TLDR;
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Room | ✅ Spectacular Views of Dongbaek Park or Haeundae Beach | ❌ Smaller base-size room when compared to other newer rooms that are larger |
| Amenities | ✅ New renovation which is completed in 2024 with a traditional Korean vibe from 1978 building | ❌ Beware of chargeable dental amenities that is provided in the room. ❌ Outdated bathroom that sets apart from contemporary 5-star standards in 2024 |
| Location | ✅ Conveniently located right along Haeundae Beach, walking distance to many major attractions | |
| Overall Value | ✅ More costly than other hotels in Busan, however the location and view does justify for it | ❌ Outdated bathroom design and poor redemption ratio could be worked about |
Hotel Details:
The Westin Josun Busan – where heritage meets modern luxury. As Busan’s first luxury hotel when it opened in 1978, this iconic property has been reborn in 2024 after extensive renovations, blending its rich history with contemporary comforts. The 290-room hotel now features a stunning new outdoor pool terrace with unobstructed views of Haeundae Beach, while maintaining the timeless elegance that has made it a favourite for generations.
Points vs Cash Value Analysis
The Westin Josun Busan operates under Marriott Bonvoy’s dynamic pricing, where the Deluxe Park Family room shows a cash rate of KRW 209,000 (~$147) versus 49,000 points. This represents a value at redemption of USD 0.30 cents, which is a very poor value considering the lowest datapoint for Mariott point purchase is USD 0.70 cents
| Room Type | Cash Rate (per night) | Awards Rate | Value at redemption |
| Deluxe Park Family | KRW 209,000 (USD 147.00) | 49,000 | USD 0.30 cents |
Math favours redemption when value at acquisition is lower than value at redemption (if points are purchased) which may be more likely to happen during peak period. However, it is unlikely going to be the case with the extremely poor valuation that we are looking at today with the redemption, even if we were to account for the taxes that is involved. It would be more favourable for you to use cash instead of points for this property, with consideration towards the cash rates that you will be paying.
| Address | 67 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea |
| Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Loyalty Program: | Mariott Bonvoy |
| Period of Stay: | Dec 2024 |
| Room Type: | Deluxe Park King – Dongbaek Park View |
| Opened In: | 1978; Renovated in 2004 |
Booking & Check-In
The reservation was made through Marriott Bonvoy as an entry-level member, with no complimentary upgrades during check-in(of course). Booking did not come with breakfast as the idea was to prioritize on exploring Busan’s local dining scene.
This aligns with Marriott’s loyalty structure, where meaningful perks like suite upgrades and dining credits typically begin at Platinum status and above, mirroring other programs like World of Hyatt, which reserves top-tier benefits for Explorist members or higher.
The Westin Josun Busan enjoys an unbeatable location in the heart of Haeundae, just right beside the beach and within walking distance of top attractions like Dongbaekseom Island, iconic Haeunde Blueline Park, Busan X the Sky and Busan Aquarium
The Westin Josun Busan’s oceanfront location places guests just steps from Haeundae Beach’s scenic shoreline, with a pleasant 10-15 minute stroll along the coast leading to top attractions like:
✔ Busan X the Sky (Iconic Observation Deck)
✔ Mipo Port & Haeunde Blueline Park (Sky Capsule, Fishing village with Fresh seafood)
✔ Dongbaekseom Island (Scenic Coastal Trails)
The beach-view gym and pool anchor the lower lobby where the rear entry (beach access is located at) where there is also a convenience store.
Right beside the check-in counter, there is also a cafe/buffet restaurant – Camellia that features the magnificent ocean view while you enjoy your espresso. Guest rooms are stacked in a traditional walkway that is neatly organised across from floors 3 to 10. Unfortunately, as I did not have any photos of Camellia, the photo below is taken from Mariott.
The Room
As Busan’s oldest luxury hotel (opened 1978), the 5-star Westin Josun Busan carries a historic legacy—though its base rooms start at a modest 312 sqft, notably smaller than Korea’s typical 350-450 sqft luxury standard. This compact footprint reflects its 1970s origins, when space efficiency outweighed modern sprawl. While recent renovations modernized interiors, the original room dimensions remain, making it more comparable to Tokyo’s efficient luxury hotels than Seoul’s spacious new builds.
The table below summarises the type of room, size and in-room amenities available in The Westin Josun Busan for simplicity purpose:
| Type of Room | Size | In-Room Amenities |
| Guestroom or Executive (Dongbaek Park View or Sea View) – King – Queen – Twin – Family King – Family Beach – Family Triple | 312 sqft or 29 sqm | – Safe – Writing Desk – Mini bar (for a fee) – Evening turndown service – Cable/satellite TV – Coffee/tea maker *Executive room comes with club lounge access |
| Junior Suite | 473 sqft or 44 sqm | – Safe – Writing Desk – Mini bar (for a fee) – Evening turndown service – Cable/satellite TV – Coffee/tea maker *Comes with club lounge access |
| Suite – Ondol Family – Park Suite – Executive King | 624 sqft or 58 sqm 635 sqft or 59 sqm 635 sqft or 59 sqm | Includes all of the above and comes with: Seperate Living Room *Comes with club lounge access |
| Presidential Suite | 3250 sqft or 302 sqm | Includes all of the above and comes with: Seperate Living Room Seperate Dining Room *Comes with club lounge access |
The room assigned is situated on 7F, which open its door to welcome a room that blends subtle Korean aesthetics with contemporary Western comforts of sandalwood-toned walls and clean, minimalist yet traditional hanok vibes.
The layout retains a Korean sensibility from the 1978 while containing plush bedding and modern tech (like smart controls and high-speed charging ports) that is refreshed from the recent 2024 renovation.
I deliberately chose the Deluxe Park King room overlooking Dongbaek Park over the ocean view—a decision that rewarded me with serene mornings. While Haeundae’s ocean vistas are legendary, Dongbaek’s park offered a quieter, more meditative connection to Busan’s natural beauty.
Bathroom
Despite recent renovations elevating much of the property, certain facilities still lag behind contemporary five-star standards—particularly in the bathrooms, where aging fixtures and outdated shower systems undermine the luxury experience.
These dated elements, such as basic showerheads lacking modern pressure or temperature controls, create a noticeable disconnect in what is otherwise a premium stay. For a hotel of this caliber, such oversights detract from the overall guest experience, especially when compared to newer Busan properties boasting smart bathrooms and spa-like amenities.
The bathrooms feature Westin’s signature White Tea Aloe shower amenities, providing a refreshing, spa-like experience with their light, herbal fragrance. Nothing too much to shout about, in a traditional toilet.
Guests should be aware that razors, toothbrush and toothpaste kits are chargeable items placed in the room.
These amenities come at an extra cost (4,000 KRW each for a toothbrush and toothpaste, 8,000 KRW for a razor). Travelers may prefer to bring their own or buy affordable alternatives from the convenience store located in the lower lobby.
A digital safebox is conveniently located inside the wardrobe, alongside a pair of plush slippers for guest use.
Minibar
The in-room minibar offers a well-curated selection of beverages, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Martinelli’s apple juice, Heineken beer, and the Korean favorite Terra beer. However, it’s good to take note that all of it are chargable as seen in the price list above.
The in-room coffee setup includes a Nespresso Citiz machine with capsules and the only 2 free thing from the price list – unbranded mineral water.
Pool & Gym
The hotel’s swimming pool, located on the lower lobby level, is positioned to showcase Haeundae Beach’s sweeping vistas with a lap pool and splash pad—a highlight during daylight hours. There is also plenty of daybeds available.
However, visiting in the evening means sacrificing those scenic views, as darkness obscures the ocean panorama. While the pool area remains tranquil with its subdued lighting and heated waters, the lack of visibility diminishes what would otherwise be a standout feature.
For guests prioritizing views, timing matters here—mornings and afternoons deliver the full experience, while evenings cater more to those simply seeking a quiet dip.
Guests can order light snacks and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to enjoy by the pool. Perhaps good for evening dips, after your swim that you enjoy the sunset view along with some fries.
The hotel’s gym offers a solid range of equipment for both strength and cardio training, including:
✔ Cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes with individual screens)
✔ Weight-training machines covering major muscle groups
✔ Dedicated yoga room with mats and blocks for private sessions
While clean and well-maintained, the design feels somewhat outdated, with worn finishes and basic lighting that lack the modern flair of newer luxury hotels.
The gym’s changing rooms provide standard amenities, including Westin’s “Mindfulness” branded shower products (shampoo, conditioner, and body wash), though the overall space shows signs of age.
A small resting area with lounge chairs and a TV is available, offering a place to unwind post-workout—but like the changing rooms, the furnishings appear tired and could benefit from refurbishment.
Value Verdict
The Westin Josun Busan justifies its premium pricing with an unbeatable Haeundae Beach location and breathtaking views of Dongbaek Park or the beach, complemented by thoughtful 2024 renovations that preserve its 1978 heritage charm.
However, the experience is marred by dated bathrooms that fall short of modern five-star standards, chargeable basic amenities like toothbrushes, and poor point redemption value—making it best suited for travelers prioritizing location and history over cutting-edge room design. While the views and walkability are exceptional, those seeking contemporary luxury or Marriott Bonvoy value may find better alternatives nearby.
Overall, this property has done the job for me.
How about you?
Heretic Nomad 
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