The Busan Tower, Since 2021 officially known as Busan Diamond Tower, it is the panoramic tower that overlooks the historic center of Busan. Located within the Yongdusan Park,It is a few steps from Nampo, the Jagalchi fish market and the Gukje Market, and is the perfect place to see the harbor, Yeongdo Island and the city’s bridges from above, especially at sunset and in the evening.
In this guide you will find schedules, ticket prices, how to get there and how to organize your visit along with the park. The tower is part of our Travel guide in Busan, where you can find itineraries and advice for the entire city.
The tower was Opened in 1973 and it is 120 meters high, Built on the Yongdusan hill, which is approximately 69 meters above sea level. Unlike the Namsan Tower in Seoul, which was also built as a transmission tower, the Busan Tower was designed solely for visitors: it has no antennas and serves as a viewpoint overlooking the harbor.
A detail few know about: the top resembles the canopy of the Dabotap pagoda in Bagan. Bulguksa Temple, a Gyeongju. If your trip also includes the city of the ancient kingdom of Silla, our guide of Gyeongju it will help you to find the original.
After the renovation work, The tower reopened on December 15, 2021 under the name Busan Diamond Tower. The name apparently refers to Gwangandaegyo, the city bridge nicknamed Diamond Bridge, but on the spot and in the road signs you will almost always still find “Busan Tower”.
The main part is the’observatory, With a 360-degree view of the harbor, the old town, Yeongdo Island, and the bridges. On very clear days, it is said that the Japanese island of Tsushima can even be seen.
After the renovation, the lower floors also house new spaces: a multimedia art area, an exhibition room, themed areas for augmented reality photos, a souvenir shop, and a café. In the evening, a projection show of images is scheduled on the observatory’s roof: the schedules change with the season, so it’s worth asking at the ticket office.
The time I recommend is sunset: get there about half an hour earlier to see the city in daylight and stay while the harbor lights come on. On a clear day, it’s best to choose a day when the fog on the harbor blurs the view. In the evening, remember that the last entrance is at 9:30 p.m.
Yongdusan means “dragon mountain”, a name derived from the shape of the hill. The entrance to the Yongdusan Park It is free and it is a good way to complete the visit. Inside you will find:
Around it was also Choryang Waegwan, the Japanese settlement for trade and diplomatic exchanges that operated from 1678 to 1878: today almost nothing remains, but it explains why this area was for centuries the gateway to Busan from Japan.
What to see around the tower? The Jagalchi fish market, Gukje Market and street food stalls, BIFF Square, Gwangbokro Fashion Street, the shopping street, and the bookstore alley of Bosu-dong are also within walking distance.
The easiest way to get there is by metro, line 1:
From Busan Station (KTX), it takes one or two stops on Line 1 to get to Jungang or Nampo. From Haeundae, take Line 2 to Seomyeon and then change to Line 1 to get off at Nampo or Jungang. I recommend using Naver Maps for the final leg on foot.
You can purchase the ticket directly at the box office (KRW 12,000 for adults, KRW 9,000 for children aged 3-12 and over 65). Alternatively, Buy it online on Trip.com at a more affordable price.
12,000 KRW for adults, 9,000 KRW for children aged 3 to 12 and over 65, free for children under 3 years old. By purchasing tickets through the button at the top you can save a little money.
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