Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge – Busan, South Korea

Situated within the Suyeong-gu (Suyeong district),  Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge are two iconic landmarks located in the coastal city of Busan in South Korea. Together, they create a stunning backdrop and are popular tourist destinations, providing unique experiences for visitors to Busan, whether it’s enjoying the beach during the day or admiring the bridge’s lights at night.

Sitting on the sand of Gwangalli Beach, a man contemplates the Gwangan Bridge (also knows as Gwangandaegyo Bridge or Diamond Bridge) which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Gwangalli beach is the best place to see the Gwangan bridge (also knows as Gwangandaegyo Bridge or Diamond Bridge)

Gwangalli Beach

With Haundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach is the most popular beach in Busan, known for its stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge.

It is located in the Gwangan neighborhood of Busan, adjacent to Gwangan Bridge. It’s easily accessible by public transportation, with Gwangan Station on Line 2 being the nearest subway station (take exit 5, make a U-turn upon exit, go straigh and turn right to Gwangan-ro, the beach is at the end of the road).

The main road running along the whole stretch of Gwangalli Beach is Gwanganhaebyeon-ro.

One of the highlights of Gwangalli Beach is its stunning view of Gwangan Bridge, especially at night when the bridge is illuminated. The juxtaposition of the modern bridge against the natural beauty of the beach creates a memorable scene.

While smaller than Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli still offers a range of beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports like kayaking and windsurfing.

The beachfront promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering a diverse range of dining options. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood dishes while taking in the scenic views of the beach and the bridge.

Gwangalli Beach hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including cultural performances, music concerts, and fireworks displays. The Gwangan Bridge International Fireworks Festival, held annually, is particularly popular and attracts visitors from around the world.

Gwangan Bridge

Spanning the Suyeong Bay area connecting the neighborhoods of Haeundae-gu and Suyeong-gu , the Gwangandaegyo Bridge, commonly known as the Gwangan Bridge or Diamond Bridge, is a prominent landmark in Busan, South Korea.

One of the most notable features of the Gwangan Bridge is its dazzling nighttime illumination. Thousands of LED lights adorn the bridge’s cables and tower, creating a mesmerizing light display that changes colors throughout the evening. The bridge is particularly stunning when viewed from nearby Gwangalli Beach, where visitors can enjoy the reflection of the lights on the water.

With a whole spanning of 7,420 meters, the Gwangalli Bridge is the second longest bridge in South Korea  after the Incheon Bridge.

The Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, characterized by its tall pylons and cables that support the bridge deck. It has two main towers rising from the water, which are illuminated at night, adding to the bridge’s visual appeal.

The bridge is often referred to as the “Diamond Bridge” due to its resemblance to a diamond necklace when lit up.

The Eastern Side of Gwangalli Beach

Millak Raw Fish Market

Millak Raw Fish Market, also known as Millak-dong Hoe Center, is a popular seafood market located just beside the left end of Gwangalli Beach, as you face the bridge and the ocean.

At Millak Fisherman’s Live Fish Market, visitors can witness the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Korean fish market, where fishermen directly sell their catch to customers

One of the distinctive features of this market is the display of live fish and other seafood in tanks, allowing customers to select their preferred items for purchase. From various species of fish to shellfish and crustaceans, the market boasts a wide array of fresh seafood options.

Visitors can also find various seafood restaurants in the vicinity where they can enjoy freshly prepared dishes made from the seafood available at the market.

Gwangan Beach Park

Gwangan Beach Park is located at the left end of Gwangalli Beach, as you face the bridge and the ocean.

The area nearest to the beach is a micro park, featuring a layout that adjusts with the seasons.

A short distance away, you’ll find restroom facilities and a small pedestrian zone offering vistas of the bridge. At night, some trees are illuminated by lights that continually shift in color.

Millak-dong Breakwater

Upon reaching the end of Gwangan Beach Park, if you turn left and continue along the coastline for approximately two hundred meters, you will come across steps that lead to the Millak-dong Breakwater.

Stretching along the coastline and offering protection to the Minlaghang marina, the Breakwater serves as a popular spot for fishing, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the scenic views of the Gwangan Bridge and the surrounding coastline.

The breakwater walls are adorned with a series of colorful mural paintings, a project that commenced in 2017 through a collaborative effort between local artists, the Busan Metropolitan Government, and the Millak-dong Community Center.

Rendered in a style reminiscent of a cartoon, a colorful mural painting of a boy and girl riding a bicycle together.
A colorful mural painting of a boy and girl riding a bicycle on Millak-dong Breakwater

The breakwater is renowned for its picturesque walking path that extends out into the sea, allowing visitors to take leisurely strolls while enjoying the sea breeze and panoramic views. It’s an ideal location for photography, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the sky’s hues and the bridge create breathtaking scenes.

The Millak-dong Breakwater is also a favored spot for couples, offering romantic views and a serene atmosphere.

Millac The Market

Built with red break, Millac The Market is located directly across from the Millak-dong Breakwater.

The official website is hosted on Instagram.

Millac the Market is a large cultural space complex with shops, restaurants, the inevitable Starbuck Coffee, and toilets.

The Western Side of Gwangalli Beach

Namcheon Seaside Park

Located at the right end of the Gwangan beach when you face the ocean, Namcheon Seaside Park is a small and popular recreational area situated along the coastline of Namcheon-dong.

The park is open 24 hours a day and features a limited number of tables with seats and umbrellas, offering scenic views of the ocean, Gwangalli Beach, and the Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

There are separate toilets for women and men.

Free Bicycle Rental

During the day, by presenting photo ID and completing some paperwork including your name, address, and phone number, you can rent bikes for free for up to 2 hours. Bikes for children with training wheels are available, and helmets are provided.

Namcheon-dong Cherryblossom Street

In spring, Namcheon Seaside Park serves as the starting point for exploring Namcheon-dong Cherry Blossom Street.