Things to do in Seomyeon and Jeonpo, Busan (2023)

This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

The Seomyeon and Jeonpo districts in Busan are many things – from the epicentre of coffee culture and cute cafes in Busan through to superior shopping and many night delights, this is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Busan.

Offering craft beer bars to casinos, colourful cake shops to beautiful bakeries, Seomyeon and Jeonpo is THE place to hang out in Busan and is very popular with students and teens (especially along ‘Seomyeon Young Street’).

The heart and soul of Busan, Seomyeon and Jeonpo has something to offer at any time of day, from stress relieving shooting galleries to sweet as selfie booths, pub crawls to picture perfect donuts and cookies.

Here is our guide to the best things to do in Seomyeon and Jeonpo in Busan, South Korea (2023):

Check out our Busan area guides to Gwangalli Beach or Haeundae Beach.

Getting to Busan

Fly to Busan

You can fly directly to and from Busan Gimhae International Airport (PUS) from Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, China and Malaysia.

There are dozens of domestic daily flights to Busan from Seoul and Jeju.

There is also a direct ferry to Busan from Fukuoka in Japan.

Train to Busan

Thankfully not the (in)famous South Korean zombie movie of the same name but a fast and efficient way to get to Busan from Seoul.

The KTX train Korea is the fastest train to get to Busan in the south of the country, often taking less than 3 hours and running one or two times an hour.

Alternatively, foreign travellers can benefit from discounted rates with a Korea Rail Pass – this is also better value if you are travelling long distances by train in South Korea for two or more days.

Book your Korea Rail Pass (2, 3, 4, or 5 Days) here >

Getting to Seomyeon

The easiest way to get to Seomyeon is via the Busan Metro system to Seomyeon Station (take Metro line 2).

The closest Metro exits are:
Exit 1 for Seomyeon Market and Seomyeon Medical Street
Exits 12 or 15 for Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center
Exit 7 for Lotte Department Store
Exits 2 or 4 for Seomyeon Eatery Alley

There is also a comprehensive bus network in Busan but based on our experience, if you are coming from the coastal areas of Busan to Seomyeon, the journey takes longer.

Gwangalli Customised Private Tour

Given how big Busan is, if you are short on time, you can organise your own customised private tour of Busan or do a Premium One Day Private group Tour from Busan to 10 cities.

Things to do in Seomyeon and Jeonpo, Busan

1. Seomyeon Pojangmacha Street / Pojangmacha stalls

Head to the night-life district of Seomyeon in Busan at night to enjoy an epicurean experience in these street-tents, open until the wee small hours.

Seomyeon Pojangmacha Street / Pojangmacha stalls Busan

All manner of South Korean street food is served in these Pojangmacha food stalls plus alcoholic beverages like soju and beer. Given Busan’s proximity to the coast, seafood pojangmacha stalls are popular – chicken and pork trotters are other typical Korean dishes available.

Such is there popularity, these late night Busan stalls often appear in Korean dramas and TV programmes – they are also popular in Jeju and Seoul.

There is a dedicated street in Busan nicknamed Seomyeon Pojangmacha Street (just to the rear of the Lotte Hotel Busan) where these types of stalls are set up from the early evening (usually around 5pm to 6pm).

A word of caution – sometimes the prices aren’t displayed at Pojangmacha food stalls or if they are, they might be based on weight, not per dish so make sure you know what you are buying.

You might like – Korean cooking class in Busan >

2. Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center

Seomyeon is shopping central in Busan and whilst most of the main chains are located along Seomyeon Shopping Street, Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center is the perfect place for all-weather shopping or to escape the cold in winter.

Most of the stores inside Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center are independent retailers and it is a good place to head for K-fashion bargains, inexpensive Korean cosmetic products and snacks. Most of the stores are aimed at younger shoppers but there are sections with clothing for all ages.

Inside, you’ll also find free toilets plus a few random design features like a water fountain – Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center is open daily from 10am to 10pm, individual store opening times may vary.

Address: Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center,지하 717 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan

You might like – things to do in Gwangalli Beach, Busan >

3. Jeonpo Cafe Street

We first became aware of Jeonpo Cafe Street in Seomyeon when we spotted huge coffee cup signs hanging from various street lamps – so if you see a huge coffee cup hanging down, you know you are on the right track to Jeonpo Cafe Street.

Packed with cute coffee shops, pretty patisseries and blissful bakeries, Jeonpo Cafe Street has dozens of aesthetically awesome artisan cafes, popular with students and young couples (you’ll see lots of selfie snaps going on).

Previously featured in The New York Times’ ‘World Destinations of the Year’, Jeonpo Cafe Street is a colourful and cultural coffee shop destination to get your caffeine fix. Street art can be found in some of the side-streets and new pop-up venues appear regularly.

Address: Jeonpo Cafe Street, Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea

You might like – things to do in Haeundae Beach, Busan >

4. Seomyeon Market

Busan’s bustling Seomyeon Market is the place to head to for traditional Korean restaurants, South Korean street food stalls and all manner of delicious dishes. It is located very close to the Lotte Busan mall and Lucky Seven Casino.

Look out for dishes such as kalguksu / knife cut noodle soup, mandu (dumplings), tteokbokki sundae (pig’s blood sausage) plus pig’s trotter (jokbal).

One stand out dish to look for is milmyeon, a famous Busan noodle made from wheat noodles in a cold meaty broth, often topped with vegetables and garnish ( a variant of a North Korean noodle dish).

Address: Seomyeon Market, Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Looking for cheap Busan day-trips, attractions or group/private tours? We recommend visiting Vi ator, GetYourGuide, and Klook!

5. Seomyeon Shopping Street / Seomyeon Young Street

The main outdoor shopping area in Seomyeon, this is where all the cool kids hang out day and night (hence why it is also known as Seomyeon Young Street).

Similar to Myeongdong in Seoul, this is an avenue of shops bars and restaurants that is lit up at night with bright lights and neon signs.

You’ll find all the usual food and fashion chains here like Artbox, Olive Young, Twosome Coffee etc plus fast food fare like Mom’s Touch (Korea’s number 1 burger chain) and McDonalds.

Seomyeon Young Street is also a good place to check out gadget and gachapon stores and stock up on Korean beauty products (many of the stores are open until late in Busan at night).

On Seomyeon Shopping Street, you’ll see lots of cool silver sculptures and public street art like a giant diamond ring or cartwheeling figures.

Most of the buildings along Seomyeon Shopping Street are very tall with many storeys so many of the more interesting bars and cafes can be found hidden up dark stairwells.

Address: Seomyeon Shopping Street, Jungang-daero 692beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Seomyeon Shopping Street / Seomyeon Young Street

You might like – the Visit Busan pass. Visit around 30 Busan attractions for one small price >

6. NC Department Store

Of the best known shopping malls in Seomyeon / Jeonpo, NC department store has seven storeys of shopping split into two distinct sections – Young Hall and Fashion.

Part luxury brand store, part discount mall, this is a good one stop shop in Seomyeon and retail heaven.

We found this a really good shopping mall in Busan particularly for sports wear like sneakers and trainers (there were several outlet shops selling brands like Skechers, Nike and Adidas). Art Box also is a cute store for character goods, gizmos and gadgets.

Film fans will appreciate the CGV cinema on the top floor and there are several restaurants on the seventh floor. NC Department Store Seomyeon is open daily from 9am until 9pm Monday to Thursday and 10pm Friday through Sunday.

Address: NC Department Store, Seomyeon, Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan

You might like – Busan Premium Yacht Tour; enjoy the beaches of Haeundae and Gwangalli in Busan from the sea on a luxury yacht >

7. Seomyeon nightlife

Akin to Gangnam in Seoul, Seomyeon is the mecca for late night entertainment in Busan, a hustling and bustling area packed full of clubs, street performers, craft beer bars and restaurants that stay open until very late – you can also find late night shopping here too.

Known for its bright lights and late nights, this is where a lot of the younger generation in Busan head out – bars and late night venues such as Thursday Party (cos Thursday is the new Friday), Moma, Savoy and Output are all popular venues.

For the best mix of bars, restaurants and shoppings, head to Seomyeon Shopping Street and the surrounding alley-ways as you likely stumble across something to suit all tastes.

You might like – Busan Night Tour with Songdo Cable Car, The Bay 101, Gwangalli Beach, and Yeongdo Seaside Park >

You might like – Busan at night guide >

8. Seomyeon Food Alley

Seomyeon Food Alley can be found hidden away in the back streets behind Seomyeon Metro Station.

Lots of Korean restaurants offer a variety of South Korean foods, including knife-cut noodles and Jokbal, a speciality Busan dish of braised pig trotters – there is even a dedicated area in Seomyeon called Jokbal Alley.

Other dishes to try whilst in Seomyeon Food Alley include tteokbokki and deep fried pajeon (Korean pancakes). It is also a popular place to enjoy Soju rice wine.

Address: Seomyeon Food Alley, Seomyeon, Bujeon 2(i)-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan

You might like – visiting the Netflix knife-cut noodle lady in Gwangjang Market, Seoul

9. Poo Poo Land

Could this be described as one of the ‘crappiest’ things to do in Busan? Billed as “…South Korea’s first poop inspired theme park…” (no, really), this attraction might not be for everyone (don’t poo-poo the idea) but kids will surely love it.

Meet Ssari the poop and Mari the toilet paper friend (never ever a sentence I thought I’d write!) as you explore the Poo Poo Land’s activity areas and take pictures in a variety of photo zones.

You can even explore a replica digestive system during an epic maze escape activity – so not too ‘sh*tty’ then.

Book Poo Poo Land in Seomyeon, Busan >

You might like – Things to do in Busan – Ultimate Guide >

10. Cafes and Restaurants in Seomyeon, Busan

There are literally hundreds of restaurants and diners in Seomyeon to choose from, open all hours (Seomyeon is one of the best places to experience Busan at night).

Some of the best restaurants in Seomyeon (and our personal recommendations) include:

Woojung Dolsot Bibimbap

Blimmin’ brilliant bibimbap – we went to this Seomyeon restaurant based on the online reviews and it turned out to be a nice, inexpensive place.

There are various Korean noodle dishes and bibimbap flavours to try and it is really cheap; most dishes were around the 5,000 Won mark (£3 / $4 USD).

Help yourself to free sides like kimchi and pickled radish – order via a tablet on your table then a member of staff brings you the check to pay before the food arrives. Quick, easy and rather enjoyable!

Address: Woojung Dolsot Bibimbap, 168-365 Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Woojung Dolsot Bibimbap restaurant Seomyeon Busan

Mum’s Touch Chicken Seomyeon

One of South Korea’s most popular burger and Korean fried chicken joints, we visited the Seomyeon Shopping Street branch of Mom’s Touch Chicken in Busan and was not disappointed.

We tried the garlic chicken burgers with fries and the portion sizes were huge and the food delicious. Tthe restaurant also has huge bay windows providing nice views of all the comings and goings of Seomyeon – not exactly fine dining but damn fine fried chicken and fast food. Mom would approve (probably).

Address: Mom’s Touch Seomyeon, South Korea, Busan, Busanjin-gu, Jungang-daero 692beon-gil, 25 2층

Dough Garage Pizza

After several days of local food, we were craving pizza so discovered Dough Garage Pizza in the backstreets of Jeonpo. Very popular with local students and youngsters, we managed to bag the last table and enjoyed a huge half and half pizza, washed down with beer.

Ordering and payment was via a table tablet and service was brisk – the interior retro American diner style was also kinda cute.

Address: Dough Garage, 8 Seojeon-ro 46beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Dough Garage Pizza restaurant Seomyeon Busan

Ducobi Diner

A 1950’s style American diner popular for its big food and Insta worth photo spots, this is one super busy Seomyeon restaurant.

As well as burgers, milkshakes and fries, Ducobi Diner is popular for American style pancake breakfasts served with drip coffee – a little slice of Americana in Busan.

Doodly Donut

A popular Busan bakerie and decadent donut shop on Jeonpo Cafe Street, famed for its incredible sweet treats like fruit loop donuts, milk cream donuts (complete with chocolate paw) or other candied creations.

Doodly Donuts has several branches in Busan including Haeridan-gil in Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach.

Cookie Shops Galore

There are cute cookie shops galore in and around Jeonpo – two of the most beloved cookie shops in Busan located in Seomyeon are Cookie The Door (colourful cookies) and Cookie House (whose signature creations include Ferrero Rocher cookies and Strawberry Cheesecake cookies). Yes – please take all our ‘dough’ now.

11. Independent Stores in Seomyeon

Whilst Seomyeon has all the usual international and South Korean shopping brands like Olive Young and H&M etc, the streets of Seomyeon and Jeonpo are home to some of the best independent stalls in Busan.

Based on our several visits to Seomyeon and Jeonpo, some of the most popular (and cutest) independent stores included Your Closet (beautiful stationery and wrapping paper), May Sister’s Select Shop (modern and retro toys and teddy bears), Hi Peanut (vintage gifts and interior furnishings) and Starlight Village (a cornucopia of cuddly bears).

12. Lotte Department Store Busan; Seomyeon Branch

Just when you thought it isn’t possible to fit any more shops into Seomyeon, along comes Lotte Department Store Busan, a retail mecca and fashion palace fit for a king (or queen)!

A fine looking Busan shopping center, Lotte Department Store is one of the biggest retailers in South Korea (you might recognise them from the Lotte adventure parks or Lotte hotels (link to booking.com).

Lotte Department Store Busan is packed full of local and international brands like Muji, Lush and Uniqlo plus a huge Lotte food court for cheap eats and street food snacks.

On the 8th floor, you’ll also find Lotte Duty Free Busan, where you can shop and claim your retail tax (so you can spend the savings on more Busan tours). Luxury brands here include Prada, Coach and Bulgari.

Address: Lotte Department Store Busan; Seomyeon Branch, 772, Gaya-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan

You might like – the best shopping malls in Seoul include Lotte >

13. Korean Selfie booths

One of the most fun things to do in Jongpo / Seomyeon (and in Busan at night), Korean selfie booth stores are dotted all throughout the neighbourhood.

Selfie kiosks are brightly coloured stores in Busan where you can borrow clothes and fun props (like vegetable hats, big sunglasses, animal paw gloves etc) and then pose for selfies or take photos in booths for a small fee.

Often these Korean selfie photo booths allow you to print out stickers as a lasting reminder – some of the most popular Korean selfie photo booths in Seomyeon / Jongpo include Photo Lab, Studio Switch and pic dot.

You might like – things to do in Insadong, Seoul >

14. Busan Citizens Park

A huge gorgeous gem of a green space towards the northern Seomyeon neighborhoods, Busan Citizens Park is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Sprawling over 100 acres with the modern city metropolis serving as a back-drop you can enjoy an arts village and fun amusements for all the family including an artificial beach.

It was once a enormous Busan Army Base but has now been donated to the citizens of Busan to enjoy and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024.

The highlight for many (especially kids) is the 25 metre fountain waterfall.

Address: Busan Citizens Park, 73 Simingongwon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan

You might like – things to do in Ikseon-dong, Seoul >

15. Craft Beer Bars in Seomyeon / Jeonpo

After a busy day exploring Seomyeon or other parts of Busan, grab a cold beer (or three) at one of these Jeonpo / Seomyeon craft beer bars and breweries:

You might like – Best Busan craft beer bars (and breweries) >

Wildcat Brewing Co Seomyeon

‘Feline’ like a trip to a cat-themed Busan craft beer brewery?

During our search for the best breweries and craft beer bars in Busan, we struggled to find any Busan brewery taprooms open on a Monday night but thankfully, Wildcat Brewing saw us right.

Located on the outer edges of Busan’s hipster district Seomyeon, Wildcat Brewing is one beautiful Busan brewery and craft beer bar – you get to try their craft beer in a taproom that directly overlooks all the brewing vats at Wildcat Brewing.

Address: Wildcat Brewing, Seomyeon KH Maius, 2 KH마이우스 1층 101호, Sincheon-daero 62beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Beer Shop Seomyeon, Busan

One of the best craft beer bars in Busan and from one of the brains behind Gorilla Brewing, this British style craft beer shop has one of the biggest selection of craft beers in Busan.

From Craft Bros to Samuel Smiths, Omnipollo to Toppling Brews, dozens of international breweries are featured at Busan’s Beer Shop. South Korea breweries (particularly Busan craft beer breweries) feature heavily including Wildcat Brewing, Gorilla Brewing, Seoul Brewery and ArtMonster.

All can be enjoyed inside or in the concrete terrace area outside plus beer snacks include pastrami / Reuben sandwiches and burgers plus chicken tenders – nom!

Address: Beer Shop Busan, 24-7 Jeonpo-daero 210beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Seomyeon, Busan

Craft Hans Seomyeon

Focusing more on craft beer bottles than craft draft, Craft Hans is a handy and hoppy hang-out in Seomyeon that also has an extensive bar snack and food menu.

Located on the second floor, there is a soju bar and BBQ place on the ground floor meaning you could have a big night out in Busan here.

Address: Craft Hans Seomyeon24 Dongcheon-ro 95beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea

Find out more about Wildcat Brewing Co, Beer Shop Seomyeon and other Busan craft beer bars here >

16. Seven Luck Casino

Located in Lotte Hotel Busan, Seven Luck casino is a late night Seomyeon venue and gambling palace that is only able to be used by overseas visitors to Busan. The casino is open 24 hours a day and there is a bar and restaurant area.

Unlike say Las Vegas or Macau, gambling isn’t that big in South Korea with only a handful of casinos operating in the country. Games available at Seven Luck Casino include Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and Tai Sai plus over 100 slot machines.

Address: Seven Luck Casino, Lotte Hotel Busan, 772 Gaya-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan

You might like – things to do in Gangnam, Seoul >

17. Busan Live Shooting Range / Seomyeon real shooting gallery

After a busy day of shopping, it might be time to relieve some stress in Busan! You might be surprised to hear that amongst all the stores and street-food, there is a very popular shooting range in Seomyeon called Busan Real Shooting Club.

Similar to the shooting ranges you find in Ikseon-dong and Hongdae in Seoul, these are popular indoor shooting galleries where you fire at targets. However, in Busan, you can fire real live bullets. Assistants will train you on how to fire a gun if you’re a novice and you can try different types of weapons.

Busan Shooting Club is popular with the younger crowds who often hold mini competitions in groups to see who is the sharpest shooter.

Address: Busan Live Shooting Range / 부산실탄사격장, 27 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan

You might like – Busan Indoor 3D Shooting Range (Targetzone Seomyeon Store) >

18. Seomyeon Medical Street

The Seomyeon Medical Street is found around Bujeon-dong in Jin-gu. Visitors to Busan will find access to over 100 different beauty and medical institutes along this one street as well as numerous shops and stores.

Services provided along Seomyeon Medical Street in Busan include cosmetic surgery, dermatology and dentistry and is one of several medical districts to be approved by the Busan Government, in an attempt to encourage more medical visits to Busan.

19. Busan Bar Crawl at Night

Coffee not your thing? Then try a Busan pub crawl that includes 3+ free shots and visits 4 to 5 late night venues and bars in Busan.

Meet fellow travellers and local drinkers in this unique Busan bar crawl trip which takes place every Saturday evening in Seomyeon (or Haeundae Beach on Friday nights) – dancing is optional (probably).

Book your Busan late night bar crawl here >

20. Bujeon Market

One of the two main fish markets in Busan (the other being Jagalchi Fish Market), this market near to Seomyeon sells mainly fresh seafood and fish, plus lots of fruit, fresh vegetables and meat.

Some of the more famous stalls at Bujeon Market include Goraesa Fish Cake Shop, Bujeon Ginseng Market and Somunnan Kalguksu & Mayak Gimbap.

Popular with locals, Bujeon Market is open daily from 6am to 7pm and is a nice way to get accustomed to traditional South Korean ingredients and dishes.

Note that a lot of the seafood is still alive (a wet market) and you may encounter the likes of octopuses and crabs trying to escape so if this is likely to upset you, it is best to avoid Bujeon Market.

Address: Bujeon Market, 23 Jungang-daero 783beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Busan Pass

Save money on Busan attractions with the visit Busan Pass!

Newly launched in 2023 and very similar to the highly successful Discover Seoul pass, the Visit Busan pass provides ‘free’ access to a selection of 30 tourism attractions in Busan for 24/48 hours.

Visit Busan tourist attractions included on the pass include Lotte World Busan, Busan Tower, Skyline Luge Busan, Busan X the Sky, Songdo Cable Car and free hanbok rental.

Incredibly good value for money, buy your Visit Busan pass here via Klook >

Visiting Seoul? You might like the Discover Seoul pass (our review) or our Go City Seoul Pass Guide (is it worth it)?

Seomyeon Accommodation

Budget

Queens Hotel Seomyeon Busan
Simple and cosy hotel with large rooms, located a 5 minute walk from Lotte Department Store. Check out prices and availability for Queens Hotel Seomyeon Busan

Mid Range

Hotel Kyungsung
Highly rated minimalist style hotel located 700 metres from Seomyeon Medical Street. Selected rooms feature a terrace Check out prices and availability for Hotel Kyungsung

Luxury

Lotte Hotel Busan
Luxury hotel located a 5 minute walk from the metro. Facilities include an on-site duty-free store, department store, movie theatre, indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, fitness centre and restaurants. Check out prices and availability for Lotte Hotel Busan