Busan’s seven public beaches have attracted more than 20 million visitors this summer, putting the city on track to surpass last year’s total despite some beaches already reaching the end of their official swimming season.
As of August 27, the beaches had recorded 20.4 million visitors, about 3% more than during the same period last year. It marks the second consecutive year that summer beach attendance has exceeded 20 million.
Haeundae remained Busan’s busiest beach with nearly 8.7 million visitors, followed by Gwangalli with 4.25 million. Songdo welcomed 3.09 million visitors, while Dadaepo recorded 2.72 million.
Songdo and Dadaepo saw particularly strong growth, with attendance increasing 6.4% and 9.3%, respectively, from last year. Songdo’s cable car, skywalk and seaside diving platform have helped attract younger and international visitors, while Dadaepo benefited from events including the Busan Sea Festival.
Songjeong recorded 1.57 million visitors, while Ilgwang and Imnang received 53,000 and 26,100, respectively.
Despite the official swimming season ending at most beaches, late-summer heat has kept the waterfront busy. Temperatures reached around 32°C over the weekend, with visitors continuing to swim at Gwangalli and Dadaepo ahead of their closures.
Haeundae is the exception, remaining officially open through September 15.
The beach could surpass 10 million visitors this season after narrowly missing the mark last year with 9.99 million.
