Busan Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors (2025 Update)

Your ultimate guide to visiting Busan, South Korea — how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and what to explore.

How to Get to Busan

Busan is easily accessible from major Korean cities and international destinations:

By Air: Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is just 40 minutes from central Busan. Flights from Seoul (Gimpo) take about 1 hour (~₩60,000–₩100,000).
By Train: KTX high-speed trains from Seoul reach Busan in about 2.5 hours. Tickets cost around ₩60,000–₩70,000.
By Bus: Express buses from Seoul or Daegu take 4–5 hours and cost around ₩30,000–₩40,000.

Public transportation in Busan includes subway, local buses, and taxis — affordable and efficient for tourists.

Busan offers a variety of accommodations for every budget:

Luxury Hotels: Park Hyatt Busan, Paradise Hotel Haeundae (₩300,000–₩600,000/night)
Business Hotels: Avani Central, Toyoko Inn, Fairfield Marriott (₩100,000–₩200,000/night)
Guesthouses & Budget Options: Haeundae Guesthouse, Kimchee Busan Hostel (₩30,000–₩70,000/night)
Mid-Range: Arban City Hotel, Lavi de Atlan (₩150,000–₩250,000/night)

Average travelers can plan about ₩150,000–₩200,000 per day for accommodation and meals combined.

Busan is a paradise for seafood and local specialties:

Pork Soup (Dwaeji Gukbap): A hearty Busan specialty — try Songjeong Dwaeji Gukbap or Gukje Market Alley.
Milmyeon: Busan-style cold noodles — visit Choryang Milmyeon.
Nakgopsae: Spicy mix of octopus, tripe, and shrimp — try Halmae Nakgopsae in Seomyeon.
Fresh Sashimi (Hoe): Head to Jagalchi Fish Market for raw fish platters.

For more food ideas, check our Busan Food Guide.

Haeundae Beach: Korea’s most famous beach with nightlife and oceanfront cafes.
Gamcheon Culture Village: Vibrant hillside art village perfect for photography.
Jagalchi Market: Largest seafood market in Korea — a must-visit local experience.
Gwangalli Beach: Known for its night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
Beomeosa Temple: Historic mountain temple offering peaceful scenery.
Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park: Perfect for panoramic city views.

Shopping lovers should explore Nampo-dong, Seomyeon, and Centum City for fashion, duty-free, and local souvenirs.

Tongyeong: Coastal city known for cable car views and fresh seafood (1.5 hours by car).
Gyeongju: UNESCO heritage city, 1.5 hours from Busan by train or car.
Oedo Island: A beautiful botanical island near Geoje (ferry required).

Explore more nearby routes in our Southern Korea Itinerary Guide.