Haeundae Beach passed 10 million visitors for the first time since the district began counting visitors with mobile location data in 2020.
About 10.15 million people visited during the 82-day 2026 beach season through September 14.
The more notable shift came after the traditional summer peak.
By the numbers
10.15 million - Visitors to Haeundae during the 2026 beach season through Sept. 14
1.09 million - Visitors in September through Sept. 14
60-70% - Estimated share of September visitors who were foreign tourists, according to a Haeundae District official
2.93 million - Foreign visitors to Busan from January through July 2026
46.1% - Year-on-year increase in Busan's foreign visitors during that period
September is becoming part of the season
Haeundae has traditionally followed a clear summer rhythm: traffic peaks during the July-August vacation period and then declines.
In 2026, foreign visitors helped extend activity into September.
A Haeundae District official estimated that foreign tourists accounted for 60% to 70% of September visitors. The beach also extended its formal operating period into September for a second consecutive year.
Why this matters for Busan
This does not prove Haeundae has become a year-round destination.
It does show that international demand is extending the useful tourism season beyond the domestic summer peak.
For Busan, that creates a practical opportunity: build September travel products around Haeundae's nighttime ocean views, nearby attractions and events rather than treating the beach only as a swimming destination.