Busan Vs Seoul: Which to Visit in 2024

Busan is Korea's second-city, the second largest city after Seoul. As a bustling port city, it's a little rougher than Seoul,

It's a great destination if you want to experience some traditional Korean life in an urban setting, as well as enjoy the sea air and nature (mainly stunning beaches and coastline.)

Busan is also a great place for those who want a more traditional Koeran holiday: you still see street vans selling Korean traditional snacks- something hardly seen in Seoul city center now.

Lastly, if you love BTS, the Korean actor Gong Yoo, or Running Man, Busan is a grea place to visit. (I've heard you can see some Korean celebrities if you visit during BIFF, the Busan International Film Festival.)

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

In contrast, Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a cosmopolitan paradise that sits inland, surrounded by mountains like those near Namsan Tower, with the Han River flowing through. It is relatively close to the border with North Korea/ the Korean demilitarized zone .

A vactation in Seoul is ideal for those who want a pure big city break, combining seeing tourist attractions with beauty treatments, shopping, and more.

A good time to visit Korea is spring or fall.

However, if you have to be there during the summer, I recommend Busan instead. (The distinct seasons means Korean summers are quite hot and humid.)

Note that the cost of living is slightly higher in Seoul but not by so much that your holiday will be much more expensive.

Some countries have direct flights to Gimhae International in Busan, such as Singapore Airlines from Singapore.

However, most states in the US do not. If so, you would need to first travel to Incheon International in Seoul (or Taipei or Singapore) then onwards travel on to Busan. You can get there:

• By Train: The KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is one of the most popular ways to get to Busan in about 2.5 hours, offering a fast and comfortable journey. Note that if you purchase the cheaper tickets, the travel journey time will increase, and the trains will get more crowded. (I always go to Busan by KTX.)
• By Bus: If you're on a budget you can take a bus from Seoul to Busan, which will take about 4-5 hours.
• By Air: The fastest way from Seoul to Busan is by plane, around 1 hour. However, after including the time for airport transit and security, KTX is usually the more convenient option,.

About 10 American states have direct flights to Incheon International Airport in Seoul:

• Honolulu
• Los Angeles
• Seattle
• San Francisco
• New York
• Dallas
• Boston
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Detroit

From Incheon, you can take AREX (train), a taxi or private car into the city centre.

My preferred way is the airbus shuttle, which goes directly to a number of hotels.

1. Beaches: As a coastal city, Busan has many beautiful beaches. From Haeundae Beach, the most famous beach in Busan, where you'll find sandcastle competitions and buskers during the summer, to Gwangalli beach, where you have a great view of the Gwanggan Bridge.
2. Haeundae Sky Capsule: One of my favorite things to do at Haeundae is to take the Sky Capsule or Beach Train, to enjoy the best views of the coast.
3. Jagalchi Fish Market: Korea’s largest seafood market, this is where you can try Busan's famous seafood dishes. I also like to buy dried seafood to bring home with me. If you're not a fan of seafood, you can just check out the view of the ocean from the upper floor, where the restaurants are located. (You buy the live seafood from the ground floor and it's sent up to be cooked- there are 2 charges, one for the seafood, and one for cooking.)
4. Gamcheon Culture Village: One of Busan's top attractions, and my particular favorite, this rejuvenated refugee village is known as the Santorini or "Machu Picchu of Busan." 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 and I would recommend it as part of any Busan itinerary, even if you're only in Korea's second city for 1 day.
5. Huinnyeoul Culture Village: this is another gentrified refugee village but this time located by the coast. It's more popular with local tourists than foreign tourists (as there's less information about it available in English.) The pathways are also much narrower and hard to navigate.
6. Beomeosa Temple: This serene temple is located in the mountains, and a good place to find out more about traditional Korean architecture.
7. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Set by the sea, this is one of the most impressive temples in all of Korea.
8. Jeonpo Cafe Street: a cute area near Seomyeon that best exemplifies Korean cafe culture.

1. Insa-dong: An area in Seoul known for traditional arts and crafts.
2. Bukchon-dong: Also known as Bukchon Hanok Village, this is where you can find a lot of traditional Korean houses. Some are residential, whilst others have been turned into cafes and galleries. I took a Kimchi Making course at the Kimchi Institute there!
3. Ikseon-dong 익선동 (益善洞): like Bukchon-dong, you find lots of hanoks (Korean houses) in this traditional Korean village. It's particularly known for its Tik-Tok famous cafes. However, the alleyways are much narrower, and can feel a bit claustrophobic on the weekends.
4. Gyeongbokgung Palace: Seoul is famous for its many palaces, of which Gyeongbokgung is the most famous.
5. Myeongdong: THE area to go in Seoul to buy skincare and beauty products! They're so tourist friendly, you can get your tax back on the spot, saving you the hassle at the airport.
6. Seoul Forest: It's not just a forest! There's also a street of cute shops and restaurants. This is one of my favorite areas in Seoul.
7. Nami Island: This is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul, though I personally prefer going to Jeonju. The DMZ tour is another popular day trip.

The main shopping districts in the city of Busan are around Seomyeon and Nampo-dong. (I prefer Seomyeon.)

However, if you're looking to buy Korean skincare, Korean beauty products, Korean jewelry or K-fashion, Busan can in NO way compare to Seoul.

For example, in Seoul, many shops will give you tax back on the spot if you spend above 30,000 Won. (The tax refund process is troublesome at the airport.) This is not common in Busan.

In addition, the shops in Seoul are more generous when it comes to samples and free gifts.

Seoul is heaven for shopaholics. You'll find shops and department stores everywhere.

I like to go to Myeongdong for Korean skincare and around Ehwa University for K-fashion and accessories.

• Busan is renowned for Jagalchi Market, Korea's largest fish market, where you can find the freshest seafood. It's where Korean fishcake (eomuk) and Dwaeji Gukbap, a pork and rice stew, were invented.
• Other famous Busan fresh seafood dishes are hoe (raw fish), seafood stew, and grilled eel.
• It has a special ssiat hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) filled with nuts and seeds. You can find it at BIFF Square but I honestly think the original tastes better.

For more of the best food in Busan, click here.

• As the capital city of South Korea, you can find almost all of the country's famous dishes in Seoul.
• Some Korean food dishes that were invented in Seoul include Seoul-style bulgogi (불고기), which was invented in the 1900s and is beef cooked in broth. A special pot with a hole in the centre is used.
• Chu-tang (추탕) is the Seoul version of the seafood dish, Chueotang. The loach is served in a meat broth.

Busan has everything from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

However, the 5-star hotels, such as Signiel Hotel Busan, tend to be all concentrated in or near Haeundae. Within the city centre, there's really only Lotte Hotel Busan near Seomyeon.

To figure out which area in Busan to stay in, click here.

Note: if the ability to converse in English is important to you, choose an international chain, not a Korean hotel such as Lotte or Shilla.

Seoul, on the other hand, has a lot much accommodation options.

From Air B&B and university hotels- my first visit, I stayed at the hotel in Yonsei University- to staying in traditional houses or regular 5 star hotels in Seoul, you'll find yourself spoilt for choice.

Here's a guide to choosing which part of Seoul to stay in. (Myeong Dong is especially popular with first time visitors- click through to see if it's right for you.)

Busan has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and cultural performances, especially around Haeundae and Seomyeon.

As a port city, it does feel a lot rougher than Seoul though, and I wasn't as comfortable wandering the streets at night as I was in Seoul.

For example, you see drunk rough sleepers right next to Lotte Hotel, something I've never seen in central Seoul. (This wasn't the case when I first visited 10 years ago.)

But, Seoul vs Busan nightlife: Seoul definitely wins.

From the flashy lights of Gangnam to the bustling streets of student town Hongdae, night cruises down the Han River or the expat paradise of Itaewon, there's something to keep you occupied 24/7.

Best of all, I have never felt unsafe as a single female in Seoul (though you should be careful if you go clubbing and drinking.)

It is very easy to get around by the Subway or taxi.

Buses are plentiful but can be a bit more challenging, as some do not terminate. Instead, they travel on a circular loop (so if you don't get off at the right stop, you end up heading back to where you came from.)

Walking to the bus stop can be difficult too as Busan is EXTREMELY hilly.

Seoul's public transport is very developed, so you can easily commute using the subway train, bus, or taxi.

The only thing to note is that certain areas popular with tourist do not allow cars to enter on certain days (e.g. Insa-dong.)