Things To Do
in Busan
Busan, Korea, South is a vibrant port city known for its stunning beaches and bustling markets. It is also famous for its delicious seafood and scenic mountain landscapes. Busan is home to cultural landmarks such as the Beomeosa Temple and the Gamcheon Culture Village.
With its blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, Busan offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Haeundae Beach, enjoying the early morning tranquility. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and soak in the sunrise.
Head to Dongbaek Island for a scenic walk along the coast and visit the Nurimaru APEC House. Enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Wrap up at Gwangalli Beach, watching the sunset against the backdrop of the Gwangan Bridge. Relish some local street food while enjoying the evening breezes.
Visit Yongdusan Park and take a stroll through the beautiful gardens. Don't forget to take a lift to the Busan Tower for panoramic views.
Explore the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, sampling fresh catches and local delicacies. Then, visit the nearby BIFF Square for a taste of Busan's film culture.
Take a leisurely walk along the Songdo Cable Car at sunset. Finish with dinner at a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastal scenery, especially Haeundae Beach.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites like Beomeosa Temple.
- Delicious seafood and local culinary specialties such as Busan's famous sashimi.
- Vibrant festivals, such as the Busan International Film Festival.
- Good transportation infrastructure, including the KTX high-speed train.
- Mild climate, making it a comfortable destination year-round.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
- Cost of living might be high in popular areas.
- Limited English signage compared to Seoul, which can make navigation challenging.
- Public transportation may not be as extensive as in larger cities.
- Air pollution can be an issue, especially during certain seasons.
- Occasional heavy rainfall and typhoons in summer months.
Best Activities in Busan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a challenging hike with scenic views of Busan from the top of Geumjeongsan Mountain.
Relax on the sandy shores of one of Busan's most popular beaches, offering water sports and stunning sunsets.
Explore the rugged coastline and cliffside paths of Taejongdae Park while taking in the panoramic ocean views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Busan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Busan
Visit one of these nice places.
One of the most famous beaches in South Korea, offering stunning views of the ocean and city skyline.
A scenic park with breathtaking coastal views and cliffs that provide fantastic photo opportunities.
A beautiful bridge that offers captivating views of the coastline and the city, especially at night when it's illuminated.
An artistic village with colorful houses built on a hillside, providing unique and picturesque photo spots.
A seaside temple with stunning ocean views, especially impressive during sunrise or sunset.
An iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Busan, including its harbor and surrounding mountains.
Food in Busan
Busan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular noodle dish in Busan, featuring chewy wheat noodles in a tangy, cold broth with vinegar and spicy sauce. Try it at stalls in the lively Kkangtong Market.
Must-Try!
A savory pancake made with green onions and other fresh ingredients, best enjoyed at the Dongnae Pajeon Street where numerous restaurants serve this local specialty.
A sweet Korean pancake filled with a mixture of seeds and nuts, often found at street food vendors around Haeundae Beach.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Busan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Korea's largest seafood markets, offering an array of live and raw fish as well as seafood eateries where you can enjoy the freshest catches.
This bustling market is a great place to sample local specialties like Milmyeon and browse through a wide range of food stalls offering diverse Korean street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Busan, it is important to show respect to elders by using formal language and gestures, such as bowing.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain places such as temples and traditional Korean restaurants.
When dining in Busan, it is considered polite to wait for the eldest or most senior person to start eating before beginning your meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Busan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Busan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Busan, Korea, South. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or for services.
In Busan, Korea, South, cash is widely used for smaller transactions, while credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in larger establishments and businesses. Mobile payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Busan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms, and numerous festivals make spring a popular time to visit Busan. It's also a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's natural beauty.
Hot and humid weather with plenty of rain. Summer is beach season in Busan, with many visitors coming to enjoy the city's beautiful beaches and various water sports.
Cool and comfortable weather, beautiful autumn foliage, and harvest festivals make autumn a picturesque time to visit Busan. It's also a good time for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, but also a chance to experience Busan's winter illuminations, hot spring spas, and various indoor cultural activities.
Busan at Night
Hiking in Busan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot featuring scenic trails, beautiful views, and the historic Geumjeong Fortress.
Known for its lush landscapes and breathtaking coastal views, Jangsan offers well-marked trails suitable for various skill levels.
This mountain provides panoramic views of Busan and the surrounding area, making it a great spot for sunset hikes.
A hidden gem in Busan, offering serene trails alongside a picturesque valley and refreshing streams.
A unique hiking route that combines coastal views with a visit to the famous seaside temple.
Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, Dalmaji Hill offers gentle trails and stunning ocean vistas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Busan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Busan by plane.
The main international airport serving Busan, located about 11 km northwest of the city center. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Located about 400 km northwest of Busan, this is the largest airport in South Korea and serves as a major hub for international travel. It provides extensive flights to destinations worldwide.
Situated approximately 250 km southwest of Busan, it serves mostly domestic flights and a few international routes, providing connections to some Asian cities.
Located around 70 km northeast of Busan, it primarily serves domestic flights, but it is relatively close for travelers in the region.
About 450 km south of Busan, this airport serves as a major gateway to Jeju Island and offers numerous international flights, especially from Asia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in Busan, making up a significant majority of the population, primarily ethnic Koreans.
Includes various nationalities, prominently Chinese, Vietnamese, and other expatriates, contributing to the multicultural community.
Ethnic Koreans who have settled in Korea from China, primarily from Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in China.
Comprises workers and their families from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, often involved in manual labor industries.
Includes individuals from countries like Japan, Mongolia, and various South Asian nations, though in lower numbers compared to other groups.
A smaller group consisting of individuals from Western countries, often residing in Busan for business or teaching English.
The Soul of Busan
Discover the essence of Busan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Busan, with the city being home to the Lotte Giants, a professional baseball team that has a passionate fan base.
Soccer enjoys widespread popularity in Busan, with many local clubs and a significant following for both domestic and international matches.
Basketball is also quite popular, with many amateur leagues and facilities available throughout the city.
Tennis is a favorite recreational sport in Busan, with many courts and clubs offering access to enthusiasts.
Busan hosts various running events, including the Busan International Marathon, attracting runners from all around the world.
Given its coastal location, Busan is popular for water sports like surfing, windsurfing, and sailing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Busan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Busan offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, particularly around the popular tourist areas and beachfront, such as Haeundae and Gwangalli. Buddhist temple cuisine in Beomeosa Temple also provides vegetarian dining experiences.
Though not as prevalent as vegetarian and vegan options, some restaurants in Busan do cater to gluten-free requirements. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to ensure a suitable meal.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Busan with these cultural adventures.
