Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant coastal metropolis known for its stunning beaches, bustling ports, and rich cultural heritage. Located on the southeastern coast, it boasts beautiful landscapes, including the iconic Haeundae Beach and scenic cliffs of Taejongdae. Visitors can explore the lively Jagalchi Fish Market, renowned for its fresh seafood, and wander through the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its artistic murals and unique architecture. With a mix of traditional and modern attractions, Busan offers a delightful blend of experiences, from historic temples and tranquil parks to thriving nightlife and delicious street food. Whether you’re relaxing by the sea or immersing yourself in local culture, Busan is a must-visit destination in South Korea.
TLDR 🫣
Busan: a vibrant coastal city in South Korea known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and bustling markets.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, explore Taejongdae Resort Park, lunch at Gamcheon Culture Village, and enjoy nightlife in Gwaebeop-dong.
Day 2: Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, lunch at Haeundae Obok Dwaeji-gukbap, relax at Haeundae Beach, and enjoy an evening at Gwangalli Beach.
Day 3: Market day visiting Busan Tower, Jagalchi Market, and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market for delicious street food. Optionally, hike Geumjeongsanseong Fortress and visit Beomeosa Temple if you're into physical excursions.
Pro Tips:
- Get an IC card, like Cashbee to help you move around Busan: Load it lightly as you can reload it everywhere. Many of the attractions are far apart from each other.
- Download local apps: Use KakaoMetro for subway navigation and Naver Map for accurate directions. Google Maps is not friendly here.
Top Awards:
- Best experience was eating Korean snacks on Gwangalli Beach while watching a stunning drone light show near Gwangan Bridge with strangers.
- Best foods included the Kimchi dumplings from Gamcheon Sagol Gomtang and the Korean fried chicken from Bupyeong Kkangtong Market.
- Best e-SIM is Airalo (You can use our referral code "CELINA4205" to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase. Heads up: We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.)
If you’re planning to visit Seoul, check out our blog, How to Spend 5 Full Days in Seoul! Just a heads up: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.
AWARDS
Best Experiences: Eating korean snacks on Gwangalli beach, next to the stunning Gwangan bridge, watching the shimmering lights of hundreds of drones on a Saturday night with strangers
Best Eats: Kimchi dumplings from Gamcheon Sagol Gomtang, & Korean fried chicken from a street vendor inside Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
Best “Bang for your Buck” Hotels: We stayed close to the airport as we flew in and out of Busan! Check out Prima Hotels (right now, it costs $62 CAD/night). It came with breakfast and FREE self-serve instant noodles until 11:00 PM!
Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase)
HOW TO GET AROUND BUSAN
Moving around Busan is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transportation system and walkable neighborhoods. Here’s a breakdown of your best options:
1. Subway
Busan’s subway system is an affordable and convenient way to navigate the city. It’s clean, punctual, and covers many popular destinations, making it easy for visitors to explore.
– IC Card: Get yourself a T-money or Cashbee card, a rechargeable card that works on subways, buses, and even taxis. You can buy it at any convenience store or subway station. We bought our Cashbee card at the convenience store, CU. You can use it not only for public transport in Seoul and Busan, but also to make purchases at convenience stores like CU. The card itself costs between 4,000 – 10,000 won ($4-$10 CAD), depending on the design. It’s important to note that you can only load it with cash. Pro Tip: Don’t load too much at the beginning. Convenient stores are located everywhere. We each loaded 50,000 won ($50 CAD) onto our cards, which ended up being way more than we needed!
– Cost: The base fare is approximately 1,300 won (about $1.30 CAD), and you can transfer between subway lines and buses without an additional fee within a certain time frame.
2. Buses
The bus system in Busan is another excellent option for getting around. Buses are colour-coded for easy navigation:
– Blue buses: Long-distance routes connecting different districts.
– Green buses: Shorter trips that link subway stations and neighbourhoods.
– Red buses: Express buses serving routes to nearby cities.
Buses accept transportation cards, making transfers between the subway and bus services smooth. Pro Tip: Avoid taking large luggage on buses. Much like in Japan, it can block aisles and inconvenience other passengers. We attempted to board a bus in Busan with carry-on luggage early one morning (around 7:00 AM) and were initially turned away. Fortunately, the driver made an exception since the bus wasn’t crowded.
3. Walking
Busan is quite walkable, especially in areas like Haeundae, Nampo-dong, and Gamcheon Culture Village. If you’re exploring a particular district, walking is often the best way to soak in the local atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and burn off all the delicious food you’ve been indulging in!
4. Navigation and CarShare Apps
Busan has several useful apps to help you get around:
– Naver Map or KakaoMap: These apps are more reliable than Google Maps in South Korea and support English. They provide detailed directions for walking, driving, and public transit.
– KakaoTaxi: This app is excellent for hailing taxis. While you can also use Uber, we found Kakao to be more budget-friendly. Note that Grab is not available here.
With these tips and tools, navigating Busan will be smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on experiencing all the city has to offer!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Discovering Nature and Culture
Day 2: Temples, Markets, and Beaches
Day 3: Market Day or Hiking
Day 1: Discovering Nature and Culture
Morning: Arrive and Rest
After arriving in Busan, head straight to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Take a moment to unwind and recharge before diving into your exploration. If it’s too early to check in, head to the local cafe. South Korea has a huge cafe scene! We ordered two drinks from Cafe Rang for $9 CAD.
Late Morning/ Early Afternoon: Taejongdae Resort Park
Start your adventure at Taejongdae Resort Park, a breathtaking natural reserve known for its stunning coastal cliffs and beautiful ocean views. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic walking paths, or hop on the Danubi Train to explore the park’s highlights, including the iconic lighthouse. The park is HUGE and after taking a red-eye flight, we were in no mood to hike. The train ride cost $8 CAD for the both of us and was a hop-on hop-off style train, so we could explore each of the site as our own leisure.
Late Afternoon: Gamcheon Culture Village
Next, make your way to Gamcheon Culture Village, a vibrant community known for its colourful houses, artistic murals, and quaint cafes. Wander the narrow streets, snap photos of the whimsical art, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. This charming village is the perfect place to relax and soak in the local culture.
We ended up having lunch here at Gamcheon Sagol Gomtang, a small restaurant owned and operated by Korean women! We highly recommend you eat here in you’re visiting Gamcheon. We ordered kimchi dumplings, pork gyoza, and cold soy and almond noodles for $21 CAD. They were so kind to us, offering free tea and tooth picks at the end of our meal.
After our late lunch, we continued to wander the streets and buildings of Gamcheon, getting lost as we explored. It reminded us a little bit of La Paz in Bolivia with all the colourful houses and hills. We took photos with the iconic Little Prince and Fox statues. The story of The Little Prince and the Fox in South Korea is inspired by the famous novella The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The narrative revolves around themes of friendship, love, and the importance of relationships. In the context of South Korea, the story has been adapted and embraced in various ways, resonating with audiences through literature, art, and even education.
Evening: Gwaebeop-dong
As night falls, explore Gwaebeop-dong, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling markets. Sample delicious street food, browse local shops, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. We bought a kimbap from an unnamed street vendor and it was DELICIOUS, only costing $3.50 CAD. Kimbap is a savory roll made with rice and various fillings, all wrapped in seaweed. Common fillings include pickled vegetables, beef, eggs, and sometimes fish. Kimbap is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal and is popular for picnics due to its portability. It’s typically sliced into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to share and eat.
The kimbap served as an appetizer, leaving us even hungrier for a proper meal. We decided to explore until we discovered a 24/7 restaurant called 153, which we later found out is part of a chain. At the restaurant, we ordered a noodle and pork rice bowl, which cost us only $15.50 CAD. One thing we absolutely love about Korean dining is the variety of side dishes known as ban-chans that come with every meal. Since we enjoy a good daily food challenge, we made it a goal to eat kimchi every day during our time in South Korea.
After dinner, head back to your hotel and enjoy a deep sleep. It’s been a long day!
Day 2: Temples, Markets, and Beaches
Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Start your day with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stunning seaside temple that offers breathtaking views of the ocean. But before you head inside, don’t forget to grab a honey and nut hotteok ($2 CAD). These delicious pancakes are super savoury and not too sweet!
This free attraction is a peaceful spot to explore and appreciate the beauty of traditional Korean architecture surrounded by nature.
Lunch: Haeundae Obok Dwaeji-gukbap Restaurant
After soaking in the temple’s tranquility, head to Haeundae Obok Dwaeji-gukbap Restaurant for a delicious lunch. Enjoy a hearty bowl of Dwaeji-gukbap, a traditional pork soup served with rice, perfect for recharging your energy. Two bowls and a plate of kimchi dumplings cost us around $19.50 CAD.
Afternoon: Haeundae Traditional Market and Beach
Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, explore the Haeundae Traditional Market, where you can find fresh produce, local snacks, and unique souvenirs. Afterward, head to Haeundae Beach to relax on the sandy shores, take a dip in the water, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Evening: Shinsegae Department Store and Gwangalli Beach
Wrap up your day with a visit to Shinsegae Department Store in Centum City, one of the world’s largest shopping complexes. Browse luxury brands, indulge in some shopping, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. The food court is endless! We bought one croffle ($4 CAD), freshly squeeze orange juice ($4 CAD), bubble tea from Gong Cha ($5.50 CAD) one croissant cookie ($5.50 CAD), and then these galbi balls to go ($14 CAD). What was the best thing? The Galbi balls!
Then, make your way to Gwangalli Beach for a picturesque evening. Bring some snacks (we brought the galbi balls) and enjoy people playing music along the beach. We waited for the sun to go down on this particular Saturday evening as we heard there would be a drone show! It was another one of those pinch me moments on this trip. Who could have imagined this life: Eating korean snacks on Gwangalli beach, next to the stunning Gwangan bridge, watching the shimmering lights of hundreds of drones on a Saturday night with strangers! What a perfect way to end Day 2.
Day 3: Market Day or Hiking
Option 1: Market Day Adventure (which is what we did)
Morning: Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park
For your final day in Busan, opt for a market adventure. Start at Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park, where you can take in panoramic views of the city. We didn’t go inside the tower, but enjoyed walking around the park in the morning.
Next, explore Jagalchi Market, a seven-story seafood market where you can sample fresh catches or enjoy a meal at one of the many food stalls. You can buy your seafood (alive) on the bottom floor and then bring it to the upper floor to have them cooked. There are so many small restaurants here, so you can’t go hungry. Unfortunately, for us, it was still too early for seafood. But we enjoyed walking around and looking at the market.
Continue to BIFF Square, a lively area filled with street food vendors and entertainment. If you’re looking for skincare, I’ve got a Pro Tip for you. Don’t miss Olive Young (or even better Lalafolie, an outlet store with great deals on beauty products). They do not have a Lalafolie in Seoul, so if you see something here, it’s best to snatch that right away. I spent about $50 CAD on skincare here. Note: They are not tax-free!
Afternoon: More Markets!
Then head to Gukje Market, a bustling market known for its diverse offerings, but keep in mind that it’s closed on the first Sunday of every month.
Finally, visit Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, a vibrant covered market filled with fresh produce, local foods, clothes, and street-food vendors. We had some of the most delicious korean fried chicken we’ve ever had here ($4 CAD). We also dined in for lunch at an unnamed corner restaurant, where we ordered more kimbap and tried tteokbokki ($11 CAD).
Tteokbokki is a beloved street food dish consisting of chewy rice cakes stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce, often made with gochujang (Korean chili paste). Tteokbokki can be enhanced with various ingredients like fish cakes, boiled eggs, and green onions, creating a satisfying and hearty dish. It’s commonly found at street food stalls and is known for its delightful contrast between the soft, chewy rice cakes and the bold flavours of the sauce.
Finally, before wrapping up your afternoon, check out Bosu Book Street, where you can browse a unique selection of books and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
Evening: Head back to your hotel
For our last night in Busan, we wanted something simple. We decided to capitalize on those free instant noodles from our hotel. We bought snacks and drinks from our local convenient store, and enjoy the perks of our hotel before calling it a day!
Option 2: Hike Geumjeongsanseong Fortress & Beomeosa Temple
If you’re in the mood for some outdoor adventure, consider hiking Geumjeongsanseong Fortress instead of having a market day! This ancient fortress offers scenic trails and panoramic views of Busan. After your hike, visit the nearby Beomeosa Temple, a tranquil site that showcases beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
TOTAL COST for 3Full Days in Busan (Approximate, CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 3 nights: $84
Activities: $8
Food: $128
Souvenirs (stickers and skincare): $54
TOTAL: $274 (Roughly $46 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
No matter how you choose to spend your three days in Busan, the city’s blend of nature, culture, and cuisine promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your adventure in this dynamic coastal city! If you’re interested in our itinerary for Seoul, South Korea, check out our blog, How to Spent 5 Full Days in Seoul! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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