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Home » Asia » South Korea » Busan

INSIDER BUSAN ITINERARY for (2024)

When you think of South Korea, your mind will probably first drift to Seoul, the country’s iconic capital. However, if you want a truly unique and authentic Korean experience, then Busan is the ultimate city to explore! The city located in the south-east of the country is vibrant, friendly and incredibly rich in culture!

To help you kickstart the trip of a lifetime, we’ve put together the ultimate Busan itinerary to guide you on the best places to stay, when to visit Busan, and what to do once there!

From relaxing at one of the city’s beautiful beaches to marveling at a traditional temple, the city promises a memorable encounter for all types of travelers!

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Best Time To Visit Busan

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If you’re deciding when to visit Busan, it is important to consider the climate. The city experiences a subtropical climate which means that it’s hot and humid in the summer, and very cold in the winter.

One of the best times to visit Busan is during the early winter (October) as the skies are clear and the temperature is pleasant. However, if you want to catch the cherry blossom season, then the end of March/beginning of April is a great time to visit the city, just be mindful that you won’t be the only one chasing the blossoms!

If you want to enjoy moderate temperatures that aren’t stifling hot or freezing cold, then you should visit Busan in spring (April and May) or Autumn (October and November). The weather during this time is great for traveling around the city and enjoying all of the attractions.

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, which means that there is a lot to explore! Deciding where to stay will have a fairly big impact on making the most of your Busan itinerary.

Busan is a very diverse city, offering a variety of experiences. When deciding where the best place to stay in Busan in three days, you need to consider where your interests lie. If you love to party and enjoy the beach, then make sure that you stay around Haeundae or Gwangan. These areas are full of vibey bars, restaurants, and beach-goers.

If your interest lies more in the art and culture department, then stay in Kyungsung which is surrounded by trendy cafes, art shops, and vintage boutiques. Fancy food and shopping? Then Nampo is the district for you!

Perhaps the most popular area is Seomyeon, the heart of Busan. This is the perfect area for travelers who enjoy being in the everyday hustle and bustle of the city. Many of the cities iconic sites can be found in Seomyeon, and there is no shortage of restaurants or shops! Below are some of our top choices on where to stay in Busan, Korea.

Best Airbnb in Busan – Apartment with ocean view

This apartment is located just a bit further than Nampo, but it’s very well connected to the metro lines. The Airbnb is so close to the ocean that you can even see the water from your window. The view is even cooler at night when the city starts to light up. You’re close to many shopping opportunities as well as restaurants, street food markets and cool attractions.

Best Budget Hotel in Busan – Value Hotel Busan

The Value Hotel Busan gives travelers all of the luxurious comforts that they could want without breaking the bank! Centrally located and offering an incredible view, the hotel is a top choice for those looking for a clean, comfortable, and convenient home-base. Make sure that you take full advantage of the terrace which offers spectacular views!

Best Luxury Hotel in Busan-  Lotte Hotel Busan

Located in the heart of Busan, Lotte Hotel Busan provides a peaceful and luxurious escape away from the busyness of the city without removing you completely! Offering all of the expected luxuries such as air-conditioned, spacious rooms, and there is also a buffet breakfast offered! This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Busan!

Best Hostel In Busan – Blue Backpackers Hostel

Blue Backpackers Hostel is one of the top places to stay in Busan for travelers looking for budget and comfort. The hostel is located in the center of the city, and a short five-minute walk from Seoymyeon, meaning that many main sites are easily accessible. As a bonus, there is a fully equipped kitchen to try out your Korean culinary skills!

If you prefer to stay in hostels, check out the BEST hostels in Busan .

Blue Backpackers Hostel is one of our favourites in Busan but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

As with the rest of Korea, the public transport system in Busan is impeccable! While it is easy to walk around to the main sites in the center of the city, there will be times when you want to venture further, and you won’t be short of transport options.

Often, attractions will require a combination of public transport options such as a bus and the metro. So, it is always a good idea to plan your route before leaving the wifi spot!

The bus system is extensive and reaches far across the city and includes more access points than the metro. It is very normal for travelers to use the bus, and adult fares can start from as little as USD $1. These costs come down if you buy a Hanaro or any other transport card.

Busan has an efficient four-line subway which uses a two-zone fare system which cost approximately USD $1 each. Again, the Hanro transport card can come in handy. You can purchase these cards at subway vending machines.

Between the metro, buses, and your feet, you will easily be able to enjoy your Busan itinerary!

Jagalchi Fish Market | Songdo Cable Car | Taejongdae | Yongdusan Park and Tower | Haeundae Market | Haeundae Beach Boat Cruise  

From one of Busan’s most popular, bustling markets to breathtaking views, this itinerary will have you sorted for one day in Busan. Put on your walking shoes and have a bottle of water ready- it’s going to be a jam-packed day!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Jagalchi Fish Market

• Why it’s awesome: The ultimate tranquil experience in Busan!
• Cost: Free!
• Food recommendation: Pop into Cafe Terra for a quick coffee before heading into the market.

Munching on some fish first thing in the morning may seem slightly odd, but the Jagalchi Fish Market is best visited at the start of the day when the produce is fresh out of the sea!

Browse Korea’s largest fish market and be amazed at the quality of fresh octopus, king crab, and other seafood. Jagalchi Fish Market is by far the best place to experience a local market atmosphere, and you may even learn a thing or two while meandering through the stalls!

The market itself is preempted by rows of roadside stalls selling fresh fish. You can expect to walk past the likes of mackerel, sea squires, giant squids, dried seafood and other unidentifiable food!

If you are looking to test your tastebuds and try some of the local fish, we suggest gwangor , which is a spring delicacy and live nakji which is served with sesame seeds and oil.

There is an outdoor and indoor market. While the outdoor section of the market sells a lot of delicious and interesting marine life, the indoor section is home to the majority of the restaurants.

The market is incredibly easy to get to! Jagalchi Station takes you right there! The station lies on Busan subway line 1. Take exit 10 and turn onto Jagalchi Street. The market will be yours to explore after a short 10-minute walk!

Another great time to visit the market is in the evening around dinner time. There are many restaurants that serve world-class fresh fish dinners.

Insider tip: If you know what you want, it is best to have the Korean translation written down to show to the vendors before you arrive!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Songdo Cable Car

• Why it’s awesome: Soar one mile through the air on a glass floor!
• Cost: Standard car costs USD $13 for adults and USD $10 for children. Glass bottom costs USD $17 for adults and USD $13 for children.
• Food recommendation: TCC (Songdo TCC) is a great nearby cafe with a beautiful sea view

The Songdo Cable Car is a top attraction in Busan, very popular with solo travelers, families, and couples! Originally launched in 1964, the cable car was the first of its kind in the country.

Since it was first opened, the cable car has quadrupled in size! The popular Busan activity features incredible views. Once you get to the other side, you can spend time exploring the park and food stalls before riding back. If you prefer, there is also a wooden bridge which you can stroll along.

You can pick from a total of thirty-nine cars to sail the mile through the air. Thirteen of these cars have glass floors which offer epic views of the clear waters underneath. All cars boast spectacular views of the surrounding hillside and cliffs. Be sure to pack your camera!

The cable car station opens from 9 am which means that the activity is a great way to start the day. As a bonus, the marine ride is available until 9:30 pm so that it can slot into your busy day plans.

The cable car station is located next to Songnim Park and includes a couple of stops if you are taking public transport. First, you take the Jagalchi Station stop which lies on Busan subway line 1 (the same as the fish market) and then head over to Chungmu Dong Gyocharo bus stop to take bus 7, 26. 71, or 96. The trip ends at Songdo Beach bus stop.  The Songdo cable car is definitely one of the top places to visit in Busan in three days.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Taejongdae

• Why it’s awesome:  An expansive, lush natural park that faces the open sea!
• Cost: Free admission!
• Food recommendation: Jeonju Restaurant is on the outskirts of the park and serves a mean spicy squid.

There’s a myth that even gods and goddesses visit Taejongdae when they need to relax! Located on the most southern tip of Yeongdo-gu Island, the beauty of Taejongdae is a designated Busan monument.

Best known for the rock beach, it is also home to over 200 species of trees, including forests of pine. The natural park has magnificent cliffs that face the sea. A visit to Taejondae promises a beautiful and tranquil day out for the whole family.

Once inside the park, there are various facilities to enjoy such as the Danube Train which costs as little as USD $3 for adults and USD $1 for young children. In between the dense flora, there is also an observatory, an amusement park, a lighthouse, and a cruise ship terminal.

The hiking trail and stunning views are incredibly beautiful. The park offers a great escape from the city and promises a tranquil experience.

The park is open all year round, however certain mountain areas are restricted at certain periods during the year for fire-prevention and natural ecological preservation.

The park itself is not central and requires an hour-long ride on a bus. These buses leave from Nampo Subway Station and Busan Station. Once dropped off at the Taejongdae Cliff bus stop, you can either choose to hop onto the Danube train, or stroll around the grounds.

Regardless of how long you spend in the city, your Busan itinerary needs to include a trip to Taejongdae Recreational Park.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Yongdusan Park and Tower

• Why it’s awesome: Arguably the best view in Busan!
• Cost: USD $7 entrance.
• Food recommendation: Grab a Mexican meal at 200 Million Man’s Grill to build up some energy.

Yongdusan is one of three famous mountains in Busan, and at the top of the mountain is the Busan Tower. In addition to the tower, visitors can also explore the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a flower clock, the bell of citizens, and a statue of Baeksan An Hee-je.

Yongdusan Park and Busan tower are two separate sights that go hand-in-hand. Busan Tower stands tall at an impressive height of 120-meters and offers a spectacular view of the whole city.

Once you’ve marveled at the view from the top, you can stop at the various picturesque spots and optical illusion points on the way down. This adds a very unique flair to the whole experience, and makes your pictures that much more impressive!

At the foot of the majestic tower is Yongdusan Park which features an iconic dragon near the park’s entry and a pavilion in the park to relax.

Easy to get to, you can hop onto a metro and ride it until Jungagn Station Exit 1 or Nampo Station Exit 7 and walk for a quick six minutes.

Insider tip: Make the trip to Busan Tower between 8 and 10 pm to witness a spectacular display of lights that happen every 15 minutes.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Haeundae Market

• Why it’s awesome: A short street packed with seafood, meat, fresh veg, and Korean snacks!
• Cost: Free to roam!
• Food recommendation: Enjoy a delectable meal from any of the vendors in the market.

Also known as the Busan Traditional Food Market, Haeundae Market showcases some of the best ingredients in Korea. Take your pick from sampling seafood, meat, fresh vegetables and Korean snacks amongst other products as you walk through the short street.

This is a great spot to enjoy a lunch or dinner before continuing on to the next adventure. The entire experience will take around an hour which means that it is a quick Busan attraction to tick off your list.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Haeundae Beach Boat Cruise

• Why it’s awesome: Discover one of South Korea’s best beaches in the unique setting of a nighttime boat cruise.
• Cost: Free visit, boat cruises vary in price.
• Food recommendation: Stop at the Haeundae Market for your choice of authentic Korean cuisine

Haeundae Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Korea and for good reason. It is the perfect way to start your Busan two-day itinerary. The entire area is filled with a luxurious ambiance which only increases in intensity when you book a ride on one of the boat cruises.

A combined visit to the beach and boat cruise is a treat any time of day. However, a nighttime boat cruise is extra special, giving visitors unparalleled views of the city from the unique vantage point of the water.

Haeundae Beach is incredibly easy to access. You will arrive after a short walk from Haeundae Station, and you’ll find your toes digging gleefully in the sand. If you are visiting Busan with your significant other, this spot offers an incredibly romantic experience!

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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple | Gamcheon Culture Village | Gwangalli Beach | Night Tour of Busan | BIFF Square

Your two-day itinerary in Busan continues with a whirlwind list of Buscan landmarks. You’ll explore sacred temples, sandy beaches, and culturally rich villages during your second day in Busan!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

• Why it’s awesome: A combination of a unique temple and exquisite views right on the seashore.
• Cost: Free to visit, prices for parking facilities range from USD $3 to USD $6 depending on the size of the vehicle.
• Food recommendation: Beans King Toast, located near the temple, it’s a cozy spot to pop in for a quick breakfast.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a real gem and a great way to start off the second day of your vacation in Busan. The temple is not only one of the city’s most scenic spots but also one of the most culturally rich.

Located on the cusp of the shore, the temple area is surrounded by jagged rocks. The sea breeze wafts through the trees, adding an increased freshness to the atmosphere.

The temple was first built in 1376 by a Buddhist teacher and rebuilt in 1930 after unfortunate destruction due to a Japanese invasion. This history and culture of the site can be felt upon entry. This intricate history that is held within the temple grounds has created a myth-like presence.

The first sight visitors see are statues, pagodas and beautiful sea views. Passing these, visitors can move down the stairs, cross the bridge and take the time to further absorb the surroundings.

Open every day from 5 am until 7 pm and one of the most popular free Busan attractions, Yonggungsa Temple is frequented daily by locals and tourists alike. The site is accessible by both taxis and public transport.

Make sure you bring your camera with batteries fully charged, because you are going to want to save these memories!

Insider tip: If you want to experience the cherry blossoms at the temple, make sure that you visit towards the end of April and beginning of May.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gamcheon Culture Village

• Why it’s awesome: Discover the heart of Busan’s cultural identity!
• Cost: Free to visit!
• Food recommendation: Make sure that you pop into Gamjatang Restaurant for an assortment of local Korean cuisine.

Gamcheon Culture Village is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Lose all sense of time and direction, and allow yourself to get lost in the beautiful labyrinth of color and culture. Anyone planning a trip to Busan needs to make sure that at their itinerary for Busan includes a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village.

The village is perched on a hill and is made up of weaving maze-like alleys packed full of incredible cultural experiences! The area is decorated with colorful murals and sculptures, brightly painted houses, and little spots of interest scattered throughout, but that’s not all!

Gamcheon Culture Village also boasts one of the most incredible views that Busan has to offer! Whether you are marveling at one of the many art installations or taking in the astounding view of the ocean, you are in for a treat!

There are countless places in the village to pick up a unique, artsy memento from your time in the cultural hub. Make sure that you take your time meandering through the streets, dipping into various spots along the way.

For easier navigation, you can always pick up a map at the information kiosk for a small fee which will help guide your adventure, highlighting some of the village’s secret spots!

Nicknamed the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’, the spot is a vibrant day out for the whole family. The residential area is a hot tourist attraction and is easily accessible with a subway and bus combination of public transport!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Gwangalli Beach

• Why it’s awesome: An epic view of the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge!
• Food recommendation: Treat your tastebuds to a slightly different experience at Bollywood Indian Restaurant and Bar which offers outdoor seating to enjoy the view!

Continue your Busan trip itinerary with a visit to one of Korea’s most beautiful, white-sand beaches, Gwangalli Beach! The area surrounding the beach is filled with tasty restaurants, cafes, and bars to take a breather after a very full day of exploring. Peek your head into your spot of choice and savor the flavors and browse the products on offer!

The beach also offers a wonderful view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge which is an iconic site in Busan. At night, the view becomes even more spectacular as it is lit up! Visiting the beach is just as special during the day.

Considered one of the best places in Busan to spend the afternoon, the long stretch of sand is a great spot to enjoy a walk along the coast. If you are feeling extra energetic and have a bit of time, you can walk all the way to the Skywalk!

So, grab a bottle of Soju, your fellow travelers, and make your way down to the sandy bay for the ultimate hang out experience. This is a great way to catch up on the highlights of your weekend in Busan while creating more special memories!

Even better than the view of the bridge and soft sand of the beach is the ease of getting there! Simply hop onto the subway and get off at Geumnyeonsan Station (Exit 1 or 3) and make a U-turn before turning on the first street toward the beach – easy as pie! This is a wonderful spot to relax for those backpacking South Korea .

Insider tip: This is a great spot for sundowner drinks! You have a variety of bars to choose from!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Night Tour of Busan

• Why it’s awesome: Discover Busan by night as many of the main attractions get illuminated and lit up!
• Cost: Varying prices depending on the provider, approximately USD $26.
• Food recommendation: HQ Gwangan offers a wonderful view of the sea, accompanied by some of the best cocktails in the city!

You simply can not travel to Busan without taking full advantage of the incredibly beautiful city by night! Many of Busan’s popular attractions are lit up at night, resulting in a dazzling experience. Some of these main attractions include Gwangan Bridge, Haeundae Beach, and a view of the city from Mount Hwangnyeongsan.

It can be quite a challenge to visit all of these spots on your own, and so a night tour of Busan is a great way to tick off the city lights in one, effective sweep. A night tour allows travelers to capture spectacular views, revel in the night time scenery and learn a lot about the history and culture of Busan .

In only a couple of hours, you will be able to see some of Busan’s top sights with the convenience of a guided tour. You can choose a Busan walking tour or opt for the comfort of an air-conditioned bus. Regardless of your choice, touring Busan at night is significantly easier with a group.

This is a great way to see the city differently by providing an alternative perspective. From the colorful lights of Gwangan Bridge to the twinkling skyline seen from high vantage points, a night tour promises to be a memorable experience for all!

The tour shares glimpses of unforgettable scenery. As a result, this is a great activity to do as a couple. The sparkling lights and magical atmosphere makes for the perfect romantic night out!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – BIFF Square

• Why it’s awesome: The ultimate Korean space dedicated to Korean film and theatre!
• Food recommendation: Nampo Samgyetang is a casual, family-friendly restaurant near BIFF Square that is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) used to be held every year in BIFF Square. Around this time, new films and first-time directors were given a platform to showcase their skills. While the festival has now been moved to Busan Cinema Center, BIFF Square is still an area dedicated to this annual festival.

A visit to the iconic square will bring you up close to signatures of famous Korean celebrities (similar to the Hollywood Hall of Fame) as well as a variety of movie theatres, shops, and leisure facilities.

The area is constantly buzzing with excitement as it attracts countless visitors on a daily basis. BIFF Square is one of the best free Busan points of interest. It is a great area to indulge in the local and modern culture of Busan. The square is bustling with shopping alleys and tasty food stands.

Nampodong, the area where BIFF Square can be found, is one of Busan’s busiest downtown areas. The street expands across 428 meters and is filled to the brim with cinemas, theaters, restaurants, and shops!

There are a few must-see spots in BIFF Square namely Star Street and Festival Street where celebs have their handprints on the floor, movie theaters that showcase the best of K-drama, BIFF archway, and tasty street food.

The best time to visit the area is in the evening when the streets are brightly lit up and full of nighttime revelers. The cultural hotspot can easily be reached by subway and promises a great night out for the whole family!

Blue Backpackers Hostel

Blue Backpackers Hostel is one of the top places to stay in Busan for travelers looking for budget and comfort. For more awesome hostel options, check out our list of the best hostels in South Korea.

• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Security

Seomyeon Shopping Street | Seomyeon Food Market | Bujeon Market | Sea Life Busan Aquarium | Hur Shim Chung Spa

Wondering what to do for a three-day itinerary in Busan? Spending three days or even a week in Busa gives you additional time to explore all of the amazing sites that overflow from your two-day itinerary in Busan!

Seomyeon Shopping Street

• An array of fashion, cosmetics, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
• The streets are lit up with bright, colorful lights at night, adding festivity to the mood.
• Centrally located between Busan Station and Haeundae Beach.

If you are looking to shop ‘til you drop, then look no further than Seomyeon Street, Busan’s shopaholic paradise! You can easily spend the whole day exploring the various shops, from trendy fashion boutiques, cosmetic stores, to restaurants with delicious food.

Countless locals and tourists flock to the popular shopping street to enjoy one of the finest shopping experiences available in South Korea. The spot is centrally located between Busan Station and Haeundae Beach, making it an easy spot to stop by and experience for as long or short as you wish.

In addition to countless cafes, bars, food alleys, restaurants, cosmetics, and fashion shops; there are also several underground malls that offer a unique shopping experience.

The lively, bustling area has been closely compared to Seoul’s popular shopping district. The underground malls mean that the experience is also great for a wet day in Busan.

Looking for some extra special stores? Keep an eye out for Korea’s Olive Young that sells cute boxes of tea bags, which make for awesome gifts, and Peri Pera which sells high-class cosmetics!

Seomyeon Food Market

• Affordable meals served by local hawkers.
• An opportunity to taste the uniquely traditional Korean dish, Tteokbokkie (rice cakes).
• Fill your stomach for less than USD $9!

Seomyeon Food Market is an incredible, local spot where you can find a super tasty local dish at an affordable price! While most restaurants sell the traditional Pork Soup, Kalguksu (noodles), dumplings and Pajeon (Korean pancakes) , it is also the spot where you can find the uniquely Korean traditional rice cakes known as Tteokbokkie!

The street is constantly bustling with action. Although narrow, the street is easy to maneuver, with various hawkers selling their goods at every step. One of the best parts about the Seomyeon Food Market is the affordable prices of the food! You can easily eat your fill for under USD $9 per person- now that’s a steal!

If you are looking for something extra special, be sure to pop into Dog Guem What Noodle. They are known to sell some of the tastiest cold wheat noodles!

Bujeon Market

• Discover the goods in Busan’s largest market!
• Incredibly easy to access from Bujeon Metro Station.
• Dive deep into an incomparable, local foodie experience.

Bujeon Market is Busan’s largest market and an incredibly popular spot for locals. Located directly opposite from the Bujeon Metro Station, the market is constantly buzzing with locals shopping for food.

The market sells everything that you could possibly imagine! From ginseng, seafood, and vegetables to the more obscure items such as Korean side dishes and even pig’s heads! This is a great stop for backpackers making their way through Asia to stock up on some essentials.

Some of the products that you can expect include both dried and wet food, nuts, seaweed, seafood, and even clothing! The area is divided into sections so that you can easily find what you are looking for. For example, all of the fruit stalls are in one street, and all the seafood in another.

There is no shortage of items to explore, so make sure that you take your time and look at everything before deciding on what to purchase. The Bujeon Market is open daily from 4 am until 7 pm which makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a breakfast, lunch, or early dinner!

Insider tip: This market is a great spot to pick up ingredients and test out your Korean culinary skills!

Sea Life Busan Aquarium

• Discover over 10,000 different species of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Explore the three different underground levels separated into different themes.
• Walk through the ocean floor simulator for a truly unique experience.

The Sea Life Busan Aquarium is a hotspot to visit for both tourists and locals alike. Conveniently and aptl, located near the Haeundae Beach, the attraction is open from 10 am until 5 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am until 9 pm on weekends and national holidays.

The admission fee of USD $25 for adults and USD $20 for children is 100 percent worth it as you get to explore three different underground levels that boast over 250 different species of fish alone. Not to mention the various species of reptiles, amphibians, and algae!

Make sure that you walk through the underground tunnel that resembles a walk along the ocean floor. Here, you can marvel at the incredible sea creatures swimming above you and enjoy the unique sensation of being able to breathe underwater!

A visit to Busan’s aquarium is a great outing for the whole family, promising an enriching and memorable experience for all!

Hur Shim Chung Spa

• Relax at one of South Korea’s oldest spa and beauty treatment facilities.
• Enjoy a uniquely Korean body scrub for a rejuvenating experience!
• Soak in the various pools, saunas, and hot springs.

If you are spending two days in Busan (or more) then you will definitely need to unwind and relax. Where better to do this than at one of Busan’s oldest spa facilities?

South Korea has a global reputation for incredible spa and beauty treatment facilities. It would be a sin to not indulge in one of these facilities when drawing up your Busan itinerary.

A visit to a Korean spa, otherwise known as a jimjilbang, should be high up on your list of what to do in Busan, purely for the unique and rejuvenating experience it provides. Hur Shim Chung Spa is one of the oldest in the country and very popular among locals.

A visit to Hur Shim Chung Spa is arguably one of the most authentic experiences that you can enjoy in Busan. You can choose to enjoy a traditional Korean body scrub, soak in various pools, saunas, and hot springs and relax in the herb-infused waters.

This is a great activity to do if wanting to relax while making the most of your three-day itinerary in Busan.

After creating such a wonderful Busan itinerary, you probably still have one very important question at the front of your mind- is South Korea safe ?

Busan is not only a safe city to visit, but it is also a very friendly city to visit! There are very low crime rates and travelers do not need to be fearful when planning a trip to Busan.

One day in Busan will clear away any possible concerns that you may have about safety and the only thing that you will really need to focus on is learning to indulge in a new culture!

With that being said, you may come across some begging around the subway stations, but this is a rare occurrence.

Another precaution to consider is the heightened prices around popular tourist areas. You can quite easily find yourself paying more than what a product is worth!

Lastly, it is important to note that very few people speak English. This can leave you in quite a precarious position if you find yourself lost and alone after dark. Always keep important details, such as your address, written down in case of emergencies.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Busan

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Unesco Ancient Capital Gyeongju

Gyeongju is the renowned capital of Shilla dynasty. It is loved as one of the best-preserved and most beautiful UNESCO Heritage Sites in Korea. Visiting this special historic spot makes for one of the most epic day trips from Busan.

With the help of a local guide, this trip will provide interesting details of Korean history and its culture. Prepare to learn about the intricate history of Bulguksa Temple and Anapji pond as you get transported in a comfortable ride from Busan to Gyeongju.

The afternoon will present you with a choice of visiting Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Gyochon Hanok Village.

Oedo Island or Tongyeong

Make the tough choice of choosing to visit either Oedo Island and see the Stairway to Heaven or Tongyeong and enjoy an amazing port view.

A visit to Oedo Island promises to be one of the most beautiful day trips from Busan as you visit the Stairway to Heaven and indulge in the beautiful flowers and exotic plants in the area! Famous for its marine botanical garden and wide array of flowers, Oedo Island can easily be described as Korean paradise!

Prefer a cable car ride and an incredible port view? Then a day trip to Tongyeong is perfect for your Busan itinerary! Discover interesting murals and learn about the history of the area for an unforgettable experience.

Seoul To & From Busan: KTX High-Speed Train

If you find yourself in Seoul wanting to visit the wonder of Busan, then Seoul to Busan day trip is perfect for you! The day trip to Busan from Seoul is everything you can dream of and more!

The Koran Train Express (KTX) is South Korea’s high-speed rail system and is a fast and efficient way of traveling throughout the country. Jump on board and dash through the amazing scenery of South Korea as you travel from one magnificent South Korean city to another!

The quick, three-hour trip promises scenic views of the Korean landscape from an incredibly comfortable vantage point. Why visit one Korean city in a day when you can visit two?

Premium Photography Tour

The premium photography Busan day tour combines the ancient and modern side of Busan to offer an unforgettable photography experience. This day trip includes a traditional lunch and photographer service as you discover various iconic sights of Busan.

From the popular Haeundae Beach to Dongbaek Island (Camellias Island), this tour allows travelers to truly indulge in diverse cultural experiences.

All the while, a professional photographer will be capturing your special moments. At the end of the trip, you will be given amazing enhanced photos to keep as special mementos.

South Korea: Jeonju, Pyeongchang and More

Busan is one of the top spots on a multi-city tour from Seoul. Choose from a four-day trip or a seven-day trip that provides a completely authentic cultural experience in cities across South Korea.

Travel to the best cities and historical sites in Korea with the guidance of a professional who is ready and willing to point out some golden nuggets of information. Prepare to witness dreamlike landscapes, indulge in traditional experiences, and discover cultural experiences with this multi-city tour.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Busan itinerary.

How many days do you need for a full Busan travel itinerary?

Spending 2 full days in Busan will give you enough time to explore different areas.

What should you include on a Busan 3 day itinerary?

There are loads of great things to do in Busan. Highlights include the Jagalchi Fish Market, Taejongdae, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and Gamcheon Culture Village.

Where should you stay for a weekend in Busan?

Haeundae and Gwangan are where to stay if you’re after beaches and bars. Seomyeon is best if you want to be close to everything.

Is Busan worth visiting?

Busan is a must-visit for an authentic Korean experience. From beaches and parks to temples and markets, you won’t be short of things to discover.

The amazing city is bursting at the seams with things to do, and it can be tricky to decide where to start. This comprehensive Busan itinerary should have you fully equipped to make the most of your time in the vibrant and cultural Korean city!

Busan is a city loved for its authentic approach to tourism, offering travelers the ultimate ‘live like a local’ experience. From the bustling markets to the beautiful temples and the serene beaches, Busan offers something for everyone!

So, book your flight, pack your bags and make sure that you pick one of South Korea’s top hostels as your home base. Once settled, open up your Busan itinerary and prepare to have the time of your life!

After you have your accomodation booked, read our packing recommendations to make packing for your trip easier!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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3 Day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024)

Thinking about spending 3 days in Busan? Here’s our in-depth guide on how to plan your 3 day Busan Itinerary with the best things to do and best places to visit. This travel guide will help you figure out what to do in Busan, how to get around, where to stay and where to eat in Busan! Let’s explore Busan in 3 days!

Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea , with tall skyscrapers nestled in the mountains. It’s one of the best city spots in South Korea as there’s such a variety of things to do in Busan. It’s definitely known for its beaches, temples and cuisine being so close to the water .

Besides the relaxing beaches of Busan, there are many city sights to see in your 3 days in Busan such as Busan Tower or Nampo, the popular shopping area. You can easily visit this south coastal city at a weekend, however, we’re going to show you how to plan a 3 day Busan itinerary and maybe you’ll be able to choose your favourite things to do! We’ll show you what to do in Busan in 3 days !

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

What to do in Busan (3 Days in Busan)

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

• Beaches – One of the best places to be if you’re visiting Busan in the summer
• Eating – Busan is a foodies paradise with so many markets, cafes and restaurants around
• Learn about the culture – Home to a famous cultural village, you can learn a lot here about Busan
• Temples – One of the most beautiful temples in South Korea is located right here in Busan
• Skyscrapers – They’re pretty hard to miss! The city is covered in tall buildings.

Planning a 3 day Busan itinerary

• Currency  – Korean Won  (compare to your own currency  here )
• Language  – Korean (한글)
• Apps  –  NaverMaps  (like GoogleMaps) &  Kako Talk  (like Google Translate)

Accommodation in Busan – Dynamic Guesthouse: (Seomyeon)

Portable Wifi  – A great option if you want to connect more than just your phone! Find a portable Wifi on Klook here ! (£2 a day) Pick up from Seoul or Busan airport.

Best Busan Guided Day Tour – Busan Skywalks, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Day Tour

Transport – Get a T Money Card to use on public transport for your 3 days in Busan. Look into a Korea Rail Pass if you’re travelling around the rest of the country.

More South Korea posts: 5 Day Seoul Itinerary , Best Things to do in Gyeongju , 2 week South Korea Itinerary & The Best Templestay in Korea !

• 25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know
• Ultimate South Korea Bucket List: 20 Best Things To Do
• Vegan in South Korea Guide – Best Restaurants & Snacks (2024)
• 10 Best South Korea Budget Tips + Travel Costs (2024)

How to get to Busan

Arriving from Seoul – Train, bus or plane!

Fastest way : KTX – Speed trains will get you from Seoul to Busan in less than 3 hours! It’s one of the most popular routes in the city, so you may need to book in advance! ( Korail tickets here ) or buy a Korea Rail Pass for your South Korea trip !

Cheapest way : Bus – Another great option for a cheaper price, but it can take up to 5 hours! To book a bus online you’ll need a Korean bank and phone number, it’s possible to book bus tickets at the station. As it’s a popular route there may be fewer seats when leaving it on the day. We booked our bus tickets 2 or 3 days before when we arrived in the city. You can check the times & spots available here – ( Kobus tickets )

Alternative way: Flight – There is a route from Seoul to Busan that takes less than 1 hour! However, the airport is just outside of the city centre (Gimpo Airport) and it may take longer than a KTX train overall! Check Skyscanner for flight times and prices !

Arriving from Gyeongju – KTX or Bus – We recommend getting the bus for this one as the Bus station is in the centre of Gyeongju, whilst the train station is a bus ride away. The bus will drop you off at one of Busan’s 4 bus terminals, and you can use public transport to make your way to your accommodation. It takes less than 1 hour by bus.

Arriving from Jeonju – KTX or Bus – You will need to change trains to get from Jeonju to Busan, however, a bus is also a great option that takes around 3 hours.

How to get around Busan

Busan is a big city! Seomyeon is the area that’s most connected to public transport ( it’s also the area we recommend staying in! )

Public Transport – The cheapest way to get around the city is by bus or metro, you can reach the famous spots by public transport very easily. You just need to make sure you have enough time to get around the city. From Seomyeon it can take around 30 minutes by metro to get to the most famous beach.

We 100% recommend getting a T-Money card when in South Korea. You can buy them and top them up at convenience stores around the country, they are so easy for catching buses and metros.

Taxis – If you’re really in a rush, you can grab taxis on the side of the road. They’ll be much faster but might not be so friendly on your budget because of the distances and traffic in Busan!

3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan

After our tips on how to get around Busan, we can finally get into the Busan 3 day itinerary! We don’t know what time you’ll arrive on your first day but this itinerary will give you more than enough things to do in Busan. We have a few more tips after this 3 day Busan itinerary if you want to plan your trip fully!

Note: We will include the locations on Google Maps – however, Google Maps isn’t the best in South Korea! You’ll want to use the Naver Maps App for directions anywhere! We still used Google Maps to mark our spots and Naver to search for directions.

As well as planning your 3 day Busan itinerary, there are also many guided tours around the city that takes you to the best spots. It’s a great way to learn more about Korean culture and Busan’s history – browse Busan tours here !

Day 1 – Gamcheon Village & Nampo

Start your day with a visit to one of our favourite places in Busan, and a spot you’ll definitely want to add to your Busan itinerary.

Get lost in Gamcheon Culture Village

One of the best things to do in Busan is to explore Gamcheon Culture Village. This art-filled photogenic village is a great way to start your 3 days in Busan, so definitely add it to your itinerary!

It’s free to enter , but you can buy a map for 2,000 KRW that guides you through the maze of the village. You can also collect stamps and postcards along the way. Make sure to visit before 4 pm , as things start to close at 6pm leaving you with an unfinished map (like us!)

What is Gamcheon Culture Village? After the Korean war, the village became home to the city’s poorest residents. Many people moved to Busan from all over the country as it was a safer area during the war. As Busan’s population almost doubled, Gamcheon becomes very crowded with makeshift homes.

In 2009 the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism began making the village into what it’s like today – beautiful art heaven! You can spend a whole morning or afternoon here, admiring all the unique shops, cafes and artwork the village has to offer!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Gamcheon Culture Village Location

If you’re looking for lunch – we recommend Soban Vegan Restaurant or you can head straight to Nampo!

Explore Nampo-dong

Nampo-dong is one of the best places to shop on your 3 day Busan itinerary! It’s close to Gamcheon Village (only a short bus ride away) so it’s perfect to combine these two things to do in Busan together. It’s also a great area to spend your evening as there are many restaurants, markets and bars in Nampo.

Visit Markets in Nampo

These markets are best to visit in the daytime as stores tend to close around 6 pm!

• Jagalchi Fish Market – Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Jagalchi Fish Market Location
• Gukje Market – Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Gukje Market Location

Find Gwangbokdong Food Street

The street food stalls in Nampo come alive in the evening, with plenty of options for you to choose from (Not 100% on vegan options here)!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Gwangbokdong Food Street

Discover Biff Square

Another amazing option for street food in Busan is Biff Square. Yes, just around the corner from Gwangbokdong Food Street are more street food vendors. You have to try some street food at this point of your 3 days in Busan. Note: If you’re unsure about anything, you don’t have to eat it!

Biff stands for Busan International Film Festival as it’s the main venue when the festival happens each year.

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Biff Square Location

Enjoy the sunset at Lotte Department Building

So the main reason you want to visit here on your 3 day Busan itinerary is because of their rooftop views! When entering the store, jump in an elevator and go all the way to the top. There will be stairs to make it to the highest platform on the roof. At sunset would be the best time to go, which in June was around 8 pm (although it says they close at 8 pm)

Other than the beautiful views, this department store is massive! You can easily spend a while shopping here, although it’s definitely a more expensive style of shopping. They do have a big supermarket at the bottom too!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Lotte Department Building Location

We highly recommend a Joby GorillaPod if you want to take photos of some of the best things to do in Busan. We use a Joby GorillaPod for our Sony A600 and love how lightweight it is to carry around. There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod to capture beautiful videos on your 3 day Busan itinerary.

Spot Busan Tower

Busan Tower is open all the way until 9 pm, so if you’re still around, maybe you can check it out! You may have already seen it whilst browsing around Nampo as it’s pretty tall! It’s very iconic to Busan’s skyline, especially in Nampo. At the moment the price is 12,000 KRW to go up the tower.

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Busan Tower Location

A great way to end your first night in Busan is to go on a Busan Night Tour . Visit places such as Songdo Cable Car, Yeongdo Seaside Park and The Bay 101. Find more details and tickets on Klook .

Day 2 – Temples & Beaches

On Day 2 of what to do in Busan, you can see a beautiful temple by the sea and head to the beaches of Busan! If you’re looking for breakfast, we recommend checking out CU or 7/11 for their convenient snacks. If not head over to Doko – Dosi Nongga Cafe in Seomyeon for a deliciously sweet breakfast!

Admire Haedong Yonggung Temple

One of the best things to do on your Busan 3 day itinerary is to visit Haedong Yonggung Temple! It’s a beautiful temple located right on the rocks by the water. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful temples in South Korea.

Haedong Yonggung Temple was originally known as Bomun Temple and was built in 1376 by Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. It’s very unique for a temple to be built so close to the water!

How to get to Haedong Yonggung Temple? It’s very easy to reach the temple by public transport. (Download the NaverMaps app for the best directions!) If you’re staying in Seomyeon it can take around 1 hour to reach the temple. You’ll have to get a metro and then a bus, and if you have a T-Money Card you can use it to swipe on and off. It’s also free to enter!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Haedong Yonggung Temple Location

On day 2 of your Busan itinerary, you can opt for a Busan One Day City Tour which includes a Yacht, a visit to the Haeundae Sky Capsule and the famous Beach Train! You can find tickets on Klook !

Relax at Haeundae Beach

Since you’re already on the east side of Busan, you have to come to check out Haeundae Beach ! It’s one of the best and most popular beaches in the city. At different times of the year, there are also special events that take place. In 2022 they had a sand festival where different iconic landmarks were created in the sand.

Haeundae Beach has a really nice atmosphere, you can swim in the sea, bathe on the sand or walk along the promenade admiring it all! There are plenty of cafes around, but you can also find more just up the road.

If you walk all the way down, you’ll reach Dongbaek Park which has amazing side views of Haeundae Beach and the impressive skyscrapers!

Want to see an even better view in Busan? Check out BUSAN X the SKY for incredible views from the skyscrapers in Haeundae! Find tickets on Klook here .

Browse the Haeundae Markets

Just up the road from the beach is Haeundae Market, a place where you can snacks, lunch, dinner, socks or gadgets! There’s a lot going on here and there’s so many options for food, but there are also many restaurants nearby.

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Haeundae Market Location

If you’re still hungry, head over to Vegenarang for a Korean style dinner and then rest for the night as you have one more day of your Busan itinerary!

Alternatively, if you have more time on your 3 day Busan itinerary, hop on a Haeundae River Cruise and see the city from the water.

Day 3 – Coastal Walk & Seomyeon

You’ve reached the last day of your Busan 3 day itinerary! Today you’re going to explore the coast of Busan before watching Seomyeon come alive at night!

Feel the fresh air at Igidae Coastal Walk

We have to warn you here, the walk can take anywhere from 1-3 hours with small inclines and declines along the way! It’s totally worth it if you’re in the mood for a big coastal walk on your 3 days in Busan itinerary. It’s a beautiful way to admire part of the city as you walk along the coast. There are many steps and bridges along the way so the walk is entertaining!

As it’s a walk along the coast, you can either start north or south to make your way to the other side. We started in the north and made our way down to Oryukdo Skywalk . If you don’t want to complete the full walk, we recommend visiting the south side of the Igidae Coastal Walk.

Both the coastal walk and Oryukdo Skywalk are free, so a great thing to do if you’re on a budget!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Igidae Coastal Walk Location 1 or Igidae Coastal Walk Location 2

If youre’ looking for something different, you could visit Taejongdae Park instead and see Yeongdo Lighthouse! Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Taejongdae Location

Spend the evening in Seomyeon

After a long three days in Busan, you might be after some downtime. There’s one more area to explore on our Busan itinerary and that’s Seomyeon. Try your luck with some arcade games and take in all the beautiful city lights that make South Korea so fascinating.

It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Busan and there’s many options for restaurants too! We recommend Dajeon for some delicious healthy Korean food.

If you still have some time left in your day, you might want to go back to Nampo if you missed anything!

3 Days in Busan Overview Breakdown

Day 1 – Gamcheon Culture Village, Nampo & Busan Tower

Day 2 – Haedong Yonggung Temple & Haeundae Beach

Day 3 – Igidae Coastal Walk & Seomyeon

Alternative Option: If you’re not interested in some of the activities on this Busan 3 day itinerary, maybe you’d like to take a day trip out of the city and into nature!

Only a 40-minute to 1-hour journey away is the city of Gyeongju and just after that is Golgulsa Temple . (One of the best places to do a Templestay in Korea – find out more here !) These are very close to Busan, it’s possible to explore on a day trip although it’s best to stay one night to experience the temple stay.

More Things To Do in Busan

• Take a ride on the Busan Air Cruise Cable Car and see Busan from above!
• Book a day tour on Klook to have a guide take you to the best things to do in Busan! Find tickets on Klook.
• If you’re going to be doing a lot of activities in Busan, it may work out more cost-effective to get a Visit Busan Pass which includes Busan Tower, museums and hanbok rentals and more !
• Explore Busan in a unique way on a Busan Night Tour – Find more details on Klook here !
• Take a visit to Poo Poo Land in Busan !
• Spending more than 3 days in Busan? Take an Island Day Tour outside of Busan city to Oedo Island .
• Lotte World Busan – South Korea’s most popular theme park! Find tickets here .

Where to stay in Busan

As Busan is so big and the best things to do in Busan are quite spread out, there are a few different areas you can stay in. We recommend staying in Seomyeon – this area is close to great transport so you can get to other areas very easily. It’s also in the heart of the city so you can spend every evening finding somewhere new to eat or even having shopping on your doorstep.

Other areas to stay in Busan are: Haeundae , Nampo & Gwangan . If you’re near a metro or bus stop, it’ll be perfect for your 3 day Busan itinerary! Here are some places we recommend:

Dynamic Guesthouse: (Seomyeon) $-$$ – Amazing location on the 36th floor of a highrise building! It’s two penthouse apartments split into 4 rooms each, you’ll be able to choose from a dorm, double room or family room. Full kitchen access! Find Dynamic Guesthouse on Booking.com here !

Plea De Blanc Hotel & Residence (Haeundae) $-$$ – A great location if you want to spend more time near the beach! They’re beautiful apartment rooms, very close to Haeundae Beach! Find Plea Blanc Hotel & Residence on Booking.com here !

Where to eat as a vegan in Busan

• Dajeon (Korean) – Hearty bibimbap and cosy environment, in Seomyeon!
• Soban Vegan Restaurant (Korean) – Amazing vegan fried chicken, near Gamcheon Village!
• Ecotopia Vegetarian Restaurant (Korean) – Korean food with a Western vibe, Namcheon Dong!
• Vegenarang (Korean) – Cosy vegan restaurant near Haeundae!
• Doko – Dosi Nongga Cafe – Lovely bakery in Busan with many vegan options, in Seomyeon!

Is Busan worth visiting?

Yes! If you’re already visiting South Korea, then Busan is a great city to add to your itinerary. It’s so different to Seoul, including the food and the landscape! As it only takes a few hours by bus or train, it’s definitely achievable in a weekend and you can spend 2 days in Busan.

How many days in Busan?

Our 3 day Busan Itinerary is suited for 3 days worth of activities and things to do in Busan . If you want to spend more than 3 days un Busan or less, you’ll still be able to see the amazing sights.

If it’s summer, maybe you want to stay near the beach and enjoy the Haeundae area. Even if you can only spare 1 day in Busan as a day trip from Seoul, you’ll definitely get the feel of the city and maybe even come back in the future!

Busan Weekend Itinerary

If you want to change this 3 days in Busan itinerary to a weekend itinerary, you can blend the coastal walk into the beach day or skip it out ! It depends on the time of year and the main things you want to do in Busan!

Should I spend more time in Busan or Seoul?

Seoul is the capital and the most popular place to visit in the country. Although Busan has amazing things to do, we would personally spend more than in Seoul over Busan. However, if you’re visiting Busan for the coast then that’s something Seoul does not have!

We recommend checking out our Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024) to plan your South Korea trip as we list how long to spend in each city and how to get around.

What to pack for a 3 day Busan Itinerary

What to pack in South Korea really depends on the season that you visit – if it’s winter, bring thermals, gloves and a hat. If it’s summer you may want to bring a raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season. Here are a few of our favourite travel essentials:

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Our metal water bottles have been our side throughout it all! They last a long time, are easy to clean and are better than plastic! Bring one along for your 3 day Busan itinerary!
• Worldwide Travel Adaptor – The best plug to have when travelling to different countries – plus as well as an international plug it has 4 USB slots to charge your gadgets at the same time!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are one of our favourite travel essentials!
• Anker Power Bank – A portable charger is useful for those journeys around South Korea or when you’re out in nature or city with low power!
• Rain Mac in a Bag – A lightweight raincoat to help with heavy summer rain or light spring rain, we also have a backpack cover to stop our clothes from getting wet in our backpacks.
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – GorillaPods are a great little tripod to carry for 3 days in Busan, they’re lightweight and can fit in a day bag. They catch some of the best photos when there’s no one around to take a photo of you. We love our Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A600 . There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod to capture beautiful videos of all the best things to do in Busan.

What to do after 3 Days in Busan

Gyeongju   – A lovely cultural city to visit in South Korea. Spend 1 or 2 days here looking at the sights, shopping or eating. You can even do a Templestay at Golgulsa Temple – see our Templestay guide here ! Seoul  – You may have started your South Korea trip in Seoul, but if not, then your next stop should be here! The capital city of South Korea is filled with markets, hikes, trendy shops and more amazing places to eat! Check out our  Seoul itinerary ! Jeonju  – Take a bus to the small city of Jeonju to stay in a wonderful Hanok and explore the village!

More  South Korea  guides:

• 5 Day Seoul Itinerary – Best Things To Do (2024)
• Staying in Golgulsa Temple: The Best Templestay in Korea (2024)
• 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024)
• Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)
• All our  South Korea  posts!

That’s the end of our  3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024) ! Enjoy your time in the beautiful coastal city of Busan and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Haha the cat! Love the steps with HP. Skyscrapers and street food. Great post!

Aww they’re so nice! 🙂 Haha the perfect action shot with the cat!

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How to choose the best Busan day tour (2024 guide)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2024

This article provides insight on how to choose your Busan day tour.

Busan can be explored on your own by public transport but many of the sights are not well-connected to the city’s subway network.  They can be reached by bus but it quickly takes an hour or more to reach some of the sights and an additional hour to get back to the city.

All well and good if you have several days to explore this beautiful city but spending hours in coaches is not what we think of when we refer to holiday quality time. 

That’s why we would advise to either explore the city with a rental car, it’s easy to drive in the city and outside the rush hours there are no traffic congestions, or to join an organized tour.

Here we share the best Busan tour packages. 

We start this post by sharing some interesting Busan city tours that are perfect to discover the highlights of Busan in one day. 

We also include 2 private tours .  These tours are perfect for you if you don’t like to join a group tour and you can even customize the tour to your own interests.

Busan is also a city that comes alive after dark. Lots of landmarks are beautifully lit. If you are in for some Instagram-worthy pictures you should definitely take a look at the selection of night tours . 

The last set of tours that we cover in this article is day tours from Busan to nearby amazing places . Culture lovers should definitely take a look at the Gyeongju tour from Busan. The Oedo Island Day Tour and the Namhae County day tour are perfect for nature lovers. Thrill-seekers should take a look at the 2-day skiing trip or at the paragliding tour in Busan. 

Busan is a fantastic city, there’s something for everyone and these tours will ensure you make the most of your visit to the city. 

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best Busan tour packages

Note that some tours sell out quickly. If you absolutely want to do a certain tour, don’t wait too long to book.

Busan city tour

1. full-day busan city tour .

This Busan full-day city tour shows you most of the city’s highlights in one exciting day. 

You will start your day in Taejongdae from where you enjoy amazing views of the rocky seaside cliffs.

Next, you get the chance to admire the amazing view from the Songdo skywalk. After lunch, you will visit the colorful Gamcheon Village.

Your full-day Busan tour ends with a bang at the impressive Haedong Yonggungsa Temple,  one of the most beautiful places in South Korea. 

• You will visit a lot of Busan’s main attractions in one day
• English and Chinese speaking guide
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts in case your plans would change

• Optional lunch
• Foods and drinks aren’t included
• No hotel drop off

The Busan full-day city tour gets excellent reviews.

Most people agree that everything is very well organized. They loved the tour guide and the given information about each location. One client didn’t like the visited places and thought that the tour was overpriced but most people said the tour was interesting and the best way to see all of Busan’s attractions. 

From KRW 50.434 which amounts to approximately €39 or $ 42.5 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Full Day City Tour

2. Busan Skywalk, Gamcheon Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Day Tour 

This is another excellent guided tour that can be booked on Klook. You will see many of Busan’s highlights and the tour includes a traditional Korean lunch. 

You start your day at the Songdo Beach walk and Songdo air cruise from where you will have an amazing view. The next stop is the colorful Gamcheon village. You will also visit the Oryukdo Skywalk.  This skywalk offers a dramatic view of the cliffs below.  You will have the impression that you are walking over water.

This exciting day ends at the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. 

For an extra fee, you can book a ticket for Spa Land.

• You will visit 3 skywalks, Gamcheon Cultural Village and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Optional Spa Land Weekday entrance
• Lunch is included ( you can ask for special dietary requirements )
• Free cancellation with 24hrs Notice
• You cannot book this tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Tickets for Songdo Air Cruise are not included but can be added at a discounted price

This Busan city tour gets raving reviews. It’s an excellent tour to visit a lot of Busan’s scenic spots in one day. 

Some clients thought that the tour was a bit too rushed and others would have preferred some more variety over visiting 3 almost identic skywalks.  But with an almost perfect score of 4.7/5 over more than 700 reviews, we’re safe to say that most visitors truly enjoy this tour.

Since there is a lot of walking involved you should wear comfortable shoes. The tour is also less recommended for the elderly.

Great value for money.

From KRW 50.434  which amounts to approximately €39 or $ 42.5 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Skywalk and Temple Tour

3. Busan half-day city tour 

This half-day Busan city tour focuses on the East of Busan.  You will see the most popular tourist attractions in this region in a half day.  

You will start your day by visiting the Oryukdo Skywalk bridge. Here you will have the possibility to walk above the water on this glass bridge and see how the sea crushes on the cliffs beneath you.

The next stop on the half-day tour is the impressive Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, also known as the Water Temple for its location along the coastline.

The tour will then take you to the Jukseong Dream church, famous from the Korean drama ‘Dream’. 

At the end of the tour, you can choose to be dropped off at the Lotte Outlet, the Gijang Market near Haeundae, or Busan station depending on your plans for the rest of the day. 

It is possible to extend this tour to a full-day tour, in the afternoon you will, amongst others, visit Dongbaek Island, the APEC house, and Gijang Traditional market.

• You will visit the most popular tourist attractions on the east side of Busan
• English and Mandarin speaking guide
• Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour starts in case your plans might change,

Both the full-day and half-day tours get excellent reviews.  People who took these tours thought that they had friendly and knowledgeable guides and that the tours offered value for money.

The tours are well-paced and offer enough time at each of the attractions. 

The highlights in East Busan that you visit with this tour are hard to get to with public transportation.  That makes this tour the perfect hassle-free alternative.

From KRW 30.000  which amounts to approximately € 26.75 or $ 30 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: East Busan half day City tour

Busan private tour 

These private tours offer you the comfort of a pick-up and drop-off location of your choice.  You can also customize the tour to your interests or choose from one of the recommended tours proposed by your knowledgeable tour guide.

If you are with a bigger group or don’t like group tours but still want to travel around comfortably without having to worry about finding your way, which bus to take etc, a Busan private tour might be perfect for you. 

Here we share the best private tours.

1. Busan private car tour with driver and/or guide

This private tour picks you up at your hotel in Busan or another location of your choice from where your journey starts. 

You have the choice between a private car with a driver or you can request to have both a driver and a professional guide.

English-speaking, as well as Chinese-speaking drivers and guides, are available.  

The regular vans can accommodate up to 8 people if you’re traveling in a large group you can opt for a minibus that can accommodate up to 18 people. 

The main advantage of this private tour is that you can create your own Busan itinerary based on what you are interested in. 

The guides and drivers are also very knowledgeable and attentive.  You will learn a lot about Busan and have plenty of time to ask questions to your driver and guide.

This private tour is also available in Tongyeong

• Choose between recommended itineraries or create your own Busan itinerary
• English or Chinese speaking driver and/or guide
• All parking and toll fees are included
• Perfect if you don’t want to travel on your own but don’t like group tours
• For an extra fee, you can arrange the pick up from the airport
• Admission tickets aren’t included in the tour

This private tour gets good reviews. People who took this tour say that traveling around Busan was so much easier if you don’t need to rely on public transport. The driver and guide are outstanding. If you want, they give suggestions about must-visit places and they can recommend restaurants according to your taste. It’s a great way to tour around Busan.

This is the perfect tour if you’re are traveling with a big group or if you want to see specific sights but don’t want to drive yourself or just want a knowledgeable guide to tell you more about the city and the places that you visit.  The tour isn’t even that expensive,  so why not spoil yourself for a day and enjoy the luxury of this tour with your personal driver and guide.

From KRW  which amounts to approximately € or $ depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan private tour with car and/or driver

2. Busan Private Tour with a Local

If you want to get to know Busan through the eyes of a local, this Busan private walking tour is for you. 

Together with an English speaking local, you will learn a lot about the city and discover places in Busan you wouldn’t find on your own. You will also learn more about daily life in Busan and if you want you can get tips about the best place to eat and shop.

You can choose between a 2, 3, 4 or 6-hour tour. 

• You can customize the tour according to your interests
• Pickup from your hotel
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
• Entrance fees aren’t included
• This is a walking tour, no transportation is included
• If you don’t like or aren’t comfortable walking, this tour isn’t for you

The Busan private tour with a local generally gets good reviews. Most of the people who took this tour thought the tour is worth its money. They were brought to interesting sites and learned a lot about the city. They also got to taste Busan’s famous street food. There was only one review from a client who wasn’t happy as he said the guide couldn’t tell him anything he did not know already.

Note that the guides are most of the time foreigners that are living in Busan.  We always enjoy such tours as these expats can share a lot about their new home country, about the local cultural elements and the differences that they experienced since they moved.

From KRW 35.600 which amounts to approximately € 27.58 or $ 30 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Private Tour with a local

Best Busan night tour 

Here we share the best Busan night tours.

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Busan at night, click here. 

1. Busan Night viewpoints Tour with Evening Cruise

This 4-hour night tour with evening cruise shows you how Busan comes alive after dark. You will start your night tour with a cruise along the coastal side of Busan from where you can admire Busan’s landmarks such as the Diamond bridge and the Nurimaru APEC House on Dongbaek Island. 

The next stop on your Busan night tour is the panoramic viewpoint of Hwangnyeongsan Mountain from where you will have a magnificent view of Busan’s city night skyline.

Finally, the tour will bring you to the Busan cinema center which is beautifully lit up at night. 

A professional photographer joins the tour and will take several pictures of you that you will receive a couple of days after the tour.

• Amazing evening cruise
• English speaking tour guide
• Photography services included. Perfect for a souvenir of your tour.
• All entry fees are included
• Transfer in an air-conditioned minivan
• Hotel pick up and drop-off
• Free cancellation up to 24hours before the activity starts
• Food and drinks (besides bottled water ) aren’t included
• Not wheelchair accessible

This night tour doesn’t have a lot of reviews yet, but the few reviews that have been shared are all positive. Everybody enjoyed the tour and loved the guide. 

Busan has an impressive skyline, especially so after dark.  This is the perfect tour to see the city at night and enjoy the beautifully lit skyscrapers. Couples will also enjoy the romantic evening cruise.

Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card and be sure to wear warm clothes.

From KRW 117.481 which amounts to approximately € 91 or $ 99 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan night city tour & cruise

2. Busan night tour with Songdo Cable Car, The Bay 101, Gwangali Beach, and Yeongdo Seaside Park

This 3-hour Busan night tour will bring you to some of Busan’s most popular and impressive landmarks at night. 

The itinerary differs depending on the day of the week.

Take this into account if you want to visit a specific place.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the tour visits Busan Port View space, Yeongdo Seaside Park, Gwangali Beach, and Bay 101 at Haeundae beach. 

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday you will visit Gamcheon Cultural Village, Songdo cable car, and Cheonmasan Road view Space. 

• Great opportunity to see Busan by night
• English, Chinese and Korean speaking guide
• Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour starts
• Food and drinks aren’t included
• No hotel pick up and drop off

This Busan night tour gets great reviews. People say it a well-planned and hassle-free itinerary. You will make great photo stops. One customer mentioned that he didn’t have enough time at the various spots visited.

Most people thought the activity was well worth the price.

From KRW 45.300  which amounts to approximately €37.49 or $ 41.90 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Night Tour

Day tours from Busan

Busan has a lot to offer  but your adventure in the city doesn’t end there.  Surrounding the city are beautiful islands, impressive mountains, and lush green countryside. 

It’s also possible to do day tours to other impressive cities such as Gyeongju.

Here’s a collection of some outstanding day tours from Busan. 

Gyeongju tour from Busan

This Busan tour takes you on a day trip from Busan to Gyeongju, also known as the museum without walls. When you wander around Gyeongju and see its palace ruins,  tombs, and pagodas it is easy to understand why. 

You will start your day tour in Yangdong village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will learn more about the Joseon dynasty, the last kingdom in Korea. Then you continue your tour to Seokguram grotto and the Bulgaksa temple, a popular temple near Gyeongju. Both sites are also recognized as Unesco World Heritage. 

Finally, the tour makes a stop at the Wolji pond,  an artificial pond at Donggung Palace.  The palace used to belong to the crown prince but is now open to the public.  It is especially beautiful after dark. 

• This is a great tour for culture-lovers and those who like scenic views
• English, Chinese, Japanese speaking guides that give in-depth information about each site you visit
• You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts if your plans would change
• The activity is stroller friendly and wheelchair-accessible
• Although the tour stops for lunch, food and drinks aren’t included
• Since there is a lot of walking involved, this tour is less suitable for people without good legs
• The group can have a maximum of 42 people. If you prefer a smaller group, better to choose another tour or rent a car to do this tour on your own

This Gyeongju tour from Busan gets excellent reviews. People said the guides were informative and friendly and all the visited sites were very interesting. They also thought that they had sufficient time at each place. 

This is a very interesting tour that combines many historical and scenic sites. It’s a great way to see all these interesting sites in a hassle-free day if you don’t want to rent a car and drive yourself.

If you do prefer to drive yourself, it’s also possible to rent a car for a day. 

From KRW 70.000 which amounts to approximately € 53.79 or $ 60  depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Gyeongju tour tickets

Oedo Island Day tour 

This Oedo Island Day tour takes you to Oedo Island, famous for its European atmosphere and marine botanical garden.

The tour starts at Windy Hill, famous from many Korean drama series.

After your visit to Windy Hill, you will take the ferry to Oedo Island. Here you can visit the most popular sites such as the garden with a wide array of beautiful flowers.

You could also climb up the so-called stairway to heaven.

You can enjoy breathtaking views of the terrace and the ocean from the viewpoint at the top, 

Oedo Island is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, all over the island are a myriad of ornamental flowers that provide countless Instagram-worthy picture opportunities.

The tour is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

• An easy and relaxing tour
• Great photo opportunities
• English, Chinese, Japanese speaking staff
• You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts if your plans might change,

Most of the people who took this tour thought Oedo island was very beautiful. You are accompanied by friendly and helpful tour guides and there are many scenic views to enjoy.

One client even referred to Oedo island as the Hawaii of Korea. 

One customer was a bit disappointed that the flowers weren’t blooming when he was there.

To avoid such disappointment we recommend to inquire about this before you book your tour.

From KRW 85.000  which amounts to approximately € 65 or $ 71.75 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Oedo Island Day Tour

Namhae County Day Tour

Note that this tour is currently unavailable.

The Namhae County Day tour first stop is the Boriam Temple. 

The temple is located on a mountain and from where you can take amazing pictures of the hilly landscape with the ocean in the background.

Your next stop is the village of Daraengi which is known for its terraced rice paddies.

Finally, you will stop at the Yangmori sheep farm where you will learn more about rural Korean life. 

• A great tour to get an insight into Korean rural life
• Enjoy fantastic panoramic views from the Boriam temple
• English, Chinese speaking staff
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts if your plans might change
• Lunch and beverages aren’t included

People who took this tour thought Namhae was a very beautiful place worth visiting with breathtaking scenery. 

This tour is for you if you want to visit the countryside and get off the beaten path.

From KRW 70.000  which amounts to approximately € 53.55 or $ 59,05 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Namhae County Day Tour

Tongyeong Day Tour

This day tour from Busan takes you to Tongyeong, known as the most beautiful port in South Korea. You start your tour at the market which is famous for its delicious seafood.

Then you will head to the Dongpirang Village, a place decorated with hundreds of colorful murals. 

Here you can also ride the Tongyeong Cable car which is, with its 1.975 meters, Korea’s longest cable car.

The cable car takes you up to the peak of Mt. Mireuksan from where you can enjoy amazing views of the sea and the forest. 

It is said that on clear days you can even see Tsushima Island in Japan. 

You will end this wonderful day at the Skyline Luge where you can enjoy a thrilling ride. The Skyline Luge is a downhill ride on luge carts. It’s fun for the whole family and the perfect end to a fantastic day.

• Great combination of sightseeing with some adventure
• English, Chinese and Japanese speaking staff

People who took this tour loved the combination of sightseeing and adventure. 

This tour is less suited for you if you don’t like climbing or walking a lot.

From KRW 64.800 which amounts to approximately € 59.85 or $  depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Tongyeong Day Tour

Go Paragliding in Busan

If you want to enjoy Busan’s beautiful scenery from above, you should definitely go paragliding in Busan . This tandem flight will be an unforgettable experience. 

You will be picked up at the Nampo subway station and depending on the wind direction and airflow you will be taken to one of the 4 launch sites. 

The flight time will depend on weather conditions.

• Unforgettable experience
• Pick up from Nampo subway station
• Video & photo included
• If your plans might change, you get at 100% refund if you cancel 3 days before the reserved date, 90% refund 2 days before the reserved date. If you cancel 1 day before the reserved date, you get no refunds. Note that all times are based on Korea Standard Time.
• No insurance is included.

This tandem flight does not currently have many reviews, but those who took this flight said it was a fun and awesome experience.  The scenery is amazing and the instructors are very professional and helpful.

They also loved the fact that they received a spectacular video of their flight. 

Note that this activity is very dependent upon the weather. To avoid disappointment, we would advise you to book this experience at the beginning of your stay in Busan. This gives you the possibility to move it to a later date in case bad weather tampers with your original plans.

From KRW  113.442 which amounts to approximately € 87.1 or $ 95.73 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Tandem Paragliding Tickets

Eden Valley Ski Resort: 2-day/ 1 night Ski and snowboard tour

If you are in Busan during wintertime and you love skiing or snowboarding this is the perfect package tour for you. 

In this trip, round-trip transportation is included as well as your lift pass and a one-night stay at Eden Valley Ski Resort. Ski clothes and ski or snowboard equipment rental are also included on day 1.

You will also be accompanied by an English or Chinese-speaking tour staff.

It’s possible to upgrade your package with a private ski or snowboard class.

• Great all-inclusive ski package tour
• English and Chinese speaking staff
• If your plans might change, you get at 100% refund if you cancel 7 days before the reserved date, 70% refund 5 days before the reserved date, 30% refund 2 days before the reserved date. If you cancel 1 day before the reserved date, you get no refunds. Note that all times are based on Korea Standard Time.
• Meals aren’t included in this package

This tour is a great winter getaway.  Everything is included, you only need to take care of your own goggles, gloves, and helmet. Public transport to Eden Valley is poor so that makes this tour all the more worthwhile.

The ski area counts 7 slopes.  It is relatively small and the slopes have a low gradient.  Experienced skiers and snowboarders will probably quickly be tired of doing the same runs over and over again.

Despite that, it can be a nice change to hit the slopes for a day. 🙂

From KRW 176.162 which amounts to approximately € 135.4 or $ 148.81 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: All inclusive Ski or Snowboard Trip

Busan is an absolute must-visit while you are in South Korea. 

Although you can discover the city on your own , taking a Busan tour is sometimes much easier and more comfortable. 

We listed these tours that we think offer the best price value based on their itinerary and the reviews we found. We hope that our selection will make it easier for you to choose the best Busan tour for you based on your interests and personal preferences. 

Have a great day out! 

Busan 5 Day Itinerary: Spending Five Days in S. Korea’s Port City

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Lucky you. You’re going to spend five days in Busan! Most travelers only spend 1 or 2 days in South Korea’s second largest city, but I swear that’s not enough!

Busan is my favorite city in Korea. (I’m sorry Seoul.) That’s why on my recent trip to South Korea, I only went to Busan, and I spent five nights (six whole days actually) there, and this was my third visit to the city.

However, I’m not going to share my exact Busan 5 day itinerary with you, because I traveled like a maniac, racing around the city to put the finishing touches this list of 50 awesome things to do in Busan as well as Busan’s top-10 temples (Please, don’t travel the way I do!)

Instead I’ve cleaned my itinerary up a little and cut out the non-essentials for the sane traveler. Assuming you’re also visiting Seoul before or after Busan, here’s a recommended itinerary for Seoul !

Table of Contents

Busan Travel Essentials

– Peruse the best cooking classes in Busan here. – Buy a discount Korean Rail Pass for traveling to and from Seoul – Join this highly recommended East Coast Busan tour , or hire a private driver to get around. – Order a SIM card or WiFi device for easy pick-up when you arrive in South Korea. – Sign up for Klook fist using my referral link to get a 3833-won discount on any of the above Klook activities. – Read these things to know about South Korea before you go.

Busan in Five Days: Where to Stay

Where to stay in Busan was a really tough choice for me to make on my most recent trip. Just take one look at the map of sights below, and your see that Busan’s attractions are sprwad out in opposing ends of the city.

If you want to stay in the same hotel for your whole trip, you’ll just have to take a few longer subway rides on some days. Not a big deal.

You could however choose to spend you first 2-3 nights in the south, where most of the big sights are concentrated, then move somewhere in the north or two one of the big beaches for your last few days.

For way more details on this and my recommended hotels and best areas to stay in Busan, see my guide to where to stay in Busan , my detailed review of my favorite hotel in Busan (also find it here on booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).

How to Plan Your Busan 5 Day Itinerary

Because Busan is so large and spread out, it only makes sense to cover one part of the city per day. The south of Busan has the highest concentration of sights, so it deserves two full days (days 1 and 2 below). Day three will take you to the beaches and coast of the northeast, while day four takes in the temples of the north.

For day 5, you may want to consider taking a day trip from Busan. However, if you want to stay in the city for your fifth day, I’ll give you some ideas for that as well!

Busan Itinerary 5 Days Outline Day 1: Gamcheon Culture Village + Taejongdae Resort Park, Oryukdo, or Songdo Day 2: Explore Nampo-dong, Gwangbok-dong, and Seomyeon Day 3: Haedong Yonggungsa + Haeundae and/or Gwangalli Beach Day 4: Beomeosa or Seokbulsa Temple + Heosimcheong Spa Day 5 : Day Trip or Centum City, museums, art galleries, and more

Busan Itinerary Day 1

Morning: gamcheon culture village.

Start your Busan trip with a colorful bang. Head to Gamcheon Culture Village, which has in recent years become one of Busan’s most popular and recognizable attractions.

This former Korean War refugee camp has been converted into a sprawling and very, very colorful arts district with views of the sea. Read all about it in my complete guide to Gamcheon Culture Village , in which you’ll find my true feelings about the attraction (mainly good, a little bad).

Budget at least two hours to stroll through the village from top to bottom, following one the paths outlined on the excellent maps sold from the tourist information center at the top of the village near the bus stop.

Along the way, you’ll pass numerous art installations, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and more. Don’t miss the 148 “Stairs to See Stairs” (climb all the way up and you may see stairs yourself!). There’s also a local market and collection of restaurants at the bottom of the village.

Another cool way to see Gamcheon Culture Village is on this Wall Painting Tour or East and West Busan Tour .

Afternoon: Take a Scenic Walk along the Busan Coast

Round out your day with some natural scenery and fresh sea air at one of Busan’s famous seaside walkways. Here are three great ones to choose from!

You’ll have to make decisions here…Beach lovers should go with Songdo Beach . Besides a decent beach for swimming, Songdo offers so much more. Songdo Cloud Trails is a gorgeous, swirling walkway over the sea.

A few steps away, you can hop on Busan Air Cruise (Songdo Cable Car), which transports passengers over the sea to Amnam Park across the bay. Alternatively, you can head to the other end of the beach and follow the coastal trail to get there yourself.

For epic views from death-defying coastal bluffs, choose Taejongdae Resort Park . This large park at the southern end of Yeongdo Island also features a couple secluded temples. Read about my experience visiting Taejongdae Resort Park here .

Last but not least, consider making the trip by bus to Oryukdo Skywalk , a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway 35 meters above the sea. The walkway offers stunning views of the Oryukdo Islands offshore.

If you love walkways over the sea, this tour includes a few of them.

Busan Itinerary Day 2

Morning: explore nampo-dong and gwangbokdong.

Ready to tackle a whole bunch of a Busan highlights in one day? Here goes! Start your morning with breakfast on Gwangbokdong Food Street . The famous thing to do here is to sit in a little stool and eat cheap, tasty milmyeon (wheat noodles) or bibimyeon (glass noodles) served by elderly Korean women in the middle of the narrow lane. A variety of other traditional Korean foods is sold along the street.

Gwangbokdong Food Street feeds into Gukje Market , logically the next stop. Gukje is South Korea’s largest traditional market, though its not so big that you’ll be lost.

Don’t miss neighboring Tin Can Alley (Bupyeong Khangtong Market) , another market that is just about as big, and which I personally found more interesting. While Gukje has a bit of everything, Tin Can Alley is all food, food, food!

Retrace your steps to the entrance of Gwangbokdong Food Street. From there, walk a block south to BIFF Sqaure (Busan International Film Festival Sqaure), Busan’s own Walk of Fame.

Hopefully you’ve worked off a bit of your breakfast by now, because you can’t miss the legendary ssiat hotteok (deep fried pancakes stuffed with seeds, nuts, brown sugar syrup, and spices) served there!

Continuing south, BIFF Market leads to enormous Jagalchi Fish Market , the largest in the country, and a testament to this city’s love of seafood. Start on the ground floor, and if you want to sample the ocean delights on offer, head up to the many restaurants on the second floor.

The streets surrounding the market are just as interesting, and there are several sister markets in connecting and neighboring buildings.

For a more intimate experience, try this Jagalchi and Gukje market tour with a local chef .

Afternoon: City Views and Seomyeon

Before leaving the Nampo-dong/Gwangbok-dong area, you can miss one of the excellent viewpoints of the city in this neighborhood. Option one is the seventh floor of Jagalchi Fish Market. Option 2, which is even better, is the rooftop of Lotte Department Store Gwangbokdong nearby.

And the winner for best view is probably Busan Tower , which pokes into the sky from the center of Yongdusan Park . You can save money by booking your Busan Tower ticket online here .

Next, take a break until sundown (or stick around one of the viewpoints to watch the sunset!) then hop on the subway to Seomyeon, Busan’s central business district.

The district comes alive with neon lights at night and is one of Busan’s best places to eat, stroll, go shopping, bar hoping or night clubbing.

If Seomyeon doesn’t sound like your thing, another option is to check out Samgwangsa Temple , which is famous for hosting the most impressive lantern display in Korea during the annual Lantern Festival. The temple is a short bus ride from Seomyeon.

Busan Itinerary Day 3

Morning: haedong yonggungsa temple.

Hopefully you didn’t party too late in Seomyeon, because the earlier you can get to Haedong Yonggungsa this morning, the better. This popular temple by the sea is unique in South Korea and understandably very popular.

The temple is quite a ways from the city center in Busan’s far northeast, and it can get quite crowded midday. It’s also a popular place to see sunrise; if you plan to do that, consider staying in the area.

For the full story on this fascinating temple, and to find out where to stay nearby, read my guide to Haedong Yonggungsa .

Save the trouble of getting to Haedong Yonggungsa by joining a tour that includes it .

Afternoon: Beach Time!

Since you’ve made the journey all the way to Haedong Yonggungsa, it’s time to reward yourself with an afternoon on the beach. You’ve got two great choices here, both on the same subway line you took to reach Haedong Yonggungsa.

Closer to Haedong Yonggungsa but further from central Busan, Haeundae Beach is South Korea’s largest and most famous beach. It’s quite a sight in any season, but expect it to be particularly packed in summer.

Haeundae District also has a great aquarium (skip the line by ordering your tickets online ), plenty of cafés, restaurants, luxury hotels, and spas. For a slice of nature, walk around Dongbaekseom Island.

The Bay 101 , a luxury yacht club, is also not to be missed, especially for its incredible night views of the city, free of charge. Bay 101 is also included on this Busan Night Tour .

Your second beach choice is equally good; Gwangalli Beach in Gwangan district is another fine, long stretch of sand with plenty of bar and restaurant choices facing the sea.

The beach’s distinctive feature is its incredible view of Gwangan Bridge, one of Korea’s longest, running over the sea in front of the beach.

Busan Itinerary Day 4

Morning: beomeosa or seokbulsa temple.

Because I love giving you choices, your fourth morning also included two great ones: Beomeosa Temple, the most important temple in Busan, or remote, off-the-beaten-track Seokbulsa Temple, which requires a moderate hike and features amazing Buddhist cliff carvings.

Both temples are located in northern Busan, and either one will take a half day to visit. Find everything you need to know in my articles on doing a temple stay at Beomeosa and how to hike to Seokbulsa .

If you really wanted to, you could visit both temples in one day, but it would be a little tiring!

Afternoon: Soak in a Korean Hot Spring

After hiking to Seokbulsa or making the trip up to Beomeosa (which also involves a lot of walking), its time to relax your muscles in one of the world’s largest hot spring spas, Heosimcheong Spa.

The gorgeous, domed spa is located near Oncheonjang subway station, the same one for Seokbulsa Temple. Like all Korean spas, this one is sex-segregated and no clothing is allowed. You can buy your tickets online here .

By the way, if you happen to coming from Seoul, check out this Seoul shopping guide !

Busan Itinerary Day 5

For your fifth day, why not take a day-trip from the city? If I could choose only one day trip from Busan, it would be to Tongdosa temple , South Korea’s largest and most important temple.

The temple is only a half hour bus ride from Central Bus Station at Nopo station (the furthest subway station going north, past Beomeosa), or you can visit it as a part of this day tour from Busan .

Another great (and longer) option would be to Gyeongju , an ancient and very beautiful city featuring amazing temples and burial mounds of ancient kings. One simple way to plan your trip is by taking this day tour to Gyeongju .

See this article for more ideas for Busan day trips from someone who lives there.

If you still want to stay in Busan city for your last day, there is plenty more to see; read on below!

One idea would be to head to Centum City Area , an collection of enormous structures somewhat between Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches. Here’s you’ll find the world’s largest department store, equally huge BEXCO, impressive Busan Cinema Center, Busan Museum of Art, Busan Olympic Park, and more.

Yet another option is to head to United Nations Memorial Cemetery and neighboring Busan Museum , where you can even try making tea or dressing up in Korean costumes for free!

See more details on all the above-mentioned locations in my huge guide to Busan’s top attractions .

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4 thoughts on “Busan 5 Day Itinerary: Spending Five Days in S. Korea’s Port City”

Can I ask Dec go a small group of 5-8 person Would cost us how much

Sorry, I am not a travel agent! 🙂

Hi, just wondering your itinerary would be older folks friendly?? What’s the best number of days to stay in Busan for first timers and if going at a slow pace? Am single parent travelling with a 10 year old and my two folks. I don’t mind driving around. If November is still safe to drive. If not snowing. Sorry loads of questions cos am planning. I actually have 20 days in all for Korea.

Hi Shirlene, and thanks for reading! I feel like this is a fairly subjective question, whether or not you are old folks/traveling with kids, depending on what kinds of things you want to see and do in Korea. Spending a full 5 days in Busan out of a total 20 in South Korea may be a bit much. You could probably condense whatever appeals most to you in this itinerary to 2-3 days, and spend those other days visiting other regions and smaller cities in South Korea; there is just so much to see in the country, I realize it’s not easy to plan that! I don’t think November should be snowing yet, it’s a little early for that. I’m actually not really an expert on all things South Korea, mainly just Busan, but please let me know if you have any further questions!

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First Timer's Busan Itinerary for 3 Days (+ Interactive Map)

Updated: Feb 18, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

For Koreans, spending a long weekend in Busan is a popular getaway, especially from Seoul . It's got the beach & ocean vistas, abundant seafood, and the most famous living village in Korea: Gamcheon Culture Village.

Planning your Busan itinerary is easier than ever, no matter where your interests lay. If you hate flying, you can take a bus or a train to Busan (unlike to the beautiful Jeju island ). The city even has an international airport, so it sees many visitors from nearby Japan and China.

But just because it's a big city doesn't mean you can make the most of 3 days in Busan. I lived in South Korea for 3 years, and I went to Busan every 2-4 months in that time. I visited during every season. Each time I had just 3 days in Busan, and each time I tested a slightly different Busan itinerary.

I tweaked it a bit until I'd had the chance to solidify some favorite activities, and try out some new ones. I always made time for chocolate shops in Busan , for example. I've found that as an expat in Korea, I have a very different perspective on the city and on my adopted country, so hopefully this insight and research helps you plan your own trip. Jal kayo!~

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Planning a Trip to Busan

Arrival & getting around busan, how to visit busan in winter, where to stay in busan, what to do & see in busan, what to eat in busan, sample busan itinerary: 3 days, practical info, busan travel tips, busan points of interest map.

Those of you looking to visit South Korea are probably as confused by all the changes as I was before I visited again post-covid. But as of March 20th, 2024, masks are still required in medical settings like hospitals but are NO LONGER REQUIRED in all other indoor public places, including public transport.

Here are what document you need to visit Korea as a tourist:

• K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization , applied for at least 72 hours before departure) OR Visa to visit Korea (countries which previously had a visa exemption now need to apply for a K-ETA). From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries will also temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit Korea (includes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)). If you're a valid ABTC card holder (APEC card), you are not required to apply for a K-ETA [excluding Americans & Canadians].
• Q-Code (can also be filled out upon arrival) : visitors need to fill out information for the Korean quarantine system, known as Q-Code . Note that all travelers are now allowed in regardless of vaccination status, but you do need to have filled out your Q-Code before going through immigration.

If for some reason you need to take a covid test in a South Korea airport, the cost of a covid test in Incheon Airport is currently ₩80,000 ($60USD), with some options within Seoul as inexpensive as ₩65,000 ($50USD). There's no testing requirement to leave South Korea.

As the second-largest city in Korea, Busan is very well-connected to the rest of the country. Nearby cities like Gimhae, Daegu, or the historic Gyeongju are just a short bus ride away, which is why I don't recommend only visit Busan on a day trip.

South Korean public transport is world above that of the rest of Asia, except for neighboring Japan . Getting to Busan will either involve a bus, train, or airplane depending upon how far away you are. Note that if you are flying from Gimpo Airport, the airport closes each night from 12am-4:30am.

The city has its own international airport, located just next door in Gimhae, itself a large city. Coming from Incheon or Seoul to Busan, flights are extremely available and cheap. Taking the train is another popular option, and while not as fast as a flight, can be very comfortable.

The KTX or the Mugunghwa (slow train) are the only types of train you can take from Seoul Station to go from Seoul to Busan or vice versa , and the Mugunghwa actually stops at a few cities in between.

A more affordable option— and the only one, if you live outside of Seoul — is to take the bus. There are direct buses from all of the Seoul bus terminals (I recommend Express Bus Terminal), but if you're coming from outside of the city it may be more realistic to changes buses at a nearby city.

There's a Busan subway line well-connected to the bus stop where you'll arrive, so if you go this route, you won't have trouble getting to your accommodation. Big cities near Busan include Gimhae, Daejeon, Gyeongju, Gwangju, Daegu, and Pohang. Getting around Busan will be easiest via the metro, and the system of buses.

Be sure to download a Korean translation app like Papago and a Korean map app like Naver Maps , as those will have the best translations and directions (Google Maps is absolute crap in Korea) to follow throughout your South Korea itinerary. But be warned, it may take awhile to get across town, no matter what route you take!

Visiting Busan in winter can be an intimidating task. It can snow in Busan as early as November, and even into early March, but it's generally not a debilitating amount, as there can be in Seoul. It's important to pack your winter clothes, but know that it'll always be a bit warmer in Busan than in Seoul.

One New Year's I spend there, it was just below freezing and sunny all day, making it downright gorgeous (for wintertime in Busan). So what is there to do in Busan in the winter?

Well, there are lots of options detailed in the Busan itinerary below, but importantly, try to stay outside during the sunniest parts of the day (12pm-3pm) and inside at night. Remember that while you can visit the beaches in the wintertime, be careful not to get too close to the freezing water.

Unless, of course, you like the feeling of impending frostbite (I have made this mistake and do not recommend it). This still leaves you with plenty of options for the evenings: Busan Aquarium, Busan Tower, Busan Museum of Movies, the Museum of Art, Spa Land, and of course, shopping.

Outdoor activities for the daytime include Taejongdae and the various beaches & sky walks for pictures and sea views. I've visited all of those during Busan's winters, and lived happily to tell the tale. Don't be afraid to visit Busan in wintertime, but just remember to pack your fluffiest jacket and stock up on heattech.

You'll be glad you have it when you're wandering the outdoor market or staring out at one of the bluest seas you'll ever see in Korea (winter or not)!

With such a large city sprawled out in front of you, it can be hard to figure out which area to stay in. Luckily I've written a whole guide to where to stay in Busan , but for a bit of a primer, there are 3 main Busan neighborhoods for tourists.

The first one is Haeundae , which attracts visitors thanks to its gorgeous beaches and more laid back vibes. In spot number two is the upscale Seomyeon , situated in the downtown area of Busan and best known for its shopping & nightlife.

The Gwangalli Beach area is by no means quiet, but it is a more local and therefore less expensive place to stay in. The final Busan neighborhood I might recommend is Nampo , which is close to the main bus station and the port.

Click here to explore hotel prices in Busan.

Busan is by no means a small place. It can take a couple of hours to get from one side to the other, just like in Seoul . So to make it easier for you to plan your trip, I've divided Busan attractions by neighborhood, and added each of them to a map at the bottom of the post.

Similar to this section in my Jeju Island Guide , this part is packed with Busan points of interest! But unlike the places to stay in Busan, where you sleep is not necessarily the best place to spend your day.

You should stay in Gwangalli for quiet time and a day on the beach, or in Seomyeon for the nightlife , but during the day you'll want to go elsewhere. Both of those are central locations from which to base yourself, however, so don't rule them out as places to rest your head.

Things To Do In Haeundae (해운대)

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장) /// free entrance /// 9am-6pm  Undoubtedly the most popular beach in Korea, Haeundae is notoriously packed in the summer, especially with families. Public schools don't let out until mid-July, however.

So if you time your visit for a weekday before peak season, you may just have a patch of sand to yourself. A good alternative if Haeundae is too crowded is Songjeong Beach (송정해수욕장) , located about a kilometer north along the coast. Note that beaches are only open for swimming from June to August.

Dongbaek Park (동백공원) /// free entrance /// 10am-5pm Sitting right at the southern tip of Busan, Dongbaek Island, where the park is located, is named after the Dongbaek trees covering the island (which is now part of the mainland).

The park is beautiful, even in the wintertime, but it also offers beautiful views of the ocean and several planned photo-ops. At certain points you can even get a faraway look at downtown Busan!

Busan Aquarium (부산아쿠아리움) /// ₩19000-25000 entrance /// 10am-7pm, 9am-9pm While aquariums tend to be more for kids, in Korea it's also a pretty popular date activity (even on Jeju Island!), so the Busan Aquarium offers lots of little activities that are fun for visitors of all ages.

Some activities geared towards adults include shark diving & feeding time, but everyone will love seeing the penguins and otters, and riding in the glass-bottomed boat. Note that hours are later on the weekends. Click here for a discount coupon for tickets.

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk (청사포다릿돌전망대) /// free entrance /// 9am-6pm Although not the most conveniently-located for visitors, this relatively new tourist attraction has become quite popular over the last couple of years. The skywalk juts out proudly over the ocean and features a see-through bottom at parts.

This makes it perfect for showing off the ocean without you having to get in it, great for winter in Busan. There's also an observatory in the area, one of just 3 in the city. The skywalk is located right between Songjeong and Haeundae Beaches, so it's a nice scenic walk from either spot.

Things To Do In Nampo (남포)

Gamcheon Culture Village (부산 감천문화마을) /// free entrance /// 9am-5pm or 6pm Probably the most popular spot for photos in all of Busan, GMC as it's called has become known as the Cinque Terre of South Korea.

The calming blue houses look right out over the ocean, and are actually still people's homes. So while it's always fun to wander around and stop in the cafes, it's also important to stay respectful of the fact that this is a neighborhood in addition to a fount of Korean culture & beauty.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village (흰여울문화마을 /// free entrance /// 9am-5pm or 6pm Huinnyeoul is often called an alternative to Gamcheon Cultural Village, if you've heard of it at all. The region offers an equally beautiful view, but is much smaller and quieter, with many fewer tourists most noticeable on the weekends).

I love it for how much closer to the ocean it is, with seaside views for miles on a day with the right weather. But again, be respectful of the fact that people still live there!

Busan Tower (부산타워) /// ₩6000-8000 entrance /// 10am-11pm If you're gonna have a tower, make it a big one. Busan Tower is one of three observatories in the city, and is one of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen.

All lit up at night, the tower shines out over the garden and Buddhist temple sitting below it. Even though it does cost money to enter the observation deck and look out over the city, it is definitely worth it for the bird's-eye view.

Busan Museum of Movies (부산영화체험박물관) /// ₩7000-10000 entrance /// 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays) Perfect for the cinema-obsessed among us, the Museum of Movies' very existence is a testament to how important cinema has become to the city. Home to the annual Busan International Film Festival, Korea's second-largest city has become quite the hub for the arts.

The museum has a VR experience center, along with several exhibits on filming, production, and famous soundtracks. It's also home to the Trick Eye Museum , which if you visit on your birthday you can get in for free.

Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) /// free entrance /// 5am-10pm This is the largest seafood market in Korea. It's actually become so famous that every October they hold the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival, and it's a pretty big event.

But even if you can't make it to the festival, seafood lovers will enjoy walking through the market and gawking looking at the diverse sea life found in Busan's waters. The entire first floor is dedicated to the market, while restaurants and the like are found on the other 6 floors above.

Things To Do In Centum City (센텀시티)

Shinsegae Centum City (신세계 센텀시티) /// free entrance /// 10:30am-8pm Just the words "Centum City" are synonymous in Busan with shopping, as the neighborhood is home to the world's largest shopping complex: Shinsegae Department Store.

So for all of us who love to surround ourselves in luxury and probably never buy anything, this makes the perfect appetizer to lunch on the top floor. Or free make-up samples; whichever your heart most desires.

Busan Cinema Center (부산 영화의 전당) /// free entrance /// 10am-5pm (closed on weekends & holidays) Home to the Busan International Film Festival, held every fall, the center has 3 buildings, each of which holds theatres of varying sizes. Due to the limited opening hours, the center is quite popular with tourists, and offers tours and lectures every day. There are restaurants and cafes on site.

Busan Museum of Art (부산광역시립미술관) /// free entrance /// 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays) This is five floors of pure culture, including paintings and large exhibits, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden.

There are both permanent and seasonal collections, as well as educational programs and seminars for visitors of all ages. The busiest days are on the weekends, so if you can manage to go on a weekday then you'll feel as if you have the place to yourself.

Spa Land Centum City (스파랜드 센텀시티점) /// ₩10000-18000 entrance /// 6am-12am Any trip to a big city in Korea isn't complete without a visit to the sauna. Even though there are saunas in my own town in Korea, if I'm going to get butt naked with strangers, I'd prefer to have a 0% chance of getting recognized in public later on.

Spas in Korea are immensely popular for a reason, however, and Spa Land is one of the most famous in the country. You can spend a whole day lounging around in hot tubs, relaxing and chatting with friends, or go get a massage and scrub down from one of the attendants.

Interesting Things To Do Around Busan

Taejongdae (태종대) /// free entrance /// 5am-12am Of all the things to do in Busan, this is undoubtedly one of my favorites. Part-resort and part-park, Taejongdae has become famous for its beautiful views and, er, colorful train.

The temples are accessible with a half-hour to an hour's walk, but even right around the entrance you can hike down and bit and reach the shore. If you want to go further, however, wait for a train to the lighthouse and observatory, and maybe grab a drink at the cafe while you wait.

Basically no matter where you go on the grounds, you're gonna find a great view. Note that while it's free to enter the grounds, you still need to pay for parking and any transportation you use to get around the grounds.

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) /// free entrance /// 9am-6pm I'm not going to pretend that Gwanggalli is much less crowded than Haeundae, but it is said to be cleaner & quieter, and it's of equal size & beauty to Haeundae Beach.

What it doesn't have in tourist traps, its has in tranquility and quality Busan cuisine, making it much more popular with locals. Note that beaches are only open for swimming from June to August.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동용궁사) /// free entrance /// 5am-sunset  Most Korean temples are in the mountains, and offer tranquility and spectacular views of the life going on below. Haedong does this as well, but most distinctly it offers a view of the life going on down below in the deep blue sea instead of the countryside valleys.

Known for its stunning views and traditional architecture, this is one of very few chances to see a Korean temple on the coast. Some people come here to watch the sunrise, which is a spectacular choice considering it opens at 5am!

Haemul Pajeon (해물파전) : seafood pancake, basically, but in a potato- and egg-based batter instead of a flour-based one. This is especially popular as anju (food eaten with alcohol) , but many people come to Busan's fish markets to enjoy this type of pancake with family. Often you order one serving per person, and sit at one of the many stalls in the unusual ambience of the fish market, chatting while you eat.

Sannakji (산낙지) : possibly one of the most famous Korean foods— other than barbecue— sannakji is often called "live octopus," though it's actually just an extremely fresh version of the sea creature.

Served immediately after it's killed, sannakji are squirted with acidic fruit juices which make the tentacles continue to move around even after it's placed in front of you. It's not served alive, but people certainly act as if it were, as most people shy away from trying the fresh dish. Do you dare?

Hoe  (회) : this literally means "raw seafood," and doesn't necessarily specify which fish or dish, but the most common types are smaller white-fleshed varieties. Mulhoe (물회) is a cold raw fish soup that's a very popular way to enjoy the fish, but other fresh seafood dishes are continuing to gain popularity.

Sushi (스시) and Whelks (골뱅이)  are two more popular foods I'd recommend trying only in seaside cities like Busan, as they're very typical foods and apt to be fresher here than further inland.

Busan Jokbal (부산족발) : "pig's feet from Busan" don't sound super appetizing, but I don't think I've ever met a Korean who didn't like pig's feet in my nearly 3 years living here. Even just walking past the stands of jokbal , the combination of sweet cinnamon and honey reminds me of spiral-cut ham on Christmas.

The experience isn't exactly the same, but it is one you're unlikely to find outside of Asia. The meat is fatty and rich, so don't knock it 'til you try it.

Dwaeji Gukbap (돼지국밥) : a very hearty pork-based stew prepared by slowly boiling pork bone into a broth and adding tender pork bits. It's served with rice and side dishes; you plop the rice into the stew and then eat it with the side dishes of your choosing.

It's popular year-round, but it's a must-try in winter. There's also a beef version of the stew, called Sogogi Gukbap (소고기 국밥) .

Samgyupsal (삼겹살) : pork belly, which is the post popular meat of choice for a night out in Korea, is just one of many options for Korean barbecue.

Galbi (갈비) , ribs, usually of the pork variety, or Hanu (한우) , Korean-raised beef, are my other two recommendations for a nice night of barbecue, though are a bit harder to find than pork belly. None of these are specific to Busan, but I had to include them just in case this is your only trip to Korea!

Milmyeon (밀면) : cold noodles serves similarly to (my beloved cold noodle) Nangmyeon (물냉면) , but made with wheat flour instead of buckwheat, and with a big dollop of hot pepper paste on top.

Both milmyeon and naengmyeon are made with a meat broth and are often eaten right after barbecue, especially pork belly. In my humble opinion, this is one of the most emblematic dishes of South Korean cuisine.

Various Anju (안주) : anju is a term meaning "food eaten while drinking alcohol," and many bars will require you to order some anju to go with your liquor or beer. Most anju are foods that, if eaten together, would make up a meal in countries like the US, but in Korea they're just fried, salty foods that cut the bite of the alcohol.

Food isn't actually a meal without rice, after all. If you're a big group, look for the words "모든" or "모든안주," which means it's a mix of all or almost all the dishes they offer. It'll give everyone a variety of dishes to try with their soju (소주) and beer (맥주).

Street Foods : there are too many to name them all here, but the most popular street foods in Korea are definitely Eomuk (어묵) & Ddeokbokki (떡볶이) , which are fish cakes & spicy rice cakes, respectively, and are often served together (and are spicier in Busan than in Seoul).

Skewers (꼬치) , usually chicken skewers served with onion and barbecue sauce, are a very filling and cheap alternative for those who don't like seafood.

Hoddeok (호떡) , a cinnamon sugar-filled fried rice cake, is my absolute favorite treat and one of the few traditional sweets in Korea. Finally, Soondae (순대) is Korean blood sausage and a very popular drunk food.

A 3 day Busan itinerary could take many forms, but for such a short visit I've chosen a variety of typical Busan activities to give you a taste of the city. They've been timed such that you'll have ample time to spend at each place and get from one spot to the next.

Some activities have alternatives in case of differing weather, but most things to do in Busan are indoors or non-weather dependent, anyway. Have fun, and don't be afraid to switch the days depending on your mood.

Day 1: Relaxing & Observing

Most hostels and hotels will provide food for breakfast, but if they don't then ask for a recommendation or stop by a convenience store on the way out.

10am // Busan Cinema Center : here you can take a tour of the exhibits and walk around a bit before lunch without having to wander too far from the beach where you'll find your meal. Unfortunately if it's a weekend then the center is closed, and I'd recommend you head over to the Museum of Art instead.

12pm // Lunch at Haeundae Beach : since it's so international, you can have any type of food you want, but this would be a great time to settle in for some barbecue, like samgyupsal or galbi .

2pm // Spa Land : quite close to the Cinema Center in central Busan, this is one of the most famous spas in Korea and it includes all of the typical Korean sauna features. There are multiples hot tubs and several options for add-ons like massages or body scrubs.

You can rent a bathing suit, as well, and towels are provided; since you can spend any number of hours here, you can keep it or skip it depending upon your arrival time.

7pm // Dinner : returning to Haeundae, close to the beach there are always several vendors selling street foods like meats and seafoods, and ice cream and rice cakes. You can make a full meal out of it and try a variety of smaller servings of each dish.

Alternatively, if it's cold out you can go to a bar and have some beer and anju , making sure to save room for a piece of hoddeok (cinnamon sugar rice cake)!

8pm // Walk The Beach : if it's warm weather this is a great time to feel the sand on your toes one more time, but I'd recommend you go to a noraebang (karaoke room) if it's cold.

Noraebang is a very typical Korean past time, especially popular after a couple of bottles of soju or beer (which you can order directly to your room using the call button, even if you're in a pay-as-you-go place).

Day 2: Exploring The City

Again, most places you stay will provide breakfast, and if they don't, be sure to ask for a recommendation. If you have limited time on day 2, or have to leave early the next morning, I recommend skipping Busan tower and going straight to Taejongdae.

9am // Gamcheon Culture Village : one of the most popular spots on the island, GMC as it's known gets rather crowded around lunchtime, especially on the weekends. So to arrive and get out before the crowds, you should start your days here.

If all the uphill gets tiring, there are plenty of cafes to stop and rest in, but just remember that it is a residential area so you should stay respectfully quiet in the upper areas and earlier in the morning. 30 to 40 minutes walking or 10 to 12 minutes in a taxi to the next destination.

11:30am // Lunch @Jagalchi Market : if you're still feeling energetic, walk to Jagalchi Market and grab some well-earned food before exploring all the different sea creatures they sell at this huge market.

If you're a more adventurous eater, stop by the food stalls for lunch instead of going to the restaurants on the upper floors. Depending on where you finish in the market, it's a 10-to 15-minute walk to Busan Tower.

1pm // Busan Tower : continue exploring the city's cultural sites by walking around the grounds of Busan Tower without actually going up (save your money for later). There's a beautiful park and traditional building around, perfect to rest in on a warm day.

If you're not big on traditional architecture or it's really cold out, a good nearby alternative is the Busan Museum of Movies & the Trick Eye Museum, both of which offer a fun way to stay active and entertain kids. It's a 30-minute taxi ride or a 1-hour direct bus ride to the next stop.

3pm // Taejongdae : No matter how long it takes you to get to the grounds, it's a 5-minute walk to the park's entrance, and another 10 minutes to start seeing cliffs and beaches you can explore.

Either a bus or your own two feet can take you to the observatory and other "main attractions," but I think the whole region is just gorgeous. After walking around (or riding) or a few hours, at the entrance to the resort there are a variety of restaurant. This is the perfect time to try dwaeji gukbap !

6pm // Dinner : pick one of the restaurants outside the resort and enjoy a traditional Korean meal. Whenever you feel it in your to get moving again, you can start heading back to your guesthouse.

Day 3: Beaches & Culture

Hopefully by day 3 you've figured out your breakfast situation, and you know how to get fueled and ready for the day.

9am // Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk : walk right out over the ocean and start your day with a great view. First thing in the morning is when you're most likely to find this place the least crowded. Tourism is a later-in-the-day activity in Korea, so most spots won't start getting full until the afternoon, and by then you'll be long gone.

10am // Haeundae Beach : while you could also walk to Songjeong Beach from Cheongsapo, Haeundae is a bigger hub for transportation and lunch spots. Relax here a bit before looking for one of the aforementioned Busan foods for lunch, or even just resting in a cafe.

1pm // Lunch on the Beach : after a few hours of soaking up the sun or walking along the beach, duck into a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat. Most restaurants along the beach will specialize in one food or another, so choose wisely.

3pm // Haedong Yonggungsa : known as the Temple by the Sea, the large grounds of this locale are as spectacular and sweeping as pictures promise. It's well worth the trip after the beach, and hiking up and down the small paths is a worthwhile way of working off your lunch.

6pm // Dinner : after a thorough exploration of Haedong Yonggunsa, it's time for a hearty dinner and a final goodbye to Busan. Samgyupsal or jokbal are two local favorites, available year round.

Language:   Korean (surprise, surprise). Most people working in tourist sites will speak a little English, and sometimes some Japanese or Mandarin, but outside of those few sites you'll want to have a translation app on hand.

I recommend Papago, the local translation app. You may also have luck asking younger Korean people in the street, but I wouldn't count on it.

Population:  ~3.5 million people.

Currency:  Korean won (KRW), written as both ₩ or 원 (in Korean). ₩1000 won is equal to roughly $0.80USD or ₱42.

South Korea Visa:  lenient . Right now, citizens of 107 countries can get visas on arrival or visa-free travel to Korea, meaning you don’t need to apply for a visa before visiting South Korea (for between 30-90 days). Check on your country  here .

Some common countries: USA (up to 90 days), Singapore (up to 90 days), Malaysia (up to 90 days), Canada (up to 6 months), and South Africa (up to 30 days). Note that all of these citizens still need to apply for a K-ETA.

Voltage:  220v /60Hz, with two round holes for the plug (type F).

Best Time to Visit Busan

Everywhere in Korea, people are pretty much unanimous that April and October are the best months to visit weather-wise. However, I'd endorse April, May, June, September, and October as the best times to visit Busan (just buy or bring a mask for air pollution in May).

It's different for each month, but in the early spring you find the cherry blossoms and late spring brings the rest of the flowers and simply beautiful weather. The early- and mid-fall is best for cooling temperatures and fewer crowds, as well as beautiful fall leaves.

If you come in very late August or early September, you may even be able to catch a beach day after all the kids are back in schools depending on how well you coordinate your Busan trip with the government's open beach times.

• Pollution in Korea is horrible. In recent memory, spring 2018 and winter 2019 come to mind as the worst, with many days seeing pollution levels as high as in Beijing, China. Bring or buy a face mask, although these days you'll be wearing one for another reason!
• Card is king in Korea, but ... always have some cash as backup. International cards are notorious for being rejected seemingly at random, so always keep enough money on hand to pay for your meal, entrance ticket, etc.
• Buy a T-Money Card before you leave the airport. This handy card can be reloaded at any convenience store and used to pay for the metro, buses, taxis, and in convenience stores.
• Speaking of convenience stores, most convenience stores are open 24 hours . If you're ever looking for somewhere to kill some time, stay out of the heat, or ask for help, this is your spot.
• Use your T-Money card to get around by bus outside of the city center . The bus system in Busan is great, and will be much faster to get around on in the outskirts, and much cheaper than taxis. Use Naver Maps to figure out your route (this is true for your entire South Korea trip, not just in Busan!).
• If you can't find the place, look up . If you’re looking for a guesthouse or cafe or restaurant, and you just know you’re at the right address, simply look up. It’s probably just on a waaaaaaay higher floor, like the 10th or 42nd.
• As a port city, Busan has fantastic seafood. So go to the wet market early in the morning to enjoy the freshest seafood, and have it prepared right in front of you. Fried fish is good at any hour.
• On the topic of early, there's a reason they call Korea the Land of Morning Calm⁠— nobody really gets up before 10am. So if you want to have the streets to yourself (& any other smart tourists), wake up early and eat breakfast in your hotel before heading out to your first activity.

Safety Level: 9/10

Despite a few rough patches, much like the rest of Korea , Busan is an extremely safe city. It is, however, still a city, so be sure to keep an eye on your bags and try not to flash cash in crowded areas. Otherwise, you have free reign.

Public consumption of alcohol is completely legal, so keep an eye out for drunk people doing stupid things, especially on the weekends.

Sample Busan Budget: 2 Days

This budget assumes you’re spending 3 full days and 3 nights in the city, and are traveling alone using the 3 day Busan itinerary above. The prices mentioned below could be even lower if you travel with a friend and share the cost of a room, but not much lower.

Cheap travel in Busan is more than possible, especially if you're indulging in delicious Korean food. Note that the current exchange rate is roughly ₩1250KR per $1USD.

• Lodging : $100
• Transport : $30 (transport to the city from elsewhere are so varied in cost that those are not included in this budget)
• Activities : $20
• Total: $200

Basic Korean Lesson

So you're ready for your trip, but you don’t know any Korean! Let’s fix that. You won't be fluent overnight, but lucky for you, I’ve already broken down the English-Korean language barrier several times over. Here's a shortlist to help you order food and just generally be respectful.

Many Koreans speak enough English to understand your order, but it’s always polite to throw in a little Korean. If you want to do anything other than order food, though, you'll run into some vocabulary limits. I’d highly recommend downloading a picture-capable translation app before you go, like Google Translate or Papago.

Hello //  An-nyeong-ha-se-yo . (안녕하세요.)

Thank you //  Gam-saahm-ni-da . (감사합니다.)

Do you speak English? //  Yeong-aw jal-hae-yo?  (영어 잘해요?)

I don’t speak any Korean. //  Han-guk-aw jal-moat-hae-yo.  (한국어 잘못해요.)

How much is it? //  Eol-ma-yeh-yo?  (얼마예요?)

One of these, please. //  Ee-gaw ha-na ju-say-yo.  (이거 하나 주세요.)

It’s to-go/takeout. //  Po-jahng ee-eh-yo  or  Tae-ee-kow-shi-yay-oh.  (포장 이예요.)

Lesson complete! Now let’s go pack for Busan.

Did this post help you plan your Busan itinerary?

More Busan Travel & Life

Reader Interactions

April 07, 2023 at 10:21 pm

this is a really nice and informative article about Busan! Thanks for sharing your tips and recommendations with us, it helps a lot for planning our activities here 🙂

Greetings from Seomyeon, Lisa

April 08, 2023 at 4:02 pm

My pleasure, Lisa! I'm glad it's helping, and that you're enjoying your trip. 🙂

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The Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)

The first time I visited Busan, I spent 2 short nights going to as many sites as I could.

I came back to Busan in 2023 and was able to explore more places.

There’s always something to do in Busan, but these are the most popular sites in Busan for first-time visitors and for a perfect Busan itinerary.

Here’s how to spend 2 days, 3 days, 4 days and 5 days in Busan to see the main Busan attractions and make the most of your Busan Itinerary.

If you’re new to South Korea, make sure to read my  travel guide to South Korea .

🎥 Watch my Busan vlog:

Table of Contents

How many days do you need in Busan?

For most tourists who are spending two weeks in South Korea and want to see other cities too, 2 nights in Busan would suffice.

Since Busan is only a 2.5-hour train ride away from Seoul, even a day trip to Busan would still be worth it.

1 day in Busan : Read my day trip to Busan blog post .

2 days in Busan : 2 days in Busan will be good to visit the top attractions in Busan such as Gamcheon Culture Village , main Busan beaches, and observatories.

3-4 days in Busan : You’ll have time to visit additional cultural sites and coastal views Busan is famous for.

5 days or more in Busan : You’d be able to visit most of the popular Busan attractions, explore hidden gems, and relax at the beaches.

Busan Travel Essentials

Book Before Your Busan Trip: 🎫 Get the Visit Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions 🌌 Take a Busan Night Tour and see popular sites at night 🚊 Prebook your ride from the Busan airport or Busan station 🎫 Browse through dozens of available Busan tours

Getting Around Busan

Using public transit in Busan is similar to getting around Seoul, with an efficient subway system and plenty of bus lines.

However, some sites may require additional bus rides or walking from the nearest subway station.

Like Seoul and other cities, Busan accepts T-money cards for public transit.

Use the Kakao T taxi app to travel to/from from different destinations. Uber in Korea works in Busan, and I’ve used it a few times.

Private Driver

You can also hire a driver for a day that will take you to the destinations on your custom Busan Itinerary.

Car rentals in South Korea go for as low as $28 USD a day. Check the rates here .

Join a Tour

Group and private tours provide transportation to and from main Busan attractions. Choose from dozens of Busan tours .

Busan Itinerary Tips

Here are Busan travel tips to help you save time and make the most of your Busan Itinerary:

• Visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. But in general, start the day early.
• Buy tickets in advance to skip the lines . Popular attractions in Busan like the Haeundae Sky Capsule and Busan Tower can get crowded.
• Combine nearby attractions to minimize travel time between locations.
• Buy the Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions.
• Check the weather forecast and plan indoor activities for rainy days or pack an umbrella.
• Use the Naver Map app to navigate Busan. Google Maps is not maximized for Busan.
• There’s free WiFi to use on all public buses in Busan.
• Bring good walking shoes!

5 Most Popular Places to Visit in Busan

• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Haeundae Beach & Promenade
• Gwangalli Beach at Night
• Songdo Bay Station
• Haeundae Blueline Sky Park
• Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Want to Mix and Match for your Busan Island Itinerary? Here are my Busan blog posts:

13 Free Things to Do in Busan (Popular + Underrated Spots!)

5 Best Beaches in Busan (+ Events to Look Out For)

5 Things to do in Gwangalli Beach at Night

• How to see Cherry Blossoms in Busan in 2024

Sample Busan Itinerary Based on Days

Here’s a summarized sample Busan Itinerary for different number of nights.

These are assuming you arrive in Busan in the earlier part of the day. What you choose will also depend on where you’re staying and what time you leave Busan.

Day Trip to Busan:

Day 1 : Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach

📖 Read my full guide to spending one day in Busan .

2 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 1 : Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Observatory, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square & Gwangalli Beach at night.

Day 2 : Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.

3 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 2 : Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, Songdo Bay Station, Haeundae Beach at night.

Day 3 : Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.

4 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 3 : Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Day 4 : Oryukdo Skywalk or Taejongdae Resort Park, shopping, beaches.

5 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 4 : Oryukdo Skywalk or Taejongdae Resort Park, night views.

Day 5 : Seomyeon District, Jeonpo Cafe Street, beaches.

Full Busan Itinerary

Day 1 of busan itinerary, mid-morning (2-3 hours).

1. Gamcheon Culture Village

Entrance : Free

The Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the main must-see sites for tourists visiting Busan. There are different origin stories online, but this served as a village for refugees of the Korean War.

Walk around for different viewpoints, famous art alleys, and local shops.

Then grab lunch nearby.

Afternoon (2-3 hours)

2. Busan Tower or Free Observatory

Choose from two amazing views of Busan: the Diamond Tower aka Busan Tower or Lotte Mall’s Rooftop Observatory (Gwangbok location) .

(You can also go to both since they’re within walking distance of each other.)

Cost : Busan Tower is $8 USD ( prebook here ) and free for the Lotte Mall Rooftop Observatory ( 13th floor ).

3. Yongdusan Park

Visit Yongdusan Park where Busan Tower is located for great views of the city and harbor from above.

You’ll see statues, temples, shops, and memorials scattered throughout the park.

Access the top of the park by stairs or escalator from the main street.

4. BIFF Square

BIFF Square used to be the center for an  international film festival , now it’s a popular spot for street food, souvenir shops, and markets.

Next door is also Fashion Street for any shopping you want to do while there.

Evening (2 hours)

5. Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach  is the best beach in Busan to visit at night. Walk down the cement paths or along the beach on the sand.

You can also warch music performances at night. The beach is lined with restaurants where you can grab dinner.

Related post :  Things to do at Gwangali Beach at night

Day 2 of Busan Itinerary

1. Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Cost : free

Huinnyeoul Culture Village is another colorful culture village in Busan, this time by the sea, and is located in south-central Busan.

There are lots of shops, cafes, and colorful mural art.

Walk downstairs along the coast for the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk and then through the Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel.

📖  Read my full Huinnyeoul Culture Village post and what to do there .

Then grab lunch nearby with coastal views (Vegan or vegetarian? Here’s my favorite vegan restaurants in Busan .)

2. Songdo Bay Station

At Songdo Bay Station is a long walking path called the Songdo Skywalk that leads to an observatory deck with views of the sea. You’ll also see the  Songdo cable cars  above going to the Yonggung Suspension Bridge.

While you do need to buy a  Songdo Bay Station ticket  to ride the cable car, the actual Songdo skywalk deck across the street is free.

🎫 Sondo Cable Car tickets (prebook here) .

You can also take a quick break at Songdo Beach next door.

Evening (2-3 hours)

3. Haeundae Beach at night (or any beach)

Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular  beaches in Busan .

You can watch street performers along the promenade leading up to the beach. There’s also light shows and street art lit up at night.

There’s lots of restaurants on the promenade and at Haeundae Market where you can grab dinner before you relax on the beach.

Day 3 of Busan Itinerary

1. Haeundae Beach

Head back to Haeundae Beach to see the beach during the day before you head to the next locations nearby.

2. Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule

Cost : 7,000 won ($5.20 USD) each way.

Take the popular sky capsule ride starting from the Mipo Station at Blueline Park in Haeundae to Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.

The 30-minute ride provides panoramic views of the coastal landscapes.

It’s highly recommended to book in advance as tickets sell out each day. Check ticket availability here or book a Busan tour that includes tickets .

3. Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

Once there, explore Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory , a 2.5-meter-long ocean observation skywalk, designed to resemble a blue dragon.

It extends over the ocean, so you’ll see breathtaking views of the East Sea and the surrounding coastal landscape and lighthouses.

Grab lunch in the area before heading to the next destination.

4. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on a cliff, with big and beautiful views of the coast. You can explore the intricate architecture and statues, and enjoy panoramic views of the East Sea.

The temple complex also hosts traditional Buddhist ceremonies and festivals that you may be able to catch.

Head back to your hotel to relax or visit one of these locations for a night view:

• Millak Waterside Park
• Gwangalli Beach
• Haeundae Beach Promenade
• BIFF Square and Fashion Street

Day 4 of Busan Itinerary:

Choose between Oryukdo Skywalk or Taejongdae Resort Park (or both).

Mid-morning (2-5 hours)

1. Oryukdo Skywalk

The Oryukdo Skywalk in Busan is an observation deck with a 15-meter glass walkway.

The bridge is securely positioned over a cliff, and provides views of the East Sea and South Sea, as well as the uninhabited Oryukdo islets.

Optional nearby attractions: Igidae Park, Busan Museum, Peace Park.

2. Taejongdae Resort Park

Cost : Free

Taejongdae Resort Park is a seaside park in Busan where you can walk along the scenic trails, explore the lighthouse, and visit the observatory deck.

You can also take a train to tour you around the park for 4,000 won ($3 USD).

There’s lots of natural landscapes to explore and you can spend hours here.

Eat at nearby restaurant or take a quick 10-minute bus ride back to Huinnyeoul Culture Village to eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.

Day 5 of Busan Itinerary:

Mid-morning (2-4 hours).

1. Seomyeon District

Seomyeon District has been called the “Hongdae of Busan.” This area has lots of newer cafes, shopping spots, and restaurants.

There’s also the popular  Jeonpo Cafe Street  to grab breakfast or brunch.

If you’re looking to shop in Busan before you leave Busan, this would be a good area to do so.

Other things to do before you head back to the airport:

• Shop for souvenirs
• Eat at a seaside cafe or restaurant
• Take a coastal walk
• Visit a nearby beach

Group Tours to Explore Busan

If you want the ease of a planned-for-you and guided tour, consider joining a Busan tour for a day or two. They provide transportation and take you to to main attractions in Busan:

• Small Group Full Day Busan Tour (Viator tour)
• Busan One Day City Tour: Haeundae Sky Capsule, Yacht (20K+ booked)
• Busan Private One Day Tour (best if traveling with a group)

Enjoy your time in Busan!

More Busan Posts

Is Busan Safe? (Personal Experience as a Solo Female Traveler)

Uber in Korea: Where it Worked & Where it Didn’t (+ Costs)

Don’t Miss This Free Busan Observatory Deck at Lotte Mall

The Must-Visit Huinnyeoul Culture Village by the Sea in Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan: Travel Tips & How to Get Here

Is Bosu Dong Book Street in Busan Worth Visiting? (History + Travel Tips)

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and encourages solo female travelers to take #yolo trips. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.

Itineraries , South Korea · July 18, 2023

Busan Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Epic Days in Busan

Are you planning a trip to South Korea’s beautiful coastal city, Busan? If so, you’ve landed on just the right page! With its stunning beaches, lively markets, historic temples, and colorful Instagram spots, Busan offers an array of attractions for every kind of traveler. Whether you have just 3 days in Busan or a longer stay, Busan is a captivating city with loads to do and see! Here’s my jam-packed Busan itinerary for 3 days to help you discover the city’s best bits!

Ready to embark on an exciting adventure through the streets of Busan? Grab some  banana uyu  (or your favorite  soju) , and let’s dive into this Busan itinerary! 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Busan Itinerary Essentials

Before you jet off on your Busan trip, it’s important to have a few basic things in place. Here are my top pre-travel planning tips to help you make the most of 3 days in Busan. 

• Busan is HUGE! Therefore it’s important to choose the right area to stay. If you want to be right in the city’s hustle, base yourself in  Seomyeon  or  Nampo-dong . For beach vibes, opt to stay near  Gwangalli Beach  or  Haeundae Beach . Search the  best hotels in Busan  here and see my top recs below. 
• If you want to avoid public transport, pre-book a private transfer from Gimhae International Airport or KTX Busan Station for a stress-free trip to your hotel. 
• While there are many free things to do in Busan, most of Busan’s main attractions are paid activities. If you’re planning on visiting lots of the main sights, it’s worth grabbing a Busan Pass . The pass includes discounted or free access to 30 attractions in Busan, including  Busan Tower ,  Blueline Park Seaside Train , Songdo Cable Car , and much more!
• Order an eSim for South Korea or prebook a 4G SIM card for pickup at the airport. That way you can easily access transport schedules, maps, etc. on the move. 
• Buy a T Money card (Korea’s transport card) as soon as you arrive in Busan, so you can simply tap and go on buses and the metro. You can recharge the card at any  top-up machine in metro stations  or  convenience stores  like  CU ,  GS25 , and  7-11 . 
• Busan is a super safe city, but you never know what can happen on a trip. SafetyWing offers comprehensive travel insurance, and it’s easy to apply online in just a few clicks. 
• If you’d rather skip all the hassles of exploring Busan independently, this one day Busan tour or this East & West Busan Exploration tour covers the city’s best spots. 
• Google Maps does not work in South Korea . And the last thing you need is to get lost or feel frustrated during your 3 days in Busan itinerary. Download  Naver Map  ( iOS ) or  KakaoMap  ( iOS ) to plan your stops, check schedules, and get directions. 
• Bring cash, but note many places only accept cards.

Busan Itinerary Quick Overview: What to do in Busan

Busan is such an amazing city, but since it’s huge, getting from one place to another can really cut into your itinerary. Feel free to switch days around or pick and choose activities on this Busan itinerary. Just remember to group activities in the same areas together to maximize your time. Here’s a quick look at what to expect in this Busan itinerary.   

Day 1:  Gamcheon Culture Village >> Jagalchi Market >> BIFF Square >> Gukje Market >> Bosu Book Street >> Yongdusan Park & Busan Tower

Day 2:  Oryukdo Skywalk >> Seomyeon Shopping District >> Gwangalli Beach

Day 3:  Haedong Yonggungsa Temple >> Haeundae Blueline Park >> Busan X the Sky >> Haeundae Beach

Busan Itinerary Day 1: Western Busan

Gamcheon culture village.

Kickstart your first day in Busan by visiting the city’s most Instagrammable spot –  Gamcheon Culture Village . 

Gamcheon is a colorful hillside village between  Cheonmasan Mountain  and  Ongnyeobong Peak . Once a refugee base during the Korean War, Gamcheon Village is today better known as a thriving hub for art lovers and often dubbed  Korea’s Machu Picchu . The village is filled with artsy cafes and a whole bunch of quirky art installations and colorful murals.

Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours wandering through the maze-like alleys, marveling at the views, or kicking back at the cozy cafes. There are tons of photo ops along the way, and if you’re up for it, you can hunt down all the artworks in the village. There are tons! 

Visiting the village is free, but remember to grab a tourist map at the Information Center. The map costs 2,000 KRW, but it’s worth every penny because you’re almost guaranteed to get lost! 

Explore Nampo-dong

After getting lost in the alleyways of Gamcheon, you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. 

Hop in a taxi (or catch the bus) back to  Nampo  – one of the oldest districts in Busan. Nampo is a busy hive packed with bustling markets and loads to keep you busy for a few hours. 

Jagalchi Market 

Your first stop should be  Jagalchi Market  – the biggest fish market in South Korea. The market spans several floors, but it’s the first floor that you’ll want to explore. Here you can see an array of weird and wonderful seafood on display. If you’re hungry, head up to the second floor for a fantastic seafood lunch. For a more in-depth experience and the luxury of having a local chef guide you through the market, join this  Jagalchi Fish Market & Korean Food Market Tour .

Most people visiting Jagalchi Market don’t know this, but you can get an incredible view over the entire harbor from atop the market building. To get to the observation deck, take the escalator adjacent to Gate 1 up to the 7th floor. From there, you’ll need to climb a flight of stairs to the rooftop. Besides the epic views, the best part about visiting here is that it’s free. 

BIFF Square

Next up on your Busan itinerary is  BIFF Square . Famous for hosting the  Busan International Film Festival , BIFF Square is a vibrant shopping area filled with everything from movie theaters and hip clothing stores to K-Beauty shops and food! 

If you’re a foodie, come hungry because BIFF Square is famous for its tasty street food, hipster cafes, and eateries. Don’t miss the yummy ssiat hotteok (sweet pancake stuffed with seeds). 

Gukje Market

For a more traditional vibe, make your way over to  Gukje Market . 

Gukje Market is a massive traditional market home to hundreds of stalls selling everything from electronics, clothes, K-Pop knick-knacks, household goods, and food. It makes for an interesting browse, and if you’re looking for a good bargain, this is the place to find it! 

Boso Book Street

After you’ve had your fill of shopping, take a quick walk over to  Boso Book Street . Boso Book Street is somewhat of a hidden gem in Busan, and if you’re a bookworm, you should definitely pop by here. 

The alley was started by a refugee couple who sold used magazines here during the Korean War. And by the 1970s, Bosu Book Street was home to around 70 bookstores. Today, only a few second-hand bookstores remain. 

Even though you only need a few minutes to stroll through the entire alley, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and makes for a great photo stop. 

Yongdusan Park & Busan Diamond Tower  

If you still have energy left after an afternoon of shopping and browsing, stroll over to  Yongdusan Park  – a peaceful oasis right in the heart of Nampo.

While the park is a great place to enjoy a slice of nature, the star attraction here is the  Busan Diamond Tower  – one of the most iconic buildings in Busan. Built in 1973, this 120m tall tower offers epic 360-degree views over the port, city, and mountains. It’s also open until 10 pm making it a great spot to end your first day in Busan as you watch the skyline light up in a kaleidoscope of neon colors. The entrance is 12,000 KRW. 

Insider’s tip:  If you’re traveling on a shoestring, nearby  Lotte World   Department Store  also has an observation deck that is free to visit. 

Busan Itinerary Day 2: Central & Southern Busan

Start day 3 in Busan early with a trip out to  Oryukdo . 

Oryukdo (which means 5 or 6 islands) is a cluster of rocky islets jutting out of the sea. Depending on the tide, 5 or 6 islets are visible. For the best views over the islands, head to the Oryukdo Skywalk. It’s a 22m-long glass bridge perched right at the edge of the cliff! Afterward, follow the wooden stairway, where several lookout points offer a closer look at the islets. Also, keep an eye out for the  marker stone  that marks the East Sea separating from the South Sea.

If you’re up for it, you can also tackle the first course of the  Haeparang Trail . It runs along the coast from  Oryukdo Sunrise Park  to  Haeundae . The famous sunrise trail –  Igidae Coastal Trail  – is also here and is a great alternative if you’re looking for a low-key hike. This trail is 4.7 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete depending on your photo stops and fitness level. 

Explore Seomyeon

Seomyeon is the hippest district in Busan. It has a similar vibe to Myeong-dong in Seoul, making it a great spot to explore. 

While Seomyeon usually only comes alive at night, it’s also a great place to explore during the day sans the crowds. It’s packed to the brim with fashion outlets, homegrown cosmetics shops, malls, photo prop shops, and some of the best eateries and bars in the city.  

Nearby you’ll also find  Jeonpo Cafe Street  – a popular hangout spot among Korean couples. The area actually spans several streets with plenty of hipster cafes to take a breather while sipping your favorite drink. Another cool area to check out here (even just for the scenes) is  Seomyeon Medical Street . Medical tourism is huge in Busan, and if you want to see where all the transformations happen, this is it! 

Gwangalli Beach

The last stop on your Busan itinerary for today is  Gwangalli Beach . Gwangalli Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Busan and the best sunset viewing spot in the city. 

If there’s still some light left, opt to take a swim. Alternatively, plop yourself down on the soft sand or find a spot at one of the many cozy cafes and eateries lining the beach to watch  Gwangan Bridge  light up in a dazzling display of neon colors. 

Busan Itinerary Day 3: Eastern Busan

Haedong yonggung temple.

On your last day in Busan, hop on the bus to  Haedong Yonggung Temple  – the most beautiful temple in Korea!

The Buddhist temple was built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. It was destroyed in a fire during the Japanese invasion. In the 1930s, the temple was rebuilt, but it was only in the 1970s that the main hall was reconstructed into what we see today. 

While Haedong Yonggungsa Temple certainly has a long and interesting past, what really makes it so special is its setting. The temple is perched right on the rocks next to the ocean creating the most beautiful sight imaginable. To get to the temple, follow the 108-stone step trail lined with lanterns. The course takes you over a bridge to the main complex. En route, make sure to follow the dirt path to the left. It leads to the sunrise platform, but it’s also here where you’ll get the best photo ops. 

Since visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the best things to do in Busan, it can get crowded. Come early if you want to skip the mobs. 

Haeundae Blueline Park

After exploring Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, hop on the bus to Songjeon . Here you’ll find  Haeundae Blueline Park  – Busan’s newest attraction and a highlight on any Busan 3 day itinerary!

Haeundae Blueline Park  is an eco-friendly railway facility redeveloped from an old railway line built during the Japanese occupation. The track is only 4.8km long but arguably offers the best views of Busan’s eastern coastline. There are two main attractions here – the Beach Train and the Sky Capsule (a super cute aerial tram).

While you could simply take the Beach Train back to  Haeundae Mipo Station  from  Songjeon Station , I highly recommend slowing down because there are many interesting stops along the way! 

Start your journey by exploring  Songjeong  – a laidback beach village and surfing hot spot. The beach is shallow, making it the perfect place to take a quick dip. 

From Songjeong , hop on the beach train to Cheongsapo – another sleepy seaside village. You’ll find several cozy cafes near the beach where you can grab a bite and admire the views. A popular photo spot here is the  Twin Lighthouses , and if you’re up to it, you can walk over to  Daritdol Skywalk  for more epic views. 

After you’ve seen enough of Cheongsapo, head back to the station and jump in the Sky Capsule for the last leg of the journey back to  Haeundae Mipo Station . 

Insider’s tip:  Tickets for the beach train and sky capsule sell out fast. If you want a ticket, make sure you go before noon. You can also buy tickets online (up to 2 weeks in advance) on the  Blueline Park website . A one way trip on the Sky Capsule costs 35,000 KRW (2 pax), while the Beach Train costs 7,000 KRW p/p.

Busan X the Sky

For a breathtaking view over the city, ocean, and mountains, visit  Busan X the Sky . It’s located in   the  Landmark Tower  of the   shimmering  Haeundae LCT The Sharp Complex. 

While the complex has three buildings, the Landmark Tower is the shining star. Besides housing Busan X the Sky (the largest observation deck in South Korea), the building is also the second tallest building in the country, rising 411.6m high. 

The observatory spans several floors and is accessed via the entrance facing Haeundae Beach. Grab an  entry ticket to skip the lines or get free entry with this  Busan Pass  from Klook. The entrance fee is 27,000 KRW.

Haeundae Beach

End your last day in Busan at  Haeundae Beach ! Arguably the most popular beach in the city, Haeundae Beach is a beautiful 1.5km stretch of soft white sand with plenty of space to tuck your toes into. It’s also a great swimming spot with lifeguard stations all along the beach.

Besides lounging on the beach, there are loads of fun things to do in Haeundae. Some of the highlights include visiting the impressive Busan SEA Life Aquarium , gobbling up delicious food at the  Haeundae Traditional Market , and hiking along the rocky coastline of  Dongbaekseom Island . A stroll along the promenade is also obligatory. It’s a cool place to take it all in and catch buskers performing. Dozens of cafes also line it, making it a great spot to grab a quick bite or a boozy cocktail.  

Other Things to do in Busan

If you have more time in Busan, here are a few more alternative things to do in Busan.

• Spa Land Centum City  –   After a whirlwind tour rushing around Busan, you might need some downtime. And what better way to relax than with a pamper session and a steamy sauna sesh at one of the most lavish bathhouses in Korea?  Spa Land  is also located in the world’s largest department store,  Shinsegae Centum City  – perfect for packing in some last-minute retail therapy.  
• Huinnyeoul Culture Village –   Similar to Gamcheon Cultural Village but much smaller, Huinnyeoul is a great spot for street art chasing, breezy coastal walks, and hanging out in hipster cafes. 
• Busan Air Cruise (aka Songdo cable car):  If you want to admire Busan from a different angle, taking the  Songdo cable car  is a huge must! The cable car runs from Songdo Beach to Amnan Park and offers incredible views over the city and the ocean beneath. 

Where to Stay in Busan

If you’re planning your first trip to the city, deciding where to stay in Busan can be overwhelming. The good news is that South Korea’s second largest city has the most amazing accommodation options imaginable, no matter your budget or preferences. However, since Busan is quite spread out, choosing the right area to base yourself is important. The best places to stay in Busan are  Seomyeon ,  Nampo-dong ,  Gwangalli Beach , and Haeundae Beach . All these districts are well connected via trains and public buses, so getting between them is easy. 

Here are my top picks for each area.

Haeundae Beach is my absolute favorite place to stay in Busan. It’s super laid back, packed with fantastic restaurants, and you’ll have the luxury of lounging on one of South Korea’s best beaches whenever you please. 

• Luxury:   Grand Josun Busan  or  Signiel Busan  
• Mid-range:   Hound Garden & Terrace Hotel  or  Shilla Stay
• Budget:   Ibis Budget Ambassador  or  Ekonomy Haeundae Hostel & Guesthouse

If you want to be right in the thick of Busan’s vibrant shopping district with access to transport, shops, hipster cafes, and eateries, then Seomyeon is where to stay in Busan. It’s a trendy and lively area with lots to keep night owls busy. 

• Luxury:   Lotte Hotel Busan
• Mid-range:   Hotel Kyungsung
• Budget:  K Guesthouse

If you want to experience a more traditional side of Busan while still based in a busy part of town, Nampo is your best bet. Nampo is home to some of the most iconic attractions in Busan – from Busan Tower and Jagalchi Market to BIFF Square and the sprawling Gukje Market . Additionally, Gamcheon Culture Village (Busan’s most famous IG spot) is just around the corner! 

• Luxury:  Lavalse Hotel
• Mid-range:   Urbanstay Boutique Nampo  or  Hound Hotel Premier Nampo
• Budget:   Shui Hostel Busan  or  K79 Guesthouse

Gwangalli Beach is a bit more central than Haeundae Beach, and dozens of awesome cafes and restaurants line its stunning shores. If you want to lounge on a dreamy beach, catch awesome sunsets, and watch Busan’s famous Gwangan Bridge light up every night, this is the spot for you. 

• Luxury:   Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington
• Mid-range:   H Avenue Gwangalli  or  H Avenue Gwanganri Beach

How to Get to Busan

Gimhae International Airport  (PUS) is the main gateway to Busan. The airport is much smaller than Incheon Airport in Seoul , but there are many daily direct flights from other Asian countries like Taiwan , Japan, Singapore, and more. Search flights and compare prices here on Skyscanner .

If you are arriving at Gimhae Airport, you should know the airport is not actually in the city. Therefore, traveling into town can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 1h30, depending on where you are staying. Thankfully, getting to Busan from Gimhae Airport is a breeze, with taxis, buses, and an airport light rail ready to whizz you off to all corners of the city. 

The easiest way to access the city is to take the Busan Airport Light Rail to Sasang Station or Daejeo Station . From there, you can connect to subway lines 2 and 3 to travel further. See the Busan metro map here.

However, if you’re not in the mood to bother with public transport, arrange a private transfer to pick you up at the airport. 

Tips for Tourists Entering Korea

Even if you don’t need a visa for Korea, note that you might need to apply for  K-ETA  (Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the country. Twenty-two countries are currently exempt from this, but if you are South African like me, don’t skip this step because you won’t be able to board the plane without it! The K-ETA application takes time to process, so remember to complete it  at least 72hrs before your flight . You’ll also need to pay a small processing fee. 

All tourists entering Korea must also complete a  health declaration form  for the Korean quarantine system. You can do this online in advance on the  Q-Code  website or upon arrival. My airline gave me the paper when I checked in, but there were forms available upon arrival too. Just make sure you complete it before going through immigration. 

Getting to Busan from Seoul

While there are direct flights from Seoul, the most convenient way to get to Busan is by KTX – South Korea’s bullet train. 

There are about 69 departures daily from Seoul train station to Busan train station , and the shortest journey takes 2h15. That said, if you’re traveling during weekends or in summer, book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance to guarantee you have a seat. You can book tickets directly on  Rail Ninja  or grab a discounted  Korea Rail Pass for 2,3,4, or 5 days  here. 

How to Get Around During a Busan Itinerary

As mentioned, Busan is a big city, and since it’s quite spread, getting from one place to another in Busan can take quite long. 

Thankfully Busan has amazing public transport connecting you to all corners of the city. The cheapest way to get around the city is by bus or metro. Make sure you grab a  T Money Card  (South Korea’s rechargeable transport card) to tap and go on buses and trains. You can buy the card (and top it up) at any of Busan’s subway stations and convenience stores.  Artbox  also sells super cute themed cards if you don’t mind paying a bit more. 

Another thing to know is that Google Maps  does not work  in South Korea. Instead, you’ll need to download Naver Map or KakaoMap to check schedules, plan stops, and get accurate directions. I used both apps on my recent trip to Busan but found Naver Map a bit easier to navigate. Unlike KakaoMap, most of the stations’ names were in English, and the live preview map helped me make sense of where I was and in which direction I needed to go. 

If the thought of trying to figure out the bus or metro system in Busan makes you cringe, consider  hiring a car  or a  private charter  for your trip. Another option is to flag down a taxi. Just know that it can get expensive quickly. Also, ensure you always have your destination’s address ready in Korean, as some taxi drivers can’t speak English. 

3 Days in Busan Itinerary in Conclusion

A 3-day itinerary in Busan offers the perfect opportunity to experience a mix of culture, nature, and history. From relaxing on picturesque beaches and indulging in delicious food to exploring the markets, temples, and landmarks, Busan is a captivating city that simply must be on any Korean bucket list!

Well, there you have it – exactly how to spend 3 epic days in Busan! If you have any other suggestions for things to do in Busan, let me know in the comments below so I can add them to my Busan bucket list!

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Busan Itinerary 5 Days

Asia , Busan , Itinerary , Korea

What to do in​ Busan for 3 days or more

Busan has become a popular day-trip destination from Seoul thanks to convenient transportations. Many people have asked me to help with their Busan itinerary; however,  I often get baffled because one day is just not enough time in this lively city. My first advice always is that you need at least 3 days in Busan to get a taste of it. Better yet, make it 5 days!

Busan is the second-largest metropolitan city in South Korea. The robust town is in the Southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula and is the economic, cultural, and historic center of the region. Naturally, Busan offers myriads of things to do, see, and eat . That means you will need to prioritize to make the best of your vacation.

This Busan itinerary for 5 days helps you decide what to do in Busan whether you have 3 days (my recommended minimum stay) or more. I tried to give you many alternatives and insider tips instead of sharing my exact journey. Feel free to take my suggestions and custom-build your plan.

By the way,  if one day is all you got in Busan , I highly recommend taking  this Full-Day City Tour  departing from Busan Station, or  hire a private tour . These tours will show you the highlights of Busan – including Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo, and Taejongdae – in just one day. 

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Disclosure : This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you . Click here to read full disclaimer. 

Before visiting Korea, read my other articles about Busan:

• 10 Best Things to Eat in Busan

Where to Stay in Busan

• Ananti Cove Busan: A Luxury Seaside Resort Town
• Spa Land: Best Luxury Jjimjilbang in Korea

Busan Itinerary Summary

Day 1 : B usan Station – Choryang Ibagu-gil – Busan Tower (Yongdusan Park) – Bupyeong & Nampo Traditional Markets | Day 2: Gamcheon Culture Village – Songdo Cable Car or Oryukdo Skywalk – Seomyeon or Gwangalli | Day 3: Cheongsapo – Moontan Road – Haeundae Beach – The Bay 101 |  Day 4: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Ananti Cove | Day 5: Taejongdae – Huinnyeoul Culture Village

I like to make a bucket list for cities I want to visit one day. While it might be a tedious task for other people, I take joy in planning a trip. 

However, even for me, planning a trip to Busan was challenging. I stared at the Busan map with the wide-spread dots (i.e., attractions) over the sprawling city. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to come up with either itinerary or the best area to stay. 

Then, I made a decision I regretted later. I chose to hop hotels from one area to another in our 5-day stay in Busan. It was very, very tiring just to check out of a hotel and check into another. I do NOT recommend doing this, hence the importance of selecting a hotel in the best area for your itinerary.

I wrote a  detailed guide on 6 best areas to stay in Busan  with top things to do and the best hotels in each neighborhood . Please read it, so you don’t have to make the same mistake as I did.

Busan Travel Essentials

• Get the Visit Busan Pass , exclusively available for international travelers, and save money! It has free access to 40+ attractions, tour buses/trams, and discounts for tours & restaurants. 
• Pick up a 4G SIM card with unlimited data (KT) or 4G SIM (SK Telecom) at Seoul or Busan airport. I always reserve a SIM card in advance. But if you prefer to connect multiple devices, rent a 4G Pocket WiFi .
• Buy a discounted KTX pass for unlimited rides. A high-speed rail takes you from Seoul to Busan in less than 2.5 hours.
• Book your airport pickup . Gimhae Airport is far from the city center. (No Uber in Korea.)
• Speaking of stress-free travel, why not use a super-efficient luggage delivery service ? I highly recommend it as this type of service is super fast and reliable in Asia.

Busan Itinerary Day 1: Choryang & Nampo

​ Morning: Busan Station

If you are coming from Seoul or other cities, my recommendation is to take a KTX train. (See below How to Get to Busan from Seoul). So let’s assume you arrive at Busan Station. 

Those who stay in hotels near Busan Station can first check in. If your hotel is in other areas, you can store your luggage at the coin locker inside the station (use a T-money card ), or have your  luggage delivered  on the same day. 

Lunch: Choryang Milmyeon

Only a 5-minute walk away from Busan Station, Choryang Milmyeon, is one of the most famous Busan eateries. Enjoy its delicious Milmyeon (cold wheat noodles) and dumplings.   

Hours : 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Address : 225 Jungang-daero, Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan How to Get there : Metro Line 1 Busan Station (Exit #7) 

Afternoon: Choryang Ibagu-gil 

After satiating your tummy, head over to Choryang Ibagu-gil. Choryang (=neighborhood name) Ibagu (=story in Busan dialect) gil (=street) literally means alleyways with stories in Choryang. 

This hilltop area used to be one of many refugee towns in Busan after the Korea War. These refugees picked up daily labor works from the nearby train station and the Port of Busan. 

There are many historical sites in this neighborhood, including the first church in the South of the Han River and the first modern elementary school in Korea. Also, it is worthwhile to visit Chang Keeryo (also spelled as Jang Gi-ryeo, “Dr. Schweitzer of Korea”) Memorial Hall .

It is “kind of” challenging to get to 168 Stairs MonoRail , which is the main attraction here. But no worries. The elderly in the neighborhood will kindly point where to go, even without you asking. 

You can attempt to hike up the steep 168 stairs. But monorail is available for free. It is fun and scary at the same time. Once up, you will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of Busan city and the port. 

If you want, rest at one of many coffee shops in a renovated historical building. One of them is BrownHands Cafe  in the old Baekje Hospital, which was the first modern hospital in Busan.  

Monorail Hours : 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Address : 49 Choryang-ro, Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan How to Get There : Metro Line 1 Busan Station (Exit #7), turn left to walk up the hill. Follow the sign.

Busan Tower | Image Credit: Lee Beomsu – Korea Travel Organization

Afternoon: Busan Tower (Yongdusan Park)

Yongdusan Park is an urban park with the 120-meter-high Busan Tower. It is a great place to stroll on a clear day. Also, go up to Busan Tower Observatory  to get a panoramic view of the city. The media gallery and exhibition also help you understand the history of Busan.

Alternatively, head over to Lotte Department Store Gwangbok . The Sky Deck is open to the public for free. And you can see the skyline of Busan with Busan Tower. 

Hours : 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Last admission by 10:30 p.m.) Address : 13, Daecheong-ro, 116 Beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan

Evening: Traditional Markets

For quintessential Busan experience, visit traditional markets in Bupyeong and Nampo. The cluster of wet and dry markets consists of Jagalchi, Gukje, Bupyeong Kkangtong markets, and BIFF Square . These markets share an unclear borderline. Tackle the area as a whole, and you will most likely hit up all of them.

This area is an excellent place to gobble up street food, seafood, and local specialty food. So be ready to explore and forage your dinner here.

Jagalchi Market : It is the largest fish market in the southeast region. Buy fresh daily catches to eat raw (“Hoe”) or cook at the restaurants in the market. You can also buy dried fish to pair with beer.

Gukje Market  (International Market): Equivalent of Namdaemun Market in Seoul, Gukje Market offers affordable souvenirs and home goods. As for the food, try the original Ssiat Hotteok (Seed Pancake) and Bibimdangmyeon along Arirang Street. 

Bupyeong Kkangton Market  (Tin Can Alley): From Lee’s Tteokbokki to Busan Daewon Eomuk to Giant Fried Chicken, Bupyeong Market is a foodie’s heaven. Also, don’t miss the night market for diverse international food.

BIFF Square : Commemorating the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), this square is home to Korean Stars’ Hall of Fame. But for foodies, it’s better known as a hot place for Korean street food. You will find Tteokbokki, Eomuk, Hotteok, skewers, and all the others here. 

How to Get there : Metro Line 1 Jagalchi Station

>> Don’t know where to go? Take this Food Market Tour and sample local food at Jagalchi (the largest fish market in Korea), Bupyeong, Gukje markets and BIFF Square.

>> For an authentic Korean food experience, take this Korean Cooking Class .

Busan Itinerary Day 2: Gamcheon & Seomyeon

Morning: Gamcheon Culture Village ​

Let’s start your second day bright and colorful at the iconic Gamcheon Culture Village!  

Gamcheon Culture Village ( 감천문화마을 ) is a coastal hilltop village in Busan. A stunning ocean view aside, this beautiful town is also beautifully colored and decorated with murals.  

You can easily spend hours here, exploring its winding alleyways. Chase after street arts, sip a coffee at cafes, enjoy the ocean view, appreciate arts at micro galleries, buy souvenirs, snack on Busan street foods, and mail a postcard to yourself. 

Ok, shutterbugs, you may take lots of photos. This photogenic village is very instagrammable! But note that drone is not allowed.

Don’t forget to get a quick bite or snack on street foods before you leave this lovely place.

Hours : March – Oct. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Nov. – Feb. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Address : 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan  How to Get there : Metro Line 1 Toseong Station (Exit 6) → Transfer to Bus Saha-gu 1-1, Saha-gu 2 or 2-2. 

>> Did you know Busan has more than just one art wall village? Besides the most famous Gamcheon, visit other colorful art villages .

Afternoon: Songdo Marine Cable Car or Oryukdo Skywalk

Busan boasts many scenic coastal walks and observatories. The four main coastal vista points include Songdo Marine Cable Car and Could Walk, Oryukdo Skywalk, Taejongdae, and Daritdol Observatory. For efficiency sake, you could select one to experience on this trip. 

>> If you are ambitious to see both Songdo and Oryukdo plus more, I recommend taking  this tour (+Taejongdae)  or  this tour (+Daritdol) . 

Songdo Marine Cable Car over Songdo Beach | Image Credit: Jeon Gyeowook – Korea Travel Organization

Option 1: Songdo Marine Cable Car

Riding a Songdo Marine Cable Car ( Buy a discounted ticket here ) is one of the unmissable things to do in Busan. Take the Crystal Cabin for a thrilling journey over the beautiful Songdo Beach to the Amnam Park.

Songdo Marine Cable Car Station is closer to Gamcheon Culture Village (30-minute bus ride). You can also enjoy the view from  Songdo Cloud Walk,  which is a skywalk stretching 800m over Songdo Beach. 

Hours : Sun.-Thurs. & holidays: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Fri.-Sat.: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Address : 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan

You will be asked to wear a foot cover to walk on the glass bridge over the ocean.

Option 2: Oryukdo Skywalk

Another scenic coastal walkway that I recommend is Oryukdo Skywalk. This U-shaped, 15-meter glass bridge is set over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff. It faces the Oryukdo Islands. On bright days, you can even see as far as the Japanese Island of Tsushima with bare eyes. 

If you are up for some hiking, right behind Oryukdo Skywalk is  Igidae Galmat-gil . It is a coastal walk up the cliff with a stunning ocean view. From Oryukdo Skywalk to the end is 4.7km long. This moderate hike on wooden decks takes about 2.5 hours. 

Admission : Free Hours : 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Address : 137, Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan How to Get there : Metro Line 2 Kyungsung University Station (Exit 3, 5) → Transfer to Bus #27, #131

Evening: Seomyeon or Gwangalli

Option 1: Seomyeon for a Night-Out

I hope you are not too tired from earlier walking on the hillside. Seomyeon is a fun place to spend an evening in Busan whether you are looking for chic cafes, shopping, or Korean food.  

Explore Jeonpo Cafe Street if you need some caffeine kick  to bring up your energy level. This neighborhood used to be full of hardware shops. About 10 years ago, young entrepreneurs started to renovate the empty industrial warehouse and shops in the back alleys into cute coffee shops and restaurants. While it’s named a street, it grew into a large  urban regeneration district   where 170 cafes and eateries co-exist with 300 electronics and hardware stores . 

Seomyeon is a trendy place where you can experience Korea’s hottest trend . “‘Retro hip” is the keyword in Korea right now (as of 2020), and is reflected on everything you see in Seomyeon. You will find Korean eateries and cafes that resemble the 70s or 80s interior (and the menu). The accessories and clothing shops lined in the streets also showcase retro-chic fashion. 

In my opinion, whether retro is your taste or not, it would be fun to explore Seomyeon to see what’s hot in Korea. One final tip: Visit in the late afternoon to evening to see the true Seomyeon. 

How to Get to Seomyeon : Metro Line 1 or 2, Seomyeon Station

>> If you happen to be in Seomyeon on Friday, join the pub crawl to meet new friends and drink together.  

Image Credit: Daniel Lee, Unsplash

Option 2: Gwangalli for Low-key Family Night

Seomyeon caters to the young crowd, like the 20s to early 30s. I’m not gonna lie; it is not the best place for families. So if you are traveling with children or want to enjoy a low-key evening, head over to Gwangalli.

The illuminated Gwangandaegyo Bridge (also called “Diamond Bridge” ) is one of the best night view sites in Busan. And if you get there early, you can also catch the sunset. You can enjoy these gorgeous views from Gwangan Beach. 

Insider Tip : If it is too cold outside, go to the Hotel Aqua Palace Jjimjilbang , where you can see Gwangandaegyo Bridge on the heated ondol floor. 

As for dinner, why not try some seafood at Millak Seafood Street ? Raw fish (“Hoe”) is my recommendation because Korean Hoe experience would be completely different from your usual Japanese sashimi meals. No worries if you don’t dare to eat raw. The restaurants offer cooked seafood dishes, too.

Address : 219 Gwangan Haebyeon-ro Suyeoung-gu, Busan How to Get there:  Metro Line 2 Gwangan Station (Exit 3,5) 

Heading to Seoul?

Start planning your trip with this Seoul Itinerary. It shows how to spend the perfect 4 days in Seoul to see the highlights of the city, eat delicious food, and shop what Korea is famous for.

Busan Itinerary Day 3: Haeundae

Morning: Cheongsapo – Moontan Road

Cheongsapo is a small, quaint fishing village near Songjeong Beach. For Busanites, it is best known for its fresh seafood and a gorgeous sunrise . But for the most part, the area did not attract many tourists until recently when Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory was unveiled.

If you can get up early enough, witness the magical sunrise from Cheongsapo. Walk over to Daritdol Observatory (free) and take your time to enjoy the ocean breeze. 

Now, let’s  hike Moontan Road  from Cheongsapo. This 2.2-kilometer-long forest path loops around Dalmaji Hill. But don’t worry, we will walk the deviated path for 30-40 minutes only to the entrance of Dalmaji-gil. 

For late risers, Cheongsapo will still be an excellent place to start your day. But feel free to skip it altogether and go directly to Dalmaji-gil. No need to feel bad. The Big O and I actually failed to get up and completely miss this part, too. Haha. We still managed to look down on Cheongsapo Lighthouse from a cafe on Dalmaji Hill (more below).

Hours : 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | June – Aug. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Address : Jungdong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan How to get there : Haeundae Town Bus #2 or Busan City Tour Bus

Brunch: Soksiwonhan Daegutang

Hungry? Let me present to you my favorite restaurant in Busan! Soksiwonhan Daegutang is a famous local restaurant on Dalmaji-gil that only serves one menu – Daegutang (codfish soup). You know the restaurant is good when there is only one menu! 

You can trust me and blindly try. Or, read more about it on my Favorite Busan Food   article   to decide. 

Hours : 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Address : 229 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Afternoon: Dalmaji-gil Road (or Dalmaji Hill)

Welcome to the Montmartre of Busan ! If you are lucky to visit Busan in spring, you will be mesmerized with blooming cherry blossoms on Dalmaji-gil Road. All other seasons, you will enjoy the stunning ocean and emerald-blue sky. 

Find a cafe you like. Sit down and sip a coffee while enjoying the view.  

We found this cute cafe with an impressive terrace overlooking the beautiful scenery. The drinks and cakes were creative and delicious. 

Insider Tip : While Moontan Road is more pedestrian-friendly, Dalmaji-gil Road is known to be an excellent driving course as it is hilly. It is walkable, though, if you are physically capable. 

Haeundae View from Dalmaji Hill | Image Credit: Eunbin

Afternoon: Haeundae Beach

Your Busan trip would not complete without visiting Haeundae Beach. Let’s get some sun on the sandy beach, shall we?

Whether you are traveling during the swimming season or not, you have to stop by Haeundae Beach. There is no other iconic place in Busan, like Haeundae. In fact, it is even better during the offseason as it would be much lesser crowded. 

Just stroll over the sand, breathe in the salty air, and take some pictures. If you are lucky, you might be pleasantly surprised by an ongoing festival or event. (It was the case for me every single time I went there.)

Besides Haeundae Beach, the area is full of things to do. SEA LIFE Aquarium  is on the beach and popular with couples and families with children. Foodies might want to check out Haeundae Pojangmacha-chon,  where you can eat fresh seafood over soju inside a tent bar in the evening. If you dare, you can get a bite of Gomjangeo (hagfish) at  Haeundae Hagfish Street .

Address : 264, Haeundaehaebyon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan How to get there : Metro Line 2 Haeundae Station (Exit 3, 5)

The Bay 101 (Haeundae) | Image Credit: Daniel Lee – Unsplash

Evening: The Bay 101

Walk along Haeundae Beach towards The Westin Chosun Hotel. Behind the hotel, you will see The Bay 101 Yacht Club, an emerging spot in Haeundae. 

The best time to visit The Bay 101 is during nighttime when the city lights come alive . The clubhouse, which is open to the public, has restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. You can also hop on a public yacht tour without membership at specific time slots.

My close friend highly recommended a night yacht tour . Her family, with two children and a teen, enjoyed fashionably gazing at the sparkly Marine City, the illuminated Gwangandaegyo Bridge, and other landmarks on the water. (We did not get to do it because it was too cold on the night we planned to.)

>> If you prefer not to get lost at night, you might consider joining this night city tour . You will visit Gwangan Bridge and Bay 101, and get to take Songdo Cable Car in the evening! 

Address : 52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan How to get there : Walk along Haeundae Beach towards the West Chosun Hotel.

Alternatively, if you would rather stay warm in winter, you can go to Spa Land Centum City (buy your ticket here) .

We ended up doing this because we did not want to shiver on a yacht with the chilly ocean wind. Located inside Shinsegye Centum City – the largest department store in the world, Spa Land is one of the most luxurious Korean jjimjilbangs in the country. And it’s only 10 minutes away from Haeundae by taxi.

Read my full review of Spa Land Busan here>>  

Busan Itinerary Day 4: Gijang

If you have managed to do everything I suggest above for 3 days in Busan, you have achieved a lot for the first visit. (Pat yourself on the back!)

Congrats, you have the luxury of spending more than 3 days in Busan!  Busan Day 4 & 5 below are the bonus itinerary. These places, in my opinion, are the off-the-beaten-track , some of them literally far off from the main area. Regardless, they deserve some recognition and worth your visit with time allowed.   

On Day 4, we are going a bit further away from the city center. And it is all about immersing yourself in the dazzling natural beauty of the marine city . Your morning starts at the northeast shore of Busan in Gijang-gun.

Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is best known as the Temple by the Sea . This Buddhist temple is on the tip of the cliff along the coast of the East Sea. Thanks to its picturesque surroundings, it is (self-claimed) the most beautiful Buddhist temple in Korea . 

If you want to catch the earliest sunrise in Busan , Haedong Yonggugnsa Temple, as well as the nearby Ananti Cove (see below), is an excellent place to do just that. And that is why it gets super busy in the morning of New Year’s Day with the crowds trying to make a wish.

Speaking of which, did you know that this temple guarantees to grant one of your wishes ? Foreign visitors may not notice the “advertising” sign on the rock because it is carved in Korean. Anyways, it kind of irked me. (How do you feel about that?) 

Interestingly, I happened to visit Haedong Yonggungsa on the annual college entrance exam day, which is a big deal in Korea. I expected tons of tourists, as this temple is very touristy. Instead, I saw many Korean moms wishing their children to perform well on the exam. I guess the advertisement did work.

Despite being touristy (and slightly gimmicky), I think the temple is still worth your visit. After all, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is an impressive, beautiful temple. And its seashore location is unique in the sense that most well-known Korean Buddhist temples are all deep inside the mountain. Just don’t expect to get your spiritual enlightenment here. 

Hours : 5 a.m. – sunset Address : 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan How to get there : Metro Line 2 Haeundae Station (Exit 7) → Transfer to Bus #181

>> Note that this temple is a bit far away from the city center. If you are on a time crunch, joining this  highly-recommended Busan East Tour  would be a smart thing to do. Also, you can stop by Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Afternoon: Ananti Cove

Only a 5-minute taxi ride away from Headong Yongungsa Temple, Ananti Cove is an emerging hot place with Korea’s “Hocance” (Hotel+Vacance: spending vacation in a hotel) trend . 

Ananti Cove is a luxury resort town nestled in 600 acres of forest off the Northeast coast of Busan. It is the ultimate seaside escape destination surrounded in pristine nature . 

If your budget allows, I highly recommend staying at the five-star Hilton Busan ( check the rates here ) . That way, you can treat yourself an uninterrupted holiday and maximize your time at the resort. 

Whether you stay a night or not, I still recommend chilling at Ananti Cove. This remote seaside town allures daytrippers to get a taste of high-flying lifestyle at its incredibly beautiful resort. 

The amenities include an opulent hot spring water park with an open-air infinity pool overlooking the East Sea, tasty restaurants and bars, a concept book cafe and lifestyle store, and the only overseas location of Rome’s best coffee house, among many more.

Besides all the fabulous things Ananti Cove offers, the surrounding nature is too beautiful to miss!

I understand Ananti Cove is not for everyone. But first, take a peek at  my unsponsored, candid experience at Ananti Cove  to see if it is worthwhile to include in your itinerary.  

Busan Itinerary Day 5: Yeongdo

Yeongdo is a small island connected with Busan via three bridges. For K-pop fans, it is the hometown of Kang Daniel. His fans make a pilgrimage to Yeongdo. However, other than Taejongdae, the island mostly remains as an off-the-beaten-path to international visitors. On your last day in Busan, why not explore this gorgeous island? 

Busan Taejongdae | Image Credit: IR Studio – Korea Travel Organization

Morning: Taejongdae

Taejongdae is on the southern end of the island, which is the furthest point away from the mainland. It is also the closest point to the Japanese island of Tsushima. Supposedly, you can see Tsushima from Taejongdae Observatory on a cloudless sunny day. (And Taejongdae is best enjoyed in good weather , anyways.)

Once you get to Taejongdae Park, hop on a Danubi Train (₩2,000) unless you want to walk all the way to the Observatory. 

Go down underneath the Observatory, you will see two famous rocks. The first one is Sinseon Rock , named after the myth that it was the playground for gods and goddesses. Another is Mangbuseok , with the story of a woman waiting for her husband, who had been taken to Japan. 

Also, situated in Taejongdae Park is Yeongdo Lighthouse . This old lighthouse had guided ships around Busan Port for 100+ years. Now the retired tower has become a marine culture space with an art gallery and Natural History Museum. 

If you’d like, you can also get on a cruise to see Yeongdo and Taejongdae from the water. Just follow the sign. 

Hours : March – Oct. 4 a.m. – midnight | Nov.-Feb. 5 a.m. – midnight Address : 24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan How to Get there : Metro Line 1. Nampo Station → Transfer to bus #8 or #30

Day Trip from Busan to Gyeongju

Would you rather take a day trip from Busan on your day 5? Excellent idea! May I suggest Gyeongju, Korea’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Gyeongju was the capital city of Korea’s ancient kingdom for a thousand years. The entire city is a historical site, and ancient treasures are still being excavated, like in Rome. Read my guide to Gyeongju day trip from Busan here >>

Lunch: Shellfish BBQ

Hungry? Taejongdae Jagalmadang is a famous shellfish BBQ street. (My lunch suggestion for you!) I had cheesy grilled shellfish somewhere else in Busan. It was so yummy that I decided I would always eat shellfish barbecue every time I visit Busan from now on. So go ahead and try one at this famous eatery alley.

Right off of Jagalmadang is Gamji Beach . It is a hidden, low-key beach only Busan locals know. Honestly, even I haven’t been. But I wanted to share this gem as you will be in the area anyway. Maybe swing by to digest all the clams you ate? 

Yeongdodaegyo Bridge | Image Credit: IR Studio – Korea Travel Organization

Afternoon: Yeongdodaegyo Bridge (optional)

One of the three bridges connecting Yeongdo with Busan is Yeongdodaegyo Bridge. It is a bascule bridge that is lifted 75 degrees upward once every day at 2 p.m. When it’s elevated, you can see the iconic Busan Seagull paintings on the bridge (from the Lotte Department Store side). If you are interested in witnessing this brief show, you can stop by.

Hours : 2 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Address : Daegyo-dong 1-ga, Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan How to get there : Metro Line 1 Nampo Station (Exit 8)

Afternoon: Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Similar to Gamcheon Culture Village, Huinnyeoul Culture Village is another charming cliff town by the ocean . Although it is less crowded than Gamcheon, it became an emerging spot since the Korean movie The Attorney was filmed here. Now the film site has turned into the Tour Information Center where you can take an Instagram shot with the ocean as your backdrop.  

While Gamcheon is more about exploring the winding alleys and finding colorful arts all over the town, at Huinneyoul, you will follow the coastal walk along the cliff and rest at one of the cafes to enjoy the beautiful seaside view . What’s unique here is that you can see parked ships on the horizon.

If you are up for a moderate hike, newly developed Jeoryeong Coastal Walk goes under the cliff passage, which stretches all the way to Taejongdae. 

Address : 250, Jeolyeong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan How to Get there : Metro Line 1 Nampo Station (Exit 60) → Transfer to Bus #7, #71, or #508 

How to Get to Busan from Seoul

There are many ways to get to Busan from Seoul. Lots of choices are great, but also can be confusing. For the purpose of this article, I will introduce the most common (and the best) three means to get to Busan.

KTX Seoul to Busan (Recommended)

Unless you are directly flying into Busan from overseas, I recommend taking the high-speed train, KTX ( Reserve your discounted KTX pass here ).

Whenever I go to Busan, I always compare KTX vs. flight. The benefits of taking a KTX train usually outweighs that of flight:

• Travel time is not that bad. KTX will zip you from Seoul to Busan in 2 hours and 15 minutes, or 3.5 hours with the slowest service. 
• The train connects you from the Seoul city center to the Busan city center . Easy peasy!
• While KTX fare is not much cheaper than airfare, you can save on extra luggage charges . Coming from overseas, we always have more luggage than domestic airlines allow. 

Flight from Seoul (Gimpo) to Busan

Taking a flight from Seoul to Busan takes less than 40 minutes. With the Korean-efficient airport system, riding a domestic flight is effortless. 

HOWEVER, take travel time to/from airports into consideration. Because both Gimpo (Seoul) and Gimhae (Busan) airports are further away from the city centers, you will inevitably spend more time traveling to and from the airports. 

Both Seoul and Busan have an excellent public transport system. Nevertheless, if you would like a hassle-free journey, consider booking private airport transport ( Gimhae-Busan ). 

Seoul to Busan by Bus

Taking an express bus from Seoul to Busan takes about 4-4.5 hours. It is cheaper than the options above.

Make sure you select the terminal closer to your hotel :

• Seoul has four express bus terminals: Central City (Metro Line 3/7/9 Express Bus Terminal Station), Dong Seoul (Metro Line 2 Gangbyeon Station), Sangbong (Metro Line 7 Sangbong Station) and Seoul Nambu (Metro Line 3 Nambu Bus Terminal Station). 
• Busan also has two terminals: Busan Central Bus Terminal (Metro Line 1 Nopo Station) and Busan Sasang Terminal (Metro Line 2 Sasang Station). 

You can take an Express Bus (Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line) . Express buses run on highways with few stops at a rest area. Fares vary by the type of buses: Premium, Luxury (“udeung”), and Regular (“ilban”). The difference is the comfort level, not the travel time. Go to the  Kobus website  for schedules and reservations. 

Insider Tip : Another option is an Intercity Bus. While it makes more frequent stops on the route, it may be worthwhile to take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Terminal to Haeundae . It will take you to the central part of Busan. Visit  this website  for schedules and reservations. 

Where to Go Next: Day Tours from Busan

• Seoul : 9 Days & 8 Night Tours of Seoul and Busan 
• Gyeongju : Korea’s First UNESCO World Heritage City
• Tongyeong : Small port city with historical battle sites and an offshore art village
• Oedo Island : A gorgeous botanical island with sculptors and exotic flora

That’s many options to choose from and a lot of information to digest. I know. But I’m here for you if you have any questions. Drop me a line below in the comment box. And don’t forget to pin for later! ​

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Hello, I'm Chloe!

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Day Tour in Busan: Simple Itinerary and Guides

If you are planning to visit other places in Korea outside Seoul, then you shouldn’t miss going to Busan. It is Korea’s second largest city and the country’s largest port city. You can definitely have fun visiting a lot of places and enjoy many activities and attractions. Moreover, the city offers delicious cuisine that you must try! Only got a day to stay in Busan? Here is a detailed and uncomplicated day tour itinerary in Busan that you can follow:

9:00 AM to 12:00 NN – Morning Tour at Gamcheon Culture Village

Start your day tour in Busan by visiting the city’s Manchu Picchu –  the Gamcheon Culture Village (감천 문화마을). It is the colorful village that is famous for its cute and colorful houses, artistic streets, steep stairs and, twisting alleys. The village has been a well-known tourist destination in Busan among locals and foreign tourists after the government turned it into a cultural hub with a public art-themed renovation. The residents and local artists in the cillage even help in its renovation.

For a more detailed guide to Gamcheon Culture Village, click here .

203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan

How to get there

• Take a subway and get off at Goejeong Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 6.
• From Exit 6, take Bus Saha 1 or Saha 1-1 and get off at to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop.

12:30 NN to 2:30 PM – Eat and Shop at Gukje Market

After taking long walks at Gamcheon Culture Village, you can visit Busan’s largest traditional market – the Gukje Market. It is an “all-in-one-market” that sells a wide variety of products such as food, clothing and even appliances and electronic items. You can freely shop from its wide selection of stores and enjoy good conversations with the market vendors. You can even ask for discounts from the local vendors!

Gujke Market also features several streets exclusively for food, clothing and entertainment. In Arirang Street, you can find Gukje Market Food Street where you can have your lunch. You can even experience eating in an outdoor seating area along the street while sitting on a bench. In addition, you can also buy affordable and fashionable clothes for as low as 1,000 Korean won at Gukje Market Youth Street (국제시장 젊음의거리). After eating, you might also want to watch movie at the BIFF Square.

Gukje Market is also close to  Bupyeong Kkangtong Market , one of the oldest traditional market in Korea.

For a more detailed guide to Gukje Market, click here .

35 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busa

How to get to Gukje Market from Gamcheon Culture Village

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – afternoon tour at busan tower.

After eating, shopping and watching movie at Gukje Market, head to Busan Tower and see a stunning view of Busan. It is a 120-meter high tower at 69 meters above sea level located at Yongdusan Park. It also offers a stunning night view of the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the Bell of the Citizens, and many more.

For a more detailed guide to Busan Tower, click here .

37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan

How to get to Busan Tower from Gukje Market

From Gukje Market, Busan Tower is just a 10-minute walk. Here’s a map:

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Learn at Busan Modern History Museum

Just 9-minute walk from Busan Tower is the Busan Modern History Museum. Visiting this museum will make you know and appreciate the modern and contemporary history of Busan. It displays relics and exhibits related to the city and how it became significant in the history of Korea.

For a more detailed guide to Busan Modern History Museum, click here .

104 Daecheong-ro, Daecheongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan

How to get to Busan Modern History Museum from Busan Tower

Here’s a map to guide your 9-minute walk from Busan Tower to Busan Modern History Museum:

7:00 PM to Evening – Relax at Gwangalli Beach

To end your day tour in Busan, visit one of its famous beaches – the Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장). It is a 1.4 km long beach that is famous for its fine sand. Aside from relaxing at the beachfront, you can also delightful yourself by dining in at the romantic restaurants and cafes nearby. There are also stores that sell famous fashion brands. Moreover, you can have a spectacular night view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge which exhibits bright lights stretching across the horizon.

219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

How to get Gwangalli Beach from Busan Modern History Museum

If you find this article interesting and helpful, share it with your friends. For more Korea travel tips like this, subscribe to KoreabyMe and read  my other published articles  on the site. You can follow me on  Instagram  too!

A scholar, marketer, educator, traveler, and ultimately, a fangirl currently living in South Korea. I mostly write about Hallyu-related places as well tips on traveling and living in Korea.

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THE 10 BEST Busan Tours & Excursions

Busan tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Chinese (Traditional)
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• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Busan Private Tour with licensed tour guide + private vehicle

2. Small Group Full Day Busan Tour (Max 6 Pax)

3. Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan

4. Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour From Busan

5. Busan Private Tour : Tailored Experiences for your Group Only

6. Full-Day Busan City Tour

7. Private Busan Tour with hidden gem of Busan by Local Guide

8. Busan Half-Day Private Tour in English (Upto 5 Pax)

9. Gyeongju UNESCO sites Private tour with licensed tour guide

10. Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu

11. Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.

12. Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour

13. Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan

14. Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks

15. Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가)

16. Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan

17. Full-Day Busan Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

18. Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan

19. Busan's Coastal Charm & Culture: Sky Capsule and Gamcheon Village

20. Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa

21. Cruise Layover : Small Group Busan Highlight Day Tour

22. East Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7)

23. Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests

24. UNESCO Heritage Full Day Tour in Gyeongju from Busan

25. Enchanting Oedo Island Day Tour from Busan

26. Busan Full-Day Private Tour in English (Upto 5 Pax)

27. Private Busan tour with gamcheon culture village and the temple (Customizable)

28. Gyeongju Small Group Full Day Photo Tour (Max 7)

29. Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour

30. Busan Tour with Gamcheon Culture Village

What travelers are saying.

• Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan
• Small Group Full Day Busan Tour (Max 6 Pax)
• Full-Day Busan City Tour
• Busan Private Tour with licensed tour guide + private vehicle
• Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour From Busan
• Korea Go Tours
• KOREA DISCOVERY TOUR
• Kangsan Travel Service Co.,Ltd
• Korea Irene trip

SEOUL - north  |  SEOUL - south

Day Trips from Seoul  | Busan  |  Best Collections

🌸Festivals ( Seoul • Busan )

8 Days Seoul & Busan Travel Itinerary, Korea

Busan , a popular coastal city for travellers to Korea is often visited as overnight trips from Seoul .

It is the second largest city in Korea famous for its beaches, largest department store in the world, freshest seafood and tasty street food.

Popular Attractions in Busan:

a) Central & West Busan - Busan Station, BIFF Square, Jagalchi Fish Market, Yongdusan Park (Busan Diamond Tower), Seomyeon Shopping Street, Gamcheon Culture Village, Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Songdo Beach, Songdo Cloud Trails, Busan Air Cruise, Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, etc.

b) East Busan - Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Sky Capsule, Haeundae Beach Train, Busan X the Sky Observatory (98-100F), Lotte World Adventure Busan, Skyline Luge Busan, Cheongsapo Seafood Village, etc.

KoreaToDo has put together a day-by-day itinerary for travellers, allowing travellers to explore beyond Seoul  to a city of natural coastal beauty, BUSAN .

The Itinerary Plan:

There is no direct train from Incheon Airport to Busan . You will need to take  AREX Airport Express Train from Incheon Airport (T1 - 43mins / T2 - 51mins) and transfer at Seoul Station for a 2hrs 40mins  KORAIL KTX high speed train to Busan .

At Busan , for a different experience from Seoul , we recommend staying at Haeundae Beach , about 50 mins away by subway/public bus or 40 mins by taxi from Busan Station .

As such, instead of going direct to Busan from Incheon Airport , we suggest travellers to stay in  Seoul first. Leave your heavy/large-sized luggage upon check out at your Seoul 's hotel and carry a light overnight pack to Busan ... unless you wish to drag your heavy luggage up and down the trains and train stations...😎

Itinerary Highlights

Before Departure

1. Recommended Activities, Tours & Tickets to pre-purchase before trip (optional).

🚄 KORAIL Train Pass (Seoul ↔ Busan ​)

Purchase the KORAIL PASS (for foreign visitors only) on KLOOK  or KORAIL official website . Purchase available 31 days prior to travel date. If you are only going to visit Busan , you can purchase the ' 2 Day Select Pass ' return ticket at 131,000 won per adult. If you have 2-5 people travelling together, you can buy the SAVER pass for 121,000 per adult.

Go to KORAIL website to reserve your train ticket (i.e. pick your train no., date & time). Choose ' KTX ' train, the fastest train to Busan.

Print out your KORAIL PASS and Train Tickets ; and travel with your Passport for inspection on board. ​

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (Unlimited Data)

max 3 devices / 24 hrs pick up

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (3/5/10/20/30 days options)

data, calls & texts/24 hrs pick up

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - SK TELECOM (Unlimited Data)

​​Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS): KTX Bullet Trains to Busan & others (2, 3, 4 or 5 Days)

instant pass & tourist exclusive!

2. Recommended Accommodation Location in SEOUL: anywhere near Myeongdong Station , preferably on the same side of the road as ' Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong ' (i.e. 2 mins walk to airport limousine bus drop off/pick up bus stop , near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station ).

★★★ | 8.8 Review Rating

★★★★ | 8.7 Review Rating

★★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating

★★★ | 8.4 Review Rating

Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong

★★★ | 8.5  Review Rating

3. Recommended Accommodation Location in BUSAN: anywhere along Haeundae Beach near ' MS Hotel Haeundae ' with bus stops to/from Busan Station just in front of the building and 8 mins easy walk to Haeundae Station .

MS Hotel Haeundae

★★★ | 8.1  Review Rating

★★★★★ | 8.7 Review Rating

★★★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating

★★★★★ | 9.1 Review Rating

3. Download Mobile Apps

a) Korea Subway Info App - Metroid HD or KakaoMetro

b) Location/Walking Direction Map - KakaoMap or Naver Map

more travel tips ....

Day 1: Arrived Seoul / Check in / Seoul City Wall Walk / Naksan Park / Ihwa Mural Village / D ongdaemun Design Plaza / Myeongdong

  seoul  .

At Incheon Airport - Arrival Hall (public area after collecting luggage)

Pick up pre-purchased WIFI Router & SIM Card at Incheon Airport (where applicable).

Recommend to purchase T-money Card at any convenience store at the arrival hall of Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2). Card deposit is ₩4,000. Suggest to top up at least ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 as the airport limousine fare is ₩17,000.

(The card can be used on airport limousine bus to city, bus, taxi, subway and convenience stores. Top up at any downtown convenience sto res or subway stations.  More details ... )

💡If you can't get the card at the convenience store, you can walk a bit further to the subway station to purchase the card. Alternatively, you can get it at most convenience stores when you arrived in Myeongdong. Different stores carry different designs and you can pick your favourite!

Take Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport (T1/T2) to City (i.e. Myeongdong Station Bus Stop )

Bus #: 6015

Interval: 2-6 departures per hour

Duration: 80 mins

Fare: ₩17,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)

No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.

Refer to  Incheon International Airport official website on the latest Airport Limousine Bus 's schedule and updates.

Alternative ways to get to Myeongdong from  Incheon International Airport :

a) book your Private Airport Transfer by Car   OR

b) take the non-stop  AREX Airport Railroad  express train from Incheon International Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1: 43 mins / Terminal 2: 51 mins, ₩9,500) and transfer to subway for Myeongdong Station (line 4, 3 mins, 2 stops, ₩1,400). Luggage carrying up/down the stairs might be required. There are taxi stands outside Seoul Station too.

Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station : 

First bus 05:40 | Last Bus 23:00

Walk outside of arrival hall (1F) at Gate 5, look for Bus# 6015 to Myeongdong at bus platform 5B.

Departing from T2 to Myeongdong Station :

First bus 05:20 | Last Bus 22:40

Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28

Tab the T-money Card on boarding.

alternatively, bus ticket can be purchased at counters/machines (recommended) outside arrival hall (T1, 1F), bus waiting area (T2, B1) or by cash to driver.

Check into accommodation booked after alighting from Airport Bus at ' Myeongdong Station ' Bus Stop.

From Myeongdong Station , take the train to  Hansung Univ. Station  (5 stops, line 4, exit 4 ), 9 mins. Walk straight about 3 mins until you come across the stairs up to Seoul City Wall . Alternatively, you can catch a short taxi ride here.

Seoul City Wall Walk - Naksan Mountain Trail

Lets start the day in Seoul with fresh air and great city view! 🐥

Naksan Park

Passing by Naksan Park .

Ihwa Mural Village

Reaching the village with interesting metal sculptures, colourful mural paintings and mosaics on the walls and staircases by local artists. Lunch at one of the cozy restaurants or cafes here.

Note: Please keep noise level down as residents living here.

Detour Option - Daehangno Street

If you are feeling the 'effects' of your early flight to Seoul or cannot find anything that you like to eat at Ihwa Mural Village , you can walk downhill towards  Hyehwa Station  (10mins). There are signage around or use the walking direction map on   Ihwa Mural Village page . The area around Hyehwa Station is Daehangno , a cultural mecca for the young. There are many shops, restaurants and cafes around the station. From there, take the train back to Myeongdong Station (4 stops, same line, line 4), 8 mins.

Heunginjimun Gate @ Dongdaemun

Continue on the easy walk along the Seoul City Wall , downhill to Dongdaemun .

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Walk towards Dongdaemun Design Plaza , an unique-shape building on the left and an iconic landmark of Korean design industry.

From Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station near Dongdaemun Design Plaza , take the subway back to Myeongdong Station (2 stops, line 4).

Take a rest at your hotel room before getting around Myeongdong for the rest of the day.

Food & Drinks

Street Food

Day 2: Day Trip from/around Seoul

1. Recommended Day Tours from Seoul

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

150m long bridge across valley

Nami, Petite France, Italian V., Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Bike Tour

visit them all!

Nami Island, Alpaca World & Chuncheon King Canoeing Day Tour

Top 100 Must-Visit Spots

Legoland Korea & Alpaca World Day Tour

largest Legoland in Asia!

2. or Pick a Day Trip from Seoul under 3 hours

3. or Explore more on  North of Han River  /  South of Han River (i.e. Gangnam)

Namsan Cable Car Round Trip Ticket (weekdays & min. 2 pax)

beautiful scenery of Seoul

Lotte World 1 Day Pass & Lotte World Aquarium

located in the heart of Seoul

Seoul Zoo Ticket & Scenic Sky Lift Rides (across Lake / top of Zoo)

Korea's largest zoo

Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise (Day Cruise)

40 mins, multiple timings

  SEOUL / BUSAN  

Day 3: getting to busan / biff square / jagalchi fish market / gamcheon culture village / huinnyeoul culture village / jeoryeong coastal trail / s ongdo beach / songdo air cruise (marine cable car) / amnam park  / haeundae market.

Check out Hotel. Leave the big luggage at hotel and carry an overnight pack to Busan .  Please ensure you have your printed KORAIL PASS, Train Ticket and Passport with you.

Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Seoul Station (line 4, 2 stops); or taxi to Seoul Station (7,000 won, 13 mins)

Follow the signs to walk from the subway station to Seoul Station (KTX).

At Seoul Station (KTX), look for the platform number to board your train, previously reserved on KORAIL website online.

Take the KTX Train from Seoul to Busan . 🤗

Busan Station

On reaching Busan Station (KTX):

you can store your overnight pack at the station's lockers. Locker's pricing & operating guide at Busan Station page.

change the 'city' of your subway app ( MetroidHD / Kakao Metro ) to ' Busan '.

Notes: You can use the same 'T-Money' card on transport and convenience stores in Busan too.

Walk to Busan Station (subway). Take the subway to Jagalchi Station (line 1, 3 stops).

BIFF Sqaure @Nampo-dong

Lots of fabulous street food here! A must try is Ssiat Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake stuffed with seeds). Look for the stall with the longest queue for the best one. 😊

Nampo-dong is a good base to visit most of the popular attractions in Central and West Busan .

Pick 1 of Your Preferred Tour Courses

Course 1: Classic

Nampo & Gamcheon Culture Village

Visit the other places of interest in close walking distance to each other at Nampo-dong .

You can also go on Jagalchi Cruise , boarding at Jagalchi Market building Gate 7 .

After Nampo-dong , walk to the bus stop near Jagalchi Station (line 1, exit 3). Take the bus to Gamcheon Culture Village  (15 mins) or take a short taxi ride there (10 mins).

Nearby the village's entrance is Cafe Avant Garde Busan with fantastic view of Gamcheon Culture Village .

Cross the street to take the bus (+subway) back to Busan Station or take a taxi (15 mins).

Course 2: Relax

Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Coastal Tunnel & Jeoryeong Coastal Trail

Walk to the bus stop near Nampo Station (line 1, exit 6). Take a 12 mins bus ride to Huinnyeoul Culture Village .

Take one of the several stairways from the village down to the water edge for Jeoryeong Coastal Walk and Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel .

From village, take direct bus back to Busan Station . 20 mins.

Course 3: Fun

Songdo Beach, Busan Air Cruise, Songdo Cloud Trails & Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge

Walk to the bus stop near Nampo Station (line 1, exit 5). Take a 11 mins bus ride to Songdo Beach .

All attractions are within walking distance or via Busan Air Cruise (marine cable car) to Amnam Park .

From Songdo Beach , take direct bus back to Busan Station . 15 mins.

Busan Air Cruise Cable Car Ticket

normal or crystal cabin options

💡If you like to cover most of these attractive places, you may consider to stay 1-2 nights at Nampo-dong . Check out the hotel recommendations near BIFF Square .

Collect your overnight pack from the locker at Busan Station .

You can get to your accommodation at Haeundae (beach) by subway (to Haeundae Station , 50 mins, 1 transfer), direct bus (45 mins) or taxi (40 mins). see Haeundae Beach page for travel options.

Check into your accommodation at Haeundae Beach , Busan .

For Haeundae Market . Use the walking details on Haeundae Market page if required.

Dinner at one of the many restaurants along Gunam-ro (main road between beach and Haeundae Station ), Haeundae Market or around your accommodation. See map at  Haeundae Beach page if required.

Haeundae Market

Explore the local market and perhaps have your dinner here.

BUSAN  

Day 4: haeundae beach / haeundae sky capsule / haeundae beach train / busan green railway coastal walk / cheongpaso sky observatory & seafood village  / songjeong beach / mipo / haeundae cruise / busan x the sky observatory.

Haeundae Beach

Start the day walking to the most popular beach in Busan , Haeundae Beach and enjoy taking photos with the seagulls.

Walk on the left of the sea towards the tall ' Haeundae LCT The Sharp ' building. Turn left after the tall building onto Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil and walk straight forward to the entrance of Haeundae Blueline Park on your right. ​

Haeundae Sky Capsule / Haeundae Beach Train / Busan Green Railway Coastal Walk

From Haeundae Blueline Park , you can take Haeundae Sky Capsule  that runs on the elevated railway 7-10m above the ground from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station ; or take the faster Haeundae Beach Train with more train stops till Songjeong Station . The last option is to walk next to the railway line along  Busan Green Railway (coastal walking trail) and explore the beautiful sights along the way at your own pace.

Cheongsapo Seafood Town (Cafes, Restaurants & Lighthouse)

From Haeundae Blueline Park - Cheongsapo Station , check out the charming Cheongsapo Seaside Village . Enjoy a relaxing walk to the twin lighthouse, coffee at the rooftop cafes and seafood meal at one of the many popular restaurants along the street.

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk Observatory

Catch magnificent views of Songjeong and Cheongsapo coasts at the 72.5m long observatory that stretches out over the ocean.

Gudeokpo / Songjeong Station

From Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk Observatory , you can continue your walk along  Busan Green Railway or take Haeundae Beach Train to Gudeokpo Stop (known for chic cafes & restaurants) or Songjeong Station (famous Songjeong Beach).

After touring Cheongsapo and/or Songjeong , return to Haeundae Blueline Park - Mipo Station  by Haeundae Sky Capsule , Haeundae Beach Train or walk. Walk back towards the tall ' Haeundae LCT The Sharp ' building. At the end of the road near the coast, turn left to Haeundae Mipo .

Haeundae Mipo (Cafes, Restaurants & Haeundae Cruise Terminal)

There are a variety of popular cafes, restaurants and a famous gelato freshly wrapped in rice cake shop at Mipo . You can have your meal here and chill out.

Haeundae Cruise and/or Busan X the Sky Observatory

If you still have time left for the day, you can consider taking the sightseeing  Haeundae Cruise Tour  to Oryukdo Islets (day/sunset) or Gwangandaegyo Bridge (night).

Also, 2 mins walk from Haeundae Cruise Terminal is Busan X the Sky Observatory , located on the 98-100F of Haeundae LCT The Sharp - Landmark Tower . This is the largest observatory in Korea where you can enjoy panoramic view of Haeundae and Mipo coasts, highest Starbucks (99F) in the World and Sky 99 Grill & Pasta Restaurant (99F) .

Option 1: Haeundae Cruise Tour

💡You can check out at the cruise terminal on your way to Haeundae Blueline Park in the morning for their departure times for the day and buy a ticket too.

Option 2: Busan X the Sky Observatory

Located at Haeundae LCT The Sharp - Landmark Tower , Busan X the Sky Observatory 's entrance is on the side facing the sea. The observatory opens till 21:00 daily, last admission at 20:30.

Haeundae Busan X the Sky Observatory (98-100F)

largest observatory in Korea

From Haeundae Cruise Terminal or Busan X the Sky , walk back to your accommodation. ​

Day 5: Lotte World Adventure Busan / Skyline Luge Busan / Oryukdo & Igidae / Shinsegae Centum City Spa Land / Lotte Premium Outlets / Seomyeon Shopping District

There are quite a number of great places to visit from Haeundae . Here are the recommended tour courses for your picking based on your preferences.

Course 1: Gijang Faves

Lotte World Adventure Busan, Skyline Luge, Misigilsang Food Hall

From Haeundae Station , take the subway to Osiria Station (1 line transfer). 20 mins. 15 mins walk or take a taxi outside the station to  Lotte World Adventure Busan . 15 mins walk from Lotte World to Skyline Luge Busan .

You can have your dinner at Misigilsang Food Hall Busan , located between the Lotte World and Skyline Luge .

💡Check out the popular lobster buffet at Viking's Wharf .

If you still have time, you can walk across the road to shop at  Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch (closes at 21:00)

Take the subway from Osiria Station back to Haeundae Station .

Course 2: Nature Walking

Oryukdo, Igidae & Shinsegae Centum City Spa Land

Take the subway from Haeundae Station to Kyungsung Univ. Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station on the same line, 9 stops (exit 5). Take a 18 mins bus ride to Oryukdo Skywalk .

Visit the famous Oryukdo Skywalk and Oryukdo Islets .

This is also the starting point for the scenic  Igidae Coastal Trail to Yongho Starlight Park (4.7km, 2.5hrs).

From the end point,  Yongho Starlight Park , walk to the nearest bus stop for the bus back to Kyungsung Univ.  Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station (line 2). 11 mins bus ride.

You can take the subway to Centum City Station (line 2, 6 stops, exit 12) and relax at the modern Korean spa, Spa Land , located at Shinsegae Centum City (shopping mall).

Take the subway back to Haeundae Station  (line 2, 3 stops).

Course 3: Shop & Eat

Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch &  Seomyeon

From Haeundae Station , take the bus to Lotte Outlets  stop. 30 mins. 3 mins walk to Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch where you can shop over 500 famous domestic and international brands e.g. Gucci , Bottega Veneta , Saint Laurent, Burberry , etc

Across the road is Brick Campus Busan at Maison Dongbusan Mall . For fans of IKEA , there is a nearby IKEA , 5 mins walk from Lotte Outlets .

💡From Lotte Outlets , you can choose to drop your purchases at your hotel in Haeundae midway before proceeding to the next shopping paradise.

Take the train to Seomyeon Station (line 1/2). There are many nearby shopping malls and the famous Jeonpo Cafe Street (prop shops, cafes & restaurants).

Take the subway from Seomyeon Station back to Haeundae Station  (line 2, 16 stops).

Lotte World Adventure Busan 1 Day Pass

1st theme park in Busan!

Skyline Luge Busan Ticket

✚panoramic view sky rides

MUSEUM 1 SIGNS of LOSS Ticket (new modern art)

152.4m mega sized LED media art!

Spa Land Centum City Ticket

top-notch service & facilities

BUSAN / SEOUL  

Day 6: dongbaek isla nd / the bay 101 / sea life busan aquarium / train back to seoul / lotte mart / n seoul tower.

Start the day with a leisure walk (about 1-1.5 hr) to Dongbaek Island , located on the extreme right end of Haeundae Beach . see Dongbaek Island page for walking direction.

Dongbaek Island

Offer majestic view of Haeundae Beach and the ocean beyond. You can to visit the interior of  Nurimaru APEC House . Free admission.

The Bay 101 Yacht Club   (optional where time permits)

From Dongbaek Island , you can take a 5 mins walk to The Bay 101  where you can take a 60 mins   Yacht Tour  (11:00 - 22:00, hourly departures) or check out their famous Fish & Chips .

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium (optional where time permits)

On your way back to hotel, if you have still have time, you can drop by SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium , one of Korea ’s top aquariums with 3 underground levels and 8 themed zones.

The Bay 101 Public Yacht (hourly departures)

Depart: The Bay 101, near Haeundae Beach

Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium Admission Ticket

Walk back to your accommodation and check out.

If you are staying along Haeundae Beach , you can take the direct bus# 1003 to Busan Station (45 mins). Other options include subway with 1 transfer (50 mins) or taxi (40 mins).

Lunch at Busan Station or buy a lunch box to eat on board the train.

Take the KORAIL   KTX Train from Busan back to Seoul .

Lotte Mart (optional)

Pop by Lotte Mart located next to Seoul Station to buy your favourite local goodies back to your home country.

Take the subway from Seoul Station back to Myeongdong Station .

Check into your accommodation and dinner at Myeongdong .

N Seoul Tower (optional)

If you are not ready to call it a day, why not get up to N Seoul Tower and its observatory to enjoy the beautiful night view?

N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

enjoy breathtaking views

SEOUL  

Day 7...: day trip from/around seoul.

1. Recommended Day Tours and Activities

Korean Top Celebrity Hair Styling Experience at Jenny House

onsite eng/chn translation

SPA 1899 Daechi Branch (SPA G Gangnam Cheongkwanjang SPA)

signature Red Ginseng!

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Majang Lake Suspension Bridge Day Tour

220m long bridge by the lake

Korean Folk Village, Suwon Hwaseong & Suwon Nammun Market Day Tour

Authentic cultural experience

3. or Explore more on  North of Han River  /  South of Han River (i.e. Gangnam)

Last Day: Getting to Airport...

Take the Airport Limousine Bus, #6015 (or #6001) from the same drop off stop ( Myeongdong Station ) to Incheon Airport (T1/T2)

Bus stop location:  near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station and right in front of KB Bank.

Duration: 80 mins (T1) / 90 mins (T2)

Fare: ₩17,000  (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)

First bus 04:35 | Last Bus 20:15  (refer to the information at bus stop for the latest schedule)

Alternatively, you can book on a  private car transfer to Airport  as well .

Private Transfer: Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul (1-3 or more pax/car)

Myeongdong, Hongdae, etc

🌸SPRING PICKS🌸 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul

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Romantic Cherry Blossom Random Day Tour

22 Mar - 21 Apr 2024

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World's top five tulip festivals!

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28 Mar - 12 Apr 2024

vibrant colors of spring!

Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour (Spring Flower Festival, Gaesimsa & Munsusa)

14-29 Apr 2024

king cherry blossoms are larger & denser

♔  KoreaToDo recommends  Klook.com , Asia leading in-destination service provider.

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