Ultimate Busan Travel Guide 2025 – Top Attractions, Flights, Hotels, Food & Travel Tips
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is where vibrant coastal charm meets urban energy. With its beaches, seafood markets, cultural villages, and a laid-back seaside vibe, Busan is the perfect destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Located just a short flight from many Asian cities, Busan offers convenient access, rich culture, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
This comprehensive Busan travel guide covers everything you need to know: entry & visa tips, flights to Gimhae International Airport, transportation passes (T-money & Visit Busan Pass), currency exchange, best seasons to visit, top attractions by district, family itineraries, hotels, shopping, food, and travel hacks.
✈️ Entry & Visa for International Travelers
Travelers holding many passports, including from Taiwan, the U.S., and most EU countries, can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days.
✅ Electronic Arrival Card: All international visitors are required to complete the electronic arrival card (Q-Code) online within 72 hours before arrival. Q-Code official site
✅ K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Some nationalities need to apply for K-ETA before entry. As of 2025, Taiwanese passport holders are exempt, but regulations may change anytime, so check the official K-ETA website before traveling.
🛫 Flights to Busan Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
Gimhae Airport (PUS) is Busan’s main international gateway, serving direct connections from Asia and seasonal long-haul routes. Well-known airlines offering flights include:
Korean Air (KE) – Korea’s flagship carrier, with direct flights from Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, and more.
Asiana Airlines (OZ) – major Korean airline flying from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
Japan Airlines (JL) and ANA (NH) – connections from Tokyo and Osaka.
Cathay Pacific (CX) – flights from Hong Kong.
Singapore Airlines (SQ) – seasonal or codeshare connections from Singapore.
China Airlines (CI) & EVA Air (BR) – from Taipei.
👉 Tip: Most long-haul travelers connect via Seoul Incheon (ICN) and take a short domestic flight or KTX train to Busan. Always check airline schedules as routes change seasonally.
Haeundae sea view
Haeundae streets
✈️ Entry & Visa for International Travelers
Travelers holding many passports, including from Taiwan, the U.S., and most EU countries, can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days.
✅ Electronic Arrival Card: All international visitors are required to complete the electronic arrival card (Q-Code) online within 72 hours before arrival. Q-Code official site
✅ K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Some nationalities need to apply for K-ETA before entry. As of 2025, Taiwanese passport holders are exempt, but regulations may change anytime, so check the official K-ETA website before traveling.
Haeundae shopping area
Gimhae Airport (PUS) is Busan’s main international gateway, serving direct connections from Asia and seasonal long-haul routes. Well-known airlines offering flights include:
Korean Air (KE) – Korea’s flagship carrier, with direct flights from Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, and more.
Asiana Airlines (OZ) – major Korean airline flying from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
Japan Airlines (JL) and ANA (NH) – connections from Tokyo and Osaka.
Cathay Pacific (CX) – flights from Hong Kong.
Singapore Airlines (SQ) – seasonal or codeshare connections from Singapore.
China Airlines (CI) & EVA Air (BR) – from Taipei.
👉 Tip: Most long-haul travelers connect via Seoul Incheon (ICN) and take a short domestic flight or KTX train to Busan. Always check airline schedules as routes change seasonally.
Check Your Flight
🛬 From Gimhae Airport to Downtown Busan
Light Rail (BGL Line) → Fast & budget-friendly, connects to Busan Metro.
Airport Limousine Buses → Comfortable and convenient for Haeundae, Seomyeon, and major districts.
Taxi / Uber / Kakao T → Affordable compared to many cities; approx. 30,000–40,000 KRW ($23–30 USD) from airport to Haeundae.
💳 Transportation Cards & Passes
T-money Card
The must-have for public transport! Works on metro, buses, light rail, and even some taxis.
Price: ~2,500–4,000 KRW (without credit).
Where to buy: Airport, metro stations, GS25 / CU / 7-Eleven.
Transfer Discount: Free transfer within 30 minutes between bus ↔ metro.
GetYourGuide- Busan Airport: Traveler SIM and Public Transportation Card
Busan: Private Car Charter Customized City Tour
🏨 Where to Stay in Busan
Haeundae → Park Hyatt Busan (luxury), Shilla Stay (mid-range), Toyoko Inn, Elbon the Stay (budget).
Seomyeon → Lotte Hotel (luxury), Arban Hotel (highly rated).
Nampo-dong → Aventree Hotel, Stanford Inn (great for markets & street food).
Busan Station → Toyoko Inn, ASTI Hotel (perfect for KTX travelers).
🍜 Food & Souvenirs
Must-Eat: Jagalchi seafood, fish cakes, spicy seafood hot pot, Busan hotteok (sugar-filled pancakes).
Souvenirs: Seaweed, dried seafood, Korean snacks, cosmetics & skincare.
🛍️ Shopping in Busan
Shinsegae Centum City → luxury brands + spa + ice rink.
Lotte Department Store → convenient location + tax refund.
Underground shopping streets in Seomyeon & Nampo → fashion bargains.
📱 Travel Tips
SIM/eSIM or Wi-Fi router: Essential for maps & translation.
Universal adapter: Korea uses 220V, round two-pin plugs.
Tax Refund: Many shops offer instant refunds for foreigners with passports.
South Korea eSIM | SKT LGU+
🎒 Conclusion
Busan is the perfect mix of seaside leisure, cultural charm, and urban convenience. From beaches to temples, seafood markets to luxury shopping, and family-friendly attractions to buzzing nightlife, this coastal city has it all. Whether on a short weekend getaway or a longer exploration, Busan promises unforgettable travel memories.
Recommendations:
Klook- [20% OFF] Haeundae Sky Capsule, Gamcheon & Yacht Day Tour
Klook- Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Day Tour from Busan
China Airlines at Gimhae Airport
Light Rail (BGL Line) → Fast & budget-friendly, connects to Busan Metro.
Airport Limousine Buses → Comfortable and convenient for Haeundae, Seomyeon, and major districts.
Taxi / Uber / Kakao T → Affordable compared to many cities; approx. 30,000–40,000 KRW ($23–30 USD) from airport to Haeundae.
Gimhae Airport & Light Rail
T-money Card
The must-have for public transport! Works on metro, buses, light rail, and even some taxis.
Price: ~2,500–4,000 KRW (without credit).
Where to buy: Airport, metro stations, GS25 / CU / 7-Eleven.
Transfer Discount: Free transfer within 30 minutes between bus ↔ metro.
[FREE T-money] SIM Card for South Korea Unlimited Local Data (LG U+)
Visit Busan Pass
The ultimate tourist pass for 24h or 48h, offering free entry or discounts to 30+ attractions such as:
Busan Tower
Haeundae Blueline Park
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
Taejongdae Danubi Train
Songdo Skywalk
💡 Bonus: The physical card doubles as a transportation card, while the mobile app version only covers attractions.
Public Transport at Busan
Sasang Station
The ultimate tourist pass for 24h or 48h, offering free entry or discounts to 30+ attractions such as:
Busan Tower
Haeundae Blueline Park
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
Taejongdae Danubi Train
Songdo Skywalk
💡 Bonus: The physical card doubles as a transportation card, while the mobile app version only covers attractions.
Visit Busan Pass
💰 Currency Exchange – KRW to USD
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
Rate: 1,000 KRW ≈ 0.75 USD (as of 2025; rates fluctuate).
Tip: Exchange a small amount at the airport for convenience, but better rates are found in Nampo-dong or Seomyeon exchange shops.
💡 Rule of thumb: Divide KRW prices by 1,300 to get a rough USD value. Example: 10,000 KRW ≈ 7.7 USD.
Haeundae Sky Capsule
Skyline Luge Busan
Hillspa
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
Rate: 1,000 KRW ≈ 0.75 USD (as of 2025; rates fluctuate).
Tip: Exchange a small amount at the airport for convenience, but better rates are found in Nampo-dong or Seomyeon exchange shops.
💡 Rule of thumb: Divide KRW prices by 1,300 to get a rough USD value. Example: 10,000 KRW ≈ 7.7 USD.
Free Vouchers- [MONEYBOX] Currency Exchange Rate Benefit Coupon
☀️ Best Time to Visit Busan
Spring (Mar–May) → Cherry blossoms at Gamcheon Village & Taejongdae.
Summer (Jun–Aug) → Beach season! Haeundae & Gwangalli come alive.
Autumn (Sep–Nov) → Best weather + fall foliage + romantic seaside walks.
Winter (Dec–Feb) → Mild coastal winter; great for hot springs, shopping & indoor attractions.
🌊 Top Attractions in Busan (By District)
🏖️ Haeundae
The most famous beach district, known for:
Haeundae Beach – iconic summer beach.
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium – family favorite.
The Bay 101 – yacht harbor with amazing night views.
Blueline Park Sky Capsule – colorful seaside train ride.
🌉 Gwangalli
Trendy seaside area with nightlife:
Gwangalli Beach – best for evening walks.
Gwangan Bridge Night View – iconic illuminated bridge.
Cafe Street – oceanfront cafes & bars.
🎨 Gamcheon Culture Village
Known as the “Santorini of Korea,” filled with colorful hillside houses, murals, and art shops.
Great for photography and local handicrafts.
🐟 Nampo-dong & Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Fish Market – freshest seafood & live fish restaurants.
BIFF Square – street food heaven (tteokbokki, hotteok, fish cakes).
Nampo Shopping Streets – beauty shops, fashion, souvenirs.
🌲 Taejongdae
Coastal cliffs with panoramic sea views.
Danubi Train for easy sightseeing.
🏯 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
One of Korea’s most stunning seaside temples. Sunrise spot!
🏬 Centum City & Seomyeon
Shinsegae Centum City – world’s largest department store (shopping, spa, ice rink).
Lotte Department Store – premium shopping & tax-free.
Seomyeon – the downtown hub for food, nightlife, and budget hotels.
👨👩👧 Suggested 3-Day Family Itinerary
Day 1: Haeundae Beach → SEA LIFE Aquarium → The Bay 101 Night View
Day 2: Gamcheon Culture Village → Songdo Skywalk → Jagalchi Fish Market
Day 3: Taejongdae Train → Haedong Yonggungsa Temple → Gwangalli Beach Nightscape
Money Box
Money Exchange Machine
Spring (Mar–May) → Cherry blossoms at Gamcheon Village & Taejongdae.
Summer (Jun–Aug) → Beach season! Haeundae & Gwangalli come alive.
Autumn (Sep–Nov) → Best weather + fall foliage + romantic seaside walks.
Winter (Dec–Feb) → Mild coastal winter; great for hot springs, shopping & indoor attractions.
🌊 Top Attractions in Busan (By District)
🏖️ Haeundae
The most famous beach district, known for:
Haeundae Beach – iconic summer beach.
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium – family favorite.
The Bay 101 – yacht harbor with amazing night views.
Blueline Park Sky Capsule – colorful seaside train ride.
🌉 Gwangalli
Trendy seaside area with nightlife:
Gwangalli Beach – best for evening walks.
Gwangan Bridge Night View – iconic illuminated bridge.
Cafe Street – oceanfront cafes & bars.
🎨 Gamcheon Culture Village
Known as the “Santorini of Korea,” filled with colorful hillside houses, murals, and art shops.
Great for photography and local handicrafts.
🐟 Nampo-dong & Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Fish Market – freshest seafood & live fish restaurants.
BIFF Square – street food heaven (tteokbokki, hotteok, fish cakes).
Nampo Shopping Streets – beauty shops, fashion, souvenirs.
🌲 Taejongdae
Coastal cliffs with panoramic sea views.
Danubi Train for easy sightseeing.
🏯 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
One of Korea’s most stunning seaside temples. Sunrise spot!
🏬 Centum City & Seomyeon
Shinsegae Centum City – world’s largest department store (shopping, spa, ice rink).
Lotte Department Store – premium shopping & tax-free.
Seomyeon – the downtown hub for food, nightlife, and budget hotels.
Haeundae Beach
Yacht Tour Haeundae River Cruise
Light Houses
Day 1: Haeundae Beach → SEA LIFE Aquarium → The Bay 101 Night View
Day 2: Gamcheon Culture Village → Songdo Skywalk → Jagalchi Fish Market
Day 3: Taejongdae Train → Haedong Yonggungsa Temple → Gwangalli Beach Nightscape
🏨 Where to Stay in Busan
Haeundae → Park Hyatt Busan (luxury), Shilla Stay (mid-range), Toyoko Inn, Elbon the Stay (budget).
Seomyeon → Lotte Hotel (luxury), Arban Hotel (highly rated).
Nampo-dong → Aventree Hotel, Stanford Inn (great for markets & street food).
Busan Station → Toyoko Inn, ASTI Hotel (perfect for KTX travelers).
🍜 Food & Souvenirs
Must-Eat: Jagalchi seafood, fish cakes, spicy seafood hot pot, Busan hotteok (sugar-filled pancakes).
Souvenirs: Seaweed, dried seafood, Korean snacks, cosmetics & skincare.
Haeundae street food
Haeundae sea food
Shinsegae Centum City → luxury brands + spa + ice rink.
Lotte Department Store → convenient location + tax refund.
Underground shopping streets in Seomyeon & Nampo → fashion bargains.
Shinsegae membership
SIM/eSIM or Wi-Fi router: Essential for maps & translation.
Universal adapter: Korea uses 220V, round two-pin plugs.
Tax Refund: Many shops offer instant refunds for foreigners with passports.
🎒 Conclusion
Busan is the perfect mix of seaside leisure, cultural charm, and urban convenience. From beaches to temples, seafood markets to luxury shopping, and family-friendly attractions to buzzing nightlife, this coastal city has it all. Whether on a short weekend getaway or a longer exploration, Busan promises unforgettable travel memories.
Recommendations:
Klook- [20% OFF] Haeundae Sky Capsule, Gamcheon & Yacht Day Tour
Klook- Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Day Tour from Busan
GetYourGuide- Busan: Gamcheon Village and Haeundae Blueline Park Tour
GetYourGuide- Busan: Gyeongju Guided Day Trip to Three Kingdoms Capital
GetYourGuide- Busan: Gyeongju Guided Day Trip to Three Kingdoms Capital
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