Tucked into the entrance of Dongbaek Island in Haeundae, The Bay 101 is the night-view landmark that almost everyone calling Busan beautiful is talking about. The Marine City skyline, the lit-up Gwangan Bridge, and the white masts of the marina all fit into a single frame here — a view that's a little more Busan than Busan itself.
Why people call it Busan's "Hong Kong"
After sunset, every window in Marine City switches on at once and the whole skyline rises in light. Gwangan Bridge cycles through colors by the hour, showing you an angle of the bridge completely different from the one you see at Gwangalli Beach. Photographers will tell you: it's the kind of view you don't forget.
When to go
The strongest recommendation: arrive 30 minutes before sunset.
- 18:00–19:00 (30 min before sunset) — golden sky, the city lights coming on one by one. Magic hour.
- 19:00–20:30 (blue hour → full night view) — deep blue still in the sky, building lights at their most spectacular.
- After 22:00 — the crowds thin out. The easiest time for photos.
In winter, sunset is earlier — aim for around 17:00.
What to do here
A favorite Busan date course and Busan couples itinerary. You can walk the deck past the moored yachts, or sit at one of the cafés, restaurants, or bars at the back of the deck. Just a drink for the view works; a full meal with the panorama works too.
- Deck walk — the prime angle on Gwangan Bridge. The photo spot.
- Cafés & bars — floor-to-ceiling glass with the view; the best window seats need to be reserved.
- Yacht tours — seasonal, weather-dependent. 30–60-minute circuits that pass under Gwangan Bridge.
How to get there
One of the most accessible Haeundae attractions.
- By car — 5 minutes from Dongbaek IC. The Bay 101 has its own parking lot, but weekend evenings fill up fast. Dongbaek Island public lot is a strong backup.
- Subway + walk — Line 2 Dongbaek Station Exit 1 → 12-minute walk. Safest way home after the night view.
- Taxi — 5–10 min from anywhere in Gwangalli or Haeundae.
Tips
- Check tripod rules before setting up — some deck areas restrict them.
- Bring a layer. The bay wind is strong even in spring and fall.
- Reserve a window seat at the cafés on weekend nights.
- Stringing Gwangalli Beach → The Bay 101 → Dongbaek Island stroll gives you the complete Busan night-view itinerary.
After the night view — HANWOO GOJIP Busan Gaya
You've seen the city light up. Now: what to eat. Sashimi was lunch, milmyeon is tomorrow's plan — the question is what closes the night.
So many Busan itineraries stumble on the last meal. Thirty minutes by car from The Bay 101, in Gaya-dong of Busanjin-gu, HANWOO GOJIP Busan Gaya is one of the most natural ways to close a Busan day.
- 1++ No.9 — the top grade of Korean Hanwoo. Even the renowned beef houses in Gangnam usually serve No.7–No.8.
- No table-setting fee · No corkage — show up after the view, however you arrive.
- Second-floor private rooms — for the family, the couple, the small group.
- Easy parking — a natural drive after the night view.
The peak of Busan's night view, closed by one cut of Busan's top-grade Hanwoo. That's the kind of evening that brings you back to Busan.
📍 HANWOO GOJIP Busan Gaya Main Branch
- Address: 134 Eomgwang-ro (490 Gaya-dong), Busanjin-gu, Busan · 1F & 2F
- Phone: +82-51-891-9777
- Hours: Mon–Fri 15:00–22:00 · Sat–Sun 11:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
- Reserve on Naver →