Busan for First-Timers: Best Tings to Do & Travel Guide 2025

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, located on the country’s southeast coast. It’s known for its long beaches, fresh seafood, and busy port. The city combines modern skyscrapers with traditional markets and seaside temples.
photo by Sung Jin Cho | sehoon ye | Junsu Park | Getty Images

How to Get from Seoul to Busan

Busan is located on Korea’s southeast coast, about 320 km from Seoul. Flying takes around 1 hour, but once you factor in airport transfers and waiting time, it’s usually not the best option.

The most convenient way is taking the KTX high-speed train:

• The KTX from Seoul to Busan takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Trains run frequently, about 2–3 times per hour.
• Economy Class tickets cost 59,800 KRW, and First Class tickets are 83,700 KRW.

It’s best to book tickets in advance through the KTX official website, up to one month ahead. During holidays, tickets may sell out quickly. If that happens, you can also check platforms like KLOOK, where tickets are often still available (though you can’t choose seats and there’s a small service fee). Tickets are also sold at station counters and ticket machines, but availability isn’t guaranteed on busy travel days.

You can board the train with an e-ticket. There’s no ticket check or security screening at the entrance. Just arrive 15–30 minutes early, check the departure boards for your platform, and take your assigned seat. A conductor may check tickets once the train departs.

The second option is taking an express bus. Buses leave from Seoul Express Bus Terminal and go to Busan Central Bus Terminal. The ride takes about 4 hours, with buses running roughly every 30 minutes. Tickets cost between 25,000 and 50,000 KRW, making it cheaper than the train. You can buy tickets on KLOOK.

The buses in Korea are quite comfortable, and many people choose this option if train tickets are sold out. Just note that the Busan Central Bus Terminal is located at Nopo Station (the starting point of subway Line 1). From there, it takes about 1 hour by subway to reach the city center.

Getting from Busan Airport to the City

Busan Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is about 15 km west of downtown Busan. Here are the main ways to get into the city:

Subway: Take the Busan Gimhae Line and transfer to Line 2 at Sasang Station to reach the city.

• To Haeundae: about 1 hr 15 min, 2,300 KRW (Line 2)
• To Gwangalli: about 1 hr, 2,300 KRW (Line 2)
• To Seomyeon: about 35 min, 2,100 KRW (Line 2. This station connects to Line 1.)
• To Nampo/Jagalchi: about 50 min, 2,300 KRW (Line 1)

Before riding, it’s best to grab a T-money card at a convenience store. It works for public transport in both Seoul and Busan. The card costs 3,000–5,000 KRW depending on the design (you can even get K-pop or Line Friends versions). Recharge it at subway machines or at convenience stores (cash only). You can also use it in convenience stores and some restaurants that accept T-money.

Airport Bus:

• To Seomyeon / Bujeon: about 60 min, 7,500 KRW
• To Haeundae: about 60 min, 9,500 KRW.
• You can get more information on the Airport official website.

Taxi:

• To Haeundae: about 70 min, 25,000 KRW
• To Nampo: about 60 min, 20,000 KRW
• To Gwangalli: about 70 min, 25,000 KRW
• To Seomyeon: about 45 min, 18,000 KRW
• You can get more information on the Airport official website.

Where to Stay in Busan

Recommended areas to stay in Busan — all very easy to reach by subway.

The Westin Josun Busan
Located at the western end of Haeundae Beach.
★★★★★ Location 9.5 | Facilities 8.9 | Value for money 8.1

Grand Josun Busan
Located a 10-minute walk from Haeundae Subway Station
★★★★★ Location 9.7 | Facilities 9.2 | Value for money 8.6

ONUJI stay
Located a 10-minute walk from Subway Station
★★★★ Location 9.8 | Facilities 9.3 | Value for money 8.8

After Chapter Hotel Gwanganri
Located a 5-minute walk from Gwanganri Subway Station
Location 9.4 | Facilities 8.7 | Value for money 8.6

Stanford Hotel Busan
Located a 3-minute walk from Jagalchi Subway Station
★★★ Location 9.4 | Facilities 8.6 | Value for money 8.9

Nampo Ocean2Heaven Hotel& Spa
Located a 1-minute walk from Jagalchi Subway Station
★★★ Location 9.3 | Facilities 9.2 | Value for money 9.2

Lotte Hotel Busan
Located a 5-minute walk from Seomyeon Subway Station
★★★★★ Location 9.2 | Facilities 8.8 | Value for money 8.4

Getting Around Busan by Public Transport

How to Pay: The easiest way to get around Busan is with a T-Money Card, which works on both the subway and buses.

How to Check Routes & Fares: Download Naver Map (better than Google Maps in Korea). It shows detailed routes and exact fares for public transport.

Busan Subway: Busan has 6 lines: Line 1–4, the Busan–Gimhae Light Rail Transit (BGL), and the Donghae Line.

• Single fare: 1,600–1,800 KRW with T-Money (in the city area)
• Day Pass: 6,000 KRW (adult)
• 3-Day Pass: 13,000 KRW (adult)
• Note: Passes don’t cover airport transit or buses.

Busan Bus: Many attractions are not near subway stations, but you can easily reach them by bus.

• Single fare: about 1,500 KRW
• With T-Money: free transfer between bus and subway within 30 minutes
• Tip: Tap your card when boarding and again when getting off to get free transfers.

Taxi / Uber: Taxis in Busan are affordable.

• Base fare: 2,800–3,000 KRW for the first 2km
• After that: about 100 KRW every 143m
• Uber also works in Busan.

Busan Itinerary

First time in Busan? Plan for 2–3 days.

Easy 2-Day Plan

Day 1

• Morning: Visit Gamcheon Culture Village
• Lunch: Explore Jagalchi Fish Market, buy fresh seafood and have it cooked right there
• Afternoon: Check out Busan Tower and BIFF Square
• Evening: Head to Gwangalli Beach for dinner with a night view of Gwangan Bridge
• After dinner: Take a fireworks yacht tour around Gwangan Bridge

Day 2

• Morning: Take a little walk along Haeundae Beach
• Then: Walk to Mipo Station and ride the Sky Capsule to Cheongsapo
• Next: Taxi to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Evening: Go shopping and enjoy dinner in Seomyeon

If you have more time

• For views: Try the Songdo Cable Car
• For cafés and small shops: Visit Baeksiltang Culture Village
• For nature walks: Hike along Igidae Coastal Trail and Oryukdo

Top Attractions in Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을)

Located on a hillside, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for its colorful houses and maze-like alleys. Built by Korean War refugees and Taegeukdo followers, it’s also known as the “Machu Picchu of Korea.”

Recommended Visit Time: 1.5–2 hours
Getting There:

• Taxi: Recommended. The fare is about 10,000 KRW from the city center, and you can get off at the Gamcheon Culture Village Information Center (감천문화마을 안내센터).

• Public Transport: Take Subway Line 1 to Toseong Station, exit at Exit 6, then transfer to bus No. 1-1 or 2-2. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes, and goes directly to the Tourist Information Center.

Tips：

• Be ready for plenty of slopes and stairs, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• You’ll find many scenic cafés perfect for a quick break along the way. Two great spots are Avant Grade Cafe and Coffee It House.

by Pixabay

by Sung Jin Cho｜Oliver

The picture below shows the most famous photo spot in the village. If you want to take a photo with the Little Prince and his fox, be prepared to wait in line. by habunman

The entrance to Gamcheon Culture Village. by Christopher Pap de Pestény

Jagalchi Market, BIFF Square and Busan Tower

Nampo-dong is a popular shopping area in Busan. The attractions on the map below can be visited together, including the must-see Jagalchi Market, BIFF Square, and Busan Tower.

Getting There: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Jagalchi or Nampo Station.

Jagalchi Market (Korean：자갈치시장) is Busan’s famous seafood market. The first floor sells a variety of seafood. On the second floor, you can have your seafood cooked. There’s a 5,000 KRW seating fee per person, and cooking fees range from 6,000 to 10,000 KRW, depending on the dish.

Opening Hours: 5am-10pm（9.30pm last entry）;Closed on the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of every month.
Watch: Jagalchi Market in Busan South Korea by Mobius6

The image below shows the first floor inside Jagalchi Market. by Frank Zhang

BIFF Square (Korean: BIFF 광장) is a great spot to try Korean street food. BIFF stands for Busan International Film Festival. The area used to have two cinemas built after Korea was freed from Japanese rule. It was renovated before the first film festival and named BIFF Square in 1996. You’ll find handprints of famous filmmakers along the street, plus plenty of shops to explore. by bryan

The image below shows the handprints of famous filmmakers. by Christophe95

Busan Tower (Korean: 부산타워) is located in Yongdusan Park and was built in 1973. Standing at 120 meters tall, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Busan’s cityscape from the top.

It’s recommended to take the Yongdusan Park Escalator from the southern part of the park for an easier ascent. The elevator is one-way, so you can only go up. After your visit, you can walk down the same route.

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM (Ticket office closes at 9:30 PM)
Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes
Official Site: Instagram @busantower_official

Admission:

• 12,000 KRW (Full ticket)
• 9,000 KRW (For children aged 3-12 and seniors aged 65+)
• Alternatively, you can purchase a Busan Pass.

by Mobius6

The image below shows the view from the top of Busan Tower. by Mstyslav Chernov/Unframe

In the northern part of this area, if time permits, you can also visit two traditional markets: the Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and Gukje Market.

The image below shows the Bupyeong Kkangtong Market. by Hoang Trinh｜Christophe95

The image below shows the Bupyeong Gukje Market. by Christophe95｜Christophe95

Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach is located in a crescent-shaped bay, stretching 1.4 kilometers. From the beach, you can enjoy views of the Gwangalli Bridge spanning across the bay. The beachside promenade is lined with seaside restaurants, cafés, and bars, giving it a chill vibe. Every Saturday night, there’s an awesome drone show at the beach. You can also consider taking a yacht tour around the bay, especially at night when the yachts set off fireworks, making for a really memorable experience.

Gwangalli Beach Drone Show
Date：Every Saturday - Two Performances
‍Summer Season (March to September) : 8 PM and 10 PM
Winter Season (October to February) : 7 PM and 9 PM
Offical Site：www.gwangallimdrone.co.kr
Watch：2025 Gwangalli Beach Drone Show

Gwangalli Beach Yacht Tour
The experience lasts from 40 minutes to an hour. If you search “Busan yacht tour” on Google, you’ll find several companies offering this service. You can also buy a Busan Pass, which includes the yacht tour. Just keep in mind that there’s a small extra fee for the night cruises, but it’s totally worth it for the stunning yacht fireworks display.
Watch：BUSAN FIREWORK YACHT TOUR

The following images show the views of Gwangalli Beach. by Seoin Kim

by Luke Ow

by pdkang

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan, stretching 1.8 kilometers long and 50 meters wide. At the far east end of the beach stands Busan’s tallest skyscraper, Haeundae LCT The Sharp. The most popular observation deck, X the Sky, is located in this building. Also, if you plan to try the Sky Capsule, the starting point is near Haeundae Beach, so you can visit both in one trip.

Getting there: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Haeundae Station, then walk south for another 10 minutes.

by rawkkim

by Minku Kang

If you’re looking for a great view, don’t miss the X the Sky observation deck.
Hours: 10am-9pm
Admission: Adult 27,000KRW, Child(3-12)&Senior(65+) 24,000KRW
Recommended Visit Time: 30minutes - 1hour
Official Site: www.busanxthesky.com
Tip: You can use the Busan Pass to visit X the Sky

The image below shows the view from X the Sky. by Sung Jin Cho

On the western end of Haeundae Beach, there’s a small bay called Bay 101, which offers a great night view. by Ryoo Geon Uk

Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsule

Sky Capsule is a must-try in Busan. The cute little capsule train cabins seat 2–4 people and run along the coast from Mipo to Cheongsapo, with stunning ocean views all the way.

Official Site: https://www.bluelinepark.com
Recommended Visit Time: The one-way trip takes about 30 minutes.

Admission（One way）: 40,000KRW for 2 persons, 45,000KRW for 3 persons, 50,000KRW for 4 persons(You don’t need to share the cabin with others. If you’re traveling alone, you’ll need to buy a 2-person ticket to have the cabin to yourself. It’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance on the official website, since the Sky Capsule is super popular.)

Hours:
Winter Season (November, December, January, February) 9am-6pm
Off-Season (March, April, October) 9am-6.30pm
High Season (May, June, September) 9am-7.30pm
Polar Season (July, August) 9am-8.30pm

Getting There: The nearest subway station to Mipo Station is Jungdong Station, which is a 1.1 km walk. However, it’s more recommended to walk from Haeundae Beach to Mipo Station, or take a taxi for convenience. by sehoon ye｜Artem Korolev

Tips： It’s recommended to take the Sky Capsule from Mipo Station toward Cheongsapo, as the sea views are better in that direction.

When you’re done, you don’t have to ride it back the same way — you’ve got a few options:

• Explore Cheongsapo — a charming little port filled with cozy cafés, picturesque lighthouses, and a lovely seaside walkway.

• Ride the Beach Train further along the coast to Songjeong Station, or take it back to Mipo for another scenic trip.

• Walk back to Mipo — the coastal park trail is only 2 km, making for a refreshing and easy stroll by the sea.

• Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — one of Busan’s most famous temples by the ocean. It’s close by, and a short taxi ride will get you there.

The image below shows the view of Cheongsapo Village.
by Alvin & Chelsea｜Andrewssi2｜Alpha｜A Fun Couple

The Beach Train is part of Haeundae Blueline Park, connecting Mipo Station and Songjeong Station, passing through Cheongsapo Station. The entire ride takes about 25 minutes, offering panoramic ocean views along the way. If you want to experience both the Sky Capsule and Beach Train on the same day, consider purchasing a combined ticket.

Combined Ticket: 65,000KRW for 2 persons，78,000KRW for 3 persons，94,000KRW for 4 persons. The combined ticket includes a one-way Sky Capsule ride and unlimited Beach Train rides.

If you only want to experience the Beach Train, the one-way ticket prices are as follows:

Beach Train Ticket for one person: One-way 8,000 KRW, Round-trip 12,000 KRW, Day pass 16,000 KRW

The image below shows the Beach Train. by Official Site

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is located on the northeast coast of Busan, just outside the city center. It’s the only seaside temple in Korea. The temple is believed to have been founded in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty, though this claim is disputed. The current temple was rebuilt in 1930, and the main hall (Daeungjeon) was renovated in 1970. It was later renamed Haedong Yonggungsa based on the legend of the Goddess of Mercy riding a dragon. The temple has several key attractions, including the sea-facing statue of the Goddess of Mercy, the main hall, the Dragon King Hall, a cave temple, and a three-story stone pagoda with four lion statues. Haedong Yonggungsa is small yet beautiful, offering stunning ocean views. It’s also famous for being a place where wishes are said to come true, making it a popular spot for visitors from around the world.

Hours: 4.30am-7.20pm(6.50pm last entry)
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 45 minutes-1 hour
Getting There: Take the subway to Haeundae Station, exit from Exit 7, then transfer to bus 100 or 181. Ride for about 45 minutes and get off at Yonggungsa Temple, then walk for 10 more minutes to reach the temple. However, taking a taxi is highly recommended — it’s only about a 20-minute ride from Haeundae Beach to the temple. by Getty Images

by Sgroey｜Margarida da Mota

by Mobius6｜A Fun Couple｜A Fun Couple｜Gadjo Dilo

Songdo Sea Cable Car (Busan Air Cruise)

The Songdo Cable Car connects Songdo Bay and Songdo Sky Park, stretching about 1.6 km. The entire ride is over the sea, offering views of Songdo’s coastline and distant skyscrapers. There are regular and crystal cabins. The crystal cabins have transparent glass floors, allowing you to see the clear blue sea below your feet.

Official Site: https://en.busanaircruise.co.kr/main/main.html
Hours: December-February 9am-8pm, March-June and September-November 9am-9pm, July-August 9am-10pm, The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time.
Admission: Crystal Cabin round trip 22,000KRW, Regular Cabin round trip 17,000KRW. You can check the official website for other types of tickets.
Recommended Visit Time: The cable car ride takes about 8 minutes one way, but it’s recommended to set aside 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore the area around the Songdo Sky Park cable car station.

Getting There: The Songdo Bay Cable Car Station is quite close to Jagalchi Market, so it’s recommended to visit both on the same day. There is no subway station near the cable car station, so it’s best to take the subway to Jagalchi Station, then transfer to a bus. It takes about 6 minutes to get to Amnam-dong Community Center, followed by a 10-minute walk to the cable car station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi. by Ayesha Naseem｜Alpha

Tips:

• You can buy tickets directly at the ticket booth on-site, no need to buy in advance.
• If you have a Busan Pass , you can take one round-trip cable car ride for free.
• Each cabin can hold up to 8 people, and during peak hours, you may need to share with others.
• After arriving at Songdo Sky Park Station, it’s recommended to take the elevator to the top of the cable car station for a great view, and you can also take a photo with the Little Prince statue.
• If you have time, you can also visit nearby attractions like the Songdo Yonggung Cloud Bridge, Amnam Park, and cafes.
• Near Songdo Bay Station, you can explore Songdo Beach and the Songdo Sky Walk.

The image below shows the rooftop observation deck at Songdo Sky Park Cable Car Station, featuring statues of the Little Prince. by Official Site

Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Huinnyeoul Culture Village is a small seaside village on the west coast of Yeongdo. It used to be a fishing village. In 2010, many artists transformed the area by painting the houses and adding murals, attracting a lot of visitors. The village has two main streets: one is lined with cafés and charming little shops, while the other runs along the coast, offering great sea views. You can spend a leisurely time here and enjoy the sea-view cafés.

Watch: Huinnyeoul Culture Village - charming seaside village
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours
Getting There: It’s quite close to Jagalchi Market, so it’s recommended to visit both on the same day. From Jagalchi Subway Station, take a bus, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach the Culture Village.

The images below shows the view of Huinnyeoul Culture Village. by lsy7683

by Jens-Olaf Walter|Sung Jin Cho

Igidae Coastal Trail and Oryukdo

Igidae Coastal Trail is one of Busan’s famous hiking routes, running along the Igidae Cliff and coastline. In the northern section of the trail, you can enjoy views of the Gwangalli Bridge and the skyline made up of skyscrapers. In the southern section, you’ll pass through a forest and be treated to even more stunning ocean views, with the Oryukdo Islands at the southernmost point.

Recommended Visit Time: 2-3 hours(4.7km)
North Starting Point: Yongho Starlight Park
South Starting Point: Oryukdo Skywalk
Watch: Korea | Busan | Igidae Coastal Walk

Tips:

• You can choose to hike from north to south or south to north.
• The best views are at the southern end near the Oryukdo Skywalk, but the path near the south is a bit more challenging, with many unpaved sections. If you hike from north to south, you can save the most beautiful views for last. After finishing the hike, you’ll be closer to a bus stop or find it easier to take a taxi.
• The northern section has fewer ups and downs, mainly on wooden walkways. If you start from south to north, the second half will be easier. If you have more energy and time, you can continue to walk to Gwangalli Beach, where there are more restaurants and cafés to relax.
• This trail is relatively easy, but since some parts are on rocky dirt paths, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to wear sunscreen, bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the start and end of the trail, but there are no restrooms along the way.

The images below shows the cityscape of the northern section of the Igidae Coastal Trail. by Falco Negenman

by ah64dka52

The image below shows the Oryukdo Skywalk at the southernmost point of the trail. by Lee eunsu

  Hope you enjoy your Busan adventure!
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