From traditional villages to beautiful beaches, seafood markets, and public bathhouses–there are so many unmissable experiences in Busan! Known as South Korea’s port city, Busan overflows with a charm that makes every tourist want to come back for more. Whatever the weather is, you’ll love how Busan is just filled with places to go, eat, and stay from morning til the wee hours of the night. Want to know the best places in town? Check out our Busan guide for 2023!
Fast Facts
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- Currency: Korean Won (KRW)
- Language: Korean
- Airport: Gimhae International Airport
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New Normal Travel Guidelines
As of June 8, 2022, mandatory quarantine has been lifted for all international tourists, regardless of vaccination status. However, there are still certain requirements that visitors have to fulfill before departure and upon arrival to South Korea:
- K-ETA for eligible tourists from visa-waiver or visa-free countries OR tourist visa for other nationals not covered by the K-ETA.
You may visit the K-ETA website for the complete guidelines and process, or check your local Korean embassy for the specific visa requirements. - Q-Code (Register online prior to departure.)
- Effective October 1, any COVID-19 test, either Antigen or PCR, is not required for international arrivals to South Korea, either before travel or after arrival.
How to Go to Busan
The main airport in Busan is Gimhae International Airport (PUS), served by major airlines like Air Busan, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and AirAsia, with direct flights from major cities in Asia.
It is also common for tourists to go from Seoul, as they check off the capital first before heading for some coastal adventure. In this case, KTX is the most popular means of transport from Seoul to Busan, although direct domestic flights are also available.
Flying directly from Seoul to Busan is a good option if you want to get there fast as it only takes about an hour. However, ticket prices vary and if you’re after cost efficiency, taking the train is a more practical option.
The high-speed train of KTX can get you to Busan from Seoul in less than three hours, with an Economy ticket costing KRW 59,800 or about USD 45. Availing a Korail Pass is also another option, if other cities are on your itinerary, allowing you to make the most out of the high-speed rail transport.
Getting Around Busan
It’s fairly easy to navigate Busan. The most widely used transportation is the Busan Metro, which operates until midnight. Buses are also available, with corresponding bus numbers going to several points around the city. Make sure to purchase a reloadable transportation card such as T-money, which you can use to pay for your fare!
From Gimhae International Airport to downtown Busan, you can take the light rail going to Busan for only about 20 minutes. You may also take the bus which takes about an hour. For a convenient way of traveling, opt for a taxi or private transfer instead.
To maximize your visit, it is highly recommended that you avail of the Visit Busan Pass, which is exclusively available to foreign nationals, who are looking to explore all of Busan. With this one pass, you are free to access more than 40 paid tourist attractions in the city, including Busan Lotte World, Busan Ocean Train, Spa Land, and more! You are also entitled to discounts at select shops and restaurants!
Connectivity Options
You’ll never have a problem connecting to the internet in Busan, thanks to its high speed. If you want to stay connected 24/7 get a portable 4G WiFi that you can rent from Korean airports, or purchase a SIM card instead.
Where to Stay In Busan
Want to stay near the beach and top attractions? Here are some of the top recommendations for Busan accommodation.
Lotte Hotel Busan
Situated in Busan CBD, Lotte Hotel Busan is a great choice for comfortable accommodation. It’s the largest hotel in Busan, with more than 600 deluxe, suite, and premiere rooms. Many A-listers and high-profile businessmen choose Lotte Hotel because of the luxury it provides with its world-class dining, business facilities, and spa, as well as entertainment and leisure in the form of golf and casino.
Location: 772, Gaya-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Korea
Website: https://www.lottehotel.com/busan-hotel/en.html
CANVAS Hostel Black
A five-minute walk away from Haeundae Beach, CANVAS Hostel is close to Busan’s hottest attractions. The hostel offers cozy and clean rooms, ideal for solo travelers or couples who want an affordable place to stay in Busan. They have dormitory-style rooms too, for those traveling in groups.
Location: 14, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 197beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostelcanvas/
H Avenue Gwangalli
Get Busan ocean views when you book a room at H Avenue Gwangalli. This unique beach hotel offers modern rooms with spectacular views to wake up to. Guests especially love the C181 champagne bar and the Terrace with an overlooking view of the Gwangandaegyo bridge for a night spot to unwind after a long day at the beach.
Location: 29 Millaksubyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Website: https://enghavenue.gamsunglab.com/branch2
Where to Eat In Busan
Whether you’re craving seafood, Korean barbecue, or surf and turf, you’ll find restaurants that’ll satisfy you in Busan.
Busan x The Sky
Enjoy fine dining with an unobstructed view of Busan city and the ocean at Sky 99. This romantic dining place offers lunch and dinner sets that you can book in advance. You can choose from their premium steaks, pasta, salad, and beer and wine sets. The atmospheric restaurant is ideal for a date night dinner or even special occasions.
Location: Busan X The Sky, 99th floor, 30, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Jagalchi Fish Market
Seafood is the name of the game at Jagalchi Fish Market. It’s the coastal city’s pride, as it is also Korea’s largest seafood market. On the ground floor is where the market is located. Go up to the second floor where the restaurants are, and pick your dish. Devour Alaskan king crabs, sashimi, fresh scallops, abalone, steamed fish, live octopus, and more for the ultimate seafood experience!
Location: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Haeundae Sonumnam Amso Galbijip
Get your dose of Korean premium meats in this 58-year-old BBQ place in Busan. It’s very popular among locals for its bulgogi and ribs. The barbecue sauce is said to be an heirloom recipe, which makes their meats juicy and tasty. Aside from their barbecue, you’ll be enticed by its interior which feel like you’ve entered old Korea.
Location: 32-10 Jungdong 2-ro 10beon-gil, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
Website: https://xn--w39a45ki5j7idj7fkmcgy7b.com/
What to Do in Busan
There are so many interesting activities to do in Busan–find the experience that best fits your personality so you could fully enjoy this port city!
Day Tour: Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Songdo Skywalk, Taejongdae National Park
The best way to see Busan’s top attractions is to go on a day tour. From morning til night, discover iconic landmarks such as the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the beautiful ocean views along Songdo Skywalk, and the scenic Taejongdae National Park!
Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site
Travel to Gyeongju historic area, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Busan. Learn more about the history of South Korea as you visit Yangdong Village, the largest traditional village in the country. Also, see stone pagodas and Buddha in Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto. This highly recommended tour is an insightful adventure that’ll leave you in awe.
Busan Air Cruise
Explore Busan and be mesmerized by the views from the top via Songdo Marine Cable Car! This cable car ride offers you stunning vistas of Songdo Beach, Amnam Park, Namhang Bridge, and more. Stop by these famous attractions to take photos, or take a ride at night for romantic night views.
Eden Valley Resort
Come to Korea’s Winter Wonderland, and go on a skiing adventure with your family and friends! Try winter sports such as skiing, sledding, or snowboarding on various slopes of Eden Valley Resort. You can ride a ski lift too! This amazing winter spot will definitely make kids enjoy it!
Spa Land Centum City
Have you heard of jimjil-bang? If not, it’s your sign to try it. These are Korean public bathhouses that let you relax by soaking in a pool or hot springs. Spa Land Centum City offers this more, including steam rooms and massage places for a rejuvenating spa experience. Get the full body treatment that your body surely deserves after a tiring day out.
Location: 35, Centum Namdae-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Korea
See more of Busan’s best attractions and experiences– visit KKDay to learn more!
*This article has input from writer Rei Leano.
