Things To Do
in Masan

Golden light over fishing boats and nets with a calm waterfront backdrop—an ideal scene to capture early morning activity.

A peaceful riverside stretch with reflections, pedestrian bridges, and occasional boats—great for long exposure cityscapes.

Colorful stalls and signage offer vibrant street photography opportunities, especially in the late afternoon.

Panoramic sea cliffs and expansive horizons along the coast between Masan and Geoje/Tongyeong areas.

Masan’s famous cold sesame noodles served with a tangy sesame sauce, cucumber, and slices of meat or egg; especially refreshing in warm weather and widely found in Milmyeon alleys near the port.

Must-Try!

Seafood pancake featuring mixed seafood and green onions; a popular accompaniment with makgeolli or a light beer at seaside restaurants.

Selections like grilled mackerel, squid, and shellfish plucked from Masan’s markets, cooked to order at coastal restaurants.

A shareable hot pot brimming with shrimp, crabs, clams, and vegetables; ideal for group dining after a day by the water.

Traditional market offering fresh seafood, dried fish, street snacks, and affordable meals—great for tasting multiple items in one visit.

Seaside stalls offering grilled seafood, hot soups, and quick bites with views of the harbor.

Greet with a light bow or a nod; address elders with formal language, and use two hands when presenting or receiving items.

Wait for the eldest or highest-ranking person to begin eating; use chopsticks and spoons properly; avoid talking loudly in quiet spaces.

Remove shoes when entering certain homes or traditional spaces; follow local household norms.

Stand in line and be mindful of personal space in crowded markets and transit hubs.

Tipping is not a common practice in most Korean dining contexts; service charges are rarely included in standard meals. For exceptional service, small tips to tour guides or hotel staff are appreciated but not required.

Cash and cards are widely accepted; mobile payments (KakaoPay, Naver Pay) are convenient in many shops and markets. ATMs and card readers are common in urban areas.

Mild temperatures and fresh coastal air; great for city strolls and market visits. Expect occasional showers; bring a light jacket.

Hot and humid with a likelihood of rain during the monsoon season; ideal for sea breezes and seafood dining by the water.

Comfortable temperatures and clear skies; excellent for coastal hikes and photography with golden-hued light.

Cool to cold, with relatively low humidity and occasional frost; pleasant for indoor dining and museum visits, less crowded outdoors.

Scenic coastal path with sea views, cliffs, and lighthouse scenery; a favored day hike for visitors staying in Masan.

Rugged coastal trail along Geoje’s shoreline with panoramic ocean vistas and photo opportunities.

Series of viewpoints and moderate hikes along the southern coast, linking Geoje and Tongyeong areas with maritime scenery.

Accessible coastal path offering dramatic sea cliffs and city backdrop if you’re doing a broader Busan–Masan coastal itinerary.

Primary international gateway serving Busan and the region; about a 50–90 minute drive from Masan depending on traffic.

Smaller regional airport offering domestic flights; useful for quick connections within Korea, located relatively close to Masan.

Popular nationwide with local interest in regional clubs and on-field events; fans often gather at stadiums for weekend games.

Common spectator sport with local clubs and youth programs; parks and stadiums host casual games and matches.

A traditional sport with active dojos and classes in the area, reflecting Korea’s martial arts heritage.

Coastal location makes fishing, kayaking, and other water activities popular for locals and visitors.

Korean vegetarian options are available; look for meals centered on vegetables, tofu, and rice. When dining out, ask for dishes without fish sauce or shrimp paste, and be mindful that some broth bases may include seafood stock.

Many Korean dishes are naturally gluten-containing (soy sauce, gochujang). Ask for rice-based or noodle dishes without gluten-heavy sauces, and request soy sauce on the side when possible.