City, South Korea
Is Busan LGBTQ+ friendly?
3/5Tolerant, but be discreet
Is Busan LGBTQ+ friendly?
Legal but conservative; discreet scene with few venues. Busan has held a small Queer Culture Festival, usually in autumn.
LGBTQ+ laws in South Korea
Conservative society; most LGBTQ+ people aren't out at work. Seoul has scenes in Itaewon and Jongno and a summer Queer Culture Festival.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Partial |
The scene in Busan
Where to go
- Seomyeon area bars
Events
- Busan Queer Culture Festival (usually autumn)
LGBTQ+ friendliness across South Korea
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Seoul | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Busan | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jeju | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Gyeongju | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Seogwipo | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Incheon | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jeonju | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Sokcho | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Gangneung | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Daegu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Yeosu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
Quick answers
Is Busan safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Legal but conservative; discreet scene with few venues. Busan has held a small Queer Culture Festival, usually in autumn.
Is same-sex marriage legal in South Korea?
No.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Busan?
Seomyeon area bars
More about Busan
Going to Busan solo?
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- K-ETA (Ministry of Justice)
- Korea e-Arrival Card
- Visit Busan
- Busan Transportation Corporation
- Gimhae International Airport (Korea Airports Corporation)
- Korail (KTX)
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.