What wonderful memories it brings back to me to write about Busan, a city that truly has it all: nice beaches, modern skyscrapers, huge parks, surrounding mountains, Buddhist temples and, above all, a local life that makes it unique.
Back in 2019, I was fulfilling one of my biggest dreams: traveling through Japan. For a month I traveled to many of the places I had always wanted to see, from Tokyo, the city I had imagined so many times, to ascent of the imposing Mount Fuji. As I moved south, I noticed how South Korea was getting closer and closer on the map, awakening my curiosity to get to know it.
Already in Fukuoka, in southwestern Japan, I discovered that ferries departed from its port directly to Busan in just a few hours. Without giving it much thought, I decided to cross the sea and experience a new adventure.
This is how I arrived in Busan by boat, without knowing that I would find a fascinating city, which would end up becoming my favorite in all of South Korea, even above Seoul itself.
Table of Contents
Where is Busan located?
Busan is located in the southeastern corner of South Korea, on the shores of the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea). It is the second largest city in the country, after Seoul, and one of Asia's major ports.
Its coastal location and mountainous geography give it a unique charm, combining beaches, hilltop temples, and neighborhoods with panoramic views.
The city is well connected to the rest of Korea thanks to the KTX train network, modern highways, and domestic flights. From Seoul, for example, you can get there in about 2.5 hours by fast train, making it an ideal getaway for those who want to experience a more relaxed, maritime side of the country.
Arriving in Busan from Japan
Once you arrive at the port, you can take one of the many buses or subway lines that run from one end of Busan to the other.
If you look at the map, you'll notice that it's an elongated city, spread mainly along the coast, which makes mobility key to moving between its different neighborhoods.
Although the transportation system works wonderfully—efficient, punctual, and well-signposted—distances can be a disadvantage, and after several transfers, it can become a bit tiring to go from one end to the other.
The various attractions you can visit, such as Gamcheon Village or Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, are located far from each other, so be prepared to spend a lot of time traveling on public transportation.
Map of the main attractions in Busan city + Important terminals
What to do in Busan
As I've been saying from the beginning, Busan is a city that has a little bit of everything. It's the second largest city in South Korea, and combines spectacular beaches, ancient temples, traditional markets, and unparalleled cuisine.
Some of the best things to see and do in Busan are:
1. Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Located on a cliff by the sea, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple It is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Korea. Its natural setting makes it special, as most of the temples are located in the mountains.
You've probably seen photos of this picturesque temple complex. It's often crowded with local and foreign tourists, but it's well worth a visit to explore and walk around.
You can get there by bus from anywhere in the city.
2. Visit the Jagalchi Fish Market
He Jagalchi Market It's the largest fish market in South Korea and a must-see in Busan. Here you can try fresh seafood and enjoy the authentic fishing atmosphere. There are restaurants on the second floor, where they cook the fish you choose from the market.
3. Tour Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village It's a neighborhood of colorful houses, murals, and narrow streets that offer spectacular views of the city. It reminded me a lot of Valparaiso in Chile or parts of Guayaquil in Ecuador, with those ups and downs filled with street art on the walls of the houses.
Gamcheon used to be a lower-class neighborhood in Busan, but thanks to government planning and years of redevelopment, it has now become one of the city's most popular tourist areas.
It's a perfect place to take photos and discover Korean street art.
It is located well south of the city, even past the port, so it takes some time to get there from Haeundae Beach, for example.
4. Relax at Haeundae Beach
The Haeundae Beach It is the most famous beach in Busan and an ideal destination to enjoy the sun and the sea. In summer, the beach is filled with tourists and locals, and around it you will find cafes, restaurants and the famous Busan Aquarium.
It's surrounded by tall, modern buildings, making it an ideal place to walk and take photographs with the different contrasts. If you're like me and get bored sitting on the beach doing nothing, it's a great place to come and go.
Also, very close by, there's a market where you can soak up the local atmosphere and get a variety of cheap food. My hostel used to be right on that street, just a few blocks from the beach and the subway.
5. Stroll through Taejongdae Park
He Taejongdae Park It offers stunning views of the ocean and spectacular cliffs. You can explore it on foot or take the Danubi Train, which will take you to the park's highlights.
It's right south of the city, past the port. It's a bit of a stretch to get to.
6. Another park, the Igidae Waterside Park
It is a huge coastal green lung, located in the center of Busan, closer and easier to get to than the Taejongdae ParkYou can spend hours walking from one end to the other, enjoying the scenery, some viewpoints, and taking in the calm of the place.
A recommended walk is to start from the south side heading north, and walk along the walkways overlooking the coast, until you reach the Gwangalli Beach, finding views like these
Definitely one of my favorite places in Busan.
7. Discover the Nampo-dong neighborhood and BIFF Square
The district of Nampo-dong It is ideal for lovers of shopping and street food. Here you will find BIFF Square, famous for its street food stalls and for being the epicenter of the Busan International Film Festival.
8. Walk along Gwangalli Beach and its illuminated bridge
The Gwangalli Beach offers a breathtaking view of the Gwangan Bridge, which lights up at night. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoy the nightlife, and watch light shows.
Less beautiful than Haeundae Beach in my opinion, but with such a stunning panoramic view that it mesmerizes you.
9. Climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park
If you want a panoramic view of the city, the Busan Tower, located in Yongdusan Park, is an excellent option. From its viewpoint, you can see the port and much of the city.
10. Explore Beomeosa Temple
One of the most important temples in Busan, Beomeosa, is surrounded by mountains and nature trails, making it an ideal place for meditation and hiking.
11. Visit Shinsegae Centum City, the largest mall in the world
I am not a person who enjoys malls very much, they all seem the same and expensive to me, but if you like shopping, you cannot miss them. Shinsegae Centum City, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest shopping mall. In addition to luxury shops, it has a spa, an ice rink, and a cinema.
12. Some excursions you can book online to do in Busan are:
Where to stay in Busan
Being a large city with so many attractions from south to north, there are several areas where you can stay and all will be well connected.
I stayed very close to Haeundae Beach, and I don't regret it at all. While I had to travel further when I went to Gamcheon Village or when arriving from the port, the area is beautiful, not just for the beach but for the youthful, modern atmosphere.
My hostel was called Uncle's Guesthouse, but I saw it's no longer listed on Booking. In any case, there is still plenty of accommodation available in that area.
Another very popular area to stay is near Gwangalli Beach. Being more centrally located in Busan, it has a more strategic location and also has a pleasant atmosphere.
How to get around Busan
To enjoy Busan to the fullest, understanding how to get around efficiently is key. Fortunately, it has an accessible and well-connected public transportation system.
Subway: Fast and convenient
The Busan subway is the best option for getting around the city. With six main lines, connects the most important tourist spots, such as Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Market and Beomeosa TempleThe stations are well signposted in English and the system is easy to use.
- T-money Card: The best option is to purchase a T-money Card or Cashbee Card, which allows you to pay cashlessly on the subway and buses. You can top it up at convenience stores and subway stations.
- Price: A subway ride costs approximately 1,400 KRW (~1 USD), depending on the distance.
Buses: Ideal for exploring beyond the metro
Buses in Busan reach places the subway can't reach, such as mountain temples or remote coastal areas. There are four types:
- Blue buses (trunks): Long distances between districts.
- Green buses (local): Short distances within neighborhoods.
- Yellow buses: They circulate in specific areas.
- Red buses (express): For intercity travel.
Using Google Maps or KakaoMap helps you understand the routes. As with the subway, you can use the T-money Card to pay.
Taxis: Affordable and comfortable
Taxis in Busan are cheaper than in many Western cities and can be a convenient option, especially at night or when traveling in a group. They can be hailed on the street or booked through apps like Kakao T.
Trains and KTX: Leaving Busan
If Busan is part of a larger trip to Korea, the train is the best option for connecting to other cities.
- KTX (high-speed train): Arrive in Seoul in less than 3 hours.
- Mugunghwa or ITX-Saemaeul: Cheaper but slower options.
Bike rentals and hikes
For short trips, the public bicycle system Ddareungi allows you to explore the city at a good pace. Also, many of the best views of Busan can be enjoyed on foot, such as the Igidae Coastal Trail or the alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village.
How to get to Busan
Busan is a very well-connected city, so getting there is easy from anywhere in South Korea and Japan.
- By air: He Gimhae International Airport (PUS) It is the main air access to Busan and has domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take the light rail to Sasang Station and then connect to the Busan Subway.
- By KTX train: From Seoul, the high-speed train KTX connects with Busan in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutesIt is the fastest and most comfortable option for traveling between the two cities.
- By bus: From other Korean cities, such as Seoul or Daegu, you can take express buses to Busan Bus Terminal. The trip from Seoul takes between 4 and 5 hours.
- By ferry: As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, if you're coming from Japan, there are ferries connecting Busan with Fukuoka, which is an interesting option for those who want to cross by boat from the neighboring country.
Tips for Visiting Busan
- Best time to visit: spring and autumn, when the weather is more pleasant.
- Transport: Busan has an excellent subway system that makes getting around easy.
- Gastronomy: Try the tteokbokki, he sannakji (live octopus) and the hoe (Korean style raw fish).
Busan is a city full of contrasts, where modernity and tradition blend in a stunning coastal setting. Do you like the beach or modern cities? Temples and nature? And what about local markets? Well, you can find all that (and more) in one place... in Busan.
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