae and Gwangalli has always been a challenge. Although geographically facing each other, the atmosphere of these two places is very different. So far, Haeundae had way more visitors, but since a few years ago, there was a shift in tourist preferences. Now, young generations are heading toward Gwangalli. It has emerged as a hot place in Busan as there are new cultural spaces and various festivals and events are held every week. There are also many complex cultural spaces people visit to experience the essence of Busan and the sea. Head to Gwangalli to enjoy unique experiences.

Complex cultural spaces where locals and cultures meet are very common now in Busan. “The Bay 101” in Haeundae and “Old Tree Market” in Dadaepo are typical examples. “Millac the Market” is the third complex cultural space to be introduced in Busan following the previous two spaces.

Amidst the tall residential complex buildings, a three-story warehouse-type building with a glass exterior on one side stands out. When you enter the building, an amazing sight unfolds. Gwangandaegyo Bridge is seen at a glance through the full-side window. You can experience the sensation of traveling just by sitting on the stair seats and looking at the sea. As the name suggests, the inside is decorated in the form of a market, and a unique art platform and flagship store including a food zone are open for customers. It is fabulous to visit any time of the day, but if you visit in the late afternoon, you will be able to enjoy the sunset and the night market together.

If you entered the keyword “good restaurants in Gwangalli Beach” on social media, you probably saw a photo of Musubi with an ocean background. Here, we are introducing Alli Musu located in Millak Alley Market. The top-selling menus of Alli Musu are Chungmu-gimbap, yubu-gimbap, and musubi. Musubi is actually a common food in Hawaii, but it is also popular in Korea as its shape and taste are familiar to the Koreans.

The inside of the restaurant is not spacious, but a dining area is available. But, most people prefer takeout because they want to take photos by the seaside and enjoy ocean view dining with it. The rice is densely packed, so even one makes you full. Our recommendations are the avocado musubi with Spam, egg, avocado, and bacon, and the spicy myeongran musubi with spicy pepper pollack roe mayo.

Located in Mangmi-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan, F1963 is a complex cultural space made by renovating Kiswire factory. Kiswire Suyeong factory manufactured wires from 1963 to 2008 when it closed down. With the Busan Biennale held in 2014 and 2016, it was recreated into a space where culture, healing, and eco-friendliness coexist.

In addition to commercial facilities, galleries, exhibition halls, libraries, and bookstores, F1963 also has walking trails and resting areas such as the Moonlight Garden, Glass Greenhouse, and Sori-gil Road. Also, “Hyundai Motorstudio” is a brand experience space of Hyundai Motor Company that is worthy of attention. In October, a public design festival will be held.

Gray 193 Hotel is just a minute's walk from Gwangalli Beach. It is the best location to see Gwangandaegyo Bridge and Gwangalli Beach. For first-time visitors, finding the hotel entrance can be a challenge. The entrance is located in the building in a small alley next to the CU convenience store. There are many different types of rooms with city and ocean views, including Standard, Half Ocean Deluxe, Ocean View Deluxe, High Ocean Deluxe, Ocean View Twin, and Family Twin (can cook inside), so visitors can choose according to budget and preference.

If you choose an ocean-view room, you will be able to see the sunrise and sunset through the full-view window. On weekends, there are many people enjoying fireworks on the beach, but the rooms are made soundproof, so the outside noise cannot be heard.

The rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, TV (Netflix available), air conditioner, dryer, coffee pot, and air purifier. Curling irons, wine glasses, and phone chargers can be rented after leaving your ID at the front desk. In addition, there is a steam closet in the hallway on each floor, and the laundry room on the 7th floor is available to the guests to use the washing machines, dryers, and detergents free of charge.

Breakfast is served free of charge at the restaurant on the 5th floor from 07:00-09:00. With a variety of menus such as fried rice, bread, cereal, salad, soup, and ramyeon, guests can start their day with a good meal.

The reason for traveling is to escape from everyday life and enjoy new experiences. Gwangalli offers new and exciting experiences where cultural venues, festivals, the ocean, and people blend together in perfect harmony every day. The original meaning of Millak-dong, Suyeong-gu, the address of Gwangalli Beach, is “a neighborhood where people gather and live happily.” As the meaning of the word, it is full of fun that will captivate the traveler's heart.