Best Busan Tours & Trips

Best Time to Travel to Busan

The best time to start your Busan trip is during spring, from April to May, and autumn from September to October. The weather is mild, the humidity is low, and the skies are clear—perfect for exploring the city's beaches and coastal trails. Average temperatures range from 10–17 °C (50–63 °F) in spring and 14–21 °C (57–70 °F) in autumn.

In contrast, summer (July–August) is hot and humid with frequent rainfall, averaging 22–28 °C (72–82 °F). However, summer is also the busiest season at Busan's beaches. Winter from December to February sees average temperatures of 2–8 °C (36–46 °F), making it relatively mild compared to northern cities. Though less crowded, this season suits those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.

How Many Days in Busan Is Enough?

3-4 days is the ideal length of time to explore Busan, allowing you ample time to visit the main attractions and sample local cuisine without feeling rushed.

How to Get Around in Busan

Busan's public transportation system is highly developed, with the subway serving as the primary mode of travel for sightseeing.

● Subway: Busan currently has 4 subway lines covering most attractions in the city. Single-ride tickets cost between 1,300 and 1,800 KRW.

● Buses: There are city buses, trunk buses, and sightseeing buses. The three sightseeing bus routes also cover most attractions. Fares range from 1,300 to 2,000 KRW.

● Taxis: Busan taxi fares start at approximately 3,800–4,000 KRW, making them suitable for groups or nighttime travel.

You can use T-Money or Cashbee cards, which can be purchased at convenience stores and recharged at subway stations.

Top Attractions in Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village: Often called the "Machu Picchu of Busan," this vibrant hillside neighborhood is a maze of colorful houses and art installations. It's a popular spot for photographers and artists.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, it is a rare seaside Buddhist temple backed by a magnificent coastline.

Haeundae Beach & Gwangalli Beach: These are the city's two most famous beaches, offering wide sandy shores and a lively atmosphere. Haeundae is known for its size and popularity, while Gwangalli provides stunning night views of the Diamond Bridge.

Jagalchi Market: This is a vast market where you can see and taste the fresh catch of the day. It's a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

Nampo-dong: Busan's business district and shopping hub, home to several major markets, including the International Market and BIFF Square. It's a great place to sample street food and find unique souvenirs.

Day Tours from Busan

If you have ample time, there are also many great day trip destinations near Busan.

● Gyeongju-si: Just an hour away by KTX, Gyeongju is a renowned ancient city where you can visit Bulguksa Temple and learn about the history of the Silla Dynasty.

● Changwon-si: A 50-minute KTX ride takes you to Changwon, where Jindong Mountain offers panoramic views of the city.

● Geoje Island: About a two-hour bus ride away, home to the famous Windmill Village and scenic coastal walking paths perfect for photos.

Classic Busan Trip Itinerary

We've created a 3-day Busan itinerary to help spark your inspiration.

Day 1: Start your Busan city tours at Gamcheon Culture Village. After exploring the artistic alleys, head to the iconic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Day 2: Explore the lively Nampo-dong district. Visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea's largest seafood market, and the bustling Gukje Market. In the evening, head to BIFF Square for street food.

Day 3: Spend your day at Haeundae Beach, Busan's most famous beach. You can stroll along the shoreline or visit the nearby Busan X the Sky for panoramic views. A short ride away is Gwangalli Beach, known for its view of the Diamond Bridge, which is beautifully lit at night.

Where to Stay & Must-Eat in Busan

For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in the Haeundae area. It boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous delicious restaurants. The Nampo area is also a great choice, featuring the Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village.

Busan offers many must-try delicacies, including Dwaeji Gukbap—Pork Soup with Rice—featuring a rich and flavorful pork broth. Another favorite is Ssiat Hotteok, or Seed Pancake, a popular street snack filled with assorted seeds and nuts. Of course, you can't miss Busan's fresh seafood, especially its wide variety of Hoe. There's also abalone congee and octopus dishes.