Gwangalli Beach is Busan’s “night-view beach” — a wide sandy bay framed by cafés and restaurants, with the Gwangan Bridge lighting up the horizon after dark. In the daytime, it’s a classic urban beach; at night, it turns into one of the city’s most atmospheric waterfront walks, often with buskers and a lively promenade vibe.
Quick facts about Gwangalli Beach ✅
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan |
| ⏱️ General access | Open year-round, 24 hours |
| 💳 Entry fee | Free |
| 🚇 Nearest subway | Gwangan Station (Line 2) + walk (official directions vary by exit) |
| 🚿 Amenities | Tourist info, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, foot-washing station, paid parking (and more) |
Why visit Gwangalli Beach 🏖️✨
1) The night view is the main event 🌉
Official Busan tourism highlights Gwangalli’s colorful lights at night and the romantic waterfront atmosphere (including buskers).
2) It’s built for strolling (and snacking) ☕🍦
Gwangalli isn’t just “sand + sea.” The best part is often the promenade: grab a drink, walk along the waterline, and stop wherever the bridge view looks best.
3) A great alternative to Haeundae 📍
If you want a beach area that feels more “local night out” than “big resort strip,” Gwangalli often wins.
What to do at Gwangalli Beach 🎯
Walk the full bay for the best bridge angles 🚶♂️🌉
The view changes a lot as you move along the water. Do a slow walk, then pick a spot to sit when the bridge lines up perfectly with the skyline.
Visit the nearby waterside park for a calmer vibe 🌙
Visit Busan specifically recommends the Waterside Park area if you want to enjoy the night view “a bit more” with a quieter seafront feel.
Try marine sports in season 🏄♂️
Gwangalli is associated with water activities (like paddleboarding and other marine sports), especially in summer.
(Availability is seasonal and operator-dependent.)
Best time to visit ⏱️
| Time | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| 🌅 Morning | Quiet photos, relaxing walk | Calm, fewer people |
| ☀️ Afternoon | Beach time + cafés | Bright, busy in warm months |
| 🌉 After sunset | Bridge lights + city energy | Iconic “Gwangalli at night” atmosphere |
How to get there 🚇🚌🚕
By subway (simple) 🚇
- Gwangan Station (Busan Metro Line 2) → walk to the beach.
Visit Busan notes a 13-minute walk from Exit 5.
Busan City’s beach guide also points to Gwangan Station (Line 2), Exit 3 or 5.
By bus 🚌
Visit Busan lists Bus 42 or 62 as direct options (get off at Gwangalli Beach).
By Busan City Tour Bus 🚌🟥
Visit Busan also mentions using the Busan City Tour Bus (Red Line) from Busan Station and getting off at the Gwangalli Beach stop.
By taxi 🚕
Taxi is easiest if you’re coming late, carrying beach gear, or traveling with kids. Use the official address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan.
Hours / Operating times ⏱️
General beach access: 24/7
Both official tourism sources describe Gwangalli Beach as open all year and open 24 hours for general access.
Swimming “service season” vs. just visiting ⚠️
Busan Metropolitan City publishes a season schedule for beach operations (the period when beaches officially “operate for vacationers”). For Gwangalli, the 2025 schedule lists July 1 – August 31, 09:00 – 18:00.
✅ Practical takeaway: you can visit anytime, but lifeguards/safety services and full beach facilities are typically aligned with the official summer schedule — always check the latest city notice if swimming is your goal.
Tickets / prices / parking 💳🚗
- Entry: Free.
- Paid parking: Available. VisitKorea lists a reference parking rate of 300 KRW per 10 minutes (confirm on arrival).
- Facilities: Busan City notes showers, changing rooms, drinking fountains, foot-washing station, etc.
Tips & common mistakes ✅⚠️
✅ Go twice if you can: day + night
Daytime is for the beach; nighttime is for the bridge view and atmosphere. (They feel like two different places.)
⚠️ Don’t assume “swimming season” = “best time to visit”
You can enjoy Gwangalli year-round, but official beach operation dates matter if you need staffed swimming hours and full services.
✅ Pick your “best view” strategy
- For photos: walk until the bridge sits cleanly in frame.
- For chill: grab a drink and settle in where the skyline looks balanced.
✅ Keep it clean
Visit Busan explicitly asks visitors to take garbage with them.
FAQ
Is Gwangalli Beach free to visit?
Yes — official listings show free admission.
Is Gwangalli Beach open at night?
Yes — it’s listed as open 24 hours and open year-round.
What’s the easiest way to get to Gwangalli Beach?
Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Gwangan Station and walk (official directions commonly reference Exit 5, and also Exit 3).
When is the official summer beach season for swimming?
Busan City’s 2025 beach schedule lists Gwangalli: July 1 – Aug 31, 09:00–18:00 for official beach operation.
Conclusion
Gwangalli Beach is the Busan beach you visit for vibes and views: a beautiful daytime shoreline that transforms into a signature bridge-lit nightscape after sunset. It’s free, easy to reach by Line 2 + a short walk, and perfect for an evening waterfront plan.
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