If you've not been to Busan, you're missing out! Whilst more gritty than Seoul, it has its own distinctive character, charming enough that I've visited several times, most recently in 2023. Busan is a spread-out city, so I have grouped the attractions by vicinity to make the most of your time!
I usually spend a few weeks in Busan- I like to travel slow- but if you have more limited time, here are the best things to do in Busan in 3 days. If you're only in Busan for a day trip, or for 2 days, click here for the respective itineraries.
Day 1: Beaches
Busan is most famous for its beaches, so let's start there!
It's also a nice way to relax after your journey here, be it by plane, train or even ferry. (Busan is actually closer to Japan by ferry than it is to Seoul by train!)
Haeundae Beach
There are several beaches to choose from. If you want to visit the most famous of all, go for Haeundae Beach, which is also the poshest part of town. 1.5 km long, it has blue waters and white sand, so Koreans flock to it, especially during the summer! (If crowds are not for you, you may want to check out the other beaches I've listed below.)
You can take a leisurely stroll by the waterfront, try your hand at water sports, take a boat ride, or simply lay back on the sand and relax. The area around Haeundae Beach also offers numerous dining options, where you can taste fresh seafood and local delicacies.
However, I'm going to be very honest.
Unless you're planing on a long walk on the beach, going to Haeundae Beach in the daytime can be a little underwhelming, as after 15 minutes of taking photos and admiring the scenery, you end up thinking "What do I do now?"
The 1st time I was here was a morning way back in 2010 with a Busan local and I remember my time at Jagalchi Market more distinctly than I do my time at Haeundae!
Haeundae is much more impressive at night, as street performers and buskers give the place a more festive atmosphere. (Think, singers, musicians and magicians giving free performances although most would have the busking box out- do give them a token of appreciation if you enjoyed their performance and can afford it. If not, just cheer them on!) Sometimes, people also set off fireworks!
Luckily, there are things to do near Haeundae to occupy you till darkness falls! Here's a proposed itinerary for your first day in Busan:
Day 1 Itinerary
- Morning: Arrive at Haeundae and take the Sky Capsule then walk for 20 minutes along the coast(30 minutes operating hours change depending on season! Ticketed, you can go for 1 way or return) to Songjeong Beach, a surfing beach. Alternatively, you can go by Beach train followed by the 20 minute coastal walk. (The Beach train is cheaper, but less private, and with a less spectacular view. For more details about both, click on the link.)
- Early lunch: By the time you're back at Haeundae Beach, you can grab a bite at Haeundae Market (해운대시장.) You can find traditional Korean food and the seafood that Busan is famous for here. Korean fishcake, or eomuk, actually originated in Busan, so that's definitely one of the best foods to eat in Busan. Alternatively, head to Gijang Haenyeo Village for freshly caught seafood by Korea's famous haenyeo, women divers. (The easiest way to get there is by taxi.)
- Afternoon: You can go to one of Korea's most beautiful temples, Haedong Yonggungsa, and catch the sunset there. Alternatively, if you prefer something withing walking distance (of Haeundae), walk off your lunch by heading to Dongbaek Island (Dongbaek Seom).
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
This is one of Busan's most famous temples.
Unlike most temples that are situated among mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is perched on a cliff, overlooking the sea. You can marvel at its architecture, beautiful surroundings and coastal scenery.
It's not walking distance, and the easiest way to get there is by taxi.
Dongbaek Island
Your alternative is closer to Haeundae but somewhat less spectacular. Dongbaek Island is located behind The Westin, at one end of Haeundae Beach.
Dongbaek means Camellia in Korean and Seom is Island!) You can enter via 2 ways: the main entrance or the coastal trail.
For the Dongbaekseom main entrance: Facing the sea, walk to the the right end of the beach, past the main entrance of The Westin Josun Busan.
Alternatively, take the Dongbaekseom Coastal Trail on the hotel's beach side.
There you find 2 easy walking trails which take about 30-60 minutes: a scenic coastline trail (450m on raised wooden decking) and a circular trail (930m) around the island's forest. (Why not do both to walk off all the delicious food you've been having in Korea?)
Follow this with a boat tour or yacht tour (This can also be done at night, from Bay 101.)
Other things to do near Haeundae
If neither of the 2 options caught your fancy, you can also go to:
- Busan Aquarium
- the world's largest shopping mall (Shinsegae Centum City) with a great Korean Jjimjjibang Spa (if you're not shy about getting naked in public, it's a really unique experience!)
- Facial at Signiel Hotel, Haeundae
Tip #1: I suggest going to Haeundae in the evening. That way you have enough light to walk on the beach and take photos, but also get to enjoy the festival-like environment at night!
Tip #2: if you are going there by taxi, this is the Korean name for the taxi driver: 해운대해수욕장. (In Korea, always bring the Korean name of the place you are visiting! Otherwise even an English name like "Intercontinental Hotel" can get you blank stares!)
Tip #3: If you're there in late May- early June, there will be the Haeundae Sand Sculpture Festival going on.
Directions from Busan Station
- By subway: 50 minutes from Busan Station to Haeundae Station (line 2, exit ⅗) followed by a 5 mins walk.
- By Bus: take Bus #1003 from the bus stop in front of Busan Station (it's on the same side of the road.) The stop is near exit 10 of Busan Subway Station. The journey lasts for about 45 mins.
- By Taxi: this is the most expensive option- although taxis in Korea are generally pretty cheap- and will take about 40 mins. (Longer if it rains or if there is a jam.)
- By Car: there is a car park at Haeundae Beach.
Alternative Beaches
For something quieter, you can also visit:
- Gwangalli Beach: this is actually better rated than Haeundae on TripAdvisor! (Unless you are a real beach fanatic, there's no need to visit both places when you only have 3 days!) This beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with various cafes, restaurants, and shops in the vicinity. You can take a leisurely walk along the shore, participate in water activities, or simply enjoy the view of the iconic Gwangan Bridge.
- Songdo Beach: this is Korea's first public beach and the most local of these 3 beaches. It's a good choice if you want some peace and quiet. You can also take the Songdo Cable Car/ Busan Air Cruise.
Day 2: Central Busan
Nampo and BIFF Square
Frankly, I'm not a fan of BIFF Square (BIFF = Busan International Film Festival) or Nampo (or Busan Tower.) It's a bustling downtown area home to a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and street food. (I find the shopping at Nampo not as good as at Seomyeon and it DEFINITELY pales in comparison to Seoul.)
Note: for good views, skip Busan Tower (which is ticketed) and go to Lotte World Observatory Deck on Level 13 of the Department Store instead.
However, it's located downtown and close to Jagalchi, so you might want to spend at least 30-60 minutes wandering around.
If you don't suffer from FOMO, I suggest skipping it and spending more time at Gamcheon instead.
Jagalchi Fish Market Experience
Next, head to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in Korea.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling market, where stall owners and professional chefs alike converge to select the freshest seafood.
You can also taste some freshly prepared seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants: you select the (often live) seafood you want from the ground floor, and it gets sent upstairs to a "restaurant" to be prepared. Note that you'll be charged twice: once for the seafood and once for the cooking fee.
Tip: There's also a good view of the open waters from the upper levels.
Gukje Market 국제시장)
After filling your stomach, make your way to Gukje Market, one of Busan's most famous markets. (If you've seen other Korean markets before, it's not very different.)
However it is a good place to get local Korean souvenirs: you'll have your pick from the vast assortment of goods, including clothing, food, and local handicrafts.
Gukje Market also connects to Gwangbokro, another shopping district filled with modern shops and traditional food stalls.
Note: the market was shown in the K-film "Ode to my Father"
Gamcheon Cultural Village
Now for my favorite Busan attraction: Gamcheon Culture Village, also known as the "Santorini of Korea" or the "Macchu Picchu of Korea." (Click through for a full review and tips on how to get the most out of your time there.)
This colorful former refugee village, located on the mountainside, has been transformed into an art and cultural hub. There are many shops, cafes, and viewpoints where you can see all the way to the sea.
Wander through its maze-like alleys and admire the art installations, murals, and creative architecture- though parts are a bit kitschy, it is so inspiring to see what people can do and definitely a must-visit spot during your stay in Busan.
Allocate anything from 1 to 4 hours for your visit (depending on how much walking you want to/ are fit enough to do and whether yo plan to sit in a cafe!)
Gamcheon is very steep in places- I am not sure your elderly travel companions will manage if they're not super fit! (I'm also not sure if you can wheel a wheelchair there...)
Note: people still live in the colorful houses of the village! At the bottom of the hill, you'll find a hair dresser etc.
It is about 10 minutes by taxi from Jagalchi to Gamcheon Village. I would suggest taking a taxi, as Gamcheon is not very easy to get to by public transport. You need to take a bus from the subway station and the buses can be a bit confusing. (Some do not actually terminate but instead drive around Gamcheon, so if you don't know where to stop, you'll find yourself heading back down a very steep hill again. And the signs are NOT clear.)
Note: if you prefer a coastal village, Huinnyeoul Culture Village is another option, though less conveniently located. It attracts more local Korean tourists (whilst you get more foreign tourists at Gamcheon, often in hanboks (Korean traditional clothing).) However, the paths in Huinnyeoul are much narrower so fill up more quickly than Gamcheon, which has broader streets.
Day 3
On Day 3, we're going to be more adventurous and spend more time outside the main areas of Busan city centre. (Or you can even take a day trip out of Busan! Click through for my top picks for day trips.)
Beomeosa Temple
One of Korea's most famous temples, I highly recommend visiting Beomeosa Temple if you didn't go to Haedong Yonggungsa on the first day. (Even if you did, you can always see both, as they're pretty different!)
It dates to Silla times and is located on Geumjeongsan Mountain, with a beautiful valley. You'll find Jogyemun Gate- it is so low door, you will need to bend down to enter, which emphasises the need for people to be humble.
Dongnaeeupseong Walled Town
This is one of the more unusual things to do in Busan. This is the wall that surrounded Dongnae, which Busan was part of, pre-Japanese invasion.
This historic location is off the typical tourist track, and located in a residential part of Busan, so it's quite tranquil and a nice place for a walk. Along the way, you'll spot some traditional Korean architecture.
At the highest spot, Bukjangdae Command Post, you'll have a great view of the walled town and will even be able to see all the way to Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
If it's not your cup of tea, head to Jeonpo Cafe Street near the city center for some cafe hopping instead. (It's close to Seomyeon, which is where we are stopping for dinner.)
Alternatively, if you didn't get enough nature, visit Taejongdae Park. This coastal park offers truly stunning views of the sea and cliffs.
Hiking trails wind through dense greenery, leading visitors to profound cultural landmarks, such as the historic Taejongdae Lighthouse and the Sinseon Rock. There's also a train for those who can't walk long distances.
The only downside is that it's quite far out from Busan centre.
Dinner at Seomyeon
Since it's the last night, let's have a relaxing dinner at Seomyeon, and maybe some last-minute shopping at Seomyeon Underground Shopping Mall.
You'll find lots of Korean fashion shops, as well as all the staple Korean beauty and skincare brands.
Expert Tips
What You'll Need
SIM card
It's a good idea to have an e-SIM or local SIM card for your phone, which will enable you to access the internet while traveling and use apps like Naver Maps. (I've been to Korea almost 10 times, and still find it a challenge to find my way around without the Internet!)
I prefer e-Sims to physical SIMs as there's no need to queue and I don't have to worry about losing my original card. (Affiliate Link: I get a small fee at no cost to you if you book through my link. Thanks!)
Most cafes will have free WiFi, but I prefer to be prepared, just in case!
Language
Mastering a few basic Korean phrases will help you a lot:
- "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello)
- "Gamsahabnida" (Thank you)
Locals appreciate the effort, whether ordering fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market or navigating the extensive metro line. And, in some parts of Busan, you'll need it if you want something, as the locals don't speak a word of English!
There are some free apps which can help you on your Korean trips.
When to Visit
My favorite time to visit Korea is fall and spring as the weather is the most pleasant. (Click through for packing lists for each season.)
Spring
Spring is also cherry blossom season: between late March and early April, the city comes alive with vibrant cherry blossoms in full bloom. The best places to see the pink and white blooms are:
- Hwangnyeongsan Mountain: This mountain boasts a stunning tunnel of cherry blossoms, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.
- Dalmaji Hill: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the scenic walkway lined with cherry blossom trees, while enjoying ocean views.
Fall
Autumn in Busan is also a sight to behold, with colorful foliage adorning the city's mountains and parks. The combination of outdoor activities and natural beauty make Busan an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
This is the very best time to visit Busan, as the weather is good, and there is less pollution. (The air quality in spring isn't great.)
Winter and Summer
I try not to be around during the freezing winters and hot summers. (Click through for the packing lists for each season.)
However, if you have to be in Korea during those times of the year, then Busan is a good place to be, thanks to the more moderate temperatures.
Getting There
There are multiple ways one can arrive in Busan, South Korea.
If you are flying internationally or domestically, you will most likely land at Gimhae International Airport, which is well-connected to the city. From the airport, you can take a bus or a metro to reach your destination.
For tourists coming from other parts of South Korea, such as Seoul, the KTX (Korea Train Express) high-speed train is an efficient and convenient option. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours and Busan can even be done as a day trip from Seoul. (I usually get to Busan via KTX train- note that booking tickets online are a bit troublesome if you usually use a Safari browser.)
Additionally, intercity buses are available as a more budget-friendly alternative (but obviously take longer.)
Public Transportation
Busan is very hilly, which may be an issue for older travelers if your budget does not extend to taxis (not expensive.)
Busan boasts a well-developed public transportation network, including buses, metros, and taxis.
The Busan Metro system comprises four main lines that can take you to most major attractions within the city. This is my favorite way to get around the city but not all attractions have a subway stop within walking distance. (You'll need to change to a bus.)
For some attractions, it may be more convenient to take a bus, as you can get there direct, without having to change. However, during peak hour, it'll be hard to get a seat and it can be a challenge to stand firmly. (The buses swerve like mad on the super steep streets- I used to think that K-dramas were exaggerating when they showed the leads falling into each other's arms on the bus, but after taking a Busan bus, I think it's very plausible!)
Senior's Tip: Personally I wouldn't bring my elderly relatives on a bus in Busan (though I do in Seoul.)
Remember that Google Maps does not work in Korea. You'll need something like Kakao or Naver Maps which provides detailed information about bus routes, stops, and timings. (Click here for the full list of free apps that you need for South Korea.)
Taxis are also readily available- they're not expensive compared to other major cities (think Singapore and London) but obviously the least budget- friendly of these options.
T-Money
To make your travels within Busan more convenient, you might want to get a T-Money card.
The T-Money card is a rechargeable transportation card that can be used on buses, metros, and even taxis throughout the city. (You get a slight discount on the bus and metro, under certain conditions.) You can purchase and top-up a T-Money card at most convenience stores or subway stations.
Besides T-Money, there are other travel card options available for tourists, such as the Korea Tour Card or the Busan Hanaro Card, offering additional discounts on attractions and shopping.
Any questions about spending 3 days in Busan, South Korea's second-largest city? Let me know in the comments!
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