Masan sits on the coast of South Gyeongsang Province and is now part of Changwon, but it keeps its own identity as a port city with a working harbour, a fishing industry and a long history of political activism. For a visitor, the appeal is the combination of waterfront views, a compact downtown with restaurants and bars, and easy access to the coast and nearby islands.
For the purposes of choosing a place to sleep, Masan divides into a few distinct areas: the older central business district, the newer commercial centre that has taken over as the main hub, the entertainment quarter of Sinmasan, the seafood neighbourhood of Odong-dong, and the port area itself. This guide covers which of these areas makes sense as a base depending on your priorities, and what kind of accommodation you can expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Masan
1. Hapseong-dong
Hapseong-dong is the current commercial heart of Masan, having taken over from the old central business district in Chang-dong. It is a busy, practical neighbourhood with shops, restaurants and services, and it puts you within easy reach of the city's main commercial activity.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the middle of things, with everyday conveniences close at hand and straightforward connections to the rest of the city. It is a good default choice if you have no particular reason to be elsewhere.
2. Sinmasan
Sinmasan is the area with the densest concentration of bars, restaurants and other entertainment. If your evenings are the main event, this is where you want to be based.
It suits nightlife-oriented travellers and anyone who prefers to walk out of their accommodation and straight into dinner or a drink. Expect noise at night, and expect the area to be quieter during the day. It is adjacent to Kyungnam University, which sits in the southern part of Masan.
3. Odong-dong
Odong-dong is the neighbourhood most associated with Masan's signature dish, agujjim, the steamed blackmouth angler that the city is known for. If food is your reason for visiting, this is the natural base.
It suits travellers who want to eat well and stay close to the waterfront end of town. It is a neighbourhood rather than an entertainment district, so evenings are calmer than in Sinmasan, and you are well placed for the port and the coastal sights.
4. Downtown Masan near the bus terminal
The downtown area around the Nambu intercity bus terminal is the most convenient base if you are arriving or leaving by bus, or if you are watching your budget. The terminal area has at least one budget sleeping option within walking distance, and the intersection outside is a local landmark in its own right.
This suits budget travellers and anyone passing through quickly. Being at the bus terminal means easy onward connections, and the downtown location keeps you close to the older commercial streets.
5. Jasan-dong
Jasan-dong is in the heart of Masan and contains Jasan Solbat Park, which has a stream with a waterwheel, a pine trail, an outdoor fitness area, a children's playground, an outdoor performance stage and a gateball court. It is also where you find the historic Mongojeong, or Mongol Well.
This suits families and anyone who values having green space and a park within walking distance of their accommodation. It is a central, residential-feeling area rather than a commercial one.
6. Seongho-dong and Chusan-dong
These two neighbourhoods are where you find Gagopa Kkoburang-gil, the mural village painted by artists along a winding alley with views over the mountain village and Masan Port. It is a walkable, hilly area with a strong local character.
This suits travellers who want a quieter, more scenic base and do not mind slopes. The views over the port are the draw, and the winding alleys mean you will be walking rather than driving to get around the neighbourhood itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: In Masan you can expect jjimjilbang-style accommodation, where you get sauna access, cotton pajamas and blankets to sleep on a heated communal floor, typically located in the downtown area near the bus terminal. This is the cheapest way to sleep in the city and is well suited to travellers arriving late or leaving early.
- Mid-range: Conventional hotels are the main option at this level, generally found in the commercial and entertainment districts. They typically offer private rooms and standard business-hotel facilities. In the wider Changwon area, mid-range hotels cluster around city hall, the convention centre and the entertainment district.
- Splurge: The top end of the market is limited, and the most luxurious full-service hotel in the wider Changwon area sits outside Masan itself, in the Changwon city centre. If a high-end hotel is a priority for you, you will likely be basing yourself in Changwon rather than in Masan.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Hapseong-dong. It is the current commercial centre of Masan, so you are within walking distance of restaurants, shops and everyday services, and it gives you the easiest starting point for reaching the rest of the city. If your priority is evening entertainment rather than general convenience, Sinmasan is the better alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to be near the nightlife?
Sinmasan is the area with the greatest concentration of bars, restaurants and entertainment, so it is the most practical base if your evenings are the focus of your trip.
Where should I stay if I am on a tight budget?
The downtown area near the Nambu intercity bus terminal is your best bet. There is jjimjilbang accommodation within walking distance of the terminal, which is the cheapest option in the city.
Which area is best for food?
Odong-dong is the neighbourhood associated with agujjim, Masan's local specialty, and is the obvious choice if eating well is your main reason for visiting.
Can I stay in Masan and still visit Changwon's sights?
Yes. Masan is part of Changwon, and the two are close enough that you can base yourself in Masan and travel into the Changwon city centre. Note that the most luxurious hotel in the area is in Changwon rather than Masan, so if that matters to you, consider basing yourself there instead.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.