Long overshadowed by the faster, flashier capital, South Korea’s second city has steadily emerged as an international destination for both business and leisure. Busan’s appeal stems in part from its relaxed seaside atmosphere, where residents and visitors can escape the bali bali (“hurry up”) pace with beachfront drinks and exceptionally fresh seafood. At the same time, the city has modernized its infrastructure and services to accommodate business travelers comfortably.
Busan sits just two and a half hours from Seoul by KTX high-speed rail, and Gimhae International Airport now offers an expanding roster of direct flights to major regional hubs such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur. The subway system is well signed in English and efficiently links most of the city’s neighborhoods, often getting passengers between major points in under 30 minutes. Taxis are plentiful — a red sign on the vehicle indicates availability — and drivers can access translation services via the 1330 number for travelers who need assistance.
Rising demand for international conventions, festivals and events has pushed Busan’s hospitality sector to evolve. The city’s hotel scene, long stagnant, is now experiencing renovations and new luxury openings to meet the needs of visiting executives and global attendees. One of the most transformative developments is Haeundae Marine City, a waterfront complex of glass-and-steel towers that has reshaped the skyline and introduced some of Busan’s most prestigious addresses.
Park Hyatt Busan is a standout among the new properties. Housed in a 33-floor building designed to evoke an ocean wave, the hotel blends natural materials like granite and French oak with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The 269 rooms and suites are furnished with thoughtful amenities such as in-room espresso machines, cotton Korean robes and carefully selected antiques. Many suites feature burnt-orange rugs that frame sweeping views of the aquamarine harbor.
For business meetings, the Park Hyatt offers four Drawing Rooms on the top floor furnished in a residential style, complete with an open kitchen and panoramic outlooks that include the Diamond Bridge. One floor below, the hotel’s signature restaurant, the Dining Room, is designed to evoke a traditional Korean house while serving contemporary fare suitable for power breakfasts, working lunches and dinner meetings.
The Dining Room’s menu combines premium international steaks prepared under Executive Chef Stefano Di Salvo’s supervision with a sushi bar featuring both local and imported seafood, including specialties from nearby waters. A walk-in cellar stocks wines and saké to pair with meals, and creative soju cocktails provide a distinctly Korean touch.
For authentic Italian cuisine near Marine City, Locanda Rossi has quickly become a favorite among food enthusiasts. Located adjacent to the Park Hyatt within the Zenith Square tower, the restaurant is led by Chef Federico Rossi and focuses on traditional Italian dishes. The intimate wood-and-brick dining room seats up to 50 guests but can also serve larger groups for lunches of handmade gnocchi, gorgonzola-topped pizza and beef tenderloin with Chianti truffle sauce.
While Marine City has formed a new commercial and residential core, the older district of Seomyeon remains the city’s bustling heart. Seomyeon is a major shopping and transport hub where streets and underground arcades hum with activity throughout the day and into the night. In the center of this energy sits Lotte Hotel Busan, which offers 760 recently refurbished rooms, including themed accommodations celebrating the city’s beloved baseball team.
Shinsegae, the largest department store in the world © Jarn Godfrey | Dreamstime.com
Despite the city’s casual beach culture, professional presentation remains important in Busan as it does across South Korea. Business visitors are expected to dress smartly for meetings and client encounters. If you need to update your wardrobe or pick up gifts, Shinsegae Department Store in Centum City is an all-in-one destination. Recognized as the world’s largest department store, it stocks domestic and international luxury brands, from high-end leather goods and tailored suits to Korean cosmetic lines. The international food market and wine cellar in the basement are also convenient places to select client gifts.
Social rituals play a key role in Korean business culture, and many professional relationships are strengthened outside formal meetings. One popular venue for relaxed business conversation is the jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean public bathhouse offering saunas, communal relaxation areas and separate bathing spaces for men and women. SpaLand, the city’s premier jjimjilbang located inside Shinsegae, is notable for its quality facilities and operates from early morning until late evening, providing a comfortable setting for unwinding after a busy day of meetings.
As Busan continues to evolve, it balances modern business amenities with a distinct coastal lifestyle. Efficient transport, world-class hotels, diverse dining options and vibrant shopping districts make the city an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers seeking both productive work environments and leisurely coastal experiences.
Read more about Busan’s Sajik Stadium.