Busan X the Sky Observation Deck: Look down at Haeundae from the hundred-story tower, from daytime to breathtaking high-altitude views
Jufy
13 days ago
On this trip to Busan, one activity I had been looking forward to was visiting the X the Sky observatory. I had seen many photos before and thought the views would be spectacular, and when I arrived I found it was just as breathtaking as I imagined, even more impressive than I expected.
X the Sky is located in a high-rise in the Haeundae area, you can spot the building from far away, it’s very eye-catching. As I approached that day, the building’s height already felt imposing, which made me even more excited to see the view once I got up there.
After entering, first check in or exchange tickets at the ticket counter, the overall flow is clear, you don’t need to spend much time finding your way. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance through a platform, so you can go straight in at the venue and save time, and you won’t have to worry about long lines.
Then take the elevator up to the high-rise floors, the elevator moves very quickly, you hardly feel it before you're already high above. The moment the doors open, the space is bright and spacious, and the first impression is, 'it's really high.'
The observatory's interior design leans modern, using a lot of glass and transparent materials, which makes the whole space feel clean and opens up the views.
What grabbed me first was the design of the transparent floor. Standing on it and looking down, you can see the ground and buildings below, giving a real sense of height.
At first I felt a little hesitant stepping onto it, but after standing there a while it became really fun, and I couldn’t help looking down again and again. Staff nearby keep things orderly, so you don’t need to worry too much about safety.
Keep walking further inside and you'll see more interactive displays and designs. For example, installation art is used to create a sense of space, so the whole visit isn't just about sightseeing, it has a bit more fun to it.
When you walk up to the window, the whole Busan view unfolds right before your eyes. From high above, you can see dense residential areas, high-rise buildings, and the coastline in the distance.
This perspective is completely different from being on the ground, it makes you more aware of the city’s scale and layout. Especially around Haeundae, with high-rise buildings standing close together and the ocean stretching out, it looks truly spectacular.
If you have time, I recommend lingering at different spots, because each angle shows a slightly different view. Some places look out over the sea, while others show the city streets, so there’s a lot of variety.
There are also some exhibition installations inside, such as the paper crane installation area, the overall colors are very vibrant, and it’s great for taking photos to remember the visit.
These little details actually make the observatory more than just a place to 'see the view', they add interactive and photo-ready spaces.
After exploring the indoor spaces, you can also walk around the exterior or visit different floors, and you’ll find the whole building offers many different perspectives. The view changes slightly from different heights.
The whole visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, which is just right, not too rushed, and gives you time to take photos at a relaxed pace.
Finally, near the exit there’s a souvenir shop you can browse a bit. Inside are some Busan-related trinkets and photo-friendly displays.
Decorations like this 'I ❤️ BUSAN' are quite iconic, perfect as a memento of your trip.
Overall, X the Sky observatory felt to me like more than just a high-rise viewpoint, it was a space that blends scenery, design, and experience. From the moment you enter, to stepping onto the transparent floor, to overlooking the whole city, each part offers a different feeling.
If it’s your first time in Busan, I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary, it’s the most direct way to feel the city’s height and scale. If you love taking photos, there are plenty of spots here to get creative.
For me, the most memorable moment was standing by the window and looking out, with the whole city unfolding beneath my feet. That sense of height and the visual impact are hard to fully capture in photos.
If I get the chance to come back, I might try going up at a different time, like at dusk or night, which would feel completely different.
