Busan vs Osaka

Busan is the second largest city in Korea, after Seoul. As a bustling port city, it's a little rougher than Seoul, and has kept Korean traditions better.

However, along with its more lively nature comes a more "Wild West" feeling- you have to be (a little) more wary of scams in Busan than in Seoul and Osaka. (Nothing life-threatening, but some food vendors and taxi drivers may try to scalp you- always make sure the taxi uses its meter.)

It's a great destination if you want to experience some traditional Korean life in an urban setting, with a mix of exploring nature, mainly beaches and coastline.

For example, in Busan, you still see many street vans selling Korean traditional snacks- something hardly seen in central Seoul now.

The beaches in Busan are also second to none- they're not only beautiful but also have the supporting infrastructure built around them. (Jeju's beaches are a little less developed in comparison.)

Lastly, if you love BTS, the Korean actor Gong Yoo, or Running Man, Busan is the place for you. (Apparently you can also see some Korean celebrities if you visit during Busan International Film Fesitval.)

Like Busan, Osaka is situated by the wter and has a port.

It's one of Japan's largest financial centres and will be hosting the World Expo- for the second time- in 2025!

Compared to Busan, Osaka is a little more orderly. For example, the streets in Osaka are laid out in grid-like fashion whilst the alleys in Korea are notoriously difficult to navigate.

You can get to Busan by:

• an international flight (you will land at Gimhae International)
• KTX train or bus from Seoul
• ferry from some places

 Ōsaka has two major airports:

• An older one in the north of the city (only for domestic air traffic.)
• Kansai International Airport opened in 1994 on a man-made island in Ōsaka Bay. (It is connected to the mainland by a highway bridge.)

Korea has very extreme weather. Luckily, Busan has a more temperate climate as compared to Seoul. Its summers are less sizzling and its winters less cold.

Personally, I prefer to visit Korea in fall (milder weather and less air pollution) but summer is peak season in Busan, thanks to its beaches. My second choice would be spring. (Here's a guide to Busan in April and a packing list for the spring months.)

Osaka has milder winters and hot summers with very high humidity. Personally, I find early spring and late fall the best time to visit Osaka.

The rainy season is around mid-June to late July (but it won't rain every day.)

Note: September is typhoon season, and it has been known to turn into a natural disaster.

• Busan is renowned for its fresh seafood. Must-try dishes include Dwaeji Gukbap, a pork and rice stew, Korean fishcake (eomuk), hoe (raw fish), seafood stew, and grilled eel. (When I had samggyetang in Busan, it came with octopus, something I've never seen in Seoul!)
• However, I find the food hit-and-miss. For example, its famous ssiat hotteok (Korean sweet pancake filled with nuts which you can get at BIFF Square) and hoe (raw fish) didn't impress me.
• For more of the must-eat foods in Busan, click here.

Osaka is famous for its food! (It is known as "Japan's kitchen.")

There's no contest here, in my opinion. Osaka wins when it comes to food, if you like raw fish (sashimi.) (Although it may be a different story if it was Osaka vs Seoul.... hmmm...)

Busan has all types of accommodation from Korean bed and breakfasts (pension) to luxury hotels. Hostels can start from as low as $15 a night.

If you want to stay in a 5-star hotel, your choices are a little limited:

• you can stay at one of the luxury hotels along Haeundae, such as Signiel Hotel Busan (click for my experience there, unsponsored) and Marine City
• Or at Lotte Hotel in Seomyeon. (Click for a detailed review.)

5-star hotels in Busan do cost less than in Seoul though, at around US$150-US$200 a night (this will increase in the summer, when everyone is flocking to the beach.)

The best accommodation in Osaka are the traditional ryokans (or Japanese inns), where you can experience the epitome of Japanese hospitality. However, they can cost quite a bit.

Note that they come with tatami floors and futon beds/ mattresses. Sleeping on the floor is a must-try to immerse yourself in Japanese culture but maybe a little inaccessible for the less mobile traveler. I once had to re-route our entire accommodation plan as my 80 year old Aunt changed her mind about her ability to tackle sleeping on the floor!

The city also caters to luxury seekers and budget travelers alike: high-end hotels are around the US$200-US$700 mark while hostels and budget accommodations can dip to about US$20 a night. (Rates will change depending on whether it's peak or off-peak season.)

Regardless of your destination, the golden rule remains - remember to plan and book in advance!

• Busan’s nightlife is vibrant, with a variety of bustling bars, clubs, and cultural performances, especially around Haeundae and Seomyeon.

• If it's nature you're after, Busan also has that in spades, with beautiful beaches and rugged mountains.
  • Haeundae Beach: The famous beach in Busan and possibly all of South Korea. It’s a must-visit for beach lovers, especially in the summer months, where there are sandcastle competitions and buskers on the beach.
• For culture vultures, you're also close to some of Korea's most famous temples, such as the gorgeous Haedong Yonggungsa, which is set by the sea. It is also an easy distance from Gyeongju, a city so historic it's been called a "museum without walls."
  • Beomeosa Temple: This serene temple is nestled in the mountains, and a good place to explore traditional Korean architecture and spirituality.
  • Gamcheon Culture Village: A beautiful story of hope, often called the "Machu Picchu of Busan," this is a former war refugee slum that has been gentrified into an artists' community. It's famous for its many colorful houses, sculptures, and artistic atmosphere. You can even see all the way to the coast from some spots! Though some parts are quite touristy, Gamcheon Culture Village was one of my favorite things to do in Busan.
  • Huinnyeoul Culture Village: this is another gentrified area, located by the coast- slightly less fascinating but equally worth visiting.
• Jagalchi Fish Market: This is Korea’s largest seafood market, where you can try many of Busan's famous seafood dishes or buy dried seafood to bring home with you. If you're not a fan of seafood, you can also check out the seaview from the top floor, where the restaurants are located.
• Jeonpo Cafe Street: perfect for those who love cafes!

Note: if you're looking to enter clubs in Korea, they can be quite strict and not allow entry if you're too old/ not dressed well enough/ not Korean etc etc (basically, don't be surprised it they're politically incorrect.)

• In Osaka, the history is palpable – it thrums through the streets and historical landmarks, offering a deep dive into Japan's rich past. One of the highlights is Osaka Castle, which comes alive with cherry blossoms in the spring. 
• For nightlight, you have laid-back izakayas.
• If traveling with kids, Universal Studios in Osaka is probably calling your name.
• Osaka also has Japan's longest shopping street, the 2.6 km Tenjinbashi-suji where you can find many independent shops. Busan isn't quite as good as Seoul for shopping, so I would say Osaka wins here.