Busan

Nighttime is when this beach truly shines. It starts with a spectacular sunset, followed by an unobstructed view of the Gwangan Bridge light show (8, 9 and 10pm Fri–Sat and 8 & 10pm Sun–Thu), which is sometimes complemented with a firework display. There are street performances along the promenade and dozens of inviting eateries. Unsurprisingly, the beach tends to get quite busy after sundown and is especially popular with local youths who particularly favour the area. If you feel up to a genuine local nightlife experience, pick up some picnic food (sashimi and soju are usually the local combinations of choice) and join the crowds at Millak Waterfront Park.

Galmegi Brewing is a local craft beer brewery with several locations across Busan. Ordering a sampler flight of 4 distinct beers is usually the best way to go. Select them from a menu that includes everything from mild IPAs and lagers to stouts and other darker beers with fruity or vanilla notes. They serve a limited food menu of pizza and snacks. The chain is quite popular with expats.

A popular craft brewery with a couple dozen varieties of beer on tap; order by flight or individual glass. The roomy interior follows an industrial theme and can feel somewhat empty outside of peak evening hours, so plan your visit for somewhere around 9pm. There is a decent food menu at Gorilla Brewing Co to help absorb all of that hoppy goodness.

This Gwangalli Beach staple is a bar especially popular with expats for its affordable drinks, live music, great vibes, and a spectacular night view of the Gwangan Bridge. There is also a fairly long list of edible accoutrements on the menu at HQ Gwangan so the beer has something to soak into.

A lively rooftop bar with a view of the sea, Haeundae Ogtap Rooftop sits right above the beach, beside its surrounding high-rises which light up beautifully at night. Order a beer and take it all in from the panoramic outdoor terrace. A snack and food menu is also available.

This buzzing waterfront development is a popular venue for an after sundown excursion, whether it be to enjoy the spectacular cityscape that unfolds from here or indulge in some expertly cooked dishes of world cuisine (try the beef noodles at Daedo). There are both high and low end dining options available, as well as a coffee shop that also sells desserts like ice cream and Korean shaved ice.