A Busan Itinerary 2 Days | Where To Go, Eat and Stay
What are the best things to do in Busan? Where to stay in Busan? What is the best Busan city tour? What to eat in Busan? Looking for a Busan itinerary 2 days? Then read on!
Busan is the 3rd biggest city of South Korea and is a must visit when coming on a trip to the land of the morning calm. The city is known for its delicious sea food, stunning beaches, fish markets and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Below is the perfect 2 Days Busan Itinerary in this Busan travel blog post.
Things To Know Before Planning A Trip To Busan
- Getting To Busan: Busan is located in the South of the country and is accessible by train, flight or bus from Seoul. Busan also has an international airport connected to other major airports in Asia.
- Weather In Busan: the weather is Busan is similar to the rest of Korea, with four distinctive seasons. The winter in Busan is rather cold while summers are hot and humid. When visiting Busan make sure to dress appropriate for the season you’re visiting. Check what to wear in Korea here.
- Travel Adapter: don’t forget your travel adapter when visiting South Korea! Check more info on power outlets in Korea here.
- Getting Around: Most of the Busan tourist attractions are easily accessible by public transport. The best way to navigate is by using the Kakao maps app or the Busan train map app. Busan City also runs a Hop On – Hop Off bus which passes by all the places to go in Busan, mentioned below. Check prices and info here.
- Day Trip To Busan: Going on a day trip from Seoul is possible but only by KTX. The best is to spend at least two days, preferably even more in this wonderful city. Additionally, there are many fun day trips from Busan available.
- WiFi: Even though every city and restaurant in Busan has WiFi, it is much easier to carry around your own WiFi egg. Check more info here.
Two Days In Busan: Day 1
You can easily spend a week or more in Busan, but 2 days is just enough to experience this vibrant city. Busan has lots to offer, from beaches, to temples, water sports and shopping facilities! Below you’ll find what to do in Busan in 2 days.
On your first day in Busan, focus on the historic center with the fish market, Busan tower, the book street, the cultural village and finish off with a night cruise.
1. Jagalchi Fish Market
The Jagalchi Market is Korea’s biggest seafood market which sells both live and dried fish. There are two parts to the market, the covered market inside the designated fish market building and the outside part with vendors in all side streets. Visitors can find all kinds of fish products including mackerel, sea squirts, whale meat and all sorts of dried sea weed.
Within the market are a bunch of restaurants which serve delicious fish dishes with fresh ingredients from the market, this is must go place for having a lunch or dinner. If you’re not sure what to see in Busan in 2 days, then this should be on the top of your list!
Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
Market Tour: More info here
2. Lotte Department Store Sky Garden
The Lotte Department Store is located just next to Jagalchi Fish market and is the second biggest department store in Busan. In the main hall of Lotte is the largest indoor musical water fountain which is even featured in the Guinness Book of Records. Apart from being a great shopping complex with lots of entertainment facilities, the roof top deck is what makes this building extra special.
The rooftop offers great view over the whole city, the harbour and ocean. In the Sky Garden, you’ll find coffee shops, farm animals, sculptures and an observation deck.
Address: 772 Gaya-daero, Bujeon 2(i)-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Opening Times: 10:00 – 23:00
3. Yongdusan Park & Busan Tower
Yongdusan is one of the three famous mountains in central Busan. From the top of the mountain the view is magnificent as it overlooks the sea. The view is extra special at night! At the top of the mountain stands Busan Tower, which is 120 meters high. The top of the tower is inspired by one of the Pagodas in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju.
The surrounding park is a hot spot for the citizens of Busan and tourists. Apart from Busan Tower there is the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a flower clock, the Bell of Citizens and a statue bust of Baeksan An Hee-je.
Address: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening Times: Busan Tower 10:30 – 20:00
Tower Tickets: check info here
4. Bosu-dong Book Street
The Book Alley in Busan was created just after the independence of Korea from the Japanese as people started selling books which the Japanese left behind. Professors and students during those times came to the alley to purchase books which helped the book street grow and get established to what it is today.
Nowadays, because the rise of the big chain book stores, the Bosu-dong Book Street shifted its focus to more niche books and opening coffee shops in some of the stores, this helps to make up for the loss in profit.
Address: 8 Chaekbanggolmok-gil, Bosu-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
5. Gamcheon Culture Village
The Gamcheon Culture Village is a small village built on the foothill of a mountain facing the harbour and ocean. The Culture Village is nicknamed the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’. Many of the buildings are painted in vibrant colours with lots of murals and sculptures placed all over the village.
Gamacheon is a residential area which is filled with coffee shops, galleries, snack vendors and souvenir shops. The best way to explore the village is by getting lost in the small side streets and alleys.
Address: 203 Gamnae 2(i)-ro, Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan
More info: Village Tour
How to get to Gamcheon Culture Village
1. Go to Geojeong Station on Subway Line 1. At exit 6, take the bus Sakha 1 or Sakha 1-1 to the Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop.
2. Take the subway to Toseong Station on Subway Line 1. At exit 1, take the bus Saha 1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2 to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop.
6. Songdo Cable Car
The Songdo Cable Car which originally launched in 1964 and reopened in 2017 being four times the distance as when it closed back in 1988. The journey starts in Songnim Park, going all the way to Amnam Park at the Observatory. Some of the cable cars even have a glass floor, which is only for the dare devils to try.
Address: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan
Opening Times: Busan Tower 10:00 – 21:00
7. Oryukdo Island & Oryukdo Skywalk
The Oryukdo Skywalk is located on the dividing point of the East and South Sea. The glass skywalk opened in 2013 and hangs over a 35 meter high coastal cliff. The skywalk reaches far over the cliff, so visitors can look down through the glass floor and enjoy the view of the waves. It is the perfect spot for impressive Instagram pictures.
Apart from the skywalk there is a 365 meter coastal promenade which gives visitors a complete view of Songdo Beach and the skywalk.
Oryukdo Island is located just of the coast of Busan and is created purely out of stones. The island is uninhabited and consists of a lighthouse and walking trails. Oryukdo is only accessible by ferry which leaves from the Mipo terminal at Haeundae Beach. The one hour long trip gives great views of Haeundae, Gwangalli and the Diamond Bridge.
Address Skywalk: 197 Yongho 2(i)-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
8. Night Yacht Tour At Haeundae Beach
Taking a yacht tour in Busan is the perfect way to see the vibrant Busan by night. At Haeundae beach is a yacht boat club with many yacht tour companies running tours everyday. Each tour is around 1 hour long, but this can be customized if you are looking for a private tour.
Recommended yacht tours
- Busan Diamond Bay Cruise – An affordable cruise company running day and moonlight tours. See Gwangan Bridge, Nurimari Island, Haeundae Beach and the beautiful modern Marine city. Check prices and info here.
Busan Haeundae Cruise – This one hour cruise runs both during the day and at night. The tour includes drinks and snacks for each passenger. Check prices and info here.
Busan Itinerary 2 Days: Day 2
On your second day in Busan, visit the most famous beach, a coastal temple and the the aquarium. If you have some time left, visit Gwangalli beach or Beomeosa Temple.
1. Haeundae Beach
The Haeundae Beach is Busan’s most famous beach. It is a white sand beach, around 1.5 kilometers long and lies around a shallow bay, which makes this the perfect beach for swimming in summer.
Around the beach are the most luxurious hotels and private guesthouses. These have stunning views looking over the bay! Haeundae is also famous for hosting all sorts of festivals throughout the year.
Address: Jung 1(il)-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
2. Sea Life Busan Aquarium
The Sea Life aquarium in Busan has more than 250 different kinds of sealife including fish, algae, reptiles and amphibians. This 3-floor aquarium is one of the best in South Korea and is divided into specific themes. The highlight of the aquarium is the underwater tunnel, going through a huge tank filled with shark, sea turtles and sting ray!
Address: 266 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Jung-dong, Haeundae, Busan
Discount Ticket: Get a 38% discount here
3. Haedong Yonggungsa
The Haedong Yonggunsa Temple is without a doubt one of the best Busan tourist spots. It is a rare kind of temple which you won’t find anywhere else in Korea. Yonggunsa is a stunning temple build along the Busan coast line. It was built back in 1376 by a Buddhist Teacher in the Goryeo Dynasty.
Address: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
How to get here: At Haeundae Station, exit 7, take bus 181 to the Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop.
Best Place To Stay In Busan
Busan has many different districts, filled with hotels and guesthouses. If you’re staying only for one night in Busan, staying in the Haeundae or Seomyeon are the best areas to stay in Busan. Both areas are well connected to a lot of Busan places of interest.
1. Where To Stay In Haeundae Area
The Haeundae area is the fun beach district of Busan. Here you’ll find lots of bars, restaurants and events all day and night, no matter the season.
Hotel Park Hyatt – The Hotel Park Hyatt is perfect when you’re looking to have a luxurious stay in Busan. Most of the rooms have great views overlooking the Marina City. In the hotel, you’ll find a spa, fitness center and excellent in-house dining facilities. Check prices here.
Beach Hotel Haeundae – This budget option is located just next to the Haeundae Subway station and within walking distance of the beach. Check prices here.
- ★K-Guesthouse Haeundae 2 – This highest rated guesthouse in Haeundae is the perfect place to stay if you’re on a mid-range budget! Check prices here.
- Melon Guesthouse – This cute guesthouse and hostel is the perfect accommodation for solo travelers or travelers on a budget. The interior of the guesthouse and rooms are modern and colourful. Laundry facilities, a library and a shared kitchen are available for all guests. Check prices here
2. Where To Stay In Seomyeon Area
This centrally located area is close to all the main sights down town and the KTX station. The area is filled with restaurants and shops. Below are some recommendations of the best places to stay.
- ★Green House – This highest rated accommodation in Busan is of the home stay kind of type. The owners are super friendly and full of charm. They truly care about their guests and provide visitors with all the necessary information to get around. Check prices here.
TraveLight – A wonderful hostel close to the KTX station. The interior is new and modern with a homey feel to it. For the ladies, a wide range of cosmetic products are available to use, free of charge. The hostel uses a point system, which rewards long term staying guests with free souvenirs and gifts. Check prices here.
- Uniqstay Bed & Breakfast – This guesthouse provides wonderful breakfast to all guests, including burgers, french toast, coffee and more! The staff is extremely friendly and always ready to answer any questions about Busan. Check prices here.
What To Eat In Busan
Busan is the city of sea food, which can be found all over the city. It is also a city of local specialties and street food. Some must try dishes are eomuk (Busan fish cakes), ssiat hotteok, kalguksu and dwaeji gukbap. Some of the best places to try these snack and dishes are the Gukje street food market and the Jagalchi fish market.
1. Gukje Market Street Food
The Gukje market is a well known place to go in Busan for trying street food. Different streets in the market have different kinds of food items and you’ll find anything from kalguksu to yummy gukbap.
The market has over 60 years of history and its specialty is Chungmu Gimbap, rice rolls wrapped in seaweed served with boiled squid.
Address: Sinchangdong 4-ga, Jung-gu, Busan-si
2. Jagalchi Market Lunch
Like mentioned above, Jagalchi market is a must visit when in Busan. If you’re looking to have lunch here, try to find vendors outside of the market area. These restaurants serve special fried fish lunch sets which include all kinds of fish, soup, rice and side dishes!
3. Cooking Classes In Busan
Instead of just eating, why not try and learn how to cook some of these local Busan dishes? Taking a cooking class is the perfect way to experience the local Korean cuisine.
During the class, you’ll go grocery shopping at Jagalchi and Kkangtong Market together with the cooking teacher. After picking up all the fresh ingredients, you’ll head back to the cooking school and learn how to prepare 5 different kinds of dishes. Dishes differ from day to day but can include Samgyetang, Jjigae, Gimbap or tang.
The cooking school is located near Gamcheon Culture Village and is well known for teaching foreigners how to cook traditional Korean food. Check more prices and info here!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you only have 2 days in Busan, some must-visit attractions include the iconic Gamcheon Culture Village, the vibrant Haeundae Beach, and the stunning Taejongdae Park. You could also visit the bustling Jagalchi Market for some fresh seafood, or explore the historical Beomeosa Temple.
The best way to get around Busan as a tourist is by using the subway and bus system. The subway is efficient, affordable, and covers most major attractions, while the buses can take you to more remote areas. Taxis are also readily available, but can be more expensive.
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