Planning a bucket list vacation to South Korea? Here are the best Day Trips from Busan Korea, listed in order of distance of travel, including some famous Korean drama filming locations. I've also include travel tips! (Anyone watched Hometown Cha Cha Cha?)
There are so many things to see and do in Busan, Korea's second-largest city.
But if you've already seen Gamcheon Culture Village, Seomyeon, Jeonpo Cafe Street, Songdo Beach, Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Market etc, here are some of the best day trips from Busan. There's no real "worst" day trip, but I've listed the ones that are further away at the bottom of the post, since it's not a good use of time to spend more than half the day on the road!
From ancient temples to offshore islands, there's a day trip from Busan for everyone!
Gyeongju
Gyeongju was one of the first places I visited outside of Busan and Seoul. The capital of (what we now call) Korea during the Silla period, it's a very charming and laidback place, and I can totally see why it's called a "Museum without walls." It's a great place to get away from busy city life, but still be in "civilization", as my Mom likes to call it.
Fun fact: the Silla Dynasty ruled Korea for over 900 years!
Why Visit
- Lots of UNESCO sites: Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple (one of the most beautiful places I've visited in South Korea), and 5 historic areas
- sights of interest: Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory Yangdong Village, Daereungwon Royal Tombs, Hwangridan Street (a shopping street with a vintage feel), Gyeongju National Museum, Gyochon Hanok Village, Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond
How to Get There
Gyeongju is actually closer to Busan than Seoul, so a very easy day trip from Busan, though you can easily spend more time there. (I did a hanok stay for several days on my first trip- apparently, the guest house I stayed in was owned by a descendent of the Korean King, who was campaigning to get the monarchy re-established... 14 years later, still no luck for him, alas.)
By train, Gyeongju Station is only 2 stops from Busan Station (about 35 minutes.) There is also a direct bus (about 1 hour.) BUT getting to the sights can be inconvenient.
Note: if you visited Gyeongju in the past, you may be confused as the old Gyeongju station has become a cultural centre and Singyeongju Station is now Gyeongju station. (Book your ticket for Gyeongju station- there are restaurants and lockers there if you need to leave your luggage whilst you tour the city.)
Why take a Tour from Busan
If you only have one day for the city of Gyeongju, I recommend taking a small bus tour.
This is because, except for the attractions in the Downtown area (which are a short walk from each other, no more than 30 minutes), some of the sights aren't located very close to each other. For example,Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are 2 must-see items in Gyeongju and located in the same area.
However, there is only 1 bus service between Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which operates hourly. In addition, getting from Gyeongju Station to Bulguksa will take you another hour!
If you are traveling with elderly relatives, you may want to travel more comfortably and book a tour from Busan to Gyeongju. (The one I've linked to brings you to Bulguksa Temple, Yangdong Village, Daereungwon Royal Tombs, Hwangridan Street (a shopping street with a vintage feel), Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond (at night, it's prettier than Gyeongbokgung in my opinion.) Whilst getting to Gyeongju from Busan is not difficult, the sights are quite spread out, so it's much more convenient on a tour. I like this one because you can bring your luggage with you (You do need to tell the guide in advance though), there are different pick-up points in the city center, AND you get a 10,000 Korean Won voucher for Lotte Duty Free!)
However, it's a group tour, so if you prefer a private tour, book this Busan to Gyeongju trip instead. Their cars can sit up to 7 or 13 people. I like it because you have the choice of just a driver OR a driver and guide, who can be English, Chinese, or Korean speaking. (For a Chinese-speaking driver, click here.)
The drive from Busan to Gyeongju can take up to 1.5 hours.
I loved trying Korean street food in the hanoks!
Geoje Island
Like Gyeongju, getting to Geoje can take anything from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours if you drive from Busan.
The 2 are connected by a bridge, which cuts down the travel time to 40 minutes. Before that, you had the choice of a 210 minute drive or a 2 hour ferry ride. (Don't expect panoramic views on the ferry ride- you see a lot of industrial ships and high-rise buildings along the way.))
Why Visit
There are many islands near Busan but not all are worth visiting.
I took the wrong ferry on my first trip to Busan and ended up somewhere VERY unscenic. It even looked a little dodgy (for Korea)!
However, Geoje is a great excursion from the city of Busan- Fans of the K-drama Winter Sonata will remember it!- because you can visit:
- Oedo Botania: A botanical garden on a picturesque island 20 minutes from Geoje, Oedo Island is part of Hallyeo National Park. You get spectacular views of the camellia forest as well as many subtropical plants.
- Historical sites: visit the remnants of Geoje's wartime past, such as POW camps and museums.
- Haegeumgang: where huge rocks are shaped by nature
- Beautiful beaches: there are 16! 2 of the famous ones are Mongdol Beach and Gujora Beach.
One of the best ways to get there is to take a private tour from Busan that takes you to Geoje, Oedo, Windy Hill and Maemi Castle. (Or here, if you just want to see Oedo and Windy Hill.)
Ulsan
Another city around 1.5 hours from Busan, I confess I've not been to Ulsan.
One of my MBA classmates was assigned to Ulsan after graduation and all she ever says is how boring Ulsan is compared to Seoul (to be fair, she also said Singapore was boring compared to Seoul)...
If you do want to visit, this prviate tour will bring you to Ganjeolgot Cape, Daewangam Park, and Taehwagang Grand Park.
Daegu
Around 2 hours from Busan is Daegu, a city which, to be honest, used to be boring a decade ago but has become pretty fun to visit in recent years, especially when the Daegu lantern festival is on.
Fun fact: Daegu is famous for its pretty girls- all thanks to the Daegu apples apparently!
There is a train station in Daegu, but you can also book a private tour (option to add an English or Chinese-speaking guide) here.
Pohang
Are you a fan of the K-drama Hometown Cha Cha Cha? If so, you must visit Pohang!
From Cheongjin Hang North Breakwater Light, the red "lighthouse" where the wedding photos (of the drama) were shot to Wolpo Beach where the characters met, there are plenty of scenic spots to captivate you.
- Red Lighthouse Address: 경북 포항시 남구 구룡포읍 석병리 745-2
745-2 Seokbyeong-ri, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Wolpo Beach Address: 경북 포항시 북구 청하면 용두리 431-108/ 431-108 Yongdu-ri, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
There's also Chief's Grandfather's Boat, at Sabang Memorial Park. It's an indoor exhibition room about erosion engineers who contributed to the reforestation of the country so... not the most engaging topic!
- Address: 경북 포항시 북구 흥해읍 해안로 1801/ 1801 Haean-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
You'll have to climb about 20 minutes up a hill, so might not be suitable for all senior travelers (depends on their fitness levels! I know my Mom will end up taking 40 minutes to walk up!)
Sad to say, the Moonlight Gongjin Cafe is actually (the exterior of) a hardware store!
- Address: 경북 포항시 북구 청하면 미남리 454-6/ 454-6 ,Minamri, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
But nearby you'll find Cheongha Market aka Gonjin Market in the show, where many important scenes took place.
- Address: 경북 포항시 북구 청하면 청하로 200번길6/ 6 Cheongha-ro 200-beongil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
You can even eat at a restaurant shown in the show, Bada Punggyeong 바다풍경 횟집
- Address: 경북 포항시 북구 흥해읍 죽천길 109/ 109 Jukcheon-gil, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
However, the houses shown in the drama are actual residences- since people still live there, I won't list the addresses here, to minimize disruption to their lives. (Apparently some visitors in the past have been a bit noisy...)
Tip: Also worth visiting is the steel walkway-art-installation, The Space Walk walkway, located in Hwanho Park. At certain times, you can walk on it and get great views of the coast!
Pohang is up to a 2 hour drive away and this tour from Busan will bring you there, visiting 3 Hometown Cha Cha Cha sights, the Space Walk, and Pohang Homigot along the way.
Tongyeong
Also around 2 hours drive from Busan is Tongyeong.
This tour from Busan will take you to some of the most popular places, such as:
- Jungang Market
- Dongpirang Mural Village
- Skyline Lune
- and other places
Namhae
Another beautiful place to visit is Namhae, a slightly less well-known part of Korea, but keep in mind that you'll be on the road for about 3 hours (each way.) If that works for you, this tour from Busan to Namhae is great. (It'll be a bit difficult to get around Namhae without a car, and you can opt for an English or Chinese speaking guide.)
The tour includes Boriam Temple, Daraengi village, and a visit to a sheep farm, and will give you more insight into rural life in Korea. (Have you seen the K-drama Best Lover, starring Lee Da Hee? The sheep farm reminds me of that show, which is actually one of my favorites!)
Why Visit
- Very relaxing: Namhae has beautiful greenery and hills, and you'll feel your stress melting away without the human crowds around you!
- Popular attractions: Boriam Temple (located on a mountain and with great coastal views), German Village, Daraengi village and its terraced rice paddies
Fun fact: there's a German Village in Namhae- it was built for Koreans who returned after living in Germany!
It's quite a steep climb up to Boriam temple so wear proper shoes- it may be a bit challenging for elderly travelers.
If you're willing to be on the road for around 3 hours, you can also consider visiting Suncheon, Yeosu, and Andong.
Travel Tips
- A good time to visit Korea is spring and fall. For a guide to Busan in April and a packing list for Korea in spring, click the respective links. (But the best time is fall, in my opinion- less pollution.)
- People often deliberate between Busan and Jeju- click through for a comparison of the 2 so you know which one suits you.
Any questions about the best Busan day trip or need a travel tip? Let me know in the comments!
Paul says
This is great, thanks for sharing your tips! Can't wait to visit Busan, and consider the surrounding area. We also plan to go to Gyeongju.
ALL2A says
Gyeongju is great! I stayed there for a week and it was so peaceful. Enjoy your trip Paul!