Ready to travel to South Korea and more precisely the beautiful coastal city of Busan? Here is your guide, especially designed for the traveler on a budget! Tips & Unmissable places await you!

Busan, Corée du Sud

Busan Travel Guide

Annyeonghaseyo (Hello) and Welcome to the beautiful city of Busan! 

Busan may not be as successful as its big sister Seoul, but it would
be a shame not to visit, because even if Korea's second-largest city
doesn't attract as many visitors, it actually has a lot more charms
than Seoul.


Its coastal location, historic sites, pristine
beaches, delicious cuisine and adventurous hikes make it the ideal
haven for travelers seeking both dynamism and a relaxed lifestyle.


If
you're looking for a destination far from the capital, but just as
fun and beautiful, keep scrolling to discover the magnificent port
city: Busan!


> This guide has been specially designed
for travelers on a budget, without sacrificing fun activities or
delicious meals.

Busan or Pusan is South Korea's second-largest city, located at the
southeastern tip of the peninsula. 


 The city has a long
history, dating back to the Paleolithic Age, and has seen many
dynasties. Its name also changed several times, once after being
absorbed by Silla (one of the three kingdoms of Korea) before finally
being called Pusanpo (pu meaning “kettle”, san meaning “mountain”
and po “bay” or “port”) under the Goryeo dynasty
(918-1392).


It then played an important role during the
Korean War (1950-1953), serving as a refugee camp and temporary
capital, Seoul having been captured by North Korea at the
time.


Overcoming the difficulties, Busan is today a
metropolitan city that is also the country's largest port and a major
transportation hub. The city has become very popular over the years
thanks to its temperate climate, numerous beaches, gastronomy,
renowned film festival, hiking and education system.


All
in all, the coastal town has it all, and its laid-back attitude won't
leave you feeling as stressed as in other big cities. That's what
makes Busan such a great place to visit!

South Korea has visa waiver agreements with over 100 countries,
so you probably won't need a visa and can enter the country for
between 30 and 180 days, depending on your nationality.


However,
you may need to apply for a K-ETA (electronic travel authorization)
before you leave (~$10).


Here's the link to the official
K-ETA website for more information, or if you'd like to apply for
one!  

Welcome - K-ETA


Depending on your country of departure, flights are
available, but it's usually more expensive to fly directly to Busan.
So if you're looking to save money or are on a tight budget, I
recommend booking your flight to Seoul.


From there, it's
very easy to get to Busan, whether by train, bus or rental car.

You can rent a car for as long as you like from
the airport or the city center, and choose the car that suits your
needs. Bear in mind that while this option gives you more freedom,
it's also the most expensive.
Expect to pay $60/day for an
economy car.

High-speed trains (KTX) in Korea are excellent and not as expensive as you might think, but remember to check and book your ticket in advance, as seats tend to sell out very quickly!

For a journey of around 3 hours at $40-45, the train may be the best solution for you, especially when you know they're comfortable, clean and efficient. 

Buses are my favorite means of transport in Korea because they're the best option if you want to save money, and you won't have to stress about not having a ticket as there are lots of buses a day and the likelihood of them selling out is pretty low (except during vacations).

A one-way ticket should cost you around $30 for a 5-hour journey.

If you'd like to check prices or train schedules, here's the link to the Korail website.

You can visit the TxBus website directly for more information.  

Korail

TxBus

Haeundae is one of Korea's favorite vacation spots. However, if you want to avoid the crowded beach during the summer, you can do the next best thing to sunbathing: admire the scenery as you walk from Mipo station to the Daritdol observatory or beyond. 

It's home to the famous Little Prince statue, but the village is also a labyrinth where you can have fun getting lost and finding its many hidden works of art. Buy souvenirs, sit down in one of the many cafés and end the day by taking photos of the rainbow houses.

Blending modernity and tradition, Dongbaeksom Island is the ideal place if you like to be surrounded by nature and the sea. Admire the sunset over the sparkling sea, smell the camellias in winter (Busan's symbolic flower) or visit the famous and aesthetic Nurimaru APEC house.

A charming art village surrounded by magical coastal views and a sad history. Stroll through its pretty alleyways, where Koreans once took refuge during the Korean War, and see how peaceful and picturesque this district is today.

Named after the paper mulberry trees found in the village, hop aboard the funicular and enjoy the lively ride. Explore the pretty art installations scattered around the village and come here during the cherry blossom season for an even more unique and peaceful experience. 

Famous for its sunset, large expanse of sand and beautiful scenery,
Dadaepo beach is the ideal place to relax and unwind to the sound of
the waves.


   Don't miss the walk around the Morundae peninsula
or Dadaepo's dreamy sunset fountain, featuring water shows dancing to
the beat of the music.

Tall skyscrapers, fine restaurants and one of the most popular spots
in summer, Haeundae beach is a favorite destination for locals and
tourists alike. It's also the place to be for summer festivals!

Trendy and offering a splendid view of the Gwangandaegyo bridge,
Gwangalli beach is the place to be in all seasons, but it's
especially appreciated for its lively and charming nights.


Don't
miss the impressive and different drone show every Saturday night, as
well as the dazzling Busan Fireworks Festival held every autumn.  

Korea's first public beach in 1913, Songdo Beach is now a must-see
for all travelers, thanks to its picturesque path and Sky Park
offering breathtaking views of the ocean and Busan.


Round
off your day with a sunset ride on the marine cable car for a unique
experience.

Haedong Yonggungsa is a unique Buddhist temple located on a cliff by the sea, which is said to grant at least one of your wishes if you pray sincerely. But its unique location and coastal views are reason enough to visit!

Seokbulsa temple may not be the easiest to reach because of its location, but that's actually what makes it all the more rewarding. Its calm, peaceful atmosphere, the stone Buddhas carved into the rock and the landscape are simply mesmerizing.

This Buddhist temple is quite simply one of Busan's gems! Nestled on
a hilltop, it's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of
the city, relax and enjoy the surrounding tranquility! Impressive,
secluded and splendid, this is the kind of place you don't want to
miss on your visit!

🏮Visit in mid-May for the lantern
festival celebrating Buddha's birthday!  

Nestled in the heart of Geumjeongsan Mountain, Beomeosa Temple offers
a quiet but beautiful walk steeped in history.


🥾Combine
your visit with a hike to the summit!  

This popular coastal walk owes its name to two gisaengs (female artists similar to "geishas") who died after jumping into the sea with a drunken Japanese commander, sacrificing their lives during the invasion period. This tragic story is now the place to go if you're looking for a picturesque trail surrounded by rocky cliffs, coastline and natural beauty.

At the south-eastern end of Yeongdo lies Taejongdae Park, named after
King Taejong Muyeol of Silla. The area offers a perfect compromise
between forest and ocean, allowing visitors to become enchanted by
the landscape.


  Don't forget to spend some time at the
lighthouse
 to take in the breathtaking ocean views!  

Busan Travel Guide

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