From its iconic beaches and surrounding mountains to its cultural villages and sprawling seafood markets, Busan is the perfect vacation spot for travelers who want to experience a little of everything in South Korea.
And if you’re itching to get a taste of what the city has to offer and are interested in exploring its many nooks and crannies, we’re here to help you get the most out of your trip (so you can keep coming back for more!).
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In this comprehensive Busan travel guide, we’ll talk about how to get to, from, and around the city, must-visit attractions, top things to do, and everything in between.
How to Get to Busan
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Like most cities in South Korea, Busan is highly interconnected with the rest of the country. You’ll find multiple transportation options for travelers going to and from the city, including airlines, trains, buses, and car rentals.
Klook Tip: When choosing a transportation method, it's best to plan for factors like your existing itinerary, budget, and time constraints.
By Air via Gimhae International Airport
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You can fly directly to and from Busan via Gimhae International Airport, which is served by multiple airlines like Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Air Busan, Jeju Air, and many others. Although not as iconic as traveling on a train to Busan, getting to and from the city via air travel usually takes less time than other transportation methods.
For example, from Seoul, a flight to Busan only takes around an hour max compared to the usual two to three hours via train. There’s also the convenience of traveling to and from international locations without needing to go through Seoul. There are direct flights from cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Manila, Taipei, and more so if you’re coming from any of those destinations, this option can definitely come in handy.
By Train via KTX
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South Korea is known for its highly efficient railway system, which easily connects the country’s cities and surrounding provinces without a hitch. This is why, for locals and tourists, trains are the most popular mode of transportation.
The direct KTX (Korea Train Express / high-speed Korea Rail) high-speed line between Seoul and Busan is a great option for those traveling from Busan to Seoul and vice versa because of its efficiency, convenience, and comfort. Depending on your schedule and itinerary, you can choose between the different pass types, which include the 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour pass.
Klook Tip: If you want a hassle-free train ride, take advantage of Klook’s Korea Rail Pass packages! They’re super convenient since you won’t need to exchange your e-ticket for a physical ticket.
By Bus via Korea's Intercity Buses
If you want to take an even more budget-friendly route, booking a bus ticket to and from Busan is the way to go. Bus tickets are cheaper and trips to and from Busan are more frequent, making it a good choice for those with flexible travel schedules.
However, unlike air and train travel, bus trips take more time. For example, bus trips from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Busan Bus Terminal usually range from 4 to 5 hours.
Getting Around Busan
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Once you’re in the city, you’ll find different transportation options that are convenient, quick, and suitable for your budget.
Busan Subway
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One of the most preferred ways of navigating the city is through the Busan subway, which has 5 main lines, including lines 1 to 4 and the Donghae line. Apart from being easy to access, these subway trains have scheduled trips running throughout the day, making it easy for locals and tourists to plan their travel schedules and navigate the city.
City Buses
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Buses are another great way to get around and they usually connect areas that can’t be reached via the subway lines.
Klook Tip: The most convenient way to pay for bus and train rides is to buy a transportation card. All you have to do is load it with money and tap it on any subway gate or city bus you want to ride. The best part is that they can be reloaded at convenience stores or vending machines throughout the city. Some transportation cards, like WOWPass and NAMANE cards, can even be used as debit cards.
Taxis and Rideshare Apps
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Taxis are also highly convenient options for those looking for direct routes to their destinations. You can easily flag them down on the streets or book them via various rideshare apps.
Klook Tip: Make sure you have reliable internet access on your trip by getting a 4G/LTE unlimited data sim or an eSIM for South Korea. This way you can check out Naver Maps when looking for directions, pull up your list of things to do, bust out Google Translate, and book ridesharing cars when needed.
Car Rentals
If you’re looking for the comforts of a private vehicle and being able to manage your own travel time around the city, worry not as you can opt for car rentals instead of taking public transportation.
To rent a car in South Korea, you need to be over 21 years old and have been in Korea for less than a year. As part of the requirements, you’ll also need to bring your international driving permit, valid home country driver's license, and passport. Do note that you can only rent a car using a credit card under your name.
Walking and Cycling
And some of the cheapest (and healthiest!) ways of navigating the metro are none other than good old-fashioned walking and cycling. These methods are perfect for traveling short distances or taking in the scenic views in and around the city.
Where to Stay in Busan
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From beachfront skyscrapers to rustic guesthouses, you’ll have a variety of Busan hotels to choose from. To help you narrow down your list, here are some of our top picks:
1. Best Western Haeundae Hotel
Relax with that view at Best Western Haeundae Hotel
Number one on our list is the Best Western Haeundae Hotel. This accommodation is a top choice among tourists, offering stunning beachfront views and easy access to nearby attractions like the Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium and the BUSAN X the SKY observation deck.
Another huge perk is that there are a lot of nearby bus and train lines so you can quickly head out of the hotel and jump on public transport to explore the rest of the city.
Address: 42 Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea (Map)
2. Sunset Business Hotel
Perfect location to see stunning sunsets
Kick back, relax, and watch the stunning sunsets of Haeundae Beach at the Sunset Business Hotel. Here, you’ll be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Haeundae, from the busy traditional markets to the cool coffee shops peppering the beachfront, everything’s just a stone’s throw away.
A little farther away from the hotel but still highly accessible is Dongbaek Island. If you want to take a walk and surround yourself with nature, take this chance to explore the island’s beautiful camellia flowers.
Address: 46 Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea (Map)
3. Arban Hotel
Love shopping? This hotel is a perfect location to stay.
With its stellar service and stunning facilities, the Arban Hotel offers a luxurious accommodation experience right in the heart of the city. Oh and the best part? You’ll have many choices for shopping. There’s a Lotte Department Store Main Branch just 5 minutes away and a huge underground shopping center nearby called the Seomyeon Mall.
This is perfect for those who want to take last-minute souvenir shopping trips without breaking a sweat.
Address: 32 Jungang-daero 691beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea (Map)
Things to Do in Busan
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Now that we’ve covered the basics, including how to get around the city and where to stay, it’s time to get down to business. And by business, we mean listing down the top things to do in Busan, South Korea.
1. Watch the stunning sunset views at Haeundae Beach
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Take a breather on your trip and relax by Haeundae Beach. Lay out a picnic mat, go to the nearby cafes, or dip your feet into the waves as you watch the sun go down, it’s all up to you! But of course, always remember to come prepared. Either prepare for warm weather or bundle up because depending on the season, the beach can be either very warm or absolutely freezing.
2. Visit the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village
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You might have already seen the beautiful photos of this colorful village pop up on your feed at least once. But if you haven’t, prepare to feast your eyes on a former rustic village transformed into a colorful work of art.
The Gamcheon Culture Village, also known as the Machu Picchu of Busan, boasts tiny streets, snaking stairways, candy-colored walls, and funky sculptures. It’s also famously known for having been a popular filming location for the renowned South Korean reality show 'Running Man'.
3. Take a thrilling ride on the Songdo Marine Cable Car
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Calling all thrill-seekers with no fear of heights, this is the adventure for you! Get a full 360 view of Songdo Beach, Amnam Park, and Namhang Bridge atop the Songdo Marine Cable Car. Take photos of the beachfront to immortalize the once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you have your significant other with you, you can also opt to ride at night for a more romantic view.
With Klook’s Visit Busan Pass, you’ll get free access to this activity including access to 30 select attractions in Busan for up to 24 or 48 hours.
4. Explore the 250-meter-high cliffs of Taejongdae
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This must-visit attraction in Busan is a resort park housing temples, food tents, an observatory, a lighthouse, and plenty of rocky cliffs that stare out into the sea. It offers visitors picturesque and breathtaking views of the ocean, making it a definite highlight on people’s travel bucket lists.
5. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Busan East Coast via the Beach Train
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Take pretty snapshots of Haeundae Beach right from the Haeundae Beach Train. Fun fact: This battery-charged and eco-friendly train is mainly used for sightseeing and transportation around the area. It has a total of 6 stops along the coastline from Mipo to Songjeong, which is approximately around 4.8km.
And you know what else is great about these trains? The seats are arranged in 2 long rows of benches facing full-glass windows with uninterrupted views. This way, you’ll get to enjoy all the coastal and mountain sceneries right from your train seat.
Ready for your Busan adventure? Don’t forget these essentials!
Is the Busan trip finally starting to sink in? We’re feeling excited for you! Before we wrap up, make sure to note down all the places we recommended and book your activities with Klook! It’s going to be a blast!
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