Gwangalli Beach

A place to visit at least once, every time you're in Busan, to see the view of the night sea, Gwangalli Beach is where Gwangandaegyo is located. It is where the Busan International Fireworks Festival is held, which splendidly decorates the black sky and sea every fall.

Gwangalli Beach is named after its location in Gwangan-dong, which was created during division of administrative districts during the Japanese occupation period. Gwangan-dong means, in Chinese characters, “wide coast.” It is the region that was guarded by the naval forces of Gyeongsangjwa-do Province during the Joseon Dynasty. A long time ago, the sand at Gwangalli Beach used to break and disappear easily, so it was deemed unfit to swim in. So, instead, it was used as a shore where small fishing boats were tied up or a place people could go for a walk at.

When Gwangandaegyo was constructed by the sea in front of Gwangan-ri in 2003, the landscape of Gwangan-ri began to change. At the time of the construction, it was the longest bridge in Korea and people from all over the country gathered to see the beautiful sight of Gwangandaegyo reflecting the night sea with various colored lights that changed hourly. Fully living up to its wonderful nickname the “Diamond Bridge”, Gwangandaegyo and its bright lights that shined on soon became a landmark of Gwangan-ri.

Subsequently, a beach was formed there and the Fireworks Festival came around, making the area a tourist attraction with various facilities. Especially during the Fireworks Festival in the fall, the beach is full of people from the shore all the way to the roads so some people even camp out starting midday in order to secure the best spots.

If you are interested in seeing Gwangalli Beach from a different angle, you could try driving over Gwangandaegyo by car. Gwangandaegyo is a bridge made of two levels, each of which is one-way only. If you take your car, there is a toll fee so make sure to prepare it in advance.