Busan, Korea 1 day Itinerary for First Timers

The perfect Busan, Korea 1 day Itinerary for First Timers: when to go, where to go, what to do, what to eat, how to get there and more.

Jump to:

• Morning: Sunrise at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Mid-Morning: Haeundae Beach OR Gijang Haenyeo Village (Yeonhwari Hoetchon Village) (기장해녀촌(연화리횟촌)
• Lunch: Jagalchi Market
• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Dinner: Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (부평시장(깡통시장)
• Not Recommended
• Accommodation
• Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes
• When to Visit
• Cultural Etiquette: Travelers Tips
• Getting Around
• Beyond Busan: Nearby Destinations

I've found myself drawn back to South Korea almost ten times, with several of those trips leading me to Busan, most recently for 2-3 weeks in April 2023.

It's not hard to see why. This port city, South Korea's second-largest city (after Seoul), captivates with its dynamic mix of new and old, and should be part of any South Korean itinerary. It really deserves more than just a day- if you can spare more time, here's a guide for 3 days in Busan or a 2 day itinerary.

Unlike Seoul, where the traditional way of life has been replaced by a more cosmopolitan and modern lifestyle, you still see snippets of old Korean in Busan: people by Songdo Beach gathering abalone when the tide is low, strangers sharing food at a street side eomuk stall...(If you're deciding between the 2 cities, here is some info on Busan vs Seoul.)

Its coastal setting only adds to the allure and it has something for everyone:

• luxury hotels by a beach promenade (the famous Haeundae beach or Gwangalli Beach) for those seeking pampering
• street food stalls and markets like Seomyeon Market, Jagalchi and Gukje
• cultural hotspots such as the Gamcheon Culture Village, aptly dubbed the Machu Picchu of Busan
• nightlife in Seomyeon etc

Here is some info on what you should bring to Busan in summer, spring, fall, and winter.

Busan is very hilly, which may be an issue for older travelers if your budget does not extend to taxis (not expensive.)

Morning: Sunrise at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of South Korea's most beautiful religious sites. It is perched majestically by the sea, offering an unparalleled view of the dawn breaking across the horizon, if you visit at sunrise.

However, it's not very tranquil if you go on the New Year or festive seasons, as there are so many temple-goers and stalls, it can feel like a street market.

Mid-Morning: Haeundae Beach OR Gijang Haenyeo Village (Yeonhwari Hoetchon Village) (기장해녀촌(연화리횟촌)

After exploring the intricate sculptures and ground of Haedong Yonggungsa, head to nearby Haeundae Beach OR Gijang Haeunyeo Village for freshly caught seafood by Korea's famous women divers. (You could do both, if you decide to omit one of the other things to do in Busan from this list.)

In my opinion, haenyeo caught seafood is one of the must-try foods in Busan.

Haeundae is one of Korea's most famous and popular beaches. A morning stroll along the promenade is always enjoyable or you can take the Sky Capsule or Beach Train along the water.

At the other end of Haeundae Beach (from the Sky Capsule) is the Westin Josun, behind which lies Dongbaek Island, also known as Dongbaekseom Island (동백공원), famous for its camellia flowers between December to March. It's a great place for some fresh air, as there are circular walking trails all around the edge of the island.

Note: it also makes more sense in terms of itinerary planning, as you pass Haeundae when returning from the Buddhist Temple to the city. Conversely, you travel away from the city centre if you go to Gijang Haenyeo Village.

Lunch: Jagalchi Market

This is the largest seafood market in Korea- so the best place for a seafood feast- with several floors:

• on the first floor: there are tanks teeming with live fish and stalls piled high with every ocean delicacy you can imagine. It's a paradise for seafood lovers! You select the seafood you want and it will be sent upstairs to be cooked.
• on the second floor: this is where the seafood restaurants (stalls really) are located. They will charge you a fee for preparing and cooking the seafood- so you pay even if you eat raw fish FYI. (On top of what you paid downstairs.)
• you can also find a view of the open sea, and dried sea products on other floors.

Opening Hours: 5 am to 10 pm (The restaurants are only open from 9 am)

The Market is closed on 2 Tuesdays every month: the 1st & 3rd.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Cultural Village is such a story of hope.

It's a rejuvenated war refugee town and was one of my favourite things to do in Busan. It has vibrant and beautiful streets, with sculptures, murals and other artwork by local artistes popping up in unexpected corners, next to the brightly painted houses.

You'll find small shops selling local handicrafts, Korean traditional snacks and Korean souvenirs. Parts of the village are a bit like a tourist trap, but persevere and you'll see its charm.

If you are hungry, there is a small restaurant in the middle of the village. (This is actually a living village, so it has inhabitants, and the amenities they would need.)

It is about 10 minutes by taxi from Jagalchi to Gamcheon. I would suggest taking a taxi, as Gamcheon is not very convenient to get to by public transport. You need to take a bus from the subway and the buses can be a bit confusing. (Some do not actually terminate but instead make a loop 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 the coast, Huinnyeoul Culture Village is another option, though less conveniently located. It attracts more local tourists (whilst you get more foreigners at Gamcheon.) However, the paths in Huinnyeoul are much narrower so fill up more quickly than Gamcheon, which has broader streets.

Dinner: Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (부평시장(깡통시장)

This is a dedicated food market next to Gukje Market (which has everything, not just food.) It is close to Nampo-dong, so you can head there for some shopping after dinner, if you have stuff you need to get.

Some people enjoy spending the evening by Gwangalli Beach to see the spectacular views of the famous Gwangan Bridge. In terms of logistics, it doesn't really make sense, as you'll be heading back in the direction of Haeundae.

Not Recommended

• I wasn't a fan of BIFF Square and Nampo-dong. If you've been to Myeongdong in Seoul, this shopping destination won't impress you. (They're also much more stingy with samples. If you do need to stock up on beauty products, try Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center instead.)

Accommodation

If you're staying overnight, you can find all types of accommodation in Korea's second city, from cozy hostels to grand luxury hotels in Busan, such as Signiel Busan and Park Hyatt Busan. (I write about travelling comfortably in Asia, so we don't cover hostels here.)

• For convenient access to all the attractions via public transport, staying close to the city center (i.e. Busan Station or Seomyeon Station) makes life more convenient. (Seomyeon has much more to do than Busan though, such as Jeonpo Cafe Street.)
• For posh hotels with awesome sea views, you'll need to head to Haeundae Beach or Lotte Hotel, Seomyeon.
• For mid-range hotels near the water, try Songdo Beach or Gwangalli Beach (where you get spectacular views of the Gwangan Bridge.)

Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes

There is a vast array of culinary delights that is local to Busan:

• fresh seafood at the Jagalchi Fish Market where freshness is a guarantee, not just a promise. (However, make sure you clarify the prices first- there is a charge for the seafood and a charge for cooking, something that shocks many people and makes them feel "cheated." Some famous dishes are abalone porridge and Hoe 회 (Korean sashimi- click here to learn more about Japanese food vs Korean food.)
• Dwaeji Gukbap (돼지국밥), a pork and rice dish invented after the Korean War- due to the poverty back then, it was made with all the unwanted ingredients of the US army i.e. the pork bone. This delicious soup is best enjoyed at Seomyeon Market- a popular Korean breakfast, actually. (If you can't take spice, here some mild Korean foods for you.)
• Milmyeon: similar to Naeng Myeon, there is a wet version (with soup) and a dry version (with a spicy Gochujang Sauce.)
• Eomuk (어묵): Korean fishcake originated in Busan so it's a must try food here!
• octopus and other street food, such as kimbap seaweed rice rolls (click here for an easy recipe to make at home), at Bupyeong Kkangtong Market or Gukje Market
• ssiatt-hotteok (씨앗호떡) food stalls at BIFF Square: this is distinct from the hotteok in the rest of Korea as it has more nuts and seeds. (It also tastes healthier- I prefer the original Hotteok, to be honest. Also, frankly, BIFF Square isn't very interesting.)

When to Visit

Figuring out the best time to visit is key to a good trip.

I highly recommend spring or fall.

In spring, cherry blossoms paint the town pink. This season also enjoys temperate weather, making it perfect for exploring. Here's what to pack for spring in Korea.

Likewise in fall, the orange foliage is gorgeous and the climate also very enjoyable (Korea has blazing humid summers and freezing cold winters.) In fact, I would suggest fall over spring, if possible, because the air pollution is less. If you need a packing list for Korea in fall, click here.

Cultural Etiquette: Travelers Tips

Navigating the cultural landscape of South Korea, especially in a bustling city like Busan, requires savvy about local etiquettes.

• Dining Etiquette: waiting for elders to start eating is a sign of respect. Also, don't stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as it's reminiscent of a ritual for the dead. 
• Greetings: Bowing slightly when greeting or thanking someone shows respect
• Using both hands: Use both hands to give gifts, or use your left hand to support your right arm when passing the item. (Again, a sign of respect.)

Getting Around

You have a few options:

• renting a car (not recommended- Koreans are quite aggressive drivers and traffic accidents are common)
• taxis: relatively inexpensive compared to other Asian cities such as Singapore.
• public transport: best option for those on a tight budget
  • subway: preferred as the roads in Busan are extremely steep and the bus drivers quite reckless.
  • bus

Whether you travel by bus or subway, a T-money card would be useful. You can recharge it at convenience stores, which are plentiful around the city.

Beyond Busan: Nearby Destinations

One of the best day trips from Busan is Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site with so much history, it's dubbed the "museum without walls." The ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, this is merely a train ride away. (There are also organized day tours, or you can take a private tour with a local tour guide.) Brimming with cultural sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, a day in Gyeongju feels like stepping back in time.

Slightly further away (not a day trip- it's a short flight away), Jeju Island, or the 'Hawaii of South Korea,' is a paradise for nature lovers and those keen to explore South Korea's unique volcanic landscape. The island promises a contrast to Busan's bustling city life, offering peaceful beaches, lush countryside, and the famous Hallasan Mountain for breathtaking hikes. (If you're deliberating between visiting Busan or Jeju, click here for a comparison of both places.)

Any questions about how to spend a day in Busan? Let me know in the comments!