Busan Itinerary: What You Can’t Miss and Must See in 2 Days

Busan is a thriving, lively city on the coast. South Korea might not be known for its laid-back lifestyle and easy-going culture. But in Busan, there is definitely a happy ease to daily life.

Perhaps it’s the beach, or the wonderful museums, or the popular beer houses and karaoke rooms. Likely a combination of them all.

Whatever the reason, you’re sure to love the way of life in this city. And with so many things to do in busan, Korea, you’ll never want to leave.

If you’re on a vacation through South Korea or just completed your Seoul itinerary, this is the perfect follow up as part of your Korea Itinerary.

This Busan Itinerary 2 days is perfect for a weekend in Busan or for a 2 night visit during the week.

Busan Itinerary: How to Get to Busan

If you’re flying into seoul, you can easily take a train to Busan. I recommend taking the KTX train from seoul to Busan and arriving in just under three hours.

The most economic way to travel South Korea by train is the Korea Rail Pass. This pass is only available to foreign travellers. The KR pass covers 600 stations and 80 different high speed routes with unlimited rides. It is available in 3 or 5 consecutive days or flexible 2 and 4 days.

There is also an international airport in Busan, Gimhae International, so you can fly there directly. But you might find that these flights are a bit more expensive and less regular. But I recommend stopping in Seoul first, and checking out all the great things to do in Myeongdong and Gangnam.

⇒ Flights to Seoul

⇒ Flights to Busan

If you’re visiting Seoul one of the best deals on offer is the Discover Seoul Pass. This pass allows free entrance to 42 Seoul Attractions, discounts on 35 Seoul Attractions and it’s a transit card. There are 24/48/72 hour options available.

If you do fly into Gimhae airport, you can grab a taxi to your accommodation, or take the Sasang bound subway to Sasang station. Just keep checking Naver Maps for details about what public transport you need to jump on.

How to Get Around Busan

If you’re planning to rent a car and drive, getting around is very simple. You can download the Naver navigation app and make your way easily around the city. The app is useful because it tells you when to slow down for a traffic camera, so you won’t get any fines.

But if you’re not keen to rent a car in Busan, don’t stress. The same app will help you to easily catch buses, trains and subways. You can go to any convenience store, pick out your favorite public transport card (they only differ through aesthetics), and load it with cash.

Tap this card on the reader at any public transport station, or on the bus as you get on. It might feel daunting if you’re new to this, but it really couldn’t be simpler. The Naver Map will also show you how to walk from place to place and everything else you need to know.

Tip: If a destination that you’re trying to find doesn’t come up when you type it in, translate it into Korean, and then copy and paste.

Trip to Busan – Day 1

This day will be all about cultural experiences, mingled with lots of fun and pretty Busan sights. The two things to do in Busan on the itinerary are just 7 minutes apart by subway, so combining them is ideal.

Gamcheon Culture Village

This terraced village on a hill is one for the books. Brightly coloured houses climb up the hill, ending in a brilliant view from the top of Gamcheon Culture Village Busan.

And there are many fun interactive activities in Gamcheon Culture Village on the way up. Although I suggest that you get a taxi at least part of the way, as the top is the most exciting, and the walk is very steep.

South Korea has a notable photography culture, so there are lots of artworks designed specifically for you to get your best side on camera.

There are also plenty of tasty treats lining the Gamcheon streets. From cute candy floss (imagine ears and little faces on colorful clouds of sweetness) to upscale cafes with gorgeous views.

Gamcheon is one of the most colorful places to visit in Busan Korea and a highlight of this Busan travel blog.

Jagalchi Fish Market

It might not appeal to everyone, as some naturally want to stay as far away from fish as possible, but this Jagalchi Fish Market Busan is a real cultural experience. It’s the largest fish market in Asia, and there are many fascinating things to see.

Just be aware that you’ll see quite a lot of squirming creatures. This is one of the best places to visit in Busan.

You can see how Koreans haggle, and how the ajummas handle their hoards at this Busan market. Ajumma’s are a cultural experience all on their own. These elderly women are so specific to South Korea, that you need to see them just doing their thing.

And if you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll be blown away. This Busan fish market has everything fresh and dried, tentacled and scaled.

This market in Busan also has plenty of things besides fish, from food to crafts. So be sure to experience this cultural space serving locals and foreigners for decades.

Craft Beer Houses

While the national drink, soju might be the go-to alcohol for the majority of Koreans, good craft beer has certainly found its way into most hearts. In Busan, there is a passion for craft beer houses, where you can taste some of Korea’s finest brews.

The best street to sample craft beer in Busan is 40 minutes from the Jagalchi market, but close to where you’ll likely be staying. It’s also totally worth the trip and one of the most fun things to do in Busan at night.

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If you’re a fan of beer, I’m sure you’re dying to know if Korea stands amongst the greats. These bars also often have a fun and active vibe, with darts, pool tables, and KFC (Korean fried chicken).

Fortunately for us, most of Busan’s best breweries are in Gwangnam-ro (near Haeundae). So head to Gorilla Brewing, SOL Taphouse or Galmegi Brewing for a pint or three.

And once you’re feeling a little buzzed and confident, head to one of the endless karaoke rooms that line the streets. Karaoke is one of South Korea’s most popular activities, day and night.

You can order a couple more beers to keep you going. Add to it a shot of soju (a clear vodka-like liquor), and you’ll really be spending this night in Busan like a local. Just be sure to get enough sleep to seize the upcoming day.

Knowing even a small amount of the local language can add a whole new level of enjoyment to any trip. Why not learn some basic Korean before you leave home?

Busan Travel Itinerary – Day 2

Today is the day to see Busan’s most beautiful temple, and then relax by the beach and enjoy a great night out. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a quick trip to Busan.

Haedong Yonggungsa

This beautiful sea-side temple was built in 1376 and is still in perfect condition. Try to arrive at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple early if you’re visiting over the weekend, as this is one of the most popular Busan attractions.

You’ll pass a road lined with interesting Buddhist sculptures of hybrid animals, and then down a path lined with craft merchants and little food stalls. South Korean street food is generally known to be safe for consumption, so feel free to try a few things out.

And if you’re feeling less adventurous on the food front, there are simple Korean treats like homemade caramelized sugar pops and candy covered strawberries.

When you get to this temple in Busan you’ll see the waves lapping against the rocks that the temple rests on. You can explore the lookout points from Haedong Yonggungsa Busan that offer amazing views. Be sure to have your camera ready.

South Korea is a safe country so you can comfortably ask someone to take a photo of you. Without worrying that they’ll nick your camera while they’re at it.

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Museum DAH

This fascinating museum will have you feeling like you are living art. From the walls to the floors, everything at Museum DAH Busan is awash with colour and life. You’ll want to spend at least an hour or two at this fascinating Busan museum.

The contemporary gallery/ museum space in Busan is dedicated to digital art, one of Korea’s leading artistic methods of expression. The museum makes for amazing photographs and perfect Instagram posts.

Museum DAH is located in Haeundae, so once you’ve seen it all, you can simply hop on a bus and head to Haeundae Square, which is your next and final stop. And since you’ll be spending your evening here as well, travel is easy and minimal.

Haeundae Square and Gunan-Ro

Haeundae Busan is a very popular area for foreigners and Korean vacation-makers. It has a rather rare and interesting urban beachfront. Here you can gaze out at the sea, turn, and then stare straight into the city of Busan.

There are street performers and pop-up evening markets in Haeundae square, which make it an exciting place to spend an evening. You can then wrap up the day with a cocktail on the beach, at one of the hip bars that line the Busan shore.

And if you’ve decided that Haeundae is where to stay in Busan, spend the night out on the town. There are lots of popular late-night bars and clubs in this area.

Some of the best foreigner-friendly places are Wolfhound and Thursday Party. These Haeundae bars guarantee a good time but aren’t too raucous.

These fun spots in Haeundae have friendly vibes, so even if you go alone, you’re sure to find some fun. And it’s always easy to make friends over Thursday Party’s beer pong table.

Where to Stay in Busan

Best Louis Hamilton Hotel

This elegant hotel is just 500m from Haeundae beach, so you’ll have no need for public transportation here (it can be a little stressful figuring out how to take the buses and trains, but very doable).  

The Louis Hamilton Hotel Busan has flat-screen TVs in all of their rooms, air conditioning, and tons of toiletries. It all makes for a very easy, comfortable stay in this Busan South Korea hotel.

⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

Mipo Oceanside Hotel

A short one-minute walk from Haeundae Beach, you couldn’t ask for a better location than Mipo Oceanside Hotel. When you book, request a room with an ocean view.

You can sit at your dining table at the Mipo Oceanside Hotel Busan and watch the sunset over the fascinating cityscape.

If you’re happy to splash out a bit on the best accommodation option, or if you’re traveling in a group, opt for the family suite at this Haeundae hotel.

It’s huge and gorgeous, and has everything you need for a perfect vacation, including towels and toiletries. You can keep your luggage light, which is ideal if you plan to do lots of shopping.

You can also choose a Western or Korean style room here. So if you’re looking for a more authentic Korean experience, give it a try. Just keep in mind that that means you will be sleeping on a mattress on the floor!

⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

⇒ For more hotels in Busan read my complete post on Where to Stay in Busan

Busan Korea Itinerary: Do you need a Visa for your Korea Trip?

It can be a real pain trying to figure out if you need a visa for a country and then all the hassle of figuring out how to apply, how long you can go without your passport, when the embassy is open etc.

iVisa has completely revolutionised this process and put it all online and make it super simple and paper and hassle-free! Using iVisa is one of my top travel tips!

NB: Citizens of the United States, Great Britain, Australia and Canada do not need a Visa for Korea if they are staying less than 90 days. Do double check that this still holds when you book your airfares.

⇒ Check if you need a Visa for Korea

Final Thoughts on What to do in Busan

This coastal city has a really great variety of attractions. Whatever you have in mind for this vacation, you’re sure to go home happy after this stop. Hopefully, you’ll leave armed with a few souvenirs from Busan’s fascinating markets and gorgeous department stores as there are so many things to buy in Busan South Korea (the skincare products are out of this world).

There are tons of things to do in Busan South Korea. But equipped with this list of the most interesting places in Busan, you’re sure to have an amazing holiday. If you’re a little apprehensive to do a day of exploring on your own, you can simply take a guided city tour.

And if you still have a few days in South Korea, there are some really awesome things to do in Jeju, the Hawaii of Korea.

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