Busan (부산)
Complete Travel Guide
(everything you need to know before visiting)
Busan is one of my favorite places to visit in South Korea, and if you’re planning a trip to Korea I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. While Seoul is busy, modern, and packed with things to do – Busan has a completely different vibe, think beachy, trendy, and laid-back.
In Busan you’ll find beaches, mountains, temples, seafood markets, colorful neighborhoods, and some of the best coastal views in Korea.
I’ve visited Busan multiple times now and have put together this complete travel guide to help you with everything you need to plan your trip. From how many days to spend there, where to stay, how to get around, and of course some of the best things to do.
How Many Days to Spend in Busan
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Busan if it’s your first visit. Two days gives you enough time to see some of the city’s top attractions without feeling like you’re rushing too much.
If you have four or five days that’s even better. You’ll have a lot more time to explore quieter neighborhoods, spend some time at the beach, and take some day trips outside the city.
If you only have one day in Busan, you can still see some, but you’ll want to be selective about what you really want to see in the area.
Best Time to Visit Busan
Summer is the best season to visit if you’re really wanting to explore the beaches. This is the hottest and most humid time of the year, plus you can expect rainy weather during monsoon season. It’s great because all attractions are usually open, but it’s also the busiest time.
Spring is a great time to visit if you want more comfortable temperatures for walking the city. Of course if you time it right you can also see the cherry blossoms – which are fantastic in Busan.
Fall is one of my favorite times to visit South Korea in general. The weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring, and you can enjoy really pretty fall foliage. Plus it’s usually much less crowded than the summer.
Winter is quieter and cooler, but Busan tends to have milder winters than other parts of Korea. If you’re more interested in sightseeing, food, and walking the city winter is still a great time to visit, just dress in layers.
Best Things to Do in Busan
There are so many things to do in Busan that sometimes it can be difficult to decide where to start. Some of my personal favorites include :
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is one of Busan’s most recognizable (and busiest) attractions. The colorful houses here are built right into the side of the mountain and there’s plenty of fun murals, shops, and cafes.
It’s definitely one of the more touristy spots, but I still think it’s worth visiting at least once. I recommend either going very early (before 11 am) or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the most unique temples in South Korea because it’s built right on the coast. It can get busy, but it’s honestly one of the prettiest temples I’ve ever been to.
Haeundae & Gwangalli Beaches
Haeundae is one of Busan’s most famous beaches and one of the easiest spots to add to any itinerary. Gwangalli is another popular beach in Busan, but usually has a bit more of a chill atmosphere.
Both can be extremely busy in the summer, but have lots of nearby cafes and restaurants that are within walking distance.
Jagalchi Market
If you like seafood then Jagalchi Market should definitely be on your Busan itinerary. It’s one of the city’s most famous markets (so expect lots of people) and there are plenty of small booths and restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy a fresh meal. If you’re not sure about exploring the market on your own, this is a great guided tour to join!
BIFF Square
BIFF Square is a spot that’s really popular for street food, and it’s within walking distance to Jagalchi Market. If you want to experience a lively street environment, this is a great one to go to!
Best Day Trip From Busan
If you’re staying in Busan for more than a couple of days, it’s a great idea to use the city as a base for exploring some of the surrounding areas.
One of the most popular day trips is to Gyeongju, a city in Korea with many historical sites that is becoming more and more popular with travelers.
If you take the KTX Train, it’s only about 30 minutes from Busan, and is often referred to as the “museum without walls.”
My Favorite Busan Experience : DIY Flipbook
One of my all time favorites experiences in Busan is visiting this Flipbook Studio in Gamcheon Culture Village.
The entire experience only takes about 15 minutes, and you get to take home your own personalized flipbook – its the perfect souvenir!
If you have time to stop or you’re already in the Culture Village, I highly recommend. And if you’re not too creative, that’s ok! They have plenty of examples and props to inspire you.
Best Areas to Stay in Busan
Haeundae
Haeundae is one of the most popular areas to stay for first-time visitors. It’s close to the beach, has plenty of restaurants and cafes within walking distance, and has easy access to several popular attractions.
Seomyeon
Seomyeon is a good option if you’re looking for convenience – it’s centrally located and has good subway connections. If you want to explore different neighborhoods this is a great place to base.
Gwangalli
Gwangalli is another great choice if you want to stay near the beach, but it has a slightly more relaxed feel. There’s still a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars in this area plus you great views of Gwangan Bridge.
Nampo-dong
Nampo-dong is great if you want to be close to markets, street food, shopping, and some of Busan’s older attractions – think places like Jagalchi Market, BIFF Square, and Gamcheon Culture Village.
How to Get to Busan
Most travelers visiting Busan are coming from Seoul, and the easiest way to get to Busan is by train.
The KTX system connects Seoul and Busan directly, and the journey takes just a few hours depending on the train you take and if there’s any stops in between.
Taking the train is one of the easiest ways to travel between farther cities in Korea. You don’t have to deal with airport security and you can simply arrive at the station 15 minutes before, board your train, pack some snacks, and enjoy the ride with free Wifi.
If you’re traveling from other parts of South Korea, you can also reach Busan by bus or domestic flight.
How to Get Around Busan
Busan is similar to Seoul in the sense that it has an extensive public transportation system, with buses and subways, and you can get to most major attractions without renting a car.
I recommend using Naver Maps (or KakaoMap) to plan your routes, which will give you the best options and different ways to get to local attractions in the least amount of time.
Public buses & subways are going to be the easiest and most affordable option for visitors. Taxis and Ubers are also available if you end up traveling somewhere where the subway or bus doesn’t reach.
What to Eat in Busan
Busan is one of the best cities in Korea for seafood. Because its located right on the coast, you’ll find lots of fresh seafood – whether you’re at a market or at a local restaurant.
Some popular dishes in Busan include dwaeji gukbap (a pork and rice soup), milmyeon (a cold noodle dish), and of course – fresh seafood.
You’ll also find plenty of Korean street food throughout the city, especially in places like BIFF Square.
Busan Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes. Busan (like the rest of Korea) has plenty of hills, stairs, and walking from place to place, so comfy shoes are a necessity.
Don’t underestimate travel times. Busan is a large city and attractions take longer to get to than you’d think, even if they look close on maps.
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap. These are my go-to navigation apps, Naver specfically.
Get a T-money card. Use it to tap on and off all public transportation.
Plan around the weather. If you’re visiting in the summer be prepared for heat, humidity, and rain. In the winter you’ll want layers so you can enjoy more time outside without melting when you go indoors.
