The best travel experiences often come down to three things: location, convenience, and culture. And when it comes to what to do in Busan (the second largest city in South Korea), only a handful of places check all three boxes.
Lotte Mart Gwangbok is a must-visit destination due to its prime location surrounded by Busan's best attractions and has all the needs available for every type of traveler. It's the go-to place for shopping and sightseeing rolled into one.
Whether you're just stepping off a cruise ship, wrapping up a food tour at Jagalchi Market, or looking to stock up on gifts before heading to the airport or Busan Station, this supermart is where you stop by. From souvenirs to Korean snacks, travel essentials and everything in between, this location offers a convenient shopping haven tailored for tourists.
Information
Address: 2 Jungang-daero, Jung-gu, Busan (부산시 중구 중앙대로2 롯데마트 광복점)
Operating Hours: 10:00 - 23:00 (closed every 2nd & 4th Monday of every month)
Located in Busan's travel hub, Lotte Mart Gwangbok is situated in a prime location for travelers. Not only does the supermarket carry all shopping needs and is connected to Lotte Department store for premium shopping, but the area itself is packed with must-see destinations that are easy to pair with your shopping run.
Upon arrival at Busan Station after taking the KTX, there are several ways to head to Lotte Mart Gwangbok. You can either take the taxi (5 minutes), by bus (14 minutes), or by subway to Gwangbok Subway Station (6 minutes). The subway station is connected directly to the Lotte Department Store, which is a lifesaver in the summer because you can escape the heat by traveling fully underground!
Furthermore, Lotte Mart Gwangbok is located in a dense bus route area and near the Busan International Cruise Terminal. So if you're in Busan coming from or to a cruise, you can add Lotte Mart Gwangbok to your itinerary to get your travel needs.
Busan International Cruise Terminal: 10-minute walk
- Busan Station: by taxi (5 minutes), by bus (14 minutes), by subway (6 minutes)
If you're wondering what to do near Lotte Mart Gwangbok, you're in luck because the area is packed with must-see destinations and amazing local food experiences.
Nearby Attractions to Check Out
Arguably one of the biggest reasons why travelers love Lotte Mart Gwangbok is due to its convenient location in the heart of Busan. It's surrounded by some of the coastal city's biggest tourist destinations and attractions with transit options readily available nearby.
- Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (깡통시장) – The perfect spot for night market vibes and to experience authentic local vibes.
- Jagalchi Fish Market (자갈치시장) – This is Busan's iconic seafood destination, where you can sample fresh delicacies right away!
- Songdo Cable Car (송도해상케이블카) – Experience breathtaking views of the city with numerous attractions at the Songdo Sky Park.
- Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을) – A picturesque attraction featuring a village of colorful houses, painted murals, shops & cafes that overlook the city.
- Huinnyeoul Culture Village (흰여울문화마을) – An artsy and cultural village with narrow alleys, street murals & a waterside walking path.
- Nampo-dong (남포동) – a vibrant district that's known for its shopping, food, and cultural attractions such as BIFF Plaza.
Your visit doesn't have to end with a checkout!
Our Visit
There are two ways to enter the Lotte Department Store: from the outside and from underground.
When arriving from the subway, you can either leave the station at Exit 8 which leads you to the entrance to Lotte Mart Gwangbok from the outside. However, because the Lotte Department Store is connected to the subway, you can also enter directly from underground!
When you first step inside, it can be overwhelming knowing and finding which popular items to grab, but Lotte Mart Gwangbok caters towards tourists and has many helpful English signs and directions throughout the store for an easy shopping experience.
Popular Souvenirs & K-Items to Get at Lotte Mart Busan Gwangbok Branch
Going to a local grocery store in a new country is an experience that turns a seemingly mundane activity into a cultural experience. Lotte Mart Gwangbok in Busan has many services that helps tourists find popular and trending Korean items, but we also have our own recommended haul list for our readers.
Snacks
Seasonal fruits will be the first thing you see when you enter the supermart! We highly recommend trying out the Shine Muscat premium grapes or in season fruits (for us, it was watermelon and mangoes). There is also a variety of go-to fruit containers, which are perfect for when you're unable to cut up fruits.
Throughout the whole store, you can find beloved Korean classic snacks such as Orion's moist and chewy fish-shaped soft cakes or limited-edition collaboration snacks such as SEVENTEEN x BIBIGO Seaweed Chips original. A tip we have is to keep an eye out for these "Must-Haves of Korea" signs all over the store, which has all the trending and current popular items in one place.
Snacks are a must-have for your Busan trip whether you're heading to a cruise, going on the KTX, or heading back to your accommodation.
Ramen
When in Korea, you cannot miss out on buying ramen. Perfect as a souvenir or for you to eat later in the night, there are so many different ramen brands and flavours that you won't be able to find back in your home country (and for half the price). A classic cult favourite is Samyang's Buldak Spicy noodles.
Nothing hits better than after a long day of sightseeing outside and making yourself a bowl of ramen to snack on late at night while you catch up on your favourite TV show.
Foreigner Popularity Picks
Throughout the whole store, Lotte Mart Gwangbok has these beautiful signs labelled as "Foreigner Popularity" items. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, these are perfect recommendations to take back home as they hold everyday value for many Koreans such as ginseng extracts and Korean spices like ssamjang, doenjang, and gochujang.
K-Beauty
If you head upstairs, you can also find half a floor dedicated to K-beauty items. This is a stop you must make if you're needing to bring back souvenirs or need to stock up on your own products before you start your Busan trip.
There is also a "Must-Haves of Korea" sign with all of the latest trending and classic beloved beauty products. Many of the items found at Lotte Mart are cheaper than its Olive Young counterparts!
Some popular brands you'll be able to find are Laneige, AHC, Amore Pacific, The Face Shop, and more. There is no better feeling than putting on a sheet mask after being outside all day long.
Travel Essentials (summer edition)
Lotte Mart is not just limited to food but also holds many household items. To prepare for your time out in the sun, Lotte Mart Gwangbok has a whole section dedicated to seasonal items such as bug spray, cooling sprays, and sun screen. This is perfect for those coming into the coastal city and are in need of finding travel essentials to last throughout the trip.
Sample Tasting Corners
One of the best perks about Lotte Mart Gwangbok are the numerous sample tasting corners throughout the store that offer delicious K-food! Some of the bites we were able to try were apple cider vinegar juice, samgyeopsal, fried rice, and tteokbokki.
By being able to try some of the popular food items, you can see for yourself if it's worth bringing back home or not!
Hot and Packaged Foods
Want savoury foods that are packaged for you to eat easily and on-the-go? The hot and packaged foods section is a must visit boasting of all the classic Korean food for a much cheaper price than if you were to buy it at restaurants.
From Korean fried chicken, kimbap, and jokbal to familiar foods such as salads – this is where you can find filling food options for your trip.
Alcohol
If you're putting together a true Busan Lotte Mart haul, we can't skip the alcohol aisle. This is a hidden gem for those looking to take home a truly local flavor of Busan or having a little something to enjoy back at your accommodation.
You can find Busan-native alcohol brands here such as Daesun soju or Sanseong Village makgeolli.
Tip: Be sure to check labeling and ask store staff if the bottle is flight-safe for check-in!
Lotte Department Store
One of the standout features of the Lotte Mart Gwangbok Branch is that it's housed within the Lotte Department Store, one of Busan's iconic shopping complexes. This allows for visitors to step into a blended shopping experience combining both high-end and practical shopping under one roof.
You can head to the basement floor for elevated packaged food products or to experience a first class cafeteria or explore upstairs for high-end brands. The Aqua Mall features a water fountain show with many athletic sports brands located in that side of the mall. This is a perfect stop for those who want to maximize their time and gift shopping options without hopping around different neighborhoods.
Foreigner-friendly Facilities
On top of the foreigner friendly signs for a seamless shopping experience, there are numerous facilities and amenities that Lotte Mart Gwangbok provides for tourists to elevate the overall shopping experience.
Lockers
Tax Refund Kiosk
Immediate tax refunds are available not only at dedicated tax refund kiosks but also at self-checkout and manned POS counters.
Eligible for purchases totaling over 15,000 KRW, excluding duty-free items (duty-free items = fresh food).
Immediate Tax Refund Checkout Counter
Currency Exchange Kiosk
EMS (Express Mail Service) Delivery (to open in July)
On-going Promotions
- Get a free folding shopping bag when you receive a tax refund of over 100,000 KRW.
- Spend over 70,000 KRW with Taiwan Line Pay and receive a complimentary travel shopping bag (while supplies last).
Local Sights Worth Visiting Near Lotte Mart Gwangbok Branch
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
Just a short 7-minute walk from Lotte Mart Gwangbok, this market is one of Busan’s oldest and most vibrant traditional markets. Known for its unique name ,Kkangtong meaning "can" in Korean — it dates back to the Korean War era when U.S. military canned goods were sold here.
Now, it's a night market hotspot packed with vendors selling street food both local and international, accessories, souvenirs, and delicious classic Korean snacks.
Bupyeong Food Street
Right next to Kkangtong Market is Bupyeong Food Street, a narrow alley lined with eateries, carts, stalls and restaurants that locals and tourists swear by. If you’re wondering what to do in Busan that combines culture and food, this is it.
This street is an absolute feast for your senses and a great place to try traditional Korean comfort food.
Jagalchi Fish Market
If you’ve heard of Busan, you’ve heard of Jagalchi Market — Korea’s largest seafood market, and a cultural icon. Located within walking distance (10 minutes) from Lotte Mart Gwangbok, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing Busan’s local lifestyle and flavors.
Explore rows of stalls showcasing live fish, octopus, sea urchins, crabs, and more. Choose any of the stalls to select your seafood and have it freshly prepared and served at the restaurants upstairs.
Yeongdo Cafe Street
Located just across the bridge from Nampo-dong (10-15 minutes by car from Lotte Mart Gwangbok), this trendy area is popular among locals and content creators for its scenic views, trendy interiors, and calm seaside vibes. Most of the cafes on the strip provide unblocked ocean views.
If you're planning a half-day around Lotte Mart, finish it off with a relaxing hour. We recommend catching the sunset here!
Songdo Cable Car
For a completely different perspective of the city, head to Songdo Cable Car, also known as Busan Air Cruise. You can choose between standard cabins and crystal cabins with transparent floors (which is what we recommend)!
This coastal cable car takes you high above the sea, offering panoramic views of Songdo Beach, rocky cliffs, and the downtown skyline. Once you land on the other side, you can enjoy a multitude of attractions such as skywalks, food, and photo zones.
Lotte Mart Gwangbok is the ultimate blend of accessibility, affordability, and authenticity! It's not just a supermarket but an one-stop hub for when you're looking to buy travel essentials, Busan souvenirs, and the best snacks.
Don't forget to add this location to your itinerary!
Want to make the most out of your Busan trip? Take a look at these spots!
[스팟] Busan Songdo Sea Cable Car | Round-trip Ticket
[스팟] The Yacht Tour | Busan Public Yacht Experience
[스팟] Lotte World Busan Full Day Pass
[스팟] Busan Taxi Pickup ServiceㅣGimhae Airport/Busan Station ⇆ Busan City Center
[스팟] Busan One Day TourㅣBusan Departure
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