Busan Tower: a bird’s-eye view of the city of Busan
If you’re anything like me, juggling travel dreams with snack demands, stroller manoeuvres and the occasional “Muuuum, carry me” request, then you’ll appreciate an activity in Busan that’s equal parts easy, iconic and actually worth the effort. Enter Busan Tower: the big, shiny needle in the sky perched above Yongdusan Park that gives you those glorious panoramic views without needing to scale a mountain.
But is Busan Tower really worth visiting? Whether you’re travelling solo, wrangling little ones, or just hunting down that perfect skyline snap, this spot delivers the kind of breathtaking views that every South Korea itinerary needs.
What is the Busan Tower?
Busan Tower in Busan City, South Korea is a long way from being the world’s tallest tower. It pales in height compared to the Burj Khalifa, the CN Tower in Toronto and Seoul’s N Seoul Tower, yet it is an easily recognisable fixture on the Busan skyline and one that offers brilliant views of the enormous urban sprawl of the city.
At 120 metres tall, Busan Tower might stand out, but is a long way from being the tallest building in Busan. Most of these are skyscrapers located at the city’s famed Haeundae Beach. Nevertheless, the Busan Tower Observation Deck is perfectly positioned to provide a bird’s-eye view of the mountainous region behind the city where the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village can be seen as well as back over towards the ocean where Jagalchi Fish Market is easily spotted.
Built in 1973, the tower wasn’t built for any other purpose than entertainment, and tourists have definitely been getting their money’s worth visiting this central feature in Yongdusan Park for many years.
How to get to Busan Tower
Walk
If you’re in the Busan Station area, then the good news is that Yongdusan Park, where the tower is located is definitely within walking distance. A 35 minute walk will take you from the station area through the fun and tourist-friendly area of Nampodong into the area where the tower is.
If you’re staying further out (i.e. in Haeundae) then walking isn’t an option – it is a long way from the tower.
Public Transport
From Busan Station, there are ample buses headed in the direction of the Busan Observation Tower including the bus lines numbered 87, 61, 41, 508, 81, 190 (amongst others). The bus ride will cost you 1,200 KRW, but you will still need to do a bit of walking when you hop off the vehicle.
I’d recommend downloading the Korean application Naver Map which is the best way to get all your public transit navigation instructions when in South Korea. For this and more tips, you might be interested in my South Korea for first timers guide.
Rent A Bike
Cycling from Busan station is a quick 10-minute ride if you’re able to get your hands on a bike. The only downside is you will need to locate a bike hire stand in order to get your hands on one. In Busan, you do need to wear a helmet to ride a bike, so that is another consideration.
Taxi
A taxi from Busan station will take less than 10 minutes and cost around 3,300 KRW. If you’re in the Haeundae area, though, the trip will take significantly longer at around 30 minutes and cost just under 20,000 KRW. There’s obviously a pretty sizeable difference in cost if you’re located a fair way out and you may want to think about using public transport.
Parents, please note that if you have little ones, there are no car seats in Busan taxis, so babies and toddlers will need to be held on your lap.
Busan Tower Tickets
Tickets at the Door
There are a few options for tickets if you want to go visiting the tower. Firstly (and most simply), you can just turn up on the day and buy tickets at the entrance. Entry is obviously subject to availability, but if you’re not an advance planner, are happy to take the risk and prefer to hand over cash on the day, then this is the option for you.
Prices for the Busan Tower are 12000KRW for an adult or 9000 KRW for a child (aged 3-12). As a bonus for all the toddler and baby mums, children under the age of 3 enter for free.
Book Online
To avoid the lines and walk straight into the Busan Observation Tower, then booking in advance is recommended. If you’re wanting to save some money, consider a Busan Pass, which includes Busan Tower entry as well as public transport and entry to other attractions like Busan X the Sky, Lotteworld, Skyline Luge and the City Tour Bus to name a few.
What to expect at the observation deck?
The Busan Observation Tower is first and foremost an up-high viewing experience, so if possible, try to visit on a clear day. Fortunately, despite the chilly Busan winter temperatures, the sky remained clear for most of my stay, so the views from the tower were exceptional.
From the observation deck, expect to see a panoramic view of the marvellous landscape of the southern Korean peninsula. The city of Busan stretches as far as the eye can see – mountains to ocean. The coloured shanty houses of Gamcheon Culture Village can be seen nestled in the hilly areas, whilst the bustling port is easy to spot in the other direction.
At the base of the tower, there are a few key photo opportunities – namely the big Busan Tower sign to pose in front of and also the love locks clasped onto any bit of railing that can be found, inscribed with a message to a loved one.
The park surrounding Busan’s famous tower is also lovely to spend some time walking in. Around the Busan Tower complex in Yongdusan park are Hanbok rental stores waiting for tourists to come and try on Korean traditional dress. Often, the hanbok are displayed outside so you can get a really good up close view of the traditional Korean garb without having to hire one, too.
In Yongdusan Park there is also a large bell called Bell of the Citizens. Large ceremonial bells can be found in many significant places around Korea – on my travels I spotted one in Seoul, this one in Busan and one at Imjingak Park near the DMZ.
A visit to Busan Tower should definitely be on your list of things to do in Busan as it is the perfect way to really understand just how sprawling and enormous this city is. It is relatively inexpensive, and on a clear day, the views are spectacular.
Best time to visit Busan Tower
When you’re exploring Busan with kids, timing is everything, because nothing says “holiday memory” quite like a toddler losing it at the top of an observation tower. Thankfully, Busan Tower’s long opening hours (10:00 AM–10:00 PM, last entry 9:30 PM) give families plenty of wiggle room to make it work around naps, snacks, and general small‑person chaos.
For most families, the late afternoon is the golden window. The light is soft and gorgeous for photos, the day’s heat starts to ease, and everyone’s usually in a much better mood after a snack stop. You’ll get sweeping views without the intense crowds you find in the late mornings on weekends and avoid prime “overstimulated child” territory.
If your crew can stretch a little later, the early evening is absolutely magical. Busan starts to sparkle, city lights flicker on, and the tower sometimes features a colourful nighttime visual show. It’s a fun, low‑effort way to keep them entertained while you soak up the skyline.
Avoid weekend late mornings to skip the lines and crowds and don’t bother going up on a rainy day as the windows can fog up and visibility is poor.
Tips for Visiting Busan Tower with Kids
Make the escalator ride part of the adventure
To get up to the base of the tower, you’ll take a long escalator through Yongdusan Park — it’s surprisingly exciting for kids and saves you from pushing a stroller uphill. The official entry point is at the Yongdusan Park Escalator, and it’s quite a spectacle on its own.
Prep for the light show if you’re going at night
If you visit in the evening, the tower runs a nighttime visual mapping show that lights up the windows in colourful patterns — a guaranteed hit with little ones who love sparkles and movement. It’s a great distraction while you soak up the views.
Bring snacks (always)
There’s room to pause at the top, but limited kid‑friendly food options once you’re up there. A few emergency snacks go a very long way in keeping moods steady while you enjoy the panoramic views across the mountains, port and Gamcheon Village area.
Use the themed rooms to break up the visit
Inside the tower, there are photo zones and themed rooms inspired by different Busan attractions. Kids love the colours and props, and it gives them something interactive between the “grown‑up stuff” like skyline appreciation.
Keep expectations low for prams
You can bring a stroller, but sometimes it’s easier to park it at the bottom and pop your little one in a carrier. We love the Momcozy, Portier and Ergobaby Omni360 carriers for easy travel! This helps you move through crowds more easily — especially on weekends when things get a bit tight.
Plan a play break afterward in Yongdusan Park
Once you come back down, Yongdusan Park has plenty of space to run off energy. The base of the tower is also a relaxed area to sit and reset, and it’s a great spot to regroup before heading back into the busy Nampodong streets below.
Is Busan Tower Worth It?
Yes — especially if you want a big Busan moment that’s kid‑friendly and low‑effort. Busan Tower isn’t the tallest tower out there (it’s a modest 120 metres, far shorter than icons like the Burj Khalifa or CN Tower), but it still gives you those gorgeous panoramic views over the mountains, Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Port and even Jagalchi Fish Market.
Families will love how easy it is: the fun park escalator ride sets the tone, the photo zones and themed rooms keep little ones entertained, and the nighttime visual mapping show adds sparkle if you visit in the evening.
It’s not a life‑changing landmark — but for a breezy, beautiful, family‑friendly view over the city that is not going to break the bank, Busan Tower is absolutely worth it.
FAQs About Visiting Busan Tower
What are the opening hours of Busan Tower?
Busan Tower is open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with last admission at 9:30 PM.
How much does it cost to visit?
Tickets cost 12,000 KRW for adults and 9,000 KRW for children and seniors (65+). It’s one of the more budget‑friendly family activities in Busan.
Is Busan Tower stroller‑friendly?
Yes — you can bring a stroller. But between escalators, lifts and crowds, many parents find it easier to switch to a carrier once inside the tower and leave the pram parked at the base.
Are there baby‑changing or nursing facilities at Busan Tower?
No, there are no baby change or nursing facilities at the tower, but there’s plenty of quiet, secluded spots throughout the park for a discrete feed or nappy change.
What can kids do at Busan Tower?
Inside, there are photo zones and themed rooms inspired by Busan attractions, which give kids a fun break from just staring out the windows. It turns the visit into more of an experience, not just a lookout stop.
Is the view actually good?
Yes — even though it’s only 120 metres tall, the tower offers sweeping views over the mountains, colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Port and Jagalchi Fish Market. It’s a lovely, calm way to appreciate how big and beautiful Busan really is.
Is the escalator up to the tower suitable for families?
Absolutely! The long outdoor escalator to Yongdusan Park is half the fun for kids and saves you from tackling the hill with a pram. The entrance is at the Yongdusan Park Escalator in Jung‑gu.
What’s the best time of day to go with kids?
Late afternoon is the sweet spot for families — gentle light, less heat and fewer crowds. Early evening is also gorgeous, especially with the nightly light mapping show that turns the windows into colourful displays kids adore.
How long should a family spend at Busan Tower?
Most families spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how long the kids want to take photos, explore the themed rooms, or watch the lights.
Is Busan Tower worth it for families?
Yes — it’s low‑effort, central, affordable and full of kid‑friendly moments. Plus, those big Busan views feel like a real “we’re here!” travel moment.
Where should I stay in Busan?
I absolutely loved my accommodation in Busan. I stayed at the wonderful Nampo Hound Hotel Premier right in the heart of the Nampo-dong area. It was walking distance to all the street food stalls, the Jagalchi Market as well as the tower. The hotel itself was clean, friendly and excellent value for money – I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone wanting to stay in Busan.
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