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The Ultimate Busan Travel Guide
Table of Contents
This is our Ultimate Travel Guide to Busan. I first want to say Busan shocked me, it was better than I expected, more beautiful than I expected and truly unforgettable. If you’re visiting South Korea, please put Busan on your list this bustling city has stunning beaches, delicious food, many attractions, and a rich culture.
If this is your first time visiting Busan or if you’re a seasoned traveler, our guide has everything you need to plan your perfect trip! From getting around the city (public transportation or taxis) to finding the best places to stay, eat, and explore we’ve got you covered! We have special detailed blog posts on specific attractions so you can decide if you want to add them to your list or not. Our insider recommendations will ensure that you get the most out of your trip!
Best Time to Visit Busan
Busan is a year-round tourist destination with various attractions during each season. The spring season (April to June) is distinguished by beautiful cherry blossoms and comfortable weather. While the summer monsoon (rainy) season lasts from July through August, it also delivers sunny beach days. The autumn season (September to November) offers pleasant weather and vibrant foliage.
Those who like milder weather and festive festivities will find winter (December to February) to be preferable. When selecting the ideal time to appreciate Busan’s varied offerings, take your interests and other activities into account.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to Busan? Before you set foot in Busan, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
SIM Card
Getting a local SIM card is highly recommended for data access if you don’t have a roam-like-home option.
Choose a prepaid package that meets your data and call requirements to make sure you’re always connected when traveling. You can pre-order a SIM Card in advance at the airport. Alternatively, we recommend packaging the SIM Card with the T-money card which you will need for public transportation.
Entry Requirements
Visitors to South Korea can stay for up to 5 months (180 days) with a visa-free exemption for citizens of 100 countries. K-ETA is typically not required for visa-free countries if an arrival card is completed upon landing, but a 10,000 KRW fee (about $7.50 USD) applies if applying for K-ETA online in advance.
Travel Vaccines
No specific required vaccinations came to our attention for our trip to South Korea. However, ensure all routine vaccines are up-to-date. We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for South Korea on the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before decisions are made.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert.
Outlet Plugs & Adapters
The power plug used in South Korea is typically a Type C or Type F plug with two round pins. However, Type C plugs are more common for standard household appliances. Alternatively, you can opt for a universal adapter with many different plug-type variations efficient for international travel.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
What to Bring
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Where to Stay in Busan
Busan offers a wide variety of beautiful accommodations, but before we dive into our hotel recommendations, we’ve provided the three best areas to stay in when visiting Busan.
Haeundae is arguably the most well-known and visited neighborhood by tourists. Home to the famous Haeundae Beach, which is surrounded by hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars. Busan X The Sky, Haeundae Market, and the Busan Aquarium are also nearby.
- BUDGET Popcorn Hostel Haeundae
Clean and cozy rooms await just a short distance to Haeundae Beach. - Mid-Tier: Novotel Ambassador Busan
Modern amenities, including a rooftop bar with breathtaking views and a convenient location near Haeundae Beach. - Luxury: The Westin Chosun Busan
A five-star luxury hotel offering gorgeous rooms, stunning fine dining options, a serene pool, and a prime beachfront location.
A lively neighborhood well known for its street food scene, shopping, and cultural attractions, Nampodong is situated in the center of downtown Busan. It is a great option for those interested in visiting places like the Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan Tower, and the Gamcheon Culture Village.
- BUDGET: Busan Backpackers
Offers affordable accommodation in the centre of Nampodong, close to vibrant street food, and cultural attractions of the area. - Mid-Tier: Hotel Foret Premier Nampo
Located in the bustling Nampodong district, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural sites. - Luxury: Lotte Hotel Busan
Lotte Hotel Busan is known for its lavish interior design, incredible service, and a wealth of amenities, including a casino and gourmet dining options.
Home to Gwangalli Beach and Milac The Market, it’s another popular choice in the middle of Haeundae and Nampodong. It offers a mix of modern accommodations, a vibrant nightlife scene, and scenic views of the Gwangan Bridge. If you’re interested in attractions in all three areas this could be an attractive option
- BUDGET: Kyungsung Hostel
Affordable, provides basic and convenient access to Gwangalli Beach and local eateries and many food options. - Mid-Tier: Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington
Provides a very nice balance of affordability, rooms are clean, wonderful staff, and a prime location near Gwangan Beach and many cafes, and food options. - Luxury: Park Hyatt Busan
A five-star gem in the Gwangan area offering premium accommodations, panoramic sea views, wonderful dining options, and a unique ambiance for a very comfortable stay.
Getting Around Busan
In this segment, we delve into the nuances of exploring Nusa Penida in Bali, unveiling the most efficient pathways to seamlessly uncover the island’s enchanting wonders.
From Busan's Airport to the City
Busan Metro is an easy way to get downtown after arriving at Gimhae International Airport or ferry. The metro is directly connected to the airport and from the ferry is a short walk, making it a quick and affordable alternative if you have minimal luggage.
Taxis are easily accessible at both the ferry terminal, the airport, and the train station offering a convenient alternative for individuals with more luggage or predetermined locations.
Private Van: Alternatively, you can pre-book a private charter van from the airport here for convenience based on the number of travelers with you.
Public Transit
There are 3 main public transportation options in Busan. The Busan Metro covers key tourist spots, while buses reach areas beyond the subway’s reach. Taxis are convenient and cost-effective, especially for shorter distances and when traveling in groups of 3 to 4 people.
T-Money cards are used to tap on public transport (cashless). You can pre-order your T-money card and sim card in advance for pickup if you’re traveling to Incheon Airport or Gimpo Airport before arriving in Busan. Otherwise, if you’re arriving in Busan I recommend visiting a convenience store like GS25 to purchase a T-Money card.
If you buy the Busan Discover Pass, you will receive a card that is reloadable which can also be used like the T-money card to tap on and off public transportation like metro (subway), and buses. The card can be reloaded at metro station kiosks. If it’s your first time in Busan, we highly recommend getting this pass.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available in Busan. Note, that there will often be a language barrier with the drivers who speak very little English. Therefore, I recommend having the Korean address on hand, and Google translate to ensure the taxi driver drops you off at the right place, and the meter doesn’t continue to run when there is a language barrier.
Taxis in Busan use meters to calculate fares based on time in traffic and distance traveled. I would recommend carrying cash to pay in Korean Won, tipping is not required. Drivers typically will have change but I would carry small bills just in case.
Travel Itineraries for Busan
Make the most of your trip to Busan with our thorough travel itineraries. These guides save you time and effort by covering the best attractions, food options, and money-saving advice.
Discover Busan and save big by getting the Busan Visit Pass in advance of your trip & check out 15 things you can do in Busan, South Korea!
Seoul is the most popular travel destination in South Korea. However, we highly recommend putting Busan on your trip itinerary! You can find the best route to Busan in our travel guide on how to get from Seoul to Busan.
Top Attractions in Busan
There are so many amazing things to do in Busan and we’ll cover all of Busan’s most popular attractions to ensure you make the most of your trip. These fun activities include going up 100 floors to Busan X The Sky Observatory, exploring the history and beauty of Gamcheon Culture Village. You can explore Busan’s first beach and surrounding area at Songdo Beach. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour Busan from the water on a yacht tour! Busan is full of observatories that provide panoramic views of the city, learn more in our Ultimate Busan Tower Guide.
Best Restaurant & Eats in Busan
Busan is a culinary haven that blew our minds. This seaside city offers a wide variety of Korean flavors, from traditional Korean restaurants to the mouthwatering seafood delicacies at the Jagalchi Fish Market, and the abundance of tasty street food at BIFF Square. The Jalgachi Market is South Korea’s largest fish market and a seafood lovers paradise. Busan is a great place to taste Korean food and learn more about the delicious cuisine and must-try delicacies.
When visiting South Korea, you have to visit a Korean Convenience Store! The food is so amazing and we share how you can eat, and what to eat in our guide.
Our Thoughts on Busan
Reflecting on our time in Busan, we absolutely love this city! It’s full of culture, many things to do, great transportation, and fantastic food. The only thing we regret is not staying longer!
We visited Busan in Spring and while we had a great time, next time we may visit in the Summer for warmer weather to enjoy the beach. In addition, some of the restaurants that really wanted to eat at were packed and required reservations in advance. For example, Tonshou located in the Gwangan area specializes in Tonkatsu, we showed up and they were no longer accepting any more guests as the waiting list was full for the day mid-afternoon, and it sadly it was our last day!
It’s no wonder the city is in the running for the world Expo in 2030. Busan has a lot to offer, have a wonderful time!
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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