A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Busan, South Korea

From buzzing markets to breezy beaches and color-drenched hillside villages, Busan bursts with texture, contrast, and creative energy. This Lomo Travel Guide shares the best local tips for exploring Busan – perfect for capturing spontaneous street scenes, seaside palettes, and the vibrant rhythm of Korea’s coastal culture on film.

Held every fall since 1996, the Busan International Film Festival is one of Asia’s most celebrated. With a spotlight on Asian cinema’s rising and established voices, it attracts filmmakers and film lovers from around the world. The city comes alive during the festival – just be sure to check the program and book early.

Held every fall since 1996, the Busan International Film Festival is one of Asia’s most celebrated. With a spotlight on Asian cinema’s rising and established voices, it attracts filmmakers and film lovers from around the world. The city comes alive during the festival – just be sure to check the program and book early.

120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
Roughly 11 km from Haeundae, Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village is home to around 50 seafood stalls run by Haenyeo – traditional female divers who harvest their catch by hand. It’s a great place to sample ultra-fresh local dishes, from raw delicacies to comforting abalone porridge. After your meal, take a slow stroll to nearby Jukdo Island for peaceful ocean views – best captured with the dreamy tones of LomoChrome films.

Roughly 11 km from Haeundae, Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village is home to around 50 seafood stalls run by Haenyeo – traditional female divers who harvest their catch by hand. It’s a great place to sample ultra-fresh local dishes, from raw delicacies to comforting abalone porridge. After your meal, take a slow stroll to nearby Jukdo Island for peaceful ocean views – best captured with the dreamy tones of LomoChrome films.

119-10 Yeonhwa-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang, Busan, South Korea

A citywide celebration of digital and media art, Loop Lab Busan brings together public museums, private galleries, and alternative spaces across Busan. Multidisciplinary and international in scope, the festival often includes forums and fairs alongside exhibitions. It’s a great way to explore the city’s art scene in one sweep – check the program for a full guide to venues and events.

Perched on Yeongdo’s cliffs, Huinnyeoul Village is a maze of narrow lanes and whitewashed walls that open onto cinematic sea views. Just below, the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk stretches along the rocky shore – a peaceful path lined with ocean spray, tide pools, and quiet photo spots. A dreamy route for slow walks, soft light, and cinematic frames. Photo by debberoni

Perched on Yeongdo’s cliffs, Huinnyeoul Village is a maze of narrow lanes and whitewashed walls that open onto cinematic sea views. Just below, the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk stretches along the rocky shore – a peaceful path lined with ocean spray, tide pools, and quiet photo spots. A dreamy route for slow walks, soft light, and cinematic frames. Photo by debberoni

1043 Yeongseon-dong 4(sa)-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
From spring to fall, Yeongdo Pojangmacha Street comes alive with rows of tented street bars – a local favorite for late-night bites, drinks, and candid film shots under glowing lights. While similar streets can be found in Seomyeon and Nampo, Yeongdo’s seaside setting gives it an extra layer of charm. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit.

From spring to fall, Yeongdo Pojangmacha Street comes alive with rows of tented street bars – a local favorite for late-night bites, drinks, and candid film shots under glowing lights. While similar streets can be found in Seomyeon and Nampo, Yeongdo’s seaside setting gives it an extra layer of charm. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit.

67-1 Daegyo-dong 1(il)-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Cheongsapo Station feels like a scene from a postcard – where ocean views, Blue Line trains, and a narrow road leading straight to the sea create a quietly magical atmosphere. Time your visit for sunset and you’ll be rewarded with golden light and unforgettable frames. Photo by gsaram

Cheongsapo Station feels like a scene from a postcard – where ocean views, Blue Line trains, and a narrow road leading straight to the sea create a quietly magical atmosphere. Time your visit for sunset and you’ll be rewarded with golden light and unforgettable frames. Photo by gsaram

116 Cheongsapo-ro, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea

Located in the cultural hub of F1963 – a former wire factory reimagined as a cultural complex – Kukje Gallery showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary Korean and international art. Don’t miss the surrounding bamboo grove, on-site cafés, and art book library for a full creative reset.

20 Gurak-ro 123beon-gil, 망미제2동 Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Bosu Book Street is a charming old street in the middle of the city, lined with secondhand bookstores that have been around for ages. If you love books or just want a quiet break from the bustling city, it’s the perfect spot to wander and soak up some nostalgia. Photo by pmonroe

Bosu Book Street is a charming old street in the middle of the city, lined with secondhand bookstores that have been around for ages. If you love books or just want a quiet break from the bustling city, it’s the perfect spot to wander and soak up some nostalgia. Photo by pmonroe

Bosu-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Photo by recurving
Photo by recurving

Busan is a city where the sea and skyline meet in perfect harmony – blending sleek modernity with nostalgic charm. As the home of the Busan International Film Festival and a beloved backdrop for Korean cinema, it’s a dream for film lovers and analogue photographers alike. From sunlit coastlines to neon-lit markets, Busan’s light, layered scenery, and rich cultural landscape make it one of Korea’s most visually inspiring cities to explore on film.

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Busan

We’ve curated a list of our favorite art galleries, museums, and cultural landmarks in Busan – ideal for film photographers, creatives, and analogue adventurers looking to dive deeper into the city’s artistic spirit.

GoEun Museum of Photography
A hidden gem for photography lovers in Busan, this small but soulful museum offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Its focus on photographic art makes it a standout stop for analogue storytellers.

Busan Museum of Contemporary Art (Busan MoCA)
Located on Eulsukdo, a riverside island and migratory bird habitat, Busan MoCA offers a serene setting for experiencing contemporary art. After visiting the exhibitions, take time to enjoy birdwatching or a peaceful walk through the surrounding nature. A free shuttle bus operates between Busan Station and the museum – a convenient option for getting there and back.

Busan Museum of Art & The Space Lee Ufan
This museum offers a deeply immersive experience shaped by the artist himself – from the architecture to the curation. Minimal yet moving, it’s a quiet space perfect for contemplative photo moments and cultural exploration in Busan. The Space Lee Ufan, an annex of the museum, is a beautifully curated venue where the artist was involved in everything from site selection to architectural design.

Busan Biennale
Every two years, Busan Biennale transforms the city into an open-air gallery. With works installed in museums, outdoor spaces, and unexpected corners across town, it’s a must for art lovers chasing inspiration. Each edition brings together local and international voices to reflect Busan’s coastal spirit and cultural pulse.

Photos by nokcha & pmonroe
Photos by nokcha & pmonroe
Photos by nokcha & pmonroe

Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Busan

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section, we share some of our Community’s top tips about the city of Busan. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing, and some invaluable insights on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Busan-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Bongrae Mountain Observatory View
Want to photograph Busan at night? Bongrae Mountain offers a panoramic view of the city’s layered topography and glittering skyline. The hike takes about an hour and is beginner-friendly. If you’re planning a night shoot, also consider Seunghaksan or Ganbiosan for equally stunning vantage points – perfect for long exposures and moody cityscapes.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Set dramatically on a cliffside in Gijang, Haedong Yonggungsa is often called the “temple by the sea.” Its rare blend of ocean views and traditional temple architecture makes it one of the most scenic places to photograph in Busan. Bring your panoramic camera like the Sprocket Rocket to capture the sweeping coastline and intricate temple details all in one frame. Arrive early for soft morning light and fewer crowds.

Jagalchi Market
No Busan film photography trip is complete without a visit to Jagalchi Market. It’s the city’s most iconic traditional market, alive with motion, voices, and fresh seafood. Listen for the phrase “Oiso, Boiso, Saiso” (“Come, Look, Buy!”) as you snap street scenes bursting with local energy and color.

Bosu Book Street
Tucked in the heart of the city, Bosu Book Street is lined with secondhand bookstores that have stood the test of time. It’s a haven for book lovers andue analogue romantics – perfect for a quiet wander and a dose of vintage charm between busier stops.

Photos by violon, tinmaneyes & roonandbek
Photos by violon, tinmaneyes & roonandbek
Photos by violon, tinmaneyes & roonandbek
Photos by violon, tinmaneyes & roonandbek

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

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Lomographers From This City

  • minjae_kim

    125 Photos · joined 2019-02-23
    minjae_kim

    Instagram : www.instagram.com/mjiskim

  • hound

    105 Photos · joined 2023-07-08
    hound

    South Korea street photography Instagram @kkotkaru

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    52 Photos · joined 2011-03-28
    22miso

    hello

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    44 Photos · joined 2010-08-12
    gaany98

  • fostergregd

    31 Photos · joined 2013-02-09
    fostergregd

    I grew up in Texas. Now I teach English in Korea. I have a Holga 120 and a couple of Pentax SLRs. I love film!

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    74 Photos · joined 2011-01-19
    withen

    hen. =) writing&drawing. comics group_bnr. the 1st lomography online magazine official editor. http://www.cyworld.com/with_hen

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    11 Photos · joined 2010-08-07
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    hello

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    Ins📷 : k_filmkim Email : hyunsoo0053@gmail.com

    Get in touch with me for: Sharing My Hobbies, Sending Postcard Prints & Road Trips

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    48 Photos · joined 2011-07-03
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    I want to be friends with photos You can come and see me anytime

Where to Buy Analogue Photography Cameras & Develop Films

Dongbaek Store Busan

52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
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