When we spent a long weekend in Busan last month, we were disappointed to find rainy weather for the majority of our time there. Suddenly our plans for beach days and amusement parks weren’t realistic, and we found ourselves scrambling to find things we could easily do in the rain. Thankfully, we were able to make the best of what could have been a crappy situation, so I figured I’d share how we did that.
How we spent a rainy day in Busan
Here’s the thing: we aren’t scared of a little rain. But I think any parent of young kids can appreciate that dragging littles to adventure in the rain isn’t exactly a great time. Add in that there was also thunder and lightning… and I think it makes sense why we chose to do more indoor activities. So without further ado, here is what we did on a rainy day in Busan.
*For information on how to visit any of these places yourself, see the “how to” section at the bottom of each individual section.
Sea Life Aquarium Busan
Our first stop was the Sea Life Aquarium in Busan. Since our hotel was just down the street, it made for an easy visit for us. We walked (through the pouring rain) the ten minutes to the aquarium, purchased our tickets, and then headed down the escalators to see what this place had to offer. Honestly, aquariums are fine – but I’m usually put off quite a bit by their cost. This aquarium was no exception, although the kids loved it, so that was a win.
The aquarium had tide pools where you could hold starfish, had a variety of animal feedings that the kids loved watching, and they even had a mermaid show. The girls were excited about seeing the “mermaid” swim around in the tank. E, on the other hand, was more interested in the sharks swimming around in the tank right behind us. Even so, there were so many different species and there is definitely something for everyone at this aquarium. It’s pretty similar to every other aquarium I’ve ever been to (except for the giant pacific octopus which really stole the show for all of us), and we probably wouldn’t visit again – unless we found ourselves in Busan during a rainy day.
If you’re in Busan and the weather isn’t great, Sea Life Aquarium is a great option – especially if you have busy kids who need some entertainment. Don’t miss out on the shark feedings and the Ocean Wizard and Mermaid Show.
How to visit Sea Life Aquarium in Busan
Directions:
Naver pin – Sea Life Aquarium Busan (or paste 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 266 into Naver)
Parking:
Naver pin – Sea Life Busan Parking Lot (or paste 부산 해운대구 중동 into Naver)
Cost – ₩1,000 per 30 minutes
Naver pin – Haeundae Beach Public Parking Lot (or paste 부산 해운대구 우동 into Naver)
Cost – Free for first 90 minutes, then ₩1,500 per 30 minutes
Cost:
Tickets purchased on site
Adults – ₩30,000
Children (3-12) – ₩25,000
Children (under 3) – FREE
Tickets purchased online at least one day in advance
Adults – ₩25,000
Children (3-12) – ₩21,000
Children (under 3) – FREE
For information about purchasing tickets in advance, visit the Sea Life Busan website.
Hours:
Hours differ by day and season. Check the Sea Life Busan Calendar for hours on specific days.
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Last entry one hour before closing.
Wheelchair/stroller accessible: YES
Amenities: There are bathrooms located on floors B2 (near the penguins) and B3 (near the Giant Pacific Octopus). A nursing room is located on floor B2. There are convenience stores on floor B3 right before you take the stairs back up to the entrance. Additionally, there are many restaurants in the surrounding area.
Event Schedule:
Events and event times are subject to change without notice. These times are true as of this posting.
Animal Feeding Times
Otters – 10:30am, 3:00pm
Penguins – 11:40am, 3:30pm
Sharks – 12:00pm, 4:00pm
Shark Discovery Show
1:50pm
The Ocean Wizard and the Mermaid Story
11:20pm, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:40pm
Busan Museum
Our next stop was the Busan Museum – a free museum all about the history of Busan. As it turns out, there is a rich history to the city that I never knew. The museum follows the history from prehistoric times all the way to present. As will surprise exactly nobody who knows us: I loved the museum and the kids were bored. The toddlers eventually started running crazy, so we cut our visit short. Still, I got to learn some cool things about ancient civilizations in Busan, as well as the part the port city played in WWII and the Korean War.
The amount of exhibits they fit in such a small area was really pretty incredible. They were very well put together and the museum was easy to wander through by following the arrows guiding you. Plus, all of the plaques and information were in Korean AND English. The museum was reminiscent of the Independence Hall of Korea that we visited months before, and it was a great opportunity to learn more about this amazing country we’ve been able to call home.
So museums may not be Brandon’s (or my children’s) thing, but it was a great visit to get out of the rain and explore. Plus, I always consider it a win when we visit somewhere that can count toward homeschool – and I think we all left having learned SOMETHING.
How to visit the Busan Museum
Directions & Parking: The Busan Museum has a small parking lot in front of it. It’s free to park there, but it fills up fast, so I recommend visiting the museum close to opening.
Naver pin – Busan Museum Parking Lot (or paste 부산 남구 유엔평화로 63 into Naver)
Cost: FREE
Hours:
*CLOSED MONDAYS
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
*If Monday is a public holiday, then the museum is closed the following day
Wheelchair/stroller accessible: YES
Amenities: There are bathrooms located inside the museum, as well as a nursing room, and a cafe.
Lotte Department Store and Musical Fountain Show
Probably the most disappointing part of our rainy day in Busan was visiting the musical fountain show at Lotte Department Store. Honestly, it wouldn’t have been too bad, but we actually went to the WRONG Lotte Department Store first. After wandering around a floor of luxury clothing and makeup stores (and feeling VERY underdressed and uncomfortable in the process), we eventually realized we were in the wrong place. So we packed back up in the car, located the correct department store, and headed over. But don’t worry, I’ve included a pin to the proper store for you below.
The Lotte Department Store “Aquatique Show” holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest indoor music fountain. Seem specific? We thought so too. Still, this fountain reaches a staggering 18.2 meters (59 feet, 8 inches) up to the ceiling and it IS pretty cool. Was it a match for the Yedangho Suspension Bridge Musical Fountain Show? No. But, again, it was something to do, and we didn’t have any regrets. Plus, we found some of the fanciest Krispy Kreme Donuts we’ve ever seen, and we stopped by an adorable treat store right by the fountain to get some incredible cookies. Donuts, cookies, and musical fountain in a foreign country… really, what more could you want? Well, a visit to Busan with no rain is what we wanted. But it’s called making lemonade out of lemons, folks.
Are we glad we visited the Musical Fountain at Lotte Department Store? Yes. Would we go back? Probably not. At least, not just for the musical fountain. Still, shopping malls in South Korea are kind of a whole thing – and I much prefer them to malls in the States – so there’s a chance we’d find ourselves back there anyway.
How to visit the Lotte Department Store and Musical Fountain Show
Directions & Parking: Like most department stores in Korea, there is paid parking available in the parking garage beneath the building. It cost us ₩2,000 for the one hour that we were there. American credit cards were accepted.
Naver pin – Lotte Department Store Gwangbok
Cost: FREE
Musical Fountain Showtimes:
Every hour on the hour from 11:00am until 8:00pm
Department Store Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10:30am – 8:00pm
Friday – Sunday: 10:30am – 8:30pm
So there you have it – how we spent one very rainy day in Busan. Despite the inclement weather, we did enjoy our time there. If we ever make it back to South Korea (*fingers crossed*), you can bet another trip to Busan will be the FIRST thing on our bucket list!
’til next time…
Ash
