The Ultimate 4-Day Seoul to Busan Itinerary with the Korea Rail Pass

The city of Busan is located along the Southern coast of South Korea (that’s a lot of Souths!). This coastal city is surrounded by beautiful waters and is known as the “Miami of South Korea.” You’ll also find amazing eats, as Busan’s seafood is among the best in Korea.

Busan is 325km from Seoul, South Korea’s bustling capital up North, which is approximately a four-hour drive. Luckily, there’s an easy and convenient way to go from Seoul to Busan: by train. The country is known for its efficient rail transportation system, which can take you from Seoul to Busan and surrounding provinces — a fantastic way to explore South Korea beyond the capital.

To ease your trip-planning woes, we’ve crafted a four-day Seoul to Busan itinerary!

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, where international tourists usually arrive. This bustling Metropolitan has a slew of attractions, making it a great place to kick off your journey.

Must-visit attractions include Lotte World, an amusement park with both an outdoor and indoor section (one of the largest in the world!), each with its own set of exciting rides. You’ll also find a mall, an ice rink, and plenty of food joints.

Another great attraction in Seoul is the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, which also has two distinct sections: Museum 1, which features traditional Korean art, and Museum 2, which showcases contemporary art by Korean and international artists.

Trickeye is another museum in Seoul but with a fun twist: it’s filled with 3D murals and optical illusions that make for the best wacky backdrop for photos! You can look like you’re a mermaid under the sea or riding a magical winged horse!

The next stop on this epic Seoul to Busan trip is the ultra-modern city of Daejeon, known for being home to research facilities and science parks. You can check out Expo Park, where the 93-meter Hanbit Tower serves as an observatory and host to science exhibits.

Just across the road from Expo Park is the National Science Museum, which features engaging exhibits on Korean natural history, industrial technology, and more. You can also go to Daejeon O-World, a three-in-one amusement park with a zoo and botanical garden.

If you travel further Southeast during your Seoul to Busan trip, you’ll reach the historic city of Daegu, which nowadays balances modernity and tradition.

Here, you’ll find the Mt. Apsan Observatory, where you’ll have fantastic views of the entire city. Like Daegu, the scenery blends modern skyscrapers and natural verdant landscapes. You can also visit Seomun Market, which has been around since the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) and is the largest traditional street market in the city. It’s known for selling textiles and fabrics, but you can also find crafts, dried seafood, and other tasty Korean treats like tteokbokki and pancakes.

Suseong Lake Resort is also another tremendous scenic location to visit in Daegu. This attraction’s focal point is the stunning and serene Suseong Lake, framed by sloping mountains and natural landscapes. You can go for a walk along the paths and rest on the benches while taking in the sights.

You'll finally arrive at the beautiful coastal city on the fourth and final day of the Seoul to Busan trip. To fully explore its best attractions, you can go on the Busan East Coast Cultural Day Tour. On this tour, you’ll visit the cliffs of Taejongdae and even ride the Taejongdae Danubi Train to see the lighthouse observation deck, Taejongsa Temple.

K-variety show lovers will also be pleased to know that you’ll also stop by the colourful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village, where they filmed the show, Running Man. It also graced many Busan tourists' IG photos with its splendid panorama.

Songdo Skywalk is also part of the tour itinerary. This 365-meter bridge structure is situated on the beautiful Songdo Beach, with parts nestled on the coastline and parts threading the water itself. It’s great for a stroll and taking Instagram-worthy photos.