What are the operating periods for Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach in Busan in 2026?

Both beaches open on June 26 and operate daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The closing dates differ; Songjeong closes on August 31, while Haeundae extends its operation until September 15.

Are there areas at Haeundae Beach where I can set up a personal parasol for free in 2026?

Except for the 6 sections in front of the tourist information center, the entire left and right sides of the white sand beach have been significantly expanded as free zones for personal parasols. Therefore, if you bring your own parasol, you can use it without any additional rental fees.

How does Songjeong Beach, which has a surfing zone, deal with jellyfish?

Since half of the white sand beach at Songjeong Beach is a surfing zone, it is difficult to install jellyfish blocking nets. Instead, safety is managed by mobilizing 5 vessels and having personnel manually collect the jellyfish.

When is the best time to visit Busan's beaches in the summer of 2026 to save 30-50% on accommodation costs?

It is recommended to visit in July, avoiding the peak season in early to mid-August when crowds gather. If you schedule your trip in July, you can save about 30 to 50 percent on accommodation costs compared to August.

Busan Beaches 2026: Opening & Closing Dates for Your Trip

Quick Summary

Beach	Opening Date	Closing Date	Operating Hours
Haeundae	06/26	09/15	09:00 AM-06:00 PM
Songjeong	06/26	08/31	09:00 AM-06:00 PM
Gwangalli	07/01	08/31	—
Songdo	07/01	08/31	—
Dadaepo (East/West)	07/01	08/31	—
Il 광	07/01	08/31	—
Imrang	07/01	08/31	—

When do Haeundae and Songjeong Beaches open in 2026?

Among Busan's many stunning beaches, Haeundae and Songjeong are the first to kick off the summer season. According to official announcements from the Haeundae District Office, both beaches are set to **open on 06/26** and will operate daily from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

The closing dates, however, differ slightly. Haeundae Beach will remain open until **09/15**, while Songjeong Beach will close on **08/31**. The other five beaches – Gwangalli, Songdo, Dadaepo, Ilgwang, and Imrang – will all **open on 07/01** and close on 08/31.

There's a good reason why Haeundae extends its season into September. This decision reflects the growing trend of hotter weather lasting longer due to climate change, with many visitors still flocking to the beaches even after the traditional summer season ends.

This extended operation continues a policy from last year. So, if you're hoping to enjoy the quieter Busan shores around the Chuseok holiday in September, Haeundae is practically your only option.

👉 Compare Busan Summer Accommodation Lowest Prices

What's New at Haeundae Beach in 2026?

This year, Haeundae Beach boasts several noticeable improvements in convenience facilities and safety. Here are the key changes to know before you go:

① New Water Activity Emergency Treatment Center

An emergency treatment center has been newly installed to provide immediate care for jellyfish stings or water-related accidents. This is particularly reassuring for families traveling with children.

② Family-Friendly Nursing Room 'Baby Rest Stop'

What was once a temporary container nursing space on the seawall has been remodeled into an easily accessible, family-friendly nursing room within the tourist information center. Its design allows both mothers and fathers to use it, making it a practical improvement for travelers with infants.

③ Significantly Expanded Free Personal Parasol Zone

The entire left and right sides of the beach, excluding the six sections in front of the tourist information center, have been designated as a free zone for personal parasols. If you don't mind carrying your own, you can save on rental fees!

④ Fully Renovated Accessible Decks

The old accessible decks at two locations in Haeundae and two in Songjeong have been completely renovated. This makes beach access much easier for families with strollers or wheelchair users, allowing them to reach the sand without hassle.

👉 Check Hotel & Resort Prices Near Haeundae

How are Jellyfish Being Managed at Haeundae in 2026?

Jellyfish are an unwelcome summer guest at the beaches every year, but this year, Busan has implemented more specific countermeasures.

Haeundae Beach has installed barrier nets to prevent large jellyfish, like the Nomura's jellyfish, from entering the swimming area. For tiny jellyfish, such as the blue bottle jellyfish, that might slip through the nets, a dual response system is in place where local fishing communities and private water rescue teams actively collect them.

At Songjeong Beach, installing barrier nets is challenging because half of the beach is dedicated to surfing. Therefore, five boats will be mobilized for personnel to manually collect jellyfish. Getting stung by a jellyfish while surfing can be quite dangerous, so it's a relief to see a more proactive approach this year.

Haeundae vs. Songjeong: Which Beach is Right for You?

While both beaches open on the same day, their atmospheres are quite distinct.

Comparison Item	Haeundae	Songjeong
Closing Date	09/15	08/31
Beach Length	~0.9 miles	~0.6 miles
Main User Group	Tourists, Families, Couples	Surfers, Young Adults, Locals
Marine Sports	Swimming, Water Play focused	Surfing, Paddleboarding specialized
Events & Festivals	Haeundae Festa & more	Relatively quieter atmosphere
Public Transportation	Haeundae Station (Line 2), Exit 5, 7-minute walk	Songjeong Station (Donghae Line), 10-minute walk
Jellyfish Response	Barrier net installation	5 boats for manual collection

This year, Busan City is shifting its beach operation strategy from simple summer escapes to more immersive, long-stay marine leisure tourism. Each beach will offer specialized programs, such as surfing at Songjeong and paddleboarding (SUP) at Gwangalli.

If surfing is your main goal, Songjeong is definitely the way to go. Thanks to its unique location where the East and South Seas meet, the waves are consistently good year-round, making it a fantastic spot for beginners to try surfing without feeling overwhelmed.

👉 Book Songjeong Surfing Lessons Here

Good Things to Know Before Visiting Busan Beaches

With visitor numbers increasing every year, managing crowds is becoming more crucial. For instance, Haeundae and Gwangalli saw visitor numbers jump from 12.53 million in 2023 to 14.56 million in 2024, meaning peak summer weekends are truly packed. If you can avoid the absolute peak season in early to mid-August and visit in July instead, you can often find accommodation prices that are 30-50% lower. If your schedule allows, a July visit is a much more practical choice.

This year, measures to prevent price gouging are also in effect, along with checks on food poisoning, water quality, and parking management. Remember, there will be a designated channel to report any unfair pricing you encounter on-site.

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FAQ

Q1. When are Haeundae Beach's opening, closing dates, and operating hours in 2026?

Haeundae Beach in 2026 will **open on 06/26 and close on 09/15**, operating daily from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Songjeong Beach also opens on the same day but closes on 08/31, so if you want to enjoy the Busan sea into September, Haeundae is your best bet.

Q2. Are there any new facilities or changes at Haeundae in 2026?

This year brings four significant changes: a new Water Activity Emergency Treatment Center, a family-friendly nursing room called 'Baby Rest Stop,' an expanded free personal parasol zone, and fully renovated accessible decks. Also, please note that the beach section in front of Pale de Cz has been newly designated as a no-swimming zone due to reef hazards, so always check with lifeguards before entering the water.

Q3. Which beach is better for surfing, Haeundae or Songjeong?

If surfing is your goal, **Songjeong Beach** comes highly recommended. Thanks to its unique geography where the East and South Seas meet, it offers consistent waves year-round, making it relatively safe for beginners to learn. In 2026, Busan City's official surfing specialized program will also operate at Songjeong, making it an ideal spot to experience both lessons and the ocean.

Overall Summary

In 2026, Busan's Haeundae and Songjeong beaches will be the first to open on 06/26, followed by Gwangalli, Songdo, Dadaepo, Ilgwang, and Imrang on 07/01. Haeundae is the only beach extending its operations until 09/15. This year brings tangible improvements in convenience and safety, including a new water activity emergency treatment center, a family-friendly nursing room, an expanded free personal parasol zone, and renovated accessible decks.

Haeundae is highly recommended for travelers looking to enjoy its ~0.9-mile stretch of sand and various beach festivals, while Songjeong is perfect for surfers and those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. If you can avoid the peak season in early to mid-August and visit in July, you'll find significant savings on accommodation, so keep that in mind when planning your trip!