After a quick and comfortable ride into Busan, we officially kicked off our Korea adventure with a day full of fresh seafood, ocean views, and one of the coziest Korean BBQ dinners we’ve had yet. If you’re planning your first trip to Busan and wondering what to do on Day 1, here’s exactly how we spent ours!

First Stop: Jagalchi Fish Market

We started our day at Jagalchi Fish Market, one of Busan’s most iconic spots and for good reason. It’s the largest seafood market in Korea, and the energy here is next level. Even if you’re not a seafood fan, walking through Jagalchi is an experience in itself.

The moment we stepped in, we were greeted with rows of fresh seafood, from enormous crabs and squids to trays of clams, oysters, and even live octopus. Vendors called out as we passed, proudly showing off their catch of the day. The colors, smells, and sounds created a vibe that was bustling yet still felt welcoming.

One of the coolest parts about Jagalchi is that you can choose your seafood downstairs and have it prepared for you in one of the restaurants upstairs. We weren’t super hungry yet, so we just wandered and snacked on a few fresh raw samples that some kind vendors offered us.

If you do plan to eat here, pro tip: don’t rush. Take your time to chat with vendors and ask questions. Many are happy to help you pick something even if your Korean is limited.

Afternoon Views: Songdo Sky Park & Cable Car Ride

From there, we made our way to Songdo Sky Park, home of the famous Songdo Marine Cable Car.

The Songdo area feels peaceful and open, perfect for taking a breath and enjoying the sea breeze. We bought tickets for the cable car (you can choose between a regular cabin or a crystal cabin with a glass floor — we chose the crystal cabin this time!) and boarded for what ended up being one of the best views of Busan.

The ride goes from Songdo Bay Station to Songdo Sky Park, giving you sweeping views of the coastline, rocky cliffs, and the city behind you. It’s not too long — maybe 10 minutes each way — but it’s such a peaceful experience, especially if you go mid-afternoon when it’s less crowded.

At the top, there’s a small park area with photo zones, sculptures, and a few cafes. We spent some time just walking around, enjoying the scenery and taking photos. The view of the ocean meeting the city skyline was something I’ll never forget.

Winding Down with Dinner: Matchandeul Wang Sogeum Gui

After a long day of walking and exploring, we were ready for dinner and Matchandeul Wang Sogeum Gui in the Bupyeong area did not disappoint.

This cozy Korean BBQ spot is popular with locals, and we immediately felt at home. The staff was friendly, the menu was simple but packed with flavor, and the scent of grilled meat was everything we needed after a day of sightseeing.

We ordered their signature sogeum gui (salted pork), which comes with a set of banchan (side dishes) and lettuce wraps. The meat was super tender, and you cook it right at your table over charcoal which adds this amazing smoky flavor. We also had some doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) on the side, which was hot, comforting, and just the right amount of savory.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, this spot is perfect for winding down and enjoying a low-key but satisfying dinner. Everything felt authentic, unpretentious, and delicious — just the way we like it.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect First Day in Busan

Between the ocean views, the buzz of the fish market, and the comfort of Korean BBQ, our first day in Busan set the tone for what’s shaping up to be one of our favorite trips. If you’re visiting for the first time, this route gives you a little bit of everything — the cultural buzz, peaceful scenery, and of course, amazing food.

We’re excited to share the rest of our Busan adventures with you, so stay tuned for Day 2 where we head deeper into the city and discover even more hidden gems.