[Latest 2025 Travel Guide] Busan
🏖 Editor's Guide: Busan Travel Guide
Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and port capital, boasts a vibrant seascape, offering both the energy of a modern city and the vibrant atmosphere of traditional markets. Whether you enjoy shopping, dining, or a relaxing beach vacation, Busan has it all!
📍 Busan must-see attractions
1. Haeundae Beach
- Features : Busan’s most famous beach is a favorite summer resort for Koreans and tourists in the summer. The sand is fine and soft, and there are many cafes nearby.
- Editor’s tip : Take a stroll along the beach at night and stop by The Bay 101 to take photos of the night view. The lights reflected on the sea are super romantic.
2. Gamcheon Culture Village
- Features : Known as the "Santorini of Korea," the colorful cottages are built along the mountainside, and every corner is a photo-taking spot.
- Editor's Tip : Wear bright colors to complement the background! Also, since there are many hills, wearing comfortable shoes is crucial.
3. Jagalchi Market
- Features : The largest seafood market in South Korea, where you can eat fresh seafood upon order.
- Editor’s Recommendation : Try the raw octopus (산낙지) and live sea urchin to experience the local way of eating seafood.
4. Taejongdae
- Features : The sea cliffs are magnificent, with a lighthouse and an observation deck. When the weather is good, you can see Japan's Tsushima Island on the opposite shore.
- Editor’s Tip : Take the Danubi Train around the scenic area for a hassle-free and scenic view.
5. Yongdusan Park & Busan Tower
- Features : The best location in the city center overlooking the panoramic view of Busan.
- Editor's suggestion : Climb the tower at night to see the night view, which is more charming.
🍜 Must-try food in Busan
| gourmet food | Recommended locations | Editor's Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Rice Soup (돼지국밥) | Seomyeon, Nampo-dong | The soup is rich and warms the stomach, and a bowl of it is super blissful in winter. |
| Seafood Scallion Pancake (해물파전) | Near Jagalchi Market | Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it pairs perfectly with Korean rice wine. |
| Busan Fish Cake (어묵) | Samjin fish cake, Gukje Market | Eat hot fish cake soup to warm yourself up while walking. |
| Cold noodles (밀면) | Gwangbok-dong | Busan's unique wheat cold noodles, with a sweet and spicy taste. |
| Raw octopus (산낙지) | Jagalchi Market | It’s so fresh that it’s still moving, challenging your courage. |
🚇 Busan Transportation Guide
1. Subway
- The Busan Metro has 4 main lines connecting major attractions.
- Editor’s recommendation : Buy a T-money card or Cashbee card , which can be used in both Seoul and Busan. It’s convenient and saves money.
2. Bus
- The bus network is dense and cheaper than the subway, but the routes are complicated.
- Suitable for visiting attractions that are not accessible by subway, such as Taejongdae.
3. Taxi
- The price is slightly cheaper than Seoul and suitable for 3-4 people.
- Editor's note: Most drivers don't speak English, so it's recommended to show them the Korean address or map.
4. Airport to city center
- Gimhae Airport → Seomyeon/Nampo-dong : You can take the Busan–Gimhae Light Rail Transit to the subway, or take the airport bus directly.
🎯 Editor recommends a 3-day itinerary
Day 1 : Haeundae → The Bay 101 → Dongbaekseom Island
Day 2 : Gamcheon Culture Village → Jagalchi Market → Yongdusan Park
Day 3 : Taejongdae → Gukje Market → Gwangbok-dong Shopping Street
