Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion Street

Shop and eat until your heart’s content at one of Busan’s liveliest retail and entertainment zones, Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion Street (sometimes also known as Gwangbok-dong Culture and Fashion Street). Rummage around shops for bargains or splash out on luxury items. Dine at food stands, restaurants and swarming fast-food joints.

The street meanders from the southern tip of Yongdusan Park to Gukje Market. Bronze sculptures, pots of flowers and water features decorate the sidewalks. Day and night present contrasting experiences. Arrive early to watch shop workers prepare for the day and then visit after dark, gaze up at the blazing neon lights and mingle with local punters.

There are shops dedicated to clothing, footwear, leather goods, skincare products and sportswear. Choose between independent boutiques and department stores, which sell famous brands such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. Purchase cut-price electronics, treat yourself to jewelry pieces and browse the work of Korean artists at small galleries.

Come with an appetite and satisfy your taste buds at the many dining options. Sample typical Korean dishes, including samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup), seolleongtang (ox bone soup) and sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew). Walk down the side streets, where traders set up makeshift food stands with basic seating areas. Chapssaltteok (rice flour steamed bun with red bean paste) and dakkochi (chicken skewers) are among street food favorites.

The street is located in the Jung District. Get here by taking the metro to Nampo station, which is a short walk from the street’s eastern end. Numerous major city attractions are within walking distance. Visit Gukje Market and Yongdusan Park. Jagalchi Fish Market is a great place to purchase fish to takeaway and eat at informal bars.

Most shops on Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion Street are open daily and until late in the evening. December is a fun time to be here, when the visual experience is enhanced by Christmas decorations, lights and trees.