busan day tour klook

How to choose the best Busan day tour (2024 guide)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: May 31, 2024

This article provides insight on how to choose your Busan day tour.

Busan can be explored on your own by public transport but many of the sights are not well-connected to the city’s subway network.  They can be reached by bus but it quickly takes an hour or more to reach some of the sights and an additional hour to get back to the city.

All well and good if you have several days to explore this beautiful city but spending hours in coaches is not what we think of when we refer to holiday quality time. 

That’s why we would advise to either explore the city with a rental car, it’s easy to drive in the city and outside the rush hours there are no traffic congestions, or to join an organized tour.

Here we share the best Busan tour packages. 

We start this post by sharing some interesting Busan city tours that are perfect to discover the highlights of Busan in one day. 

We also include 2 private tours .  These tours are perfect for you if you don’t like to join a group tour and you can even customize the tour to your own interests.

Busan is also a city that comes alive after dark. Lots of landmarks are beautifully lit. If you are in for some Instagram-worthy pictures you should definitely take a look at the selection of night tours . 

The last set of tours that we cover in this article is day tours from Busan to nearby amazing places . Culture lovers should definitely take a look at the Gyeongju tour from Busan. The Oedo Island Day Tour and the Namhae County day tour are perfect for nature lovers. Thrill-seekers should take a look at the 2-day skiing trip or at the paragliding tour in Busan. 

Busan is a fantastic city, there’s something for everyone and these tours will ensure you make the most of your visit to the city. 

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best Busan tour packages

Note that some tours sell out quickly. If you absolutely want to do a certain tour, don’t wait too long to book.

Busan city tour

1. full-day busan city tour .

This Busan full-day city tour shows you most of the city’s highlights in one exciting day. 

You will start your day in Taejongdae from where you enjoy amazing views of the rocky seaside cliffs.

Next, you get the chance to admire the amazing view from the Songdo skywalk. After lunch, you will visit the colorful Gamcheon Village.

Your full-day Busan tour ends with a bang at the impressive Haedong Yonggungsa Temple,  one of the most beautiful places in South Korea. 

• You will visit a lot of Busan’s main attractions in one day
• English and Chinese speaking guide
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts in case your plans would change

• Optional lunch
• Foods and drinks aren’t included
• No hotel drop off

The Busan full-day city tour gets excellent reviews.

Most people agree that everything is very well organized. They loved the tour guide and the given information about each location. One client didn’t like the visited places and thought that the tour was overpriced but most people said the tour was interesting and the best way to see all of Busan’s attractions. 

From KRW 50.434 which amounts to approximately €39 or $ 42.5 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Full Day City Tour

2. Busan Skywalk, Gamcheon Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Day Tour 

This is another excellent guided tour that can be booked on Klook. You will see many of Busan’s highlights and the tour includes a traditional Korean lunch. 

You start your day at the Songdo Beach walk and Songdo air cruise from where you will have an amazing view. The next stop is the colorful Gamcheon village. You will also visit the Oryukdo Skywalk.  This skywalk offers a dramatic view of the cliffs below.  You will have the impression that you are walking over water.

This exciting day ends at the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. 

For an extra fee, you can book a ticket for Spa Land.

• You will visit 3 skywalks, Gamcheon Cultural Village and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Optional Spa Land Weekday entrance
• Lunch is included ( you can ask for special dietary requirements )
• Free cancellation with 24hrs Notice
• You cannot book this tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Tickets for Songdo Air Cruise are not included but can be added at a discounted price

This Busan city tour gets raving reviews. It’s an excellent tour to visit a lot of Busan’s scenic spots in one day. 

Some clients thought that the tour was a bit too rushed and others would have preferred some more variety over visiting 3 almost identic skywalks.  But with an almost perfect score of 4.7/5 over more than 700 reviews, we’re safe to say that most visitors truly enjoy this tour.

Since there is a lot of walking involved you should wear comfortable shoes. The tour is also less recommended for the elderly.

Great value for money.

From KRW 50.434  which amounts to approximately €39 or $ 42.5 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Skywalk and Temple Tour

3. Busan half-day city tour 

This half-day Busan city tour focuses on the East of Busan.  You will see the most popular tourist attractions in this region in a half day.  

You will start your day by visiting the Oryukdo Skywalk Bridge. Here you will have the possibility to walk above the water on this glass bridge and see how the sea crushes on the cliffs beneath you.

The next stop on the half-day tour is the impressive Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, also known as the Water Temple for its location along the coastline.

The tour will then take you to the Jukseong Dream church, famous for the Korean drama ‘Dream’.  Wondering what Busan is famous for? Check out our guide here.

At the end of the tour, you can choose to be dropped off at the Lotte Outlet, the Gijang Market near Haeundae, or Busan station depending on your plans for the rest of the day. 

It is possible to extend this tour to a full-day tour, in the afternoon you will, amongst others, visit Dongbaek Island, the APEC house, and Gijang Traditional market.

• You will visit the most popular tourist attractions on the east side of Busan
• English and Mandarin speaking guide
• Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour starts in case your plans might change,

Both the full-day and half-day tours get excellent reviews.  People who took these tours thought that they had friendly and knowledgeable guides and that the tours offered value for money.

The tours are well-paced and offer enough time at each of the attractions. 

The highlights in East Busan that you visit with this tour are hard to get to with public transportation.  That makes this tour the perfect hassle-free alternative.

From KRW 30.000  which amounts to approximately € 26.75 or $ 30 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: East Busan half day City tour

Busan private tour 

These private tours offer you the comfort of a pick-up and drop-off location of your choice.  You can also customize the tour to your interests or choose from one of the recommended tours proposed by your knowledgeable tour guide.

If you are with a bigger group or don’t like group tours but still want to travel around comfortably without having to worry about finding your way, which bus to take etc, a Busan private tour might be perfect for you. 

Here we share the best private tours.

1. Busan private car tour with driver and/or guide

This private tour picks you up at your hotel in Busan or another location of your choice from where your journey starts. 

You have the choice between a private car with a driver or you can request to have both a driver and a professional guide.

English-speaking, as well as Chinese-speaking drivers and guides, are available.  

The regular vans can accommodate up to 8 people if you’re traveling in a large group you can opt for a minibus that can accommodate up to 18 people. 

The main advantage of this private tour is that you can create your own Busan itinerary based on what you are interested in. 

The guides and drivers are also very knowledgeable and attentive.  You will learn a lot about Busan and have plenty of time to ask questions to your driver and guide.

This private tour is also available in Tongyeong

• Choose between recommended itineraries or create your own Busan itinerary
• English or Chinese speaking driver and/or guide
• All parking and toll fees are included
• Perfect if you don’t want to travel on your own but don’t like group tours
• For an extra fee, you can arrange the pick up from the airport
• Admission tickets aren’t included in the tour

This private tour gets good reviews. People who took this tour say that traveling around Busan was so much easier if you don’t need to rely on public transport. The driver and guide are outstanding. If you want, they give suggestions about must-visit places and they can recommend restaurants according to your taste. It’s a great way to tour around Busan.

This is the perfect tour if you’re are traveling with a big group or if you want to see specific sights but don’t want to drive yourself or just want a knowledgeable guide to tell you more about the city and the places that you visit.  The tour isn’t even that expensive,  so why not spoil yourself for a day and enjoy the luxury of this tour with your personal driver and guide.

From KRW  which amounts to approximately € or $ depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan private tour with car and/or driver

2. Busan Private Tour with a Local

If you want to get to know Busan through the eyes of a local, this Busan private walking tour is for you. 

Together with an English speaking local, you will learn a lot about the city and discover places in Busan you wouldn’t find on your own. You will also learn more about daily life in Busan and if you want you can get tips about the best place to eat and shop.

You can choose between a 2, 3, 4 or 6-hour tour. 

• You can customize the tour according to your interests
• Pickup from your hotel
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
• Entrance fees aren’t included
• This is a walking tour, no transportation is included
• If you don’t like or aren’t comfortable walking, this tour isn’t for you

The Busan private tour with a local generally gets good reviews. Most of the people who took this tour thought the tour is worth its money. They were brought to interesting sites and learned a lot about the city. They also got to taste Busan’s famous street food. There was only one review from a client who wasn’t happy as he said the guide couldn’t tell him anything he did not know already.

Note that the guides are most of the time foreigners that are living in Busan.  We always enjoy such tours as these expats can share a lot about their new home country, about the local cultural elements and the differences that they experienced since they moved.

From KRW 35.600 which amounts to approximately € 27.58 or $ 30 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Private Tour with a local

Best Busan night tour 

Here we share the best Busan night tours.

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Busan at night, click here. 

1. Busan Night viewpoints Tour with Evening Cruise

This 4-hour night tour with evening cruise shows you how Busan comes alive after dark. You will start your night tour with a cruise along the coastal side of Busan from where you can admire Busan’s landmarks such as the Diamond bridge and the Nurimaru APEC House on Dongbaek Island. 

The next stop on your Busan night tour is the panoramic viewpoint of Hwangnyeongsan Mountain from where you will have a magnificent view of Busan’s city night skyline.

Finally, the tour will bring you to the Busan cinema center which is beautifully lit up at night. 

A professional photographer joins the tour and will take several pictures of you that you will receive a couple of days after the tour.

• Amazing evening cruise
• English speaking tour guide
• Photography services included. Perfect for a souvenir of your tour.
• All entry fees are included
• Transfer in an air-conditioned minivan
• Hotel pick up and drop-off
• Free cancellation up to 24hours before the activity starts
• Food and drinks (besides bottled water ) aren’t included
• Not wheelchair accessible

This night tour doesn’t have a lot of reviews yet, but the few reviews that have been shared are all positive. Everybody enjoyed the tour and loved the guide. 

Busan has an impressive skyline, especially so after dark.  This is the perfect tour to see the city at night and enjoy the beautifully lit skyscrapers. Couples will also enjoy the romantic evening cruise.

Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card and be sure to wear warm clothes.

From KRW 117.481 which amounts to approximately € 91 or $ 99 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan night city tour & cruise

2. Busan night tour with Songdo Cable Car, The Bay 101, Gwangali Beach, and Yeongdo Seaside Park

This 3-hour Busan night tour will bring you to some of Busan’s most popular and impressive landmarks at night. 

The itinerary differs depending on the day of the week.

Take this into account if you want to visit a specific place.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the tour visits Busan Port View space, Yeongdo Seaside Park, Gwangali Beach, and Bay 101 at Haeundae beach. 

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday you will visit Gamcheon Cultural Village, Songdo cable car, and Cheonmasan Road view Space. 

• Great opportunity to see Busan by night
• English, Chinese and Korean speaking guide
• Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour starts
• Food and drinks aren’t included
• No hotel pick up and drop off

This Busan night tour gets great reviews. People say it a well-planned and hassle-free itinerary. You will make great photo stops. One customer mentioned that he didn’t have enough time at the various spots visited.

Most people thought the activity was well worth the price.

From KRW 45.300  which amounts to approximately €37.49 or $ 41.90 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Busan Night Tour

Day tours from Busan

Busan has a lot to offer  but your adventure in the city doesn’t end there.  Surrounding the city are beautiful islands, impressive mountains, and lush green countryside. 

It’s also possible to do day tours to other impressive cities such as Gyeongju.

Here’s a collection of some outstanding day tours from Busan. 

Gyeongju tour from Busan

This Busan tour takes you on a day trip from Busan to Gyeongju, also known as the museum without walls. When you wander around Gyeongju and see its palace ruins,  tombs, and pagodas it is easy to understand why. 

You will start your day tour in Yangdong village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will learn more about the Joseon dynasty, the last kingdom in Korea. Then you continue your tour to Seokguram grotto and the Bulgaksa temple, a popular temple near Gyeongju. Both sites are also recognized as Unesco World Heritage. 

Finally, the tour makes a stop at the Wolji pond,  an artificial pond at Donggung Palace.  The palace used to belong to the crown prince but is now open to the public.  It is especially beautiful after dark. 

• This is a great tour for culture-lovers and those who like scenic views
• English, Chinese, Japanese speaking guides that give in-depth information about each site you visit
• You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts if your plans would change
• The activity is stroller friendly and wheelchair-accessible
• Although the tour stops for lunch, food and drinks aren’t included
• Since there is a lot of walking involved, this tour is less suitable for people without good legs
• The group can have a maximum of 42 people. If you prefer a smaller group, better to choose another tour or rent a car to do this tour on your own

This Gyeongju tour from Busan gets excellent reviews. People said the guides were informative and friendly and all the visited sites were very interesting. They also thought that they had sufficient time at each place. 

This is a very interesting tour that combines many historical and scenic sites. It’s a great way to see all these interesting sites in a hassle-free day if you don’t want to rent a car and drive yourself.

If you do prefer to drive yourself, it’s also possible to rent a car for a day. 

From KRW 70.000 which amounts to approximately € 53.79 or $ 60  depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Gyeongju tour tickets

Oedo Island Day tour 

This Oedo Island Day tour takes you to Oedo Island, famous for its European atmosphere and marine botanical garden.

The tour starts at Windy Hill, famous from many Korean drama series.

After your visit to Windy Hill, you will take the ferry to Oedo Island. Here you can visit the most popular sites such as the garden with a wide array of beautiful flowers.

You could also climb up the so-called stairway to heaven.

You can enjoy breathtaking views of the terrace and the ocean from the viewpoint at the top, 

Oedo Island is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, all over the island are a myriad of ornamental flowers that provide countless Instagram-worthy picture opportunities.

The tour is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

• An easy and relaxing tour
• Great photo opportunities
• English, Chinese, Japanese speaking staff
• You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts if your plans might change,

Most of the people who took this tour thought Oedo island was very beautiful. You are accompanied by friendly and helpful tour guides and there are many scenic views to enjoy.

One client even referred to Oedo island as the Hawaii of Korea. 

One customer was a bit disappointed that the flowers weren’t blooming when he was there.

To avoid such disappointment we recommend to inquire about this before you book your tour.

From KRW 85.000  which amounts to approximately € 65 or $ 71.75 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Oedo Island Day Tour

Namhae County Day Tour

Note that this tour is currently unavailable.

The Namhae County Day tour first stop is the Boriam Temple. 

The temple is located on a mountain and from where you can take amazing pictures of the hilly landscape with the ocean in the background.

Your next stop is the village of Daraengi which is known for its terraced rice paddies.

Finally, you will stop at the Yangmori sheep farm where you will learn more about rural Korean life. 

• A great tour to get an insight into Korean rural life
• Enjoy fantastic panoramic views from the Boriam temple
• English, Chinese speaking staff
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts if your plans might change
• Lunch and beverages aren’t included

People who took this tour thought Namhae was a very beautiful place worth visiting with breathtaking scenery. 

This tour is for you if you want to visit the countryside and get off the beaten path.

From KRW 70.000  which amounts to approximately € 53.55 or $ 59,05 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Namhae County Day Tour

Tongyeong Day Tour

This day tour from Busan takes you to Tongyeong, known as the most beautiful port in South Korea. You start your tour at the market which is famous for its delicious seafood.

Then you will head to the Dongpirang Village, a place decorated with hundreds of colorful murals. 

Here you can also ride the Tongyeong Cable car which is, with its 1.975 meters, Korea’s longest cable car.

The cable car takes you up to the peak of Mt. Mireuksan from where you can enjoy amazing views of the sea and the forest. 

It is said that on clear days you can even see Tsushima Island in Japan. 

You will end this wonderful day at the Skyline Luge where you can enjoy a thrilling ride. The Skyline Luge is a downhill ride on luge carts. It’s fun for the whole family and the perfect end to a fantastic day.

• Great combination of sightseeing with some adventure
• English, Chinese and Japanese speaking staff

People who took this tour loved the combination of sightseeing and adventure. 

This tour is less suited for you if you don’t like climbing or walking a lot.

From KRW 64.800 which amounts to approximately € 59.85 or $  depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Tongyeong Day Tour

Go Paragliding in Busan

If you want to enjoy Busan’s beautiful scenery from above, you should definitely go paragliding in Busan . This tandem flight will be an unforgettable experience. 

You will be picked up at the Nampo subway station and depending on the wind direction and airflow you will be taken to one of the 4 launch sites. 

The flight time will depend on weather conditions.

• Unforgettable experience
• Pick up from Nampo subway station
• Video & photo included
• If your plans might change, you get at 100% refund if you cancel 3 days before the reserved date, 90% refund 2 days before the reserved date. If you cancel 1 day before the reserved date, you get no refunds. Note that all times are based on Korea Standard Time.
• No insurance is included.

This tandem flight does not currently have many reviews, but those who took this flight said it was a fun and awesome experience.  The scenery is amazing and the instructors are very professional and helpful.

They also loved the fact that they received a spectacular video of their flight. 

Note that this activity is very dependent upon the weather. To avoid disappointment, we would advise you to book this experience at the beginning of your stay in Busan. This gives you the possibility to move it to a later date in case bad weather tampers with your original plans.

From KRW  113.442 which amounts to approximately € 87.1 or $ 95.73 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: Tandem Paragliding Tickets

Eden Valley Ski Resort: 2-day/ 1 night Ski and snowboard tour

If you are in Busan during wintertime and you love skiing or snowboarding this is the perfect package tour for you. 

In this trip, round-trip transportation is included as well as your lift pass and a one-night stay at Eden Valley Ski Resort. Ski clothes and ski or snowboard equipment rental are also included on day 1.

You will also be accompanied by an English or Chinese-speaking tour staff.

It’s possible to upgrade your package with a private ski or snowboard class.

• Great all-inclusive ski package tour
• English and Chinese speaking staff
• If your plans might change, you get at 100% refund if you cancel 7 days before the reserved date, 70% refund 5 days before the reserved date, 30% refund 2 days before the reserved date. If you cancel 1 day before the reserved date, you get no refunds. Note that all times are based on Korea Standard Time.
• Meals aren’t included in this package

This tour is a great winter getaway.  Everything is included, you only need to take care of your own goggles, gloves, and helmet. Public transport to Eden Valley is poor so that makes this tour all the more worthwhile.

The ski area counts 7 slopes.  It is relatively small and the slopes have a low gradient.  Experienced skiers and snowboarders will probably quickly be tired of doing the same runs over and over again.

Despite that, it can be a nice change to hit the slopes for a day. 🙂

From KRW 176.162 which amounts to approximately € 135.4 or $ 148.81 depending on the exchange rate

Read reviews and book: All inclusive Ski or Snowboard Trip

Busan is an absolute must-visit while you are in South Korea. 

Although you can discover the city on your own , taking a Busan tour is sometimes much easier and more comfortable. 

We listed these tours that we think offer the best price value based on their itinerary and the reviews we found. We hope that our selection will make it easier for you to choose the best Busan tour for you based on your interests and personal preferences. 

Have a great day out! 

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• Seomyeon Station (Line 1 & 2)
• Round-trip transportation
• English/Chinese speaking tour guide
• Entrance tickets
• Songdo Cable Car tickets (optional)
• Other personal expenses

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1-Day Busan Itinerary

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• Busan in 1 day
• 2-Day Busan Itinerary
• 3-Day Busan Itinerary
• 4-Day Busan Itinerary
• 5-Day Busan Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, gamcheon culture village, busan.

Bupyeong Kkangtong Market

Gukje Market

Diamond tower (busan tower), yongdusan park, lotte department store gwangbok, jagalchi market, biff square, where to eat, leegane tteokbokki, top searches in busan, popular road trips from busan, what's the weather like in busan.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Busan for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Busan in January
• Weather in Busan in February
• Weather in Busan in March
• Weather in Busan in April
• Weather in Busan in May
• Weather in Busan in June
• Weather in Busan in July
• Weather in Busan in August
• Weather in Busan in September
• Weather in Busan in October
• Weather in Busan in November
• Weather in Busan in December

All road trips from Busan

• Busan to Seoul drive
• Busan to Tokyo drive
• Busan to Kyoto drive
• Busan to Osaka drive
• Busan to Fukuoka drive
• Busan to Beijing drive
• Busan to Hiroshima drive
• Busan to Nagasaki drive
• Busan to Shanghai drive
• Busan to Jeju drive
• Busan to Nagoya drive
• Busan to Kumamoto drive
• Busan to Kitakyushu drive
• Busan to Kanazawa drive
• Busan to Kagoshima drive
• Busan to Sapporo drive
• Busan to Hakone-machi drive
• Busan to Beppu drive
• Busan to Xi'an drive
• Busan to Sasebo drive
• Busan to Daegu drive
• Busan to Matsuyama drive
• Busan to Kamakura drive
• Busan to Himeji drive
• Busan to Nikko drive
• Busan to Okayama drive
• Busan to Hakodate drive
• Busan to Matsue drive
• Busan to Taito drive
• Busan to Jeonju drive

Explore nearby places

• Cheongdo-gun
• Goseong-gun
• Changnyeong-gun
• Uiryeong-gun
• Hapcheon-Gun
• Goryeong-gun
• Sancheong-gun
• Seongju-gun
• Chilgok-gun
• Geochang-gun

All related maps of Busan

• Map of Busan
• Map of Yangsan
• Map of Gimhae
• Map of Changwon
• Map of Geoje
• Map of Ulsan
• Map of Haman-gun
• Map of Miryang
• Map of Tongyeong
• Map of Cheongdo-gun
• Map of Goseong-gun
• Map of Changnyeong-gun
• Map of Uiryeong-gun
• Map of Gyeongju
• Map of Gyeongsan
• Map of Jinju
• Map of Sacheon
• Map of Daegu
• Map of Hapcheon-Gun
• Map of Goryeong-gun
• Map of Yeongcheon
• Map of Tsushima
• Map of Pohang
• Map of Namhae-gun
• Map of Sancheong-gun
• Map of Seongju-gun
• Map of Chilgok-gun
• Map of Hadong-gun
• Map of Geochang-gun
• Map of Gwangyang
• Map of Yeosu

Busan throughout the year

• Busan in January
• Busan in February
• Busan in March
• Busan in April
• Busan in May
• Busan in June
• Busan in July
• Busan in August
• Busan in September
• Busan in October
• Busan in November
• Busan in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Busan?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Daegu Itinerary
• 1-Day Changwon Itinerary
• 1-Day Ulsan Itinerary
• 1-Day Gyeongju Itinerary
• 1-Day Tongyeong Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
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• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

3 Day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024)

Thinking about spending 3 days in Busan? Here’s our in-depth guide on how to plan your 3 day Busan Itinerary with the best things to do and best places to visit. This travel guide will help you figure out what to do in Busan, how to get around, where to stay and where to eat in Busan! Let’s explore Busan in 3 days!

Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea , with tall skyscrapers nestled in the mountains. It’s one of the best city spots in South Korea as there’s such a variety of things to do in Busan. It’s definitely known for its beaches, temples and cuisine being so close to the water .

Besides the relaxing beaches of Busan, there are many city sights to see in your 3 days in Busan such as Busan Tower or Nampo, the popular shopping area. You can easily visit this south coastal city at a weekend, however, we’re going to show you how to plan a 3 day Busan itinerary and maybe you’ll be able to choose your favourite things to do! We’ll show you what to do in Busan in 3 days !

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

What to do in Busan (3 Days in Busan)

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

• Beaches – One of the best places to be if you’re visiting Busan in the summer
• Eating – Busan is a foodies paradise with so many markets, cafes and restaurants around
• Learn about the culture – Home to a famous cultural village, you can learn a lot here about Busan
• Temples – One of the most beautiful temples in South Korea is located right here in Busan
• Skyscrapers – They’re pretty hard to miss! The city is covered in tall buildings.

Planning a 3 day Busan itinerary

• Currency  – Korean Won  (compare to your own currency  here )
• Language  – Korean (한글)
• Apps  –  NaverMaps  (like GoogleMaps) &  Kako Talk  (like Google Translate)

Accommodation in Busan – Dynamic Guesthouse: (Seomyeon)

Portable Wifi  – A great option if you want to connect more than just your phone! Find a portable Wifi on Klook here ! (£2 a day) Pick up from Seoul or Busan airport.

Best Busan Guided Day Tour – Busan Skywalks, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Day Tour

Transport – Get a T Money Card to use on public transport for your 3 days in Busan. Look into a Korea Rail Pass if you’re travelling around the rest of the country.

More South Korea posts: 5 Day Seoul Itinerary , Best Things to do in Gyeongju , 2 week South Korea Itinerary & The Best Templestay in Korea !

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How to get to Busan

Arriving from Seoul – Train, bus or plane!

Fastest way : KTX – Speed trains will get you from Seoul to Busan in less than 3 hours! It’s one of the most popular routes in the city, so you may need to book in advance! ( Korail tickets here ) or buy a Korea Rail Pass for your South Korea trip !

Cheapest way : Bus – Another great option for a cheaper price, but it can take up to 5 hours! To book a bus online you’ll need a Korean bank and phone number, it’s possible to book bus tickets at the station. As it’s a popular route there may be fewer seats when leaving it on the day. We booked our bus tickets 2 or 3 days before when we arrived in the city. You can check the times & spots available here – ( Kobus tickets )

Alternative way: Flight – There is a route from Seoul to Busan that takes less than 1 hour! However, the airport is just outside of the city centre (Gimpo Airport) and it may take longer than a KTX train overall! Check Skyscanner for flight times and prices !

Arriving from Gyeongju – KTX or Bus – We recommend getting the bus for this one as the Bus station is in the centre of Gyeongju, whilst the train station is a bus ride away. The bus will drop you off at one of Busan’s 4 bus terminals, and you can use public transport to make your way to your accommodation. It takes less than 1 hour by bus.

Arriving from Jeonju – KTX or Bus – You will need to change trains to get from Jeonju to Busan, however, a bus is also a great option that takes around 3 hours.

How to get around Busan

Busan is a big city! Seomyeon is the area that’s most connected to public transport ( it’s also the area we recommend staying in! )

Public Transport – The cheapest way to get around the city is by bus or metro, you can reach the famous spots by public transport very easily. You just need to make sure you have enough time to get around the city. From Seomyeon it can take around 30 minutes by metro to get to the most famous beach.

We 100% recommend getting a T-Money card when in South Korea. You can buy them and top them up at convenience stores around the country, they are so easy for catching buses and metros.

Taxis – If you’re really in a rush, you can grab taxis on the side of the road. They’ll be much faster but might not be so friendly on your budget because of the distances and traffic in Busan!

3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan

After our tips on how to get around Busan, we can finally get into the Busan 3 day itinerary! We don’t know what time you’ll arrive on your first day but this itinerary will give you more than enough things to do in Busan. We have a few more tips after this 3 day Busan itinerary if you want to plan your trip fully!

Note: We will include the locations on Google Maps – however, Google Maps isn’t the best in South Korea! You’ll want to use the Naver Maps App for directions anywhere! We still used Google Maps to mark our spots and Naver to search for directions.

As well as planning your 3 day Busan itinerary, there are also many guided tours around the city that takes you to the best spots. It’s a great way to learn more about Korean culture and Busan’s history – browse Busan tours here !

Day 1 – Gamcheon Village & Nampo

Start your day with a visit to one of our favourite places in Busan, and a spot you’ll definitely want to add to your Busan itinerary.

Get lost in Gamcheon Culture Village

One of the best things to do in Busan is to explore Gamcheon Culture Village. This art-filled photogenic village is a great way to start your 3 days in Busan, so definitely add it to your itinerary!

It’s free to enter , but you can buy a map for 2,000 KRW that guides you through the maze of the village. You can also collect stamps and postcards along the way. Make sure to visit before 4 pm , as things start to close at 6pm leaving you with an unfinished map (like us!)

What is Gamcheon Culture Village? After the Korean war, the village became home to the city’s poorest residents. Many people moved to Busan from all over the country as it was a safer area during the war. As Busan’s population almost doubled, Gamcheon becomes very crowded with makeshift homes.

In 2009 the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism began making the village into what it’s like today – beautiful art heaven! You can spend a whole morning or afternoon here, admiring all the unique shops, cafes and artwork the village has to offer!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Gamcheon Culture Village Location

If you’re looking for lunch – we recommend Soban Vegan Restaurant or you can head straight to Nampo!

Explore Nampo-dong

Nampo-dong is one of the best places to shop on your 3 day Busan itinerary! It’s close to Gamcheon Village (only a short bus ride away) so it’s perfect to combine these two things to do in Busan together. It’s also a great area to spend your evening as there are many restaurants, markets and bars in Nampo.

Visit Markets in Nampo

These markets are best to visit in the daytime as stores tend to close around 6 pm!

• Jagalchi Fish Market – Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Jagalchi Fish Market Location
• Gukje Market – Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Gukje Market Location

Find Gwangbokdong Food Street

The street food stalls in Nampo come alive in the evening, with plenty of options for you to choose from (Not 100% on vegan options here)!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Gwangbokdong Food Street

Discover Biff Square

Another amazing option for street food in Busan is Biff Square. Yes, just around the corner from Gwangbokdong Food Street are more street food vendors. You have to try some street food at this point of your 3 days in Busan. Note: If you’re unsure about anything, you don’t have to eat it!

Biff stands for Busan International Film Festival as it’s the main venue when the festival happens each year.

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Biff Square Location

Enjoy the sunset at Lotte Department Building

So the main reason you want to visit here on your 3 day Busan itinerary is because of their rooftop views! When entering the store, jump in an elevator and go all the way to the top. There will be stairs to make it to the highest platform on the roof. At sunset would be the best time to go, which in June was around 8 pm (although it says they close at 8 pm)

Other than the beautiful views, this department store is massive! You can easily spend a while shopping here, although it’s definitely a more expensive style of shopping. They do have a big supermarket at the bottom too!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Lotte Department Building Location

We highly recommend a Joby GorillaPod if you want to take photos of some of the best things to do in Busan. We use a Joby GorillaPod for our Sony A600 and love how lightweight it is to carry around. There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod to capture beautiful videos on your 3 day Busan itinerary.

Spot Busan Tower

Busan Tower is open all the way until 9 pm, so if you’re still around, maybe you can check it out! You may have already seen it whilst browsing around Nampo as it’s pretty tall! It’s very iconic to Busan’s skyline, especially in Nampo. At the moment the price is 12,000 KRW to go up the tower.

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Busan Tower Location

A great way to end your first night in Busan is to go on a Busan Night Tour . Visit places such as Songdo Cable Car, Yeongdo Seaside Park and The Bay 101. Find more details and tickets on Klook .

Day 2 – Temples & Beaches

On Day 2 of what to do in Busan, you can see a beautiful temple by the sea and head to the beaches of Busan! If you’re looking for breakfast, we recommend checking out CU or 7/11 for their convenient snacks. If not head over to Doko – Dosi Nongga Cafe in Seomyeon for a deliciously sweet breakfast!

Admire Haedong Yonggung Temple

One of the best things to do on your Busan 3 day itinerary is to visit Haedong Yonggung Temple! It’s a beautiful temple located right on the rocks by the water. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful temples in South Korea.

Haedong Yonggung Temple was originally known as Bomun Temple and was built in 1376 by Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. It’s very unique for a temple to be built so close to the water!

How to get to Haedong Yonggung Temple? It’s very easy to reach the temple by public transport. (Download the NaverMaps app for the best directions!) If you’re staying in Seomyeon it can take around 1 hour to reach the temple. You’ll have to get a metro and then a bus, and if you have a T-Money Card you can use it to swipe on and off. It’s also free to enter!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Haedong Yonggung Temple Location

On day 2 of your Busan itinerary, you can opt for a Busan One Day City Tour which includes a Yacht, a visit to the Haeundae Sky Capsule and the famous Beach Train! You can find tickets on Klook !

Relax at Haeundae Beach

Since you’re already on the east side of Busan, you have to come to check out Haeundae Beach ! It’s one of the best and most popular beaches in the city. At different times of the year, there are also special events that take place. In 2022 they had a sand festival where different iconic landmarks were created in the sand.

Haeundae Beach has a really nice atmosphere, you can swim in the sea, bathe on the sand or walk along the promenade admiring it all! There are plenty of cafes around, but you can also find more just up the road.

If you walk all the way down, you’ll reach Dongbaek Park which has amazing side views of Haeundae Beach and the impressive skyscrapers!

Want to see an even better view in Busan? Check out BUSAN X the SKY for incredible views from the skyscrapers in Haeundae! Find tickets on Klook here .

Browse the Haeundae Markets

Just up the road from the beach is Haeundae Market, a place where you can snacks, lunch, dinner, socks or gadgets! There’s a lot going on here and there’s so many options for food, but there are also many restaurants nearby.

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Haeundae Market Location

If you’re still hungry, head over to Vegenarang for a Korean style dinner and then rest for the night as you have one more day of your Busan itinerary!

Alternatively, if you have more time on your 3 day Busan itinerary, hop on a Haeundae River Cruise and see the city from the water.

Day 3 – Coastal Walk & Seomyeon

You’ve reached the last day of your Busan 3 day itinerary! Today you’re going to explore the coast of Busan before watching Seomyeon come alive at night!

Feel the fresh air at Igidae Coastal Walk

We have to warn you here, the walk can take anywhere from 1-3 hours with small inclines and declines along the way! It’s totally worth it if you’re in the mood for a big coastal walk on your 3 days in Busan itinerary. It’s a beautiful way to admire part of the city as you walk along the coast. There are many steps and bridges along the way so the walk is entertaining!

As it’s a walk along the coast, you can either start north or south to make your way to the other side. We started in the north and made our way down to Oryukdo Skywalk . If you don’t want to complete the full walk, we recommend visiting the south side of the Igidae Coastal Walk.

Both the coastal walk and Oryukdo Skywalk are free, so a great thing to do if you’re on a budget!

Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Igidae Coastal Walk Location 1 or Igidae Coastal Walk Location 2

If youre’ looking for something different, you could visit Taejongdae Park instead and see Yeongdo Lighthouse! Find the location on GoogleMaps here – Taejongdae Location

Spend the evening in Seomyeon

After a long three days in Busan, you might be after some downtime. There’s one more area to explore on our Busan itinerary and that’s Seomyeon. Try your luck with some arcade games and take in all the beautiful city lights that make South Korea so fascinating.

It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Busan and there’s many options for restaurants too! We recommend Dajeon for some delicious healthy Korean food.

If you still have some time left in your day, you might want to go back to Nampo if you missed anything!

3 Days in Busan Overview Breakdown

Day 1 – Gamcheon Culture Village, Nampo & Busan Tower

Day 2 – Haedong Yonggung Temple & Haeundae Beach

Day 3 – Igidae Coastal Walk & Seomyeon

Alternative Option: If you’re not interested in some of the activities on this Busan 3 day itinerary, maybe you’d like to take a day trip out of the city and into nature!

Only a 40-minute to 1-hour journey away is the city of Gyeongju and just after that is Golgulsa Temple . (One of the best places to do a Templestay in Korea – find out more here !) These are very close to Busan, it’s possible to explore on a day trip although it’s best to stay one night to experience the temple stay.

More Things To Do in Busan

• Take a ride on the Busan Air Cruise Cable Car and see Busan from above!
• Book a day tour on Klook to have a guide take you to the best things to do in Busan! Find tickets on Klook.
• If you’re going to be doing a lot of activities in Busan, it may work out more cost-effective to get a Visit Busan Pass which includes Busan Tower, museums and hanbok rentals and more !
• Explore Busan in a unique way on a Busan Night Tour – Find more details on Klook here !
• Take a visit to Poo Poo Land in Busan !
• Spending more than 3 days in Busan? Take an Island Day Tour outside of Busan city to Oedo Island .
• Lotte World Busan – South Korea’s most popular theme park! Find tickets here .

Where to stay in Busan

As Busan is so big and the best things to do in Busan are quite spread out, there are a few different areas you can stay in. We recommend staying in Seomyeon – this area is close to great transport so you can get to other areas very easily. It’s also in the heart of the city so you can spend every evening finding somewhere new to eat or even having shopping on your doorstep.

Other areas to stay in Busan are: Haeundae , Nampo & Gwangan . If you’re near a metro or bus stop, it’ll be perfect for your 3 day Busan itinerary! Here are some places we recommend:

Dynamic Guesthouse: (Seomyeon) $-$$ – Amazing location on the 36th floor of a highrise building! It’s two penthouse apartments split into 4 rooms each, you’ll be able to choose from a dorm, double room or family room. Full kitchen access! Find Dynamic Guesthouse on Booking.com here !

Plea De Blanc Hotel & Residence (Haeundae) $-$$ – A great location if you want to spend more time near the beach! They’re beautiful apartment rooms, very close to Haeundae Beach! Find Plea Blanc Hotel & Residence on Booking.com here !

Where to eat as a vegan in Busan

• Dajeon (Korean) – Hearty bibimbap and cosy environment, in Seomyeon!
• Soban Vegan Restaurant (Korean) – Amazing vegan fried chicken, near Gamcheon Village!
• Ecotopia Vegetarian Restaurant (Korean) – Korean food with a Western vibe, Namcheon Dong!
• Vegenarang (Korean) – Cosy vegan restaurant near Haeundae!
• Doko – Dosi Nongga Cafe – Lovely bakery in Busan with many vegan options, in Seomyeon!

Is Busan worth visiting?

Yes! If you’re already visiting South Korea, then Busan is a great city to add to your itinerary. It’s so different to Seoul, including the food and the landscape! As it only takes a few hours by bus or train, it’s definitely achievable in a weekend and you can spend 2 days in Busan.

How many days in Busan?

Our 3 day Busan Itinerary is suited for 3 days worth of activities and things to do in Busan . If you want to spend more than 3 days un Busan or less, you’ll still be able to see the amazing sights.

If it’s summer, maybe you want to stay near the beach and enjoy the Haeundae area. Even if you can only spare 1 day in Busan as a day trip from Seoul, you’ll definitely get the feel of the city and maybe even come back in the future!

Busan Weekend Itinerary

If you want to change this 3 days in Busan itinerary to a weekend itinerary, you can blend the coastal walk into the beach day or skip it out ! It depends on the time of year and the main things you want to do in Busan!

Should I spend more time in Busan or Seoul?

Seoul is the capital and the most popular place to visit in the country. Although Busan has amazing things to do, we would personally spend more than in Seoul over Busan. However, if you’re visiting Busan for the coast then that’s something Seoul does not have!

We recommend checking out our Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024) to plan your South Korea trip as we list how long to spend in each city and how to get around.

What to pack for a 3 day Busan Itinerary

What to pack in South Korea really depends on the season that you visit – if it’s winter, bring thermals, gloves and a hat. If it’s summer you may want to bring a raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season. Here are a few of our favourite travel essentials:

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Our metal water bottles have been our side throughout it all! They last a long time, are easy to clean and are better than plastic! Bring one along for your 3 day Busan itinerary!
• Worldwide Travel Adaptor – The best plug to have when travelling to different countries – plus as well as an international plug it has 4 USB slots to charge your gadgets at the same time!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are one of our favourite travel essentials!
• Anker Power Bank – A portable charger is useful for those journeys around South Korea or when you’re out in nature or city with low power!
• Rain Mac in a Bag – A lightweight raincoat to help with heavy summer rain or light spring rain, we also have a backpack cover to stop our clothes from getting wet in our backpacks.
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – GorillaPods are a great little tripod to carry for 3 days in Busan, they’re lightweight and can fit in a day bag. They catch some of the best photos when there’s no one around to take a photo of you. We love our Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A600 . There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod to capture beautiful videos of all the best things to do in Busan.

What to do after 3 Days in Busan

Gyeongju   – A lovely cultural city to visit in South Korea. Spend 1 or 2 days here looking at the sights, shopping or eating. You can even do a Templestay at Golgulsa Temple – see our Templestay guide here ! Seoul  – You may have started your South Korea trip in Seoul, but if not, then your next stop should be here! The capital city of South Korea is filled with markets, hikes, trendy shops and more amazing places to eat! Check out our  Seoul itinerary ! Jeonju  – Take a bus to the small city of Jeonju to stay in a wonderful Hanok and explore the village!

More  South Korea  guides:

• 5 Day Seoul Itinerary – Best Things To Do (2024)
• Staying in Golgulsa Temple: The Best Templestay in Korea (2024)
• 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024)
• Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)
• All our  South Korea  posts!

That’s the end of our  3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024) ! Enjoy your time in the beautiful coastal city of Busan and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Haha the cat! Love the steps with HP. Skyscrapers and street food. Great post!

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4D3N Busan Itinerary — Why You Need To Spend More Than A Day Trip In Korea’s Charming Coastal City

This Busan itinerary shows you why this charming coastal city deserves more than just a day trip from Seoul!

Seoul and Jeju are popular holiday destinations in Korea, but few visit Busan beyond a day trip. I personally think this is a waste because there’s actually so much more to do in Busan with its spectacular coastal sights, rich local culture, and buzzing urban districts.

Think of Busan as a unique blend of Seoul-meets-Jeju — definitely not as boring as I’d expected!

The best part? Busan is only two hours away from Seoul by train , so it’s easy to add it to your Korea itin e rary . Fun fact: Busan was also the film site of Marvel’s Black Panther!

Read also: 7D Korea Itinerary for Under S$800 — Seoul, Nami, Jeonju, Busan with the Korail Pass

Pre-trip Essentials

Train to Busan: From Seoul, the most convenient way is to take the KTX train ( ₩59,800, ~S$66 ). If you’re planning to take a round trip train from Seoul, get the Korail pass instead.

Connectivity: South Korea has free public WiFi in certain zones, but we also had 5GB 4G SIM cards (~S$25) delivered to our doorstep before the trip.

Local Transport: It’s easy to navigate Seoul and Busan’s subways as long as you have the local transport card, T-money (you can use it to pay for taxis and goods too!). You can purchase it from any convenience store in Korea at ₩5,000 (~$5).

Apps: Naver Map is Korea’s version of Google Maps — but better. It plans the most effective route to your destinations for you, making it seriously easy to get around! ( iOS / Android ).

Photo credit: Hotel Ssorgente

Accommodation in Busan: In this itinerary, we booked a hotel near Sasang metro station in the Gwaebeop-dong area. Booking online via Klook was convenient and gave us peace of mind knowing that our accommodation was settled before we flew to Korea. Not to mention, it even included free breakfast meals!

Day 1: Experience Local Culture

Jagalchi market.

Busan is probably most famous for its fresh seafood, and every Busan itinerary would point you to Jagalchi Market , one of the top few places to visit. The real allure? Being able to buy live seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants. Be prepared to spend anywhere between ₩20,000 (~S$22) and ₩40,000 (~S$44) though!

If that’s out of your budget, just explore the market. You’ll get a charming and authentic insight into local life as you wander through the indoor and outdoor markets. The ajummas are really friendly and will even offer you free samples!

Opening hours:  5AM – 10PM (Restaurants open from 9AM) Address:  52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan

Whip Up Authentic Busan Korean Cuisine

For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, what better way to learn about Busan’s food culture than to cook it yourself?

At Busan Cooking Class , you’ll be guided by an experienced local chef who’ll teach you how to make various dishes such as dongnae pajeon (seafood and green onion pancake), miyeokguk (seaweed soup with clam), and beoseot japchae (stir-fried glass noodles).

Each class takes about three and a half hours and at the end of it, you’ll be serving up four different dishes made with local ingredients, accompanied by local rice wine.

As a special souvenir, you’ll also get to bring back the food recipes to recreate these Korean dishes for your family and friends back home!

Cost: ₩85,000/adult (~S$93) Class timing:  10AM – 1:30PM Address: 2F, 15, Gudeok-ro 186beon-gil, Seo-gu, Busan

Gukje Market & Gwangbokro Fashion Street

Don’t be deceived by the mention of yet another “market”! This one’s a little different with a smorgasbord of street food, household items, snack shops, and more. The Gukje Market is connected to Gwangbokro Fashion Street — my personal shopping heaven of vintage shops, indie brands, and cheap basics (hello to my new S$9 “Stussy” sweatpants 😍).

Opening hours:  9AM – 8PM (Closed every 1st and 3rd Sun of each month) Address:  25, Gukjesijang 2-gil, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

*Pro-tip: Come in the afternoon when it’s not as crowded, and you can try bargaining for cheaper prices!

BIFF Square

BIFF Square is located in the same area as Gwangbokro Fashion Street. It’s appropriately dubbed the Hollywood Boulevard of Busan with its equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame! I was quite happy to spot the iconic Zhang Yimou’s handprints 🤩.

One thing you absolutely cannot miss out on at BIFF Square is the ssiat hotteok (Korean pancake) stall near the entrance. It’s insanely famous and garners long queues daily. Think hot, crispy bread rolled in brown sugar and stuffed with a mix of sunflower seeds and nuts. It tastes as good as it sounds, and costs only ₩2,000 (~S$2)!

Opening hours:  9AM – 10PM Address:  58-1, Gudeok-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

Galmegi Brewery

Galmegi Brewery Co. revolutionised Busan’s craft beer scene as the first American-style microbrewery and pub in the city. It even sells award-winning brews like the Espresso Vanilla Stout (₩7,500, ~S$7.50) and Yuja Gose (₩7,000, ~S$7)!

There are many branches around Busan’s many hotspots (like Nampo and Haeundae), but the Gwangan Branch is the original with floor-to-ceiling windows that are perfect for people-watching.

Opening hours:  5PM – 1AM (Mon – Thu, Sun), 4PM – 2AM (Fri – Sat) Address:  58, Gwangnam-ro, Namcheon-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan (Gwangan Branch)

Day 2: Explore Busan’s Coasts

Oryukdo skywalk.

Oryukdo Skywalk is a popular glass bridge set up against a coastal cliff overlooking Oryukdo Island. It was pretty cool watching the waves crash against the cliff from above. The bridge also makes a great stopover for photos if you’re on the way to your next destination!

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  9AM – 6PM (Last admission at 5:50PM) Address:  137, Oryuk-doro, Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is widely known as the most beautiful temple in Korea. It’s not surprising, given that it’s literally on a cliff by the blue Busan ocean. Here, you can pray for various blessings like academic achievements (sign me up!), or visit the Jijang Bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) statue at the sunrise platform.

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  5AM – Sunset Address:  86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan

Jukseong Dream Church

This place isn’t really a church, but a set built for a 2009 drama called Dream ! You can’t really do much here besides admire the architecture and surrounding scenery. That said, it’s so popular and beautiful that many come here for their wedding shoots (or Instagram feed).

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours Address:  134-7, Jukseong-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan

We actually took a half-day tour to bring us to the four attractions above. This was convenient as it came with a pick-up bus service and English-speaking tour guides! The tour ends with a free hotteok (Korean pancake) at the end.

If you have the time, you can do a full-day tour where you’ll hit attractions like the Gijang Traditional Market , Cheongsapo Skywalk and Lighthouse , and more.

East Busan Exploration Tour (half-day tour) Cost:   ~S$30/adult Tour timing:  8:30AM – 1PM

Note: The East Busan Exploration half-day tour allows the option to end at Haeundae Beach, Gijang Traditional Market, or Lotte Premium Outlets.

Alternatively, you can also go on this full-day tour (~S$46) where you’ll get to visit must-see attractions like the Songdo Skywalk and Gamcheon Culture Village , plus enjoy a Busan specialty lunch mid-way!

Busan SEA Life Aquarium

The Busan SEA Life Aquarium is right beside Haeundae beach. It’s a great place to admire and observe the marine life this coastal city has to offer — especially during the colder months when you can’t really enjoy the beach.

Keep your eyes peeled for exciting shows like shark and stingray feeding sessions or even a glass-bottom boat ride! I liked how there were also interactive games throughout the aquarium. How do you feel about testing your reaction time against a shark’s?

For the IG-obsessed, you’ll be happy to know there are tons of photo opportunities here as well!

Entrance fee:   ₩29,000/adult (~S$32) Opening hours:  10AM – 7PM (Weekdays), 10AM – 8PM (Weekends) Address:  266, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Haeundae Beach and Goraesa Fishcake

Haeundae Beach is arguably Busan’s most famous beach, and this was where I probably witnessed the most beautiful sunset during my time with The Travel Intern. It looked like something straight out of the movies! Even if you’re outside the summer beach season, dropping by to catch the sunset is a must-do on your Busan itinerary.

Entrance fee: Free Address:  264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

At Haeundae, don’t forget to drop by Goraesa Fish Cake and sample from over 30 different types of fishcakes. Our favourites were the gooey cheese-filled and fried shrimp ones! There’s also the choice of pairing skewers with sides like soba or udon noodles.

You definitely won’t miss the building.

Cost: ₩2,000 – ₩6,000 (~S$2 – S$6) Opening hours:  10AM – 10PM Address:  14, Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Haeundae Branch)

Day 3: More Culture and Shopping

This is probably my favourite place in this entire Busan itinerary. I’ve seen plenty of scenic landscapes on Jeju island — but somehow the never-ending blue ocean set against pebble beaches, cliffs, and white lighthouse at Taejongdae really blew my mind.

My favourite part was climbing down onto the jutting rocks right next to the ocean for cool photos (it’s safe!). If you walk further down, there’s even an untouched pebble beach with zero tourists that makes the whole place look pretty magical.

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  4AM – 12AM (Summer), 5AM – 12AM (Winter) Address:  24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan

*Pro-tip: Get a Danubi train ticket (₩3000, ~S$3) at the entrance! The train operates from 9:20AM – 5:30PM around the park and takes visitors to each scenic attraction easily.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Ah yes, we can’t forget the iconic pastel houses at Gamcheon Culture Village . The Santorini/Amalfi Coast/San Francisco/Machu Picchu of Busan holds many names, but none of these claims are unfounded.

At the topmost viewing deck, you’ll get an impressive view of stacks of colourful houses against an ocean backdrop.

This Little Prince statue overlooking the village is one of the most popular photo spots .

There are plenty of Instagrammable and quirky spots to explore, from the Little Prince photo spot to steps that look like books, among many others.

It’s definitely an exciting place to wander around and just have fun with your camera!

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours Address:  203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan

Enjoy Delicious Dwaeji Gukbap

Dwaeji gukbap (pork rice soup) is a Busan specialty originating from the Korean War. It consists of a hearty pork broth, tender pork slices, rice, and banchan (Korean side dishes). Think of it as simple, homey soul food — and for less than S$10!

There’s a whole alley of restaurants that serve this dish in Seomyeon. However, we say go for Songjeong Three Generation Gukbap , which serves this delicacy on top of quality service.

Cost: ₩6,500 (~S$6.50) Opening hours:  24 hours Address:  29, Seomyeon-ro 68beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Soak in Nightlife at Seomyeon Shopping District

After witnessing the local life and stunning coasts, I didn’t think Busan had any more to offer. However, the Seomyeon Shopping District really surprised me with its vibrant energy at night.

Stepping onto the streets of Seomyeon felt just like Seoul’s Hongdae. It was alive with youths exploring shopping lanes, food streets, and bass-thumping clubs and bars. This is where you can really let loose and spend the night indulging in anything!

Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (Varies depending on individual shops) Address:  737, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Day 4: Be Korean for a Day

Yongdusan park and hanbok experience.

Donning a traditional Korean hanbok is an affirmation that you actually went to Korea .

I’m not gonna lie though — wearing layers of petticoat and embroidered skirts on top of having your hair styled with fancy accessories is a grand experience. Take your dolled-up self to Yongdusan Park (entrance is free), where the seasonal foliage and ancient structures make for great photos!

Cost:   From ₩10,000 (~S$11), Rates vary depending on rental duration Opening hours:  10AM – 7PM (Closed on Mondays) Address:  37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Gwangbokdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan

Diamond Tower (former Busan Tower)

At 120m tall, the Diamond Tower stands high above the city. At the top, you get a 360° panoramic view of Busan’s landscapes. After loading up on the sights, drop by the cafe to fill your bellies with light bites and seasonal desserts like bingsu (Korean shaved ice).

Entrance fee: ₩12,000/adult (~S$13) Opening hours:  11AM – 9PM (Weekdays); 10AM – 10PM (Sat); 10AM – 9PM (Sun). Last admission 30min before closing Address:  37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan

Try Milmyeon — Busan’s Version of Naengmyeon

Naengmyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish, and Busan’s version uses noodles made from flour instead of buckwheat. As someone who’s a skeptic of cold dishes, it was good! The noodles are chewier and go well with the pork slices and spicy sauce.

We recommend trying Jaeseong Milmyeon restaurant (재성밀면), which is just a few minutes from Yongdusan Park.

Cost:   From ₩4,000 Opening hours:  9:30AM – 9PM Address:  14-1, Jungang-daero 41beon-gil, Donggwang-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

Spa Land Centum City

Photo credit: CNN Travel

What’s a Busan itinerary — or a Korea one for that matter — without spending a few hours relaxing at a jjimjilbang (bathhouse)?

Busan happens to have one of the most luxurious and highly rated ones: Spa Land Centum City ! I’ve been to the average jjimjilbang in Seoul, but this was an entirely elevated experience.

With 13 different themed saunas and 22 spas pumped with natural hot spring waters (and a special sodium bicarbonate outdoor “beauty bathtub”), Spa Land will cure any trip fatigue!

The entrance fee grants you up to four hours here, along with rows of high-end skincare and haircare when you’re done.

Entrance fee:   ₩20,000/adult (~S$22) Opening hours:  9AM – 8PM Address:  35, Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Tips to Getting the Full Busan Experience

Here are some itinerary tips to make the most of your stay in Busan:

1) Join tours to see the popular attractions

As the second-largest city in South Korea, Busan has its fair share of popular tourist attractions. If you can’t decide whether to check them out or explore lesser-known areas, you might want to consider a full-day tour to assuage the FOMO! We were able to hit many attractions in a day and still have plenty of time to explore other places on our own. Here are a couple of tours we signed up for:

– East Busan Exploration Tour (~S$30) – Busan Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Day Tour (~S$46)

2) Look out for unique experiences

Some experiences are worth the extra effort — whether it’s cooking your own authentic local food or figuring out how to wear a traditional Korean hanbok ! Either way, I was wowed by how fun and memorable these experiences were and would 10/10 do it again 🥰.

3) Leave your assumptions behind

Coming into Busan, I expected it to be a sleepy coastal city with nothing other than the overrated beaches and “Santorini” houses. But I was surprised by hidden gems like Taejongdae’s quiet pebble beaches and Seomyeon’s buzzing energy! So don’t judge a place without opening your mind to it.

4) Consider private charters or rent a car for ease of travel and planning

On days when we had to head to/from the airport, we had to carry a lot of equipment and baggage. Having an airport transfer really helped to alleviate any inconvenience!

Alternatively, rent a car so you can afford a more flexible schedule and even include a few day trips out of Busan to nearby areas like Gyeongju or Ulsan!

Is Busan worth more than a day trip from Seoul?

Busan is like the ice cream flavour you always knew existed but didn’t know you loved till you tasted it. Many people come for a day trip (granted, there’s nothing wrong with that) but if you have the time, I’d seriously recommend a longer stay here to be truly mesmerised by it! If you’re unsure what to do, feel free to steal this Busan itinerary. 😉

Busan’s a charming fusion of quaint beachside gems, urban districts, and friendly locals, and it only takes a few days more to experience it fully. So the next time you’re planning a trip to South Korea, give Busan a go!

Anything we missed out in our Busan itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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