The Nampo-dong district is the vibrant heart of old Busan and a major shopping, entertainment and transportation hub.
Don't expect to see any historical landmarks here, but the buildings in Nampo-dong tend to consist of lower houses dating back to the mid-20th century. These are literally dotted with street food stalls, clothing markets, daily necessities and luxury boutiques of world-famous clothing brands.
Cheap markets and expensive boutiques
The northern part of the Nampo-dong district (roughly between Daecheong-ro and Junggu-ro streets) is occupied by cheap markets and covered markets selling all sorts of goods. This area is actually one giant supermarket where mainly locals go to shop. Here you can find everything from clothes to kitchenware to furniture. Wander through the crowds and soak up the atmosphere of life as a regular citizen.
The biggest markets are Gukje Market and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market.
The southern part of Nampo-dong, around the main pedestrian area of Gwangbok-ro, is then set aside for more traditional brick-and-mortar shops and upmarket boutiques, where you can mainly get clothes, jewellery or watches.
Food paradise Nampo-dong
Shops and markets are then complemented by countless restaurants, fast-food joints and street food stalls?
Want to enjoy typical Korean cuisine? No problem, just stop and look around and there will be at least 5 Korean restaurants or eateries in your field of vision.
Do you miss international cuisine? Not a problem again! The area around Gwangbok-ro and BIFF-street is surrounded by pizzerias, burger restaurants or regular fast-food joints.
Accommodation Nampo-dong
Oblsat Nampo-dong is definitely the best place to stay if you want to live in a vibrant downtown area, have shopping options (including the classic Lotte Mall), the subway and plenty of buses at hand.
You'll also come across some really cheap yet good-looking and well-rated hotels and guesthouses.
- Brosis Hotel *** - A very nice smaller hotel with modern rooms offers rates from 31 eur per night. Located on the main street of Gudeok-ro 100 meters from the subway station
- Hotel Marcher *** - A modern hotel with quite spacious rooms in a quieter area of Nampo-dong and prices from 35 eur per night.
- Griffinbay Hotel **** - Mostly the cheapest 4* hotel with good ratings in the area. It's on the main street of Gudeok-ro 80 metres from the metro station and offers rates from 40 eur per night
Transportation to Nampo-dong
As the centre of Busan, Nampo-dong is perfectly accessible by subway and dozens of bus lines.
- Metro (Orange Line 1) - Jagalchi and Nampo stations
- Buses running on the main street Gudeok-ro (south of Nampo-dong): lines 5-1, 8, 9, 11, 15, 17, 26, 27, 41, 61, 70, 86, 87, 103, 126, 134, 1000, 1003, 1004
- Buses running on Daecheong-ro Street (North Nampo-dong): lines 15, 40, 81, 126
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Busan.
