So you are planning your ultimate South Korea itinerary and don’t know how many days to spend in Busan?
The second-largest city in Korea, our favorite city, it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Busan offers stunning beaches, towering mountains, and unique temples, such as Beomeosa Temple, to explore.
The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, which includes everything from traditional Korean restaurants to lively clubs.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or an exciting evening out on the town, Busan offers plenty of things to do and see and is sure to have something for you.
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Busan Travel Essentials
Before you go, here are some Busan Travel Essentials that will make your trip easier.
Get a SIM Card or a Pocket WIFI and decide which one is better for you and your travel style
Don’t leave without travel insurance – Our go-to travel insurance is EKTA – they offer great deals for people who travel. Everyone between the ages of 3 and 85 can buy it online on their website and save lots of time (and money). Moreover, they have a service for luggage loss insurance.
Getting around by public transportation in South Korea is facilitated by the T-Money Card
Save on train travel with a Korea Rail Passes for 2/3/4/5 days
Choose the best accommodation in Busan
Save on the top attractions in Busan with the Visit Busan Pass – you can also top it up and use it for access to public transportation (only the physical card, not the mobile option)
Naver Maps will help you get around: sometimes, if you don’t find the destination in English it is useful to look for it in Korean
How many days in Busan?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it all depends on what you’d like to explore! Busan is a vibrant city with plenty of things to do, see, and experience.
On our first visit, we spent 3 days in Busan and decided the city deserves much more time, so we came back for one week.
While you can scratch the surface and see some of the most important attractions in 2 days, if you don’t want to be in a rush, spend at least 3 or 4 days in Busan.
From magnificent beaches and historical sites to mountains and theme parks, the choices are endless.
A typical itinerary for a four-day trip would include visits to popular tourist spots like Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, Taejongdae Park, and the Gamcheon Cultural Village.
If you’re game for something more adventurous, you may also want to explore some of Busan’s lesser-known attractions such as Geumjeongsanseong Fortress and Ahopsan Forest. Additionally, there are a number of nearby islands that can be visited on day trips such as Oedo, Geoje, or Namhae islands.
Is it worth going to Busan?
Yes, Busan is definitely worth visiting!
It has a variety of attractions from beaches to mountains and temples, great seafood, and vibrant nightlife. The city also offers excellent shopping opportunities, sightseeing spots, great cafes, restaurants, and cultural experiences.
All in all it’s an unforgettable destination that should be on your South Korea bucket list.
Is 2 days in Busan enough?
In our opinion, spending 2 days in Busan would be too short of a time to experience everything that the city has to offer. However, if you plan your time well, and follow a good itinerary, you can still make the best out of 2 days in Busan.
We have a great itinerary option, but here is a short breakdown of what you can do in order to best use your time:
Day 1: Explore the Western part of Busan – start your day with a coffee at Gamcheon Cultura Village, take the bus and go to Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park, stop for lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market, finish off your day with a walk on Jeoryeong Coastal Walk & Huinnyeoul Culture Village.
You can always book a customizable private tour or a West Busan Photo tour that will take you to the most important attractions in the region.
Day 2: spend your second day exploring Busan’s Eastern part – start with a coffee at Haeundae Beach, take the Sky Capsule, jump on the Blue Line Train all the way to Songjeong Beach, take the bus to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, finish your day with a yacht cruise along the coast.
Of course, for this day there are also available options: an East Busan Photo Tour, or the only 1-Day Tour that includes the Blue Line Park.
Is 1 day enough for Busan?
The short answer is no, 1 day in Busan is not enough. The vibrant city has so much to offer that you will find it hard to choose things to see that can be squeezed into one day.
Moreover, the city is set along the coast so the best attractions are spread around.
Is Seoul or Busan better?
That depends a lot on your travel style and what you prefer to do. Both cities are big, impressive, and packed with activities.
Seoul is a modern city with plenty of culture, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
Busan is a coastal city that offers stunning beaches and traditional attractions like temples, markets, and parks.
Both cities offer plenty to do so it’s tough to say which one is better without knowing what kind of experience you’re after.
However, Busan felt more laid back, with its ocean vibe, sea-facing cafes, and colorful streets. Personally, we liked living in Seoul but absolutely loved Busan.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a trendy city experience with lots of nightlife and shopping, Seoul would be your best bet. But if you’re after a more relaxed beach vacation, then Busan is the place to go.
Which month is best for Busan?
Busan is an incredible city to visit all year round, but the best month for a visit is undoubtedly October.
During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from around 20°C during the day and cooling off to around 15°C at night.
The skies are usually clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The fall foliage is also beautiful, with plenty of colorful autumn leaves to admire around the city.
Visiting during spring is another great option, with April or May as great months for a Busan trip.
Should I go to Busan or Seoul first?
That depends a lot on your flight options. Our South Korea itineraries usually start and end in Seoul, since Incheon Aiport is the most important one in the country.
Moreover, it is easy and fast to travel between Seoul and Busan, by plane or KTX train. We would start with a few days in Seoul, move to Busan, and come back for another few days in Seoul before you depart.
If you’re looking for a bustling city with lots of culture and history, Seoul is definitely the best choice. As the capital of South Korea, it’s loaded with museums, galleries, and historic sites. With its many markets and shopping districts, Seoul is also a great place for shoppers. Plus, you’ll find plenty of delicious street food to try as you explore the city.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more laid back, Busan is a great option. It’s much smaller than Seoul but no less impressive.
Thus, include both on your itinerary and start with whichever one is easier to access from your location.
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