A Busan Local’s Story About Finding the “Real” Best Cafés with Ocean View in Busan
When friends from overseas visit me in Busan, the first thing they ask is always the same:
“Where are the best cafés with ocean view in Busan?”
Most of them expect me to take them to the crowded, tourist-heavy spots they saw on Instagram.
But as someone who grew up between Gwangalli and Haeundae, I know that the real magic of Busan’s ocean isn’t found in viral videos — it’s found in the quiet corners where locals actually spend their mornings.
I still remember taking a friend from Auckland to Waveon Coffee for the first time.
We arrived early, just after sunrise, and the moment she saw the ocean spilling across the giant windows, she whispered:
“This feels nothing like the photos… this feels real.”
That’s the thing about Busan cafés.
The view hits you differently when you’re not rushing, not standing in line, not fighting for the best seat.
When you sit where locals sit, the ocean feels closer, slower, and somehow more personal.
Over the years, I’ve taken solo travellers, couples, families, and remote workers to different cafés — and each group loved completely different places.
This guide comes from all those experiences —
a local’s handpicked list of the best ocean-view cafés in Busan, matched to the type of traveler you are.
Let’s start with the ones I always return to.
1. Waveon Coffee — The Most Powerful Cliffside Ocean View in Busan (Gijang)
I’ve been to Waveon Coffee more than ten times — weekday mornings, sunset hours, even rainy days — and every visit feels a little different.
If you’re looking for the best cafés with ocean view in Busan, this is the one that leaves the strongest first impression.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/98WkT2tQ8Ff96M5Q7
🌊 What it feels like when you arrive
As you walk up the stone steps, you suddenly see the building floating above the coastline.
Inside, the massive windows make the ocean feel almost too close — the waves crash directly beneath the terrace, and you can smell the salty breeze even from indoors.
When I brought a friend from overseas here, the first thing she whispered was:
“This view feels unreal.”
👍 Why Busan locals keep coming back
- The cliffside location gives a view you cannot get in Haeundae or Gwangalli
- Spacious, layered seating → it never feels cramped
- The sound of waves is loud enough to feel real but peaceful
- Weekday mornings feel almost meditative
🧭 Tourist-friendly details
- Address: 286 Haemaji-ro, Jangan-eup, Gijang
- Parking: Large but fills on weekends — I recommend arriving before 1 PM
- Taxi tip: Tell the driver “웨이브온 입구 쪽으로요” (entrance side), not the sea-side
- Best time:
- Sunset (5–7 PM): orange light fills the whole café
- Rainy days: surprisingly beautiful — dramatic waves
- Weekday morning: quiet, calm, the real Waveon feeling
🪑 Seat tip (very important)
- The stone terrace chairs outside offer the most authentic view
- 2nd-floor right window seats → closest to the cliff
- Avoid sitting deep inside on weekends; the sound changes and view is partially blocked
☕ Menu I personally recommend
- Einspänner (balanced sweetness)
- Cold Brew Latte
- Matcha Basque Cheesecake (surprisingly good)
📝 Local note
If you only have time for one ocean-view café in Busan, Waveon is the safest and strongest choice.
It’s the place where you genuinely feel the East Sea’s energy.
2. Café Base — Quiet, Minimal, and Perfect for a Calm Ocean Morning (Gijang)
I discovered Café Base during a quiet weekday trip to Gijang.
Compared to Waveon’s dramatic cliffside experience, Café Base is soft, peaceful, and bright — the kind of place where time slows down.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xvQdYhtSCdRLzSPJ8
🌤 What the atmosphere really feels like
When you step inside, the huge windows immediately frame the ocean like a wide painting.
The waves here are gentler, the slope is low, and the sea spreads out in a calm, endless blue.
I sat by the window for over an hour — no noise, no rush, just the sound of wind and soft music.
👍 Why locals like it
- Not crowded, even during peak season
- Simple, clean, minimal design
- Perfect for reading, journaling, or taking a break from travel
- Very consistent light → great photos
🧭 Tourist-friendly details
- Address: 73 Yeonhwa 1-gil, Gijang
- Parking: Available in front and along the street
- Best time:
- 11 AM–3 PM → ocean is bright blue
- Avoid cloudy late afternoons → view can look grey
- Travel tip:
- Combine Café Base → Waveon → Gijang coastal walk for a perfect half-day trip
🪑 Seat tip
- Sit directly in front of the large center windows
- Avoid far left/right corners — the angle cuts the ocean line
- Terrace seats are good, but wind can be strong
☕ Menu that fits the vibe
- Cinnamond (their signature almond cream latte)
- Fresh fruit juice
- Plain croissant (simple but good)
📝 Local note
If you want a quieter, softer version of Busan’s ocean — not dramatic, not crowded, but peaceful — Café Base is where locals find comfort.
3. Ripple Town Coffee — Inside Cloud Mipo, Right Next to the Blueline Park Monorail
Ripple Town Coffee is inside Cloud Mipo, one of Busan’s most scenic seaside complexes.
Whenever I take foreign friends on the Haeundae → Cheongsapo coastal walk, this is where we stop for coffee.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DhjzTfCE2PhQUznL7
🌊 What Cloud Mipo feels like
Cloud Mipo is a small seaside cultural area filled with cafés, photo decks, restaurants, and the Blueline Park monorail station.
The moment you walk out of the building, you can see:
- the monorail passing by slowly
- Cheongsapo Lighthouse in the distance
- clean turquoise water hitting the rocks
It’s one of the most scenic walkways in Haeundae.
☕ Ripple Town Coffee — what it feels like inside
Ripple Town Coffee has big, clean windows facing the water.
When the monorail glides by behind the glass, it creates this peaceful seaside moment that feels very “Busan.”
The vibe is relaxed — a mix of surfers, travelers, and locals.
👍 Why tourists love it
- Easy to find (right at Blueline Park station)
- Great stop during the coastal walk
- Beautiful natural light
- Not overly crowded like Haeundae beachfront cafés
- A hidden gem with a true local feel
🧭 Tourist-friendly details
- Address: 1F, Cloud Mipo, 49 Dalmajeong-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae
- Best time: Afternoon (sunlight hits the sea beautifully)
- Travel route:
- Haeundae Beach → Mipo → Cloud Mipo → Ripple Town Coffee → Walk to Cheongsapo
- Parking: Limited (better to walk or take a taxi)
🪑 Seat tip
- Window counter = closest, clearest ocean view
- Avoid inner seats near the corridor — less charm
☕ Menu I recommend
- Ripple Cream Latte
- Vanilla Latte
- Basic Americano (simple but good)
📝 Local note
If you plan to ride the monorail or walk the Cheongsapo cliffway, this café is the perfect midpoint — cozy, scenic, and not too touristy.
4. PIAAK Bakery & Café — The Most Dramatic Cliffside Ocean View in Yeongdo
Among all the ocean-view cafés I’ve visited in Busan, PIAAK in Yeongdo gave me the most overwhelming sense of openness.
The moment I walked inside, it felt like the entire ocean had come right up to the window.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1xY2HSkRfaLcswV6
🌊 What it feels like when you enter
The 2-story glass façade overlooks a cliff that drops steeply to the water.
There’s nothing blocking the view — no beach umbrellas, no buildings, no traffic.
Just raw, endless ocean stretching toward Oryukdo and the horizon.
When I brought a visiting friend here, she said it was the first time she understood “why Busan people love the ocean so much.”
👍 Why locals love PIAAK
- The most panoramic cliffside view among all Busan cafés
- Clean, spacious layout with a premium bakery section
- Less crowded than Haeundae and Gwangalli
- The perfect “slow afternoon” café
🧭 Tourist-friendly details
- Location: Yeongdo, near the coastal cliff road
- Best time: 1–4 PM (strong light + deep blue water)
- Parking: Nearby public parking lots
- Transportation tip: Yeongdo is easiest by taxi
- Nearby spot: Huinnyeoul Culture Village (10 mins away)
🪑 Seat tip
- Sit on the 2nd-floor front-row seats — it feels like sitting above the ocean
- Avoid the far-right inner seats; the angle reduces the cliff illusion
🥐 What to order
- Salt Bread (very popular)
- Croissant
- Americano or Café Latte
The bakery quality here rivals some Seoul premium shops.
📝 Local note
If you want a bold, unobstructed, dramatic ocean moment — the type you can’t find in Haeundae — PIAAK is a must-visit.
You’ll see Yeongdo’s raw coastline, a side of Busan most tourists never experience.
5. Café Busano — Relaxed Gwangalli Bridge View with a Clean, Modern Interior
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NLdbADGabjgBz9Ba6
I’ve visited Café Busano several times, especially at sunset.
Gwangalli’s charm is all about the beach curve and the massive bridge lights, and this café captures it perfectly.
🌉 What the atmosphere feels like
The large front windows frame the Gwangalli shoreline beautifully.
During sunset, the sky turns pink and gold, and the bridge gradually lights up.
It’s one of those moments where you feel like you’re inside a postcard.
On clear evenings, you can even see people paddleboarding across the bay.
👍 Why locals choose Busano
- Excellent full-frontal view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge
- Less noisy than other cafés along the beach strip
- Comfortable seating + stable Wi-Fi
- Great balance between tourist-friendly and local-friendly
- Perfect for both daytime and night-view visits
🧭 Tourist-friendly details
- Location: Beachfront road of Gwangalli (confirmed)
- Best time:
- Sunset (5–7 PM) → most beautiful colors
- Night (bridge light show)
- Parking: Use Gwangalli Beach public parking
- Nearby: Gwangalli Beach Walk + Millak Raw Fish Center
🪑 Seat tip
- Sit on the 2nd-floor window table for the best full bridge view
- Terrace seats are good for photos but can get windy
☕ What to order
- Vanilla Latte
- Cold Brew (smooth, not bitter)
- Grapefruit Ade (my summer favorite)
📝 Local note
Café Busano isn’t flashy — and that’s exactly why locals like it.
It’s a quiet, comfortable spot with the best angle of Gwangalli Bridge.
If you’re staying in Gwangalli, visit at sunset. You’ll thank yourself later.
6. The Bay 101 Brewers — The Best Night Ocean View in All of Busan
If there’s one café that every foreign visitor ends up loving, it’s The Bay 101 Brewers.
This is where I bring guests when I want to show them a “WOW moment” in Busan.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SHSp3ff9AS8BU9k96
🌃 What the atmosphere feels like at night
The Marine City skyscrapers rise like towers of gold.
Their reflections on the dark water look almost surreal.
Even locals stop walking for a moment when the lights sparkle across the surface.
The café sits right on the waterfront — you can hear soft waves while sipping your drink.
It feels like Busan meets Miami.
👍 Why locals and tourists love it
- Best skyline night view in Busan
- Great for couples, families, and solo travelers
- Outdoor seating is magical on breezy nights
- Extremely easy to find
- Safe, open walking area around the entire complex
🧭 Tourist-friendly details
- Address: 52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae (The Bay 101)
- Best time: 5–9 PM
- sunset glow → blue hour → night skyline = perfect sequence
- Parking: Underground parking available
- Nearby: Dongbaek Island Trail (5 min walk)
🪑 Seat tip
- Outdoor terrace gives the best ambiance
- Indoor seats are comfortable but the window angle is slightly higher
☕ What to order
- Brewers Americano (strong, clean)
- Vanilla Latte
- Coastline Ade (citrusy & refreshing)
📝 Local note
Every time I come here, I’m reminded that Busan is a true ocean city.
The Bay 101 Brewers gives you the closest, clearest view of Busan’s luxurious marina skyline — a must-see night scene.
7. Best Cafés with Ocean View in Busan — Recommended by Traveler Type
6 Best Ocean View Cafés in Busan
Different travelers look for different things — quiet mornings, dramatic cliffs, romantic night views, or family-friendly space.
So here’s my personal guide to choosing the Best Ocean View Cafés in Busan based on your travel style.
🌿 1. Best Cafés with Ocean View in Busan for Solo Travelers — Peaceful, Slow, and Scenic Spots
If you’re traveling alone and want somewhere calm, reflective, and not too crowded:
Best picks for solo travelers
- Café Base (Gijang) – Minimal, quiet, perfect for journaling
- PIAAK Bakery & Café (Yeongdo) – Wide panoramic cliff view ideal for slow afternoons
Why these cafés work well
- Spacious seating where you won’t feel watched
- Gentle ocean waves perfect for relaxing after long travel days
- Strong Wi-Fi + easy to stay for a long time
- Great natural light for reading or photography
Local tip: Visit between 10 AM–3 PM for the calmest atmosphere.
💑 2. Best Cafés with Ocean View in Busan for Couples — Sunset Views & Romantic Atmospheres
If you’re visiting Busan with your partner and want a romantic seaside moment:
Best romantic cafés with ocean views
- Café Busano (Gwangalli) – Pink sunsets + full bridge view
- The Bay 101 Brewers (Haeundae) – Best nighttime skyline in Busan
Why couples love these spots
- Beautiful lighting for photos
- Warm, cozy interiors
- Iconic ocean backgrounds (Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Marine City skyline)
- Perfect for strolling along the beach afterward
Best time:
- Sunset (5–7 PM) → golden hour photos
- Night (after 7 PM) → bridge and skyline lights
👨👩👦 3. Best Cafés with Ocean View in Busan for Families — Spacious, Safe & Easy-to-Find Cafés
Traveling with kids or parents?
Choose a café that’s easy to access, has safe walkways, and offers large seating areas.
Best family-friendly ocean view cafés
- Waveon Coffee (Gijang) – Big outdoor space, wide indoor seating
- The Bay 101 Brewers (Haeundae) – stroller-friendly, open plaza, safe night area
Why these cafés work well for families
- Plenty of room for groups
- Clear and clean walkways around the café
- Simple menu that kids also enjoy (bread, ade, cookies)
- Easy access from car or taxi
Family tip: Bring kids earlier in the day — sunset hours can be crowded.
💻 4. Best Cafés with Ocean View in Busan for Digital Nomads — Scenic Cafés with Good Light & Wi-Fi
If you need a place to work while enjoying a view:
Best ocean view cafés for digital nomads
- Café Base (Gijang) – Stable Wi-Fi + super calm environment
- Ripple Town Coffee (Cloud Mipo) – Great natural light, workstation-style window seats
Why they’re good for work
- Quiet enough for calls
- Natural lighting all day
- Window counter seating ideal for laptops
- Easy access to cafés and convenience stores nearby
Nomad tip: Avoid weekends — café Base and Ripple Town fill up fast with tourists.
🎒 5. Best Cafés with Ocean View in Busan for First-Time Travelers to Busan — “Safe Choices” with Wow Factor
If it’s your very first time in Busan and you want guaranteed views:
Must-visit cafés
- Waveon Coffee – The most impressive daytime ocean view
- The Bay 101 Brewers – The most impressive nighttime ocean view
These two show the “day and night contrast” of Busan perfectly.
🌊 Summary — Which Café Fits You Best?
| Traveler Type | Best Ocean View Cafés in Busan |
|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | Café Base, PIAAK Bakery Café |
| Couple | Café Busano, The Bay 101 Brewers |
| Family | Waveon Coffee, The Bay 101 Brewers |
| Digital Nomad | Café Base, Ripple Town Coffee |
| First-Time Traveler | Waveon (day), Bay 101 (night) |
🌊 Busan’s Ocean Is Different When Seen Like a Local
Finding the best cafés with ocean view in Busan is not just about choosing the prettiest photo spot.
Locals choose cafés based on comfort, atmosphere, time of day, and how close the ocean truly feels.
If you follow this guide, you won’t just “visit a café” —
you’ll experience the slower, softer side of Busan that tourists often miss.
The sound of waves, the morning light over Songjeong, the golden hour in Gijang…
These are the moments locals cherish, and now you can enjoy them too.
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or Snoopy-style image prompts for WordPress, just let me know!
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