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Seoul to Busan Tours & Trips

Find adventures that start in Seoul and then finish in Busan. Trips from Seoul to Busan are most popular in April, with the most tours doing this route then.

5 Seoul to Busan tour packages with 4 reviews

South Korea Western Adventure 3D/2N Tour

  • Active Adventure
  • Christmas & New Year

South Korea Western Adventure 3D/2N

I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see nearly the entire country in just 3 days. Our tour guide Justin was absolutely fantastic. He knew so much history and interesting facts, and even drew us cartoons of our trip. We started this tour on our first day in the country and it was very nice to be able to sit back and relax while seeing lots of sights. Highly recommend!
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

South Korea One Life Adventures - 10 Day Tour Tour

South Korea One Life Adventures - 10 Day Tour

HIGHLIGHTS OF KOREA Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

HIGHLIGHTS OF KOREA

South Korea Group Tour Tour

South Korea Group Tour

Impressions of South Korea   (2024) Tour

Impressions of South Korea  (2024)

International versions.

  • Deutsch: Rundreisen von Seoul nach Busan
  • Français: Voyages de Séoul à Busan
  • Español: Seúl a Busan Viajes
  • Nederlands: Van Seoul naar Busan Reizen en Tours

Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo - Travel

  • How to go to Busan from Seoul: Taking a Seoul to Busan day trip

One of the things I hate about only having short windows to travel is that I don’t get to explore a country as thoroughly as I would like. All the same, I try to make sure I escape the confines of the city I’m visiting, and see some of the rest of the country during my stay.

I spent a week in South Korea, and it was nowhere near enough. Based in Seoul, I spent many happy days exploring the city with its skyscrapers, palaces, neon lights and temples, as well as venturing up to the North Korean border and the DMZ (or demilitarised zone) that separates the two halves of the peninsula. But there was still the lure of the rest of South Korea. Fortunately, it is an easy day trip from the capital to visit Busan, the second city of the country located on its far southern coastline. If you want to know how to go to Busan from Seoul, it’s really very easy.

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The rail system in South Korea is pretty great, and regular high-speed services make it easy to travel the whole way across the country in just 3 hours. I actually love to do these long train trips, where I can sit with a book and watch the world go by. So, ticket in hand (booked online with Korail before I left home and collected at the station the day before), I turned up at Seoul’s central station early on a Wednesday morning.

Seoul’s main station is a shiny chrome monster, and I was swallowed into its belly as I descended the many escalators to the underground track. I wasn’t overly surprised that Korea’s trains are clean and comfortable, and easy to navigate. I settled into my window seat and hooked up to the wifi, and soon we were on our way south.

Visiting South Korea and thinking of taking a Seoul to Busan day trip? Discover how to go to Busan from Seoul by train for the perfect day out! | Where to stay in Busan | Busan to Seoul | Busan tour | What to do in Busan | Places to visit in Busan | How to get to Busan from Seoul | Things to do in Busan South Korea | Busan attractions | Where to go in Busan | Seoul to Busan train | Trip to Busan | Busan hotels | Busan travel | Busan tourism | Busan beach | Visit Busan | Busan travel guide

The Seoul to Busan train line cuts straight across South Korea on a diagonal, past towns and villages and lush green landscapes dotted with mountains. One of the reasons I love these journeys is the chance to watch the country roll by outside my window, which is exactly what I did as I sat with coffee and a book in my window seat. Watching the world go by, the journey gave me at least a partial insight into the geography of this lush and hilly country.

And then we were in Busan. To be honest, I had only a rough idea of what to do in Busan, and very few concrete plans for the day other than to take the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus and see where it took me. Picking it up outside the station, I followed the bus’s two routes around the city, which took me past all the top Busan attractions. My first stop-off was Taejongdae, where I took a walk along the clifftop with views out across the sea, watching the tankers as they approached the country’s biggest port. I then followed the route around the coast to the Jagalchi fish market.

Visiting South Korea and thinking of taking a Seoul to Busan day trip? Discover how to go to Busan from Seoul by train for the perfect day out! | Where to stay in Busan | Busan to Seoul | Busan tour | What to do in Busan | Places to visit in Busan | How to get to Busan from Seoul | Things to do in Busan South Korea | Busan attractions | Where to go in Busan | Seoul to Busan train | Trip to Busan | Busan hotels | Busan travel | Busan tourism | Busan beach | Visit Busan | Busan travel guide

One of the most popular places to visit in Busan, the Jagalchi market is a huge, 3-storey affair, and offers everything that you could possibly want from a Far East fish market. Huge tiled halls are filled with stalls selling every possible variety of seafood, both alive and not-so-much, presided over by armies of older Korean ladies who made for fantastic photo opportunities at every turn. There were stalls selling dried fish products and, on the top floor, a large restaurant area. Travelling alone and without a word of Korean (apart from hello and thank you), my first reaction was to take one look at the food court, with its floor cushions, round metal chopsticks and Korean-language menus, and run screaming for the nearest McDonalds. But throwing caution to the wind, I sat down at a friendly looking table and, through a variety of hand signals and much pointing at the pictures in the menu, ended up with a fabulous plateful of spicy Korean fish, chillies and kimchi, the traditional fermented cabbage so popular in the country. I’m still not totally sure what half of it was, but it was delicious – even the kimchi.

Visiting South Korea and thinking of taking a Seoul to Busan day trip? Discover how to go to Busan from Seoul by train for the perfect day out! | Where to stay in Busan | Busan to Seoul | Busan tour | What to do in Busan | Places to visit in Busan | How to get to Busan from Seoul | Things to do in Busan South Korea | Busan attractions | Where to go in Busan | Seoul to Busan train | Trip to Busan | Busan hotels | Busan travel | Busan tourism | Busan beach | Visit Busan | Busan travel guide

Resuming my bus tour, I headed next for Haeundae Beach, one of the many popular spots in Busan for catching a few rays and enjoying the water. In true east Asian style, the emphasis was on innocent fun; on an August afternoon the Busan beach was packed, and so was the ocean. Pausing to take photos at the beach-side selfie machine (instantly emailed to my phone for social media sharing!), I wandered the sands and watched local life. A group of middle-aged ladies out in the sea caught my attention – fully clothed and soaking wet, they were playing in an inflatable ring and having the time of their lives. Surely the way to enjoy a day out with your friends, whatever your age.

Visiting South Korea and thinking of taking a Seoul to Busan day trip? Discover how to go to Busan from Seoul by train for the perfect day out! | Where to stay in Busan | Busan to Seoul | Busan tour | What to do in Busan | Places to visit in Busan | How to get to Busan from Seoul | Things to do in Busan South Korea | Busan attractions | Where to go in Busan | Seoul to Busan train | Trip to Busan | Busan hotels | Busan travel | Busan tourism | Busan beach | Visit Busan | Busan travel guide

The final stop on my Busan tour was the UN Memorial Cemetery. One of the goals of my time in Korea was to learn more about both its present and its past, and this little slice of the country is the resting place of hundreds of foreign servicemen who lost their lives in the Korean War of the 1950s. As the North Korean army swept down the peninsula before being finally beaten back to the 38th Parallel, for a time only this corner remained under Allied control, and the cemetery has sections for American, Canadian, British, Australian and many other different troops. It was a sobering place to wander and consider my countrymen, who gave so much for the peninsula and for standing up for what is right. The cemetery is clean, peaceful and respectful, and is well worth a visit.

Visiting South Korea and thinking of taking a Seoul to Busan day trip? Discover how to go to Busan from Seoul by train for the perfect day out! | Where to stay in Busan | Busan to Seoul | Busan tour | What to do in Busan | Places to visit in Busan | How to get to Busan from Seoul | Things to do in Busan South Korea | Busan attractions | Where to go in Busan | Seoul to Busan train | Trip to Busan | Busan hotels | Busan travel | Busan tourism | Busan beach | Visit Busan | Busan travel guide

Heading back to the station, I boarded the train back from Busan to Seoul reflecting on the many aspects of my day out. I didn’t see all of Busan by a large margin; it boasts magnificent temples, shopping and more beaches than you can shake a stick at, as well as several major museums including the Busan Museum of Art and the National Maritime Museum of Korea. If you have time, it is well worth staying for a night or two . But if you are on a tight schedule, a day trip to Busan from Seoul is absolutely possible – and absolutely worth the effort.

Visiting South Korea and thinking of taking a Seoul to Busan day trip? Discover how to go to Busan from Seoul by train for the perfect day out! | Where to stay in Busan | Busan to Seoul | Busan tour | What to do in Busan | Places to visit in Busan | How to get to Busan from Seoul | Things to do in Busan South Korea | Busan attractions | Where to go in Busan | Seoul to Busan train | Trip to Busan | Busan hotels | Busan travel | Busan tourism | Busan beach | Visit Busan | Busan travel guide

One of the delights of a visit to Korea is to experience the incredible food. If you’re a foodie, check out this great post from Viola at The Blessing Bucket to whet your appetite! 10 Delicious Foods to Eat in Seoul Korea

Visiting Asia? Get some more inspiration for your trip!

  • Fun things to do in Taipei: The ultimate Taipei bucket list!
  • The farmyard in Bajawa: adventures on Flores, Indonesia
  • Taipei to Taroko Gorge: Taiwan’s marble mountains

Eagle hunter: In the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Central asia: rebuilding a heritage.

  • Turkistan and Otrar: Kazakhstan’s Deep South
  • Bukhara to Tashkent: Night trains in Uzbekistan

Swimming with manta rays in the Maldives

  • 5 Reasons You Will Love Taiwan

Want to take your own Seoul to Busan day trip? Pin this post to remind yourself later where to go in Busan!

seoul to busan day tour

Jill Bowdery, Reading the Book Travel

I'm Jill, and I'm a British blogger who has been travelling for two decades, visiting more than 70 countries on 6 continents. I love to travel both solo and with groups, and to discover the cultures and peoples of the countries I visit. And I love to share a good story or two along the way!

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I wish I had read this post 2 months ago!! I swear you would have inspired me to jump on that train to Busan from Seoul. I also spent 1 week in Seoul but just didn’t get the time or inspiration to go South. Great to virtually travel to Busan via this post 🙂

Jill Bowdery

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s definitely worth a return trip… 😉 Such a shame we can’t see everything, but it would take forever!

First of all, thabk you so much for bringing back good memories. I lived in Korea for a year and remember Busan well. I alsi love Jeju but a week is so not enough. But thank god for the awesome train network there!

Oh I know a week is just too short – I never made it to Jeju, but I was still running around like a mad thing! I’m still amazed by how few Europeans/Americans seem to think of Korea for a travel destination – it’s a fascinating country. I’d love to go back and explore more!

Such an amazing day it must have been! I haven’t been to Korea and somehow, seeing your photos has given me the inspiration to visit sooner than I imagined. I love how there’s so much to see just from a day trip and even if a day wasn’t enough, it is still pleasantly beautiful with everything accounted for. Will definitely bookmark this for me to come back to!

This brought back so many lovely memories! We must have been there around the same time, as I also visited August of this year! I still remember the smell of the city, seeing the beach and so many people enjoying their time there! My favorite probably was the Gamcheon Village there, as it really was a wow moment to see those buildings (I visited Amalfi this year too – and I see the resemblance!)

Thanks for sharing this. I think most people only visit Seoul and don’t know about other cities in South Korea. I definitely want to go see Busan!

Ooh that food looks good. I love kimchi! SK looks so good – I have been to Japan a few times and there are some similar aspects bit it looks different enough to warrant a visit.

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Defining Decade

Day Trip From Seoul to Busan – 1 Day Itinerary

I’m absolutely thrilled to take you to one of my favourite spots in South Korea, Busan . If you’re short on time a day trip from Seoul to Busan can be a great way to get a taste of this coastal city. 

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a one-day itinerary that’s not just a list of places to visit, but a handcrafted roadmap filled with my own experiences, lessons learned, and the best ways to get around.

So, sit back, and get ready to fall in love with Busan. Just a warning though, this is a jam-packed day as there is so much to see in Busan! 

Are you ready to join me on this adventure of a lifetime? Let’s dive in! 

DO YOU HAVE THESE ITEMS FOR YOUR TRIP?

✔️ Flights: Book your flights on Skyscanner 

➡️ Car rental: Rent your car on Discovercars

✔️ Travel insurance:   I recommend World Nomads

➡️ Accommodations:   Book your stay at booking.com

✔️ Activities:   Arrange your adventure trips and tours

Taking a day trip from Seoul to Busan is a great way to get a taste of this coastal city

My Experience Travelling Through Seoul and Busan

Let’s dive into my week-and-a-half solo journey through South Korea. Yes, I recommend you solo travel to South Korea!

My first destination? 

The vibrant coastal city of Busan, and boy, did it set the bar high for destinations to follow.

Over three jam-packed days, I roamed the lively streets of Seomyeon, soaked up the sun at Haeundae Beach, meandered through the lanes of Gamcheon Village, immersed myself in the culture at Jagalachi Markets, found serenity at Haedong Yonggungsa, and so much more. 

Busan had me wrapped around its finger, offering a little bit of everything – the sea, culture, history, incredible views, mouthwatering food, and a dose of city vibes. 

But as my time in Busan came to an end, I hopped aboard the KTX bullet train bound for Seoul to continue exploring South Korea.

Now, after having explored Busan for a few days and travelling between the two cities, I’ve crafted the perfect one-day itinerary for those who are short on time.

I highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Busan, but sometimes a day trip is all you can budget for and that’s absolutely fine. You can get a great taste of Busan in 1 day, especially if you follow my itinerary ;). 

 So, let’s dive and I’ll share with you the gems I’ve uncovered along the way.

⭐ Love my travel guides and itineraries? I’m here to design a custom itinerary tailored to your travel dreams! Fill out the contact form below, and let’s plan your dream trip! ⭐

⏬ Custom Travel Itineraries Enquiry Form ⏬

➡️  Learn more about my custom travel itinerary services here .

How To Get From Seoul To Busan

If you’re planning a day trip from Seoul to Busan, let me tell you right off the bat that the KTX bullet train is the absolute best way to go. The train trip from Seoul to Busan, and vice versa is 2hrs 15 mins.

I also recommend you arrive at the station at least 20 minutes early to find your terminal and be ready to board. 

But before I dive into the nitty-gritty, let me share my experience. I’ve been on this train journey in-revers from Busan back to Seoul, and the experience was nothing short of fantastic.

The seats were comfortable with loads of legroom, there was ample luggage storage, and the train stations were a breeze to navigate. 

And no need to worry about paying extra for your 30kg bags – just stow them away and relax!

The signage is clear as day (and in English), and you won’t have to go all Indiana Jones to find your platform.

It’s as straightforward as it gets. Plus I booked my ticket online in advance which saved the hassle of having to pay at a paystation that can be a little temperamental.

Don’t forget to take in the scenery you pass along the way. From green landscapes to charming little towns, you’ll have your nose pressed to the window the entire time. 

So, whether you’re heading from Seoul to Busan or making your way back like I did, you’re in for a treat.

Day Trip From Seoul to Busan Itinerary 

Rise and shine bright and early! Catch a 6 a.m. (or 6:30 if that’s too early for you) train from Seoul to Busan. 

You will depart from Seoul Central Station and will arrive at Busan Station. 

See here for the train schedule and to book your tickets

Start your day in Busan at Jagalachi Fish Markets

Morning at Jagalchi Markets (9:00 AM)

Start your day early by visiting the Jagalchi Fish Market.

To get to Jagalachi Markets from Busan Station, transfer from the train station to the subway station and hop on Line 1 . After a 10-minute trip, hop off at Jagalachi Station. 

The markets are located in Nampo Dong, known as the old town of Busan. 

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, explore the vibrant seafood market, and perhaps even enjoy a try some local food at one of the eateries.

Make sure to explore the stalls outside of the main complex. There are loads of incredible local vendors selling fresh vegetables, seafood, spices, sweets and more.

Whilst you’re in the area, cross the road to explore Biff Square and perhaps grab a coffee at one of the cafes. Iced Americano is a favourite in Korea.

Gamcheon Culture Village is a must see attraction on a 1 day in Busan itinerary

Gamcheon Cultural Village (11:00 AM)

Head to the charming Gamcheon Culture Village, where colourful houses, street art, and a unique culture stand. 

To get to Gamcheon Culture Village from Jagalachi Markets, walk to Nampo Dong Station and get on subway Line 1.

After a quick 5-minute trip, hop off at Toseong Station.

Take exit 6 which is signposted towards Gamcheon Culture Village and then turn right up the main road at the exit. 

The road will take you up towards the Busan University Hospital and then you’ll see a bus stop, it’s the first one you come across on this road and you will likely see other tourists there. 

There are many buses that leave from here but you need to get either Bus 2, Bus 2-2, or Bus 1-1 to Gamcheon Culture Village. The buses are little green minibuses.

Make sure to have your T Money Card ready! 

Tip : Google Maps will tell you to walk 1km from the station to Gamechon Culture Village. I would not recommend it at all. The walk has very steep hills and is not worth wasting your energy conquering.

When you arrive you’re treated to a gorgeous lookout of the village, perfect for taking photos. 

Then stroll through the narrow alleyways and immerse yourself in the art and history of this quirky neighborhood.

Enjoy some street food at Gamcheon Culture village during your day trip from Seoul to Busan

Lunch in Gamcheon (1:00 PM)

By now, you’re probably pretty peckish. 

I highly suggest you eat at the street food vendors and enjoy snacks rather than trying to find a restaurant. There aren’t many restaurants in the area and can be typically expensive compared to the rest of Busan. 

The street food is located on the main tourist street, right near The Little Prince statue.

Enjoy the local flavours on the go while taking in the picturesque surroundings.

❗ Don’t forget your travel insurance! I highly recommend World Nomads for its affordable and comprehensive cover

day trip from seoul to busan ultimate guide with a 1 day itinerary

Haeundae Beach (3:00 PM)

After lunch, make your way to the famous Haeundae Beach. 

As we’re tight on time, book a taxi via the Kakao Taxi App . It will cost around $18-$22 USD.

Spend your afternoon sunbathing, swimming or strolling along the esplanade. 

If you’re still hungry or thirsty for a cold one, there are loads of restaurants and cafes along Gunam-ro Main Road, the main road that leads to the beach. 

Haedong Yonggungsa is a gorgeous Buddhist temple overlooking the water

(Optional) Haedong Yonggungsa (5:00 PM)

The last stop before you head back to Seoul is the gorgeous Haedong Yonggungsa. 

Order another taxi as public transport to Haedong Yonggungsa isn’t very convenient. After a 10-minute ride (for around $11-$14 USD) you’ll arrive at the spectacular seaside Buddhist temple.

It’s a serene and picturesque place to explore, especially during the late afternoon when the sun starts to set. 

Alternatively, if you’re not up for spending more money or trekking to the temple, you can spend the afternoon soaking in all that Haeunde beach has to offer.

Train back to Seoul (or your next destination!) (6:00 pm) : 

What a day! 

It’s now time to head back to Busan Station to catch the train back to Seoul.

To get to Busan Station from Haedong Yonggungsa walk 700m down the hill , cross the road and you’ll reach the bus stop. Hop on bus 1001 which will be on for about an hour until you reach Busan station. Then walk 200m to the train station entrance.

You can also grab a taxi which will take 22 minutes and cost $22-$25 USD.

If you choose to stay at the beach, walk to the Haeundae Beach Entrance Bus stop (use Google Maps) and jump on bus 1003. After 40mins you will reach Busan station and will need to walk 200m to the train station entrance. 

I hope you loved your day trip from Seoul to Busan! 

Mural at Gamcheon Culture Village in one of the laneways

6 Tips For Visiting Busan In 1 Day

If you’ve got just one day to soak up the beauty and culture of Busan, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these 5 tips to make your trip. 

  • Rise and Shine

Start your day bright and early! Hop on one of the first trains from Seoul. To save time, pack your breakfast for on the go. 

  • T Money Card

Don’t forget to grab a T Money card from a convenience store if you don’t already have one from Seoul. It’s your key to smooth and convenient transport throughout the city. 

From buses to subways, taxis to convenience stores, this handy card has got you covered.

  • Google Maps & Kakao Maps

Your navigation allies! 

Download both Google Maps and Kakao Maps to help you find your way around Busan. 

These apps are incredibly useful for locating attractions, finding the nearest subway stations, bus stops and ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the city’s hidden gems.

  • Download Kakao Taxi App

When your feet need a break, the Kakao Taxi app comes to the rescue. 

It’s a lifesaver for booking taxis (and paying). No more hailing on the street or worrying about what rate you have to pay – just a few taps and your ride is on its way.

Note: Uber is not common in Busan, Kakao Taxi app is your go-to.

  • Comfortable shoes

Trust me, Busan has lots to explore on foot, from its vibrant markets to its scenic temples and beautiful beaches. 

So, lace up those comfortable shoes – you’re in for a day packed with walking

  • Catching the Train Back to Seoul

If you plan to catch the train back to Seoul at night, make sure to check the train schedule and purchase your tickets in advance. Busan Station can get pretty busy, especially during work rush hour so arriving a bit early will ensure a smooth departure. 

Jagalchi Market Seafood is one of the best cultural and culinary experiences in Busan

FAQs: Day Trip From Seoul To Busan

Moving onto some commonly asked questions about taking a day trip from Seoul to Busan. 

Can we do a day trip from Seoul to Busan?

You betcha! A day trip from Seoul to Busan is possible, and it’s a jam-packed adventure.

While you won’t be able to explore every nook and cranny, you can certainly get a taste of this incredible city, enjoying its beaches, culture, and cuisine. 

Just plan your itinerary well (see above or contact me for a personalised itinerary), and you’ll have a fantastic day in Busan!

If you can, however, I highly suggest you spend at least 3 days in this brilliant city. I had a blast in Busan and can’t wait to head back to explore even more. 

How much is a bullet train from Seoul to Busan?

Ah, the KTX, South Korea’s speedy bullet train! 

The fare for a KTX ticket from Seoul to Busan can vary depending on the class you choose and the time of your travel. 

Generally, prices range from around 50,000 to 150,000 KRW (Korean Won) or $38 – $144  USD. My ticket from Busan to Seoul was $59,800 KRW ($46 USD) and I travelled on a Thursday at 9 a.m. 

It’s worth every penny for the speed and comfort it offers on your journey.

How long does bullet train take from Seoul to Busan?

Hold onto your seats! The KTX is incredibly swift, and the journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. That’s right, you can cover a good chunk of the country in just a few hours! 

It’s a fantastic way to maximize your time and explore the stunning coastal city of Busan.

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Busan?

Ah, the classic dilemma – should you spend more time in Seoul or Busan?

I actually have written a detailed post on whether you should travel to Seoul or Busan which I recommend you check out!

But to give you a quick summary, the following is what I recommend.

Spend more time in Seoul if:

  • Culture and History: If you’re a history buff and crave a deep dive into South Korea’s rich heritage, Seoul is your playground. Palaces, temples, the DMZ and traditional neighbourhoods just to name a few. 
  • City Exploration: Seoul is a bustling city with a vibrant food scene, bustling markets, and a mix of modern and traditional architecture. It’s perfect for those who enjoy city life.
  • Shopping and Entertainment: If shopping and entertainment are your jam, Seoul offers a world of options from high-end boutiques to funky street markets and a vibrant K-pop scene.

Spend more time in Busan if:

  • Beach Vibes: Busan is all about that coastal charm. If you crave seaside relaxation and water activities, Busan’s beautiful beaches are a must.
  • Scenic Beauty: The city is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, making it perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and those who appreciate stunning coastal views.
  • Relaxed Atmosphere: Busan offers a slower pace compared to the fast-paced Seoul. It’s great for those looking to unwind and enjoy a more laid-back experience.

But here’s the twist. Ideally, why not split your time between both cities? They’re well-connected by that speedy KTX train, which makes it super convenient to experience the best of both worlds. A few days in Seoul to immerse in the urban energy, and a few days in Busan for some coastal relaxation – it’s a win-win! 

So, it’s less about “either-or” and more about “both-and”.

How much time should I spend in Busan?

I recommend spending at least 3 days in this beautiful coastal city. This duration allows you to explore its beautiful beaches, wander through vibrant neighbourhoods, delve into its rich history and sample its seafood cuisine without feeling too rushed. 

Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea, trekking along scenic trails, or immersing in the local culture, three days in Busan provide a well-rounded taste of its charm.

But of course, the more the merrier! If you have more than 3 days to spend in Busan, there is loads to explore, so don’t hold back!

The Wrap-Up: Day Trip From Seoul To Busan

And there you have it, the wrap-up of our incredible day trip from Seoul to Busan. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the coastal charm of Busan, it’s been an adventure packed with unforgettable sights. 

Whether you’re sunbaking at Haeundae Beach, taking photos at Gamcheon Village, or savouring the flavours of Jagalachi Markets, South Korea’s dynamic diversity shines through.

As I leave you with this one-day Busan itinerary, I hope you’re as inspired as I was to discover this beautiful city. 

Writing this post has me itching to get back to Busan!

You’re going to have a blast, I’m so excited for you! 

Safe travels!

Read more about South Korea travel:

Is Busan Worth Visiting: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Busan Seoul or Busan: Which City Should You Visit? Seoul or Tokyo: Which City Should You Visit? Busan 5 Day Itinerary: South Korea for First Timers The Ultimate South Korea Itinerary 10 Days! Is South Korea Safe For Female Travellers? A Complete Travel Guide

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Olivia McDonald is the avid traveler and creator behind Defining Decade, a travel blog tailored for those navigating their 20s. As an Australian with a rich background in the travel industry, she brings her passion for exploration to life through Defining Decade. Having travelled to 18+ countries, primarily in Asia and Oceania, Olivia shares authentic stories and practical tips on her blog. Whether you work full time, are a digital nomad or an aspiring entrepreneur, Olivia will show you how to travel more in your 20’s.

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🌸Festivals ( Seoul • Busan )

8 Days Seoul & Busan Travel Itinerary, Korea

Busan , a popular coastal city for travellers to Korea is often visited as overnight trips from Seoul .

It is the second largest city in Korea famous for its beaches, largest department store in the world, freshest seafood and tasty street food.

Popular Attractions in Busan:

a) Central & West Busan - Busan Station, BIFF Square, Jagalchi Fish Market, Yongdusan Park (Busan Diamond Tower), Seomyeon Shopping Street, Gamcheon Culture Village, Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Songdo Beach, Songdo Cloud Trails, Busan Air Cruise, Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, etc.

b) East Busan - Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Sky Capsule, Haeundae Beach Train, Busan X the Sky Observatory (98-100F), Lotte World Adventure Busan, Skyline Luge Busan, Cheongsapo Seafood Village, etc.

Map on BUSAN Key Tourist Areas | KoreaToDo

KoreaToDo has put together a day-by-day itinerary for travellers, allowing travellers to explore beyond Seoul  to a city of natural coastal beauty, BUSAN .

The Itinerary Plan:

There is no direct train from Incheon Airport to Busan . You will need to take  AREX Airport Express Train from Incheon Airport (T1 - 43mins / T2 - 51mins) and transfer at Seoul Station for a 2hrs 40mins  KORAIL KTX high speed train to Busan .

At Busan , for a different experience from Seoul , we recommend staying at Haeundae Beach , about 50 mins away by subway/public bus or 40 mins by taxi from Busan Station .

As such, instead of going direct to Busan from Incheon Airport , we suggest travellers to stay in  Seoul first. Leave your heavy/large-sized luggage upon check out at your Seoul 's hotel and carry a light overnight pack to Busan ... unless you wish to drag your heavy luggage up and down the trains and train stations...😎

Itinerary Highlights

Seoul City Wall - Naksan Trail

Before Departure

1. Recommended Activities, Tours & Tickets to pre-purchase before trip (optional).

🚄 KORAIL Train Pass (Seoul ↔ Busan ​)

Purchase the KORAIL PASS (for foreign visitors only) on KLOOK  or KORAIL official website . Purchase available 31 days prior to travel date. If you are only going to visit Busan , you can purchase the ' 2 Day Select Pass ' return ticket at 121,000 won per adult. If you have 2-5 people travelling together, you can buy the SAVER pass for 111,000 per adult.

Go to KORAIL website to reserve your train ticket (i.e. pick your train no., date & time). Choose ' KTX ' train, the fastest train to Busan.

Print out your KORAIL PASS and Train Tickets ; and travel with your Passport for inspection on board. ​

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (Unlimited Data)

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (Unlimited Data)

max 3 devices / 24 hrs pick up

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (3/5/10/20/30 days options)

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (3/5/10/20/30 days options)

data, calls & texts/24 hrs pick up

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - SK TELECOM (Unlimited Data)

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - SK TELECOM (Unlimited Data)

​​Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS): KTX bullet trains to Busan & others (2, 3, 4 or 5 Days)

​​Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS): KTX bullet trains to Busan & others (2, 3, 4 or 5 Days)

instant pass & tourist exclusive!

2. Recommended Accommodation Location in SEOUL: anywhere near Myeongdong Station , preferably on the same side of the road as ' Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong ' (i.e. 2 mins walk to airport limousine bus drop off/pick up bus stop , near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station ).

Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong

★★★ | 8.8 Review Rating

Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

★★★★ | 8.7 Review Rating

L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE

★★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating

Days Hotel by Wyndham Seoul Myeongdong

★★★ | 8.4 Review Rating

Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong

★★★ | 8.5  Review Rating

3. Recommended Accommodation Location in BUSAN: anywhere along Haeundae Beach near ' MS Hotel Haeundae ' with bus stops to/from Busan Station just in front of the building and 8 mins easy walk to Haeundae Station .

MS Hotel Haeundae

★★★ | 8.1  Review Rating

MS Hotel Haeundae Busan

★★★★★ | 8.7 Review Rating

Paradise Hotel Busan

★★★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating

Signiel Busan

★★★★★ | 9.1 Review Rating

3. Download Mobile Apps

a) Korea Subway Info App - Metroid HD or KakaoMetro

b) Location/Walking Direction Map - KakaoMap or Naver Map

more travel tips ....

  SEOUL  

Day 1: arrived seoul / check in / seoul city wall walk / naksan park / ihwa mural village / d ongdaemun design plaza / myeongdong.

seoul to busan day tour

At Incheon Airport - Arrival Hall (public area after collecting luggage)

Pick up pre-purchased WIFI Router & SIM Card at Incheon Airport (where applicable).

Recommend to purchase T-money Card at any convenience store at the arrival hall of Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2). Card deposit is ₩4,000. Suggest to top up at least ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 as the airport limousine fare is ₩17,000.

(The card can be used on airport limousine bus to city, bus, taxi, subway and convenience stores. Top up at any downtown convenience sto res or subway stations.  More details ... )

💡If you can't get the card at the convenience store, you can walk a bit further to the subway station to purchase the card. Alternatively, you can get it at most convenience stores when you arrived in Myeongdong. Different stores carry different designs and you can pick your favourite!

T Money Card

Take Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport (T1/T2) to City (i.e. Myeongdong Station Bus Stop )

Bus #: 6015

Interval: 2-6 departures per hour

Duration: 80 mins

Fare: ₩17,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)

No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.

Refer to  Incheon International Airport official website on the latest Airport Limousine Bus 's schedule and updates.

Alternative ways to get to Myeongdong from  Incheon International Airport :

a) book your Private Airport Transfer by Car   OR

b) take the non-stop  AREX Airport Railroad  express train from Incheon International Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1: 43 mins / Terminal 2: 51 mins, ₩9,500) and transfer to subway for Myeongdong Station (line 4, 3 mins, 2 stops, ₩1,250). Luggage carrying up/down the stairs might be required. There are taxi stands outside Seoul Station too.

Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station : 

First bus 05:40 | Last Bus 23:00

Walk outside of arrival hall (1F) at Gate 5, look for Bus# 6015 to Myeongdong at bus platform 5B.

Bus 6015 from Incheon Airport T1 to Myeongdong | KoreaToDo

Departing from T2 to Myeongdong Station :

First bus 05:20 | Last Bus 22:40

Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28

Tab the T-money Card on boarding.

alternatively, bus ticket can be purchased at counters/machines (recommended) outside arrival hall (T1, 1F), bus waiting area (T2, B1) or by cash to driver.

Incheon International Airport - T2 - Platform 28 (6015 Bus to Myeongdong)

Check into accommodation booked after alighting from Airport Bus at ' Myeongdong Station ' Bus Stop.

seoul to busan day tour

From Myeongdong Station , take the train to  Hansung Univ. Station  (5 stops, line 4, exit 4 ), 9 mins. Walk straight about 3 mins until you come across the stairs up to Seoul City Wall . Alternatively, you can catch a short taxi ride here.

seoul to busan day tour

Seoul City Wall Walk - Naksan Mountain Trail

Lets start the day in Seoul with fresh air and great city view! 🐥

Naksan Mountain Trail

Naksan Park

Passing by Naksan Park .

Naksan Park -  Pavilion

Ihwa Mural Village

Reaching the village with interesting metal sculptures, colourful mural paintings and mosaics on the walls and staircases by local artists. Lunch at one of the cozy restaurants or cafes here.

Note: Please keep noise level down as residents living here.

Ihwa Mural Village - Mural

Detour Option - Daehangno Street

If you are feeling the 'effects' of your early flight to Seoul or cannot find anything that you like to eat at Ihwa Mural Village , you can walk downhill towards  Hyehwa Station  (10mins). There are signage around or use the walking direction map on   Ihwa Mural Village page . The area around Hyehwa Station is Daehangno , a cultural mecca for the young. There are many shops, restaurants and cafes around the station. From there, take the train back to Myeongdong Station (4 stops, same line, line 4), 8 mins.

Ihwa Mural Village - Sculpture

Heunginjimun Gate @ Dongdaemun

Continue on the easy walk along the Seoul City Wall , downhill to Dongdaemun .

Seoul City Wall

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Walk towards Dongdaemun Design Plaza , an unique-shape building on the left and an iconic landmark of Korean design industry.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza  - Exterior

From Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station near Dongdaemun Design Plaza , take the subway back to Myeongdong Station (2 stops, line 4).

seoul to busan day tour

Take a rest at your hotel room before getting around Myeongdong for the rest of the day.

seoul to busan day tour

Food & Drinks

Wangbijib BBQ Restaurant

Street Food

Myeongdong Street Food - Fried Chicken

Day 2: Day Trip from/around Seoul

1. Recommended Day Tours from Seoul

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

150m long bridge across valley

Nami, Petite France, Italian V., Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Bike Tour

Nami, Petite France, Italian V., Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Bike Tour

visit them all!

Nami Island, Alpaca World & Chuncheon King Canoeing Day Tour

Nami Island, Alpaca World & Chuncheon King Canoeing Day Tour

Top 100 Must-Visit Spots

Legoland Korea & Alpaca World Day Tour

Legoland Korea & Alpaca World Day Tour

largest Legoland in Asia!

2. or Pick a Day Trip from Seoul under 3 hours

Yangpyeong - Dumulmeori

3. or Explore more on  North of Han River  /  South of Han River (i.e. Gangnam)

Seoul Grand Park (Sky Lift, Zoo, etc)

Namsan Cable Car Round Trip Ticket (weekdays & min. 2 pax)

beautiful scenery of Seoul

Lotte World 1 Day Pass & Lotte World Aquarium

Lotte World 1 Day Pass & Lotte World Aquarium

located in the heart of Seoul

Seoul Zoo Ticket & Scenic Sky Lift Rides (across Lake / top of Zoo)

Seoul Zoo Ticket & Scenic Sky Lift Rides (across Lake / top of Zoo)

Korea's largest zoo

Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise (Day Cruise)

Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise (Day Cruise)

40 mins, multiple timings

  SEOUL / BUSAN  

Day 3: getting to busan / biff square / jagalchi fish market / gamcheon culture village / huinnyeoul culture village / jeoryeong coastal trail / s ongdo beach / songdo air cruise (marine cable car) / amnam park  / haeundae market.

Check out Hotel. Leave the big luggage at hotel and carry an overnight pack to Busan .  Please ensure you have your printed KORAIL PASS, Train Ticket and Passport with you.

Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Seoul Station (line 4, 2 stops); or taxi to Seoul Station (7,000 won, 13 mins)

seoul to busan day tour

Follow the signs to walk from the subway station to Seoul Station (KTX).

At Seoul Station (KTX), look for the platform number to board your train, previously reserved on KORAIL website online.

Take the KTX Train from Seoul to Busan . 🤗

Busan Station

On reaching Busan Station (KTX):

you can store your overnight pack at the station's lockers. Locker's pricing & operating guide at Busan Station page.

change the 'city' of your subway app ( MetroidHD / Kakao Metro ) to ' Busan '.

Notes: You can use the same 'T-Money' card on transport and convenience stores in Busan too.

Busan Station

Walk to Busan Station (subway). Take the subway to Jagalchi Station (line 1, 3 stops).

BIFF Sqaure @Nampo-dong

Lots of fabulous street food here! A must try is Ssiat Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake stuffed with seeds). Look for the stall with the longest queue for the best one. 😊

BIFF Square

Nampo-dong is a good base to visit most of the popular attractions in Central and West Busan .

Pick 1 of Your Preferred Tour Courses

Course 1: Classic

Nampo & Gamcheon Culture Village

Visit the other places of interest in close walking distance to each other at Nampo-dong .

Gukje Market Food Street

You can also go on Jagalchi Cruise , boarding at Jagalchi Market building Gate 7 .

After Nampo-dong , walk to the bus stop near Jagalchi Station (line 1, exit 3). Take the bus to Gamcheon Culture Village  (15 mins) or take a short taxi ride there (10 mins).

Nearby the village's entrance is Cafe Avant Garde Busan with fantastic view of Gamcheon Culture Village .

Gamcheon Culture Village

Cross the street to take the bus (+subway) back to Busan Station or take a taxi (15 mins).

Course 2: Relax

Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Coastal Tunnel & Jeoryeong Coastal Trail

Walk to the bus stop near Nampo Station (line 1, exit 6). Take a 12 mins bus ride to Huinnyeoul Culture Village .

View from Village

Take one of the several stairways from the village down to the water edge for Jeoryeong Coastal Walk and Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel .

From village, take direct bus back to Busan Station . 20 mins.

Piano Stairs

Course 3: Fun

Songdo Beach, Busan Air Cruise, Songdo Cloud Trails & Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge

Walk to the bus stop near Nampo Station (line 1, exit 5). Take a 11 mins bus ride to Songdo Beach .

All attractions are within walking distance or via Busan Air Cruise (marine cable car) to Amnam Park .

Songdo Beach

From Songdo Beach , take direct bus back to Busan Station . 15 mins.

Busan Air Cruise Cable Car Ticket

Busan Air Cruise Cable Car Ticket

normal or crystal cabin options

Jagalchi Sightseeing Cruise

Jagalchi Sightseeing Cruise

1.5hrs cruise, 5 departures daily

Collect your overnight pack from the locker at Busan Station .

💡If you like to cover most of these attractive places, you may consider to stay 1-2 nights at Nampo-dong . Check out the hotel recommendations near BIFF Square .

You can get to your accommodation at Haeundae (beach) by subway (to Haeundae Station , 50 mins, 1 transfer), direct bus (45 mins) or taxi (40 mins). see Haeundae Beach page for travel options.

Check into your accommodation at Haeundae Beach , Busan .

For Haeundae Market . Use the walking details on Haeundae Market page if required.

Dinner at one of the many restaurants along Gunam-ro (main road between beach and Haeundae Station ), Haeundae Market or around your accommodation. See map at  Haeundae Beach page if required.

Haeundae Market

Explore the local market and perhaps have your dinner here.

Haeundae Market - Entrance

BUSAN  

Day 4: haeundae beach / haeundae sky capsule / haeundae beach train / busan green railway coastal walk / cheongpaso sky observatory & seafood village  / songjeong beach / mipo / haeundae cruise / busan x the sky observatory.

Haeundae Beach

Start the day walking to the most popular beach in Busan , Haeundae Beach and enjoy taking photos with the seagulls.

Haeundae Beach

Walk on the left of the sea towards the tall ' Haeundae LCT The Sharp ' building. Turn left after the tall building onto Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil and walk straight forward to the entrance of Haeundae Blueline Park on your right. ​

Haeundae LCT The Sharp (for Busan X the Sky Observatory)

Haeundae Sky Capsule / Haeundae Beach Train / Busan Green Railway Coastal Walk

From Haeundae Blueline Park , you can take Haeundae Sky Capsule  that runs on the elevated railway 7-10m above the ground from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station ; or take the faster Haeundae Beach Train with more train stops till Songjeong Station . The last option is to walk next to the railway line along  Busan Green Railway (coastal walking trail) and explore the beautiful sights along the way at your own pace.

Haeundae Sky Capsule

Cheongsapo Seafood Town  (Cafes, Restaurants & Lighthouse)

From Haeundae Blueline Park - Cheongsapo Station , check out the charming Cheongsapo Seaside Village . Enjoy a relaxing walk to the twin lighthouse, coffee at the rooftop cafes and seafood meal at one of the many popular restaurants along the street.

Cheongsapo Seafood Town

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk Observatory

Catch magnificent views of Songjeong and Cheongsapo coasts at the 72.5m long observatory that stretches out over the ocean.

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk

Gudeokpo / Songjeong Station

From Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk Observatory , you can continue your walk along  Busan Green Railway or take Haeundae Beach Train to Gudeokpo Stop (known for chic cafes & restaurants) or Songjeong Station (famous Songjeong Beach).

Busan Green Railway

After touring Cheongsapo and/or Songjeong , return to Haeundae Blueline Park - Mipo Station  by Haeundae Sky Capsule , Haeundae Beach Train or walk. Walk back towards the tall ' Haeundae LCT The Sharp ' building. At the end of the road near the coast, turn left to Haeundae Mipo .

Haeundae Mipo (Cafes, Restaurants & Haeundae Cruise Terminal)

There are a variety of popular cafes, restaurants and a famous gelato freshly wrapped in rice cake shop at Mipo . You can have your meal here and chill out.

Haeundae Mipo

Haeundae Cruise and/or Busan X the Sky Observatory

If you still have time left for the day, you can consider taking the sightseeing  Haeundae Cruise Tour  to Oryukdo Islets (day/sunset) or Gwangandaegyo Bridge (night).

Also, 2 mins walk from Haeundae Cruise Terminal is Busan X the Sky Observatory , located on the 98-100F of Haeundae LCT The Sharp - Landmark Tower . This is the largest observatory in Korea where you can enjoy panoramic view of Haeundae and Mipo coasts, highest Starbucks (99F) in the World and Sky 99 Grill & Pasta Restaurant (99F) .

Option 1: Haeundae Cruise Tour

💡You can check out at the cruise terminal on your way to Haeundae Blueline Park in the morning for their departure times for the day and buy a ticket too.

Haeundae Cruise Terminal

Option 2: Busan X the Sky Observatory

Located at Haeundae LCT The Sharp - Landmark Tower , Busan X the Sky Observatory 's entrance is on the side facing the sea. The observatory opens till 21:00 daily, last admission at 20:30.

BUSAN X the SKY - Entrance

Haeundae Busan X the Sky Observatory (98-100F)

largest observatory in Korea

From Haeundae Cruise Terminal or Busan X the Sky , walk back to your accommodation. ​

Day 5: Lotte World Adventure Busan / Skyline Luge Busan / Oryukdo & Igidae / Shinsegae Centum City Spa Land / Lotte Premium Outlets / Seomyeon Shopping District

There are quite a number of great places to visit from Haeundae . Here are the recommended tour courses for your picking based on your preferences.

Course 1: Gijang Faves

Lotte World Adventure Busan, Skyline Luge, Misigilsang Food Hall

From Haeundae Station , take the subway to Osiria Station (1 line transfer). 20 mins. 15 mins walk or take a taxi outside the station to  Lotte World Adventure Busan . 15 mins walk from Lotte World to Skyline Luge Busan .

Lotte World Adventure Busan

You can have your dinner at Misigilsang Food Hall Busan , located between the Lotte World and Skyline Luge .

💡Check out the popular lobster buffet at Viking's Wharf .

Misigilsang Food Hall Busan

If you still have time, you can walk across the road to shop at  Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch (closes at 21:00)

Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch

Take the subway from Osiria Station back to Haeundae Station .

Course 2: Nature Walking

Oryukdo, Igidae & Shinsegae Centum City Spa Land

Take the subway from Haeundae Station to Kyungsung Univ. Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station on the same line, 9 stops (exit 5). Take a 18 mins bus ride to Oryukdo Skywalk .

Visit the famous Oryukdo Skywalk and Oryukdo Islets .

This is also the starting point for the scenic  Igidae Coastal Trail to Yongho Starlight Park (4.7km, 2.5hrs).

Igidae & Oryukdo

From the end point,  Yongho Starlight Park , walk to the nearest bus stop for the bus back to Kyungsung Univ.  Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station (line 2). 11 mins bus ride.

You can take the subway to Centum City Station (line 2, 6 stops, exit 12) and relax at the modern Korean spa, Spa Land , located at Shinsegae Centum City (shopping mall).

Take the subway back to Haeundae Station  (line 2, 3 stops).

Course 3: Shop & Eat

Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch &  Seomyeon

From Haeundae Station , take the bus to Lotte Outlets  stop. 30 mins. 3 mins walk to Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch where you can shop over 500 famous domestic and international brands e.g. Gucci , Bottega Veneta , Saint Laurent, Burberry , etc

For fans of IKEA , there is a nearby IKEA , 5 mins walk from Lotte Outlets .

Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch

💡From Lotte Outlets , you can choose to drop your purchases at your hotel in Haeundae midway before proceeding to the next shopping paradise.

Take the train to Seomyeon Station (line 1/2). There are many nearby shopping malls and the famous Jeonpo Cafe Street (prop shops, cafes & restaurants).

Lotte Department Store - Busan Main Branch

Take the subway from Seomyeon Station back to Haeundae Station  (line 2, 16 stops).

Lotte World Adventure Busan 1 Day Pass

Lotte World Adventure Busan 1 Day Pass

1st theme park in Busan!

Running Man Thematic Experience Center Ticket

Running Man Thematic Experience Center Ticket

release your pressure in this fun-filled land!

Poo Poo Land Ticket

Poo Poo Land Ticket

Korea’s 1st poop-inspired themed park

Spa Land Centum City Ticket

Spa Land Centum City Ticket

top-notch service & facilities

BUSAN / SEOUL  

Day 6: dongbaek isla nd / the bay 101 / sea life busan aquarium / train back to seoul / lotte mart / n seoul tower.

Start the day with a leisure walk (about 1-1.5 hr) to Dongbaek Island , located on the extreme right end of Haeundae Beach . see Dongbaek Island page for walking direction.

Dongbaek Island

Offer majestic view of Haeundae Beach and the ocean beyond. You can to visit the interior of  Nurimaru APEC House . Free admission.

Dongbaekseom Island - Haeundae Beach View

The Bay 101 Yacht Club   (optional where time permits)

From Dongbaek Island , you can take a 5 mins walk to The Bay 101  where you can take a 60 mins   Yacht Tour  (11:00 - 22:00, hourly departures) or check out their famous Fish & Chips .

The Bay 101 - Public Yacht Tour

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium   (optional where time permits)

On your way back to hotel, if you have still have time, you can drop by SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium , one of Korea ’s top aquariums with 3 underground levels and 8 themed zones.

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium

The Bay 101 Public Yacht (hourly departures)

Depart: The Bay 101, near Haeundae Beach

Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium Admission Ticket

Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium Admission Ticket

Walk back to your accommodation and check out.

If you are staying along Haeundae Beach , you can take the direct bus# 1003 to Busan Station (45 mins). Other options include subway with 1 transfer (50 mins) or taxi (40 mins).

Lunch at Busan Station or buy a lunch box to eat on board the train.

Take the KORAIL   KTX Train from Busan back to Seoul .

Lotte Mart (optional)

Pop by Lotte Mart located next to Seoul Station to buy your favourite local goodies back to your home country.

Lotte Mart

Take the subway from Seoul Station back to Myeongdong Station .

Check into your accommodation and dinner at Myeongdong .

N Seoul Tower (optional)

If you are not ready to call it a day, why not get up to N Seoul Tower and its observatory to enjoy the beautiful night view?

Namsan Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

enjoy breathtaking views

SEOUL  

Day 7...: day trip from/around seoul.

1. Recommended Day Tours and Activities

Korean Top Celebrity Hair Styling Experience at Jenny House

Korean Top Celebrity Hair Styling Experience at Jenny House

onsite eng/chn translation

SPA 1899 Daechi Branch (SPA G Gangnam Cheongkwanjang SPA)

SPA 1899 Daechi Branch (SPA G Gangnam Cheongkwanjang SPA)

signature Red Ginseng!

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Majang Lake Suspension Bridge Day Tour

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Majang Lake Suspension Bridge Day Tour

220m long bridge by the lake

Korean Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Day Tour

Korean Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Day Tour

Authentic cultural experience

Incheon - Wolmido Island

3. or Explore more on  North of Han River  /  South of Han River (i.e. Gangnam)

Deoksugung Palace

Last Day: Getting to Airport...

Take the Airport Limousine Bus, #6015 (or #6001) from the same drop off stop ( Myeongdong Station ) to Incheon Airport (T1/T2)

Bus stop location:  near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station and right in front of KB Bank.

Duration: 80 mins (T1) / 90 mins (T2)

Fare: ₩17,000  (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)

First bus 04:35 | Last Bus 20:15  (refer to the information at bus stop for the latest schedule)

Myeongdong Station - Airport Bus

Alternatively, you can book on a  private car transfer to Airport  as well .

Private Transfer: Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul (1-3 or more pax/car)

Private Transfer: Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul (1-3 or more pax/car)

Myeongdong, Hongdae, etc

seoul to busan day tour

🌸SPRING PICKS🌸 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul

Jinhae Pink Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour

Jinhae Pink Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour

22 Mar - 5 Apr 2024

famous Cherry Blossom Festival in Korea

Jeonju Hanok Village, Arboretum & Season Flower Festival Day Tour

Jeonju Hanok Village, Arboretum & Season Flower Festival Day Tour

3-31 Mar 2024

Cherry Blossom Hunting Day Tour

Cherry Blossom Hunting Day Tour

29 Mar - 29 Apr 2024

2-3 most beautiful cherry blossom spots

Taean Tulip Festival, Kkotji Beach & Strawberry Picking Day Tour

Taean Tulip Festival, Kkotji Beach & Strawberry Picking Day Tour

12 Apr - 7 May 2024

World's top five tulip festivals!

Azalea-Cherry Blossom Festival & Gwangmyeong Cave Day Tour

Azalea-Cherry Blossom Festival & Gwangmyeong Cave Day Tour

28 Mar - 12 Apr 2024

vibrant colors of spring!

Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour (Spring Flower Festival, Gaesimsa & Munsusa)

Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour (Spring Flower Festival, Gaesimsa & Munsusa)

14-29 Apr 2024

king cherry blossoms are larger & denser

♔  KoreaToDo recommends  Klook.com , Asia leading in-destination service provider.

Other KoreaToDo Collection that you may like:

Trip Itinerary for First Timers to Seoul

Cherry blossoms & spring flowers travel itinerary in seoul.

Still looking? Explore KoreaToDo handpicked collection of:

Day Trips from Seoul under 3 hours

Seoul - North of Han River

Seoul - South of Han River

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The Perfect Korea Itinerary With Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju (2024) – One Week Travel Guide

September 4, 2023 by Bino 14 Comments

South Korea has become somewhat of a rising star in the tourism scene in recent years owing in part to the proliferation of Korean TV shows and pop music. The cities of Seoul and Busan undoubtedly appeal to folks who like seeing pretty and cute things and it’s probably not surprising that the visitor demographics here dis-proportionally lean towards females. If you are thinking of visiting South Korea and would like to have a practical itinerary to cover both Seoul and Busan, allot at least 5 or 6 days. If you are also visiting Jeju, you’ll need to add 2 or 3 more.

The two major cities of Seoul and Busan are the most intuitive places to explore during a trip to South Korea – Seoul for its cosmopolitan vibe and traditional culture and Busan for its seaside chic. This travel guide aims to show you how these cities can be done in as little as a week.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Seoul City Center

Tip: Google Maps does not work well in South Korea especially in navigating walking directions and public transport route. Instead, download Naver Maps which even shows you the bus timings and fares. This is especially helpful since most of the public buses around South Korea don’t come with English signs.

If this is your first time exploring the tourist attractions in Seoul , start the day with a tour of the palaces. Seoul has 5 palaces but the ones really worth exploring are Changdeokgung, Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugong.

seoul to busan day tour

gyeongbokgung

A recommended path to take is one that starts at Gyeongbokgung . If you visit wearing a hanbok (Korea’s traditional costume – you can check out here for hanbok rentals ), the admission fee is waived. While here, make sure to go to the far back where the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, which is built on an artificial island, is located. Many visitors miss it due to the distance but it is well worth a photo stop especially during autumn when the surrounding foliage turn bright red and yellow. Other highlights in the palace complex include the Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru.

bukchon hanok village

bukchon hanok village

From here, you can make an exit at the side gate and walk around ten minutes to reach Bukchon Hanok Village . Back in the day, almost the entirety of Seoul was made up of these traditional single-storey housing. Nowadays, you can only find them in small pockets with the main area being here. It’s a nice place for a stroll especially if you come here with a rented hanbok  with the age-old buildings serving as perfect backdrops for selfies.

marinated raw crab at keunkiwajip

marinated raw crab at keunkiwajip

One of the highly recommended places for lunch nearby is the Michelin-starred Keunkiwajip (62 Bukchon-ro 5 Gil, Open daily except Monday 11AM to 3:30PM, 5PM to 10PM) for its marinated raw crab. This place is usually very busy and my recommendation is to come here early otherwise it may take you around 30 minutes to get a table.

the view from jeongdong observatory

the view from jeongdong observatory

After lunch, head to Changdeokgung , the largest of Seoul’s five palaces. The highlight here is the sublime secret garden – another popular autumn viewing spot. Admission is free during the last Wednesday of the month or if you are wearing a hanbok. Alternatively, you can also check out Deoksugung which is near Seoul’s city hall. Make sure to drop by Jeongdong Observatory (free, 9AM to 9PM during weekdays, until 6PM during weekends) for a nice bird’s eye view of the city – with both traditional and modern buildings complimenting that view.

Devote the evenings for shopping. Many of Seoul’s shopping districts are open relatively late especially during weekends. Popular night haunts include Myeongdong with its range of street fashion and toiletries, Hongdae with its youth-oriented clothing brands as well as Dongdaemun for wholesale/bazaar-type apparel stores that open until way past midnight.

dongdaemun design plaza

dongdaemun design plaza

If you do decide to go to Dongdaemun, a stop right by the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (open daily except Mondays, 10AM to 7PM, til 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays) is a must. Tours of the interiors are offered but the place is just as worth visiting for its imposing steel exterior. It is especially atmospheric at night when the structure is floodlit and the grass fields adjacent to it have these electronic flowers that are also lit up.

Day 2 – Southern Seoul & Gangnam

Tip: If you plan to visit multiple palaces, museums and the N Seoul Tower, you may wish to consider getting the Discover Seoul Pass. In total, there are 36 attractions that you can visit free of charge. You can buy here for a 15% discount.

Start the day at Seoul’s upscale Gangnam – a district filled with high-end boutiques, plastic surgery clinics and well-heeled city folk. It is known in some circles as the Beverly Hills of South Korea. A popular cafe to check out in this area is Cafe Dior (464 Apgujeong-ro, Open from 11AM to 8PM daily). Cafe culture meets fashion in this well-appointed cafe.

From the cafe, Garosugil is just a short ride away. The shopping street is filled with plenty of luxury brands as well as big-name stores such as a dedicated Apple Store and more. The street is especially attractive in autumn when the gingko trees by the pavements turn yellow.

After having your fill at Garosugil, head further east to Galleria , a luxury shopping mall in Gangnam. The highlight here is the basement deli and food court which is filled with plenty of traditional Korean eats. The place is a well-curated affair with many of Korea’s best independent snacks / food places brought together. Even the food court here is recommended for its kimchi soup, bibimbap as well as seafood stews.

starfield library in seoul

starfield library by geoff henson

After a short lunch at Galleria, head to Starfield Library (free, open daily from 10AM to 10PM) at Starfield Coex Mall. The venue is known for its humongous 2-storey tall bookshelf which has been featured aplenty in social media. There are over 50,000 books and magazines here but I doubt if most people who come here are actually bookworms.

pandoro from cafe onion

pandoro from cafe onion

If you have time to head to just one cafe during your time in Seoul, let that place be Cafe Onion (open daily from 8AM to 10PM, from 10AM on Saturdays and Sundays). Housed in a seemingly rundown industrial building, the place has attracted visitors from far and wide for its instagram-worthy aesthetic and delicious pastries. While here, don’t miss the Pandoro, a towering Italian bread filled with powdered sugar.

seoul to busan day tour

view from n seoul tower

Late afternoon is a great time to check out Namsan Seoul Tower (daily 10AM to 11PM, til midnight on Saturdays). Located in a forested area in the middle of the city, it’s a great place from where you can appreciate Seoul’s skyline. If you are wondering if it’s worth going up the tower versus just appreciating the view from the parking lot, my take is yes – the higher view is certainly much more photogenic. During spring and autumn, the higher view also allows you to appreciate the colorful foliage around Namsan itself. The admission fee to the tower is 16,000 Won but you can get a 22% discount by booking N Seoul Tower tickets here .

Day 3 – DMZ Tour

One of the most intriguing activities you can do during your trip to Korea is to join a tour of the demilitarized zone (DMZ). Korea is officially the only divided country in the world with both North Korea and South Korea as separate member states of the United Nations. The Korean War was one of the biggest military conflicts of the 1950s and it was concluded through an armistice agreement signed in 1953. However, it never progressed beyond that with no peace treaty signed despite multiple efforts. Technically, hostilities have not ended and there are occasional periods when access to the demilitarized zone is closed whenever there are tensions in relations between the 2 Koreas.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone is the 250 kilometer border between North and South Korea plus a buffer measuring about 4 kilometers wide. During peace time, it is possible to visit the Korean DMZ from both North Korea and South Korea and I have had the pleasure of visiting from both sides. Since this guide is about visiting South Korea, I will instead present my perspective of visiting the DMZ from South Korea. But if you are curious to see what it was like to visit the DMZ from the North Korean side, check out my North Korea DMZ experience here .

the joint security area of the dmz

the joint security area of the dmz

There are many DMZ tours being offered but the most exciting kind, in my view, is the tour that includes stepping into the JSA or the Joint Security Area (you can book here ). Do note that tours that include this facility are often more expensive than other DMZ tours but it’s all worth it because you’ll get to step into North Korean soil , albeit for a few seconds. Whenever there are heightened tensions between the 2 Koreas, access to this facility becomes restricted so it’s best to check for the situation before booking. Alternatively, you can book those DMZ tours that don’t come with access to the JSA. 

korean soldiers in the dmz

korean soldiers in the dmz

A typical tour of the DMZ that includes the JSA takes about a day. Along the way, there are stops such as the Third Tunnel of Aggression and Dora Observatory – a viewpoint from where you can see North Korea through binoculars. There’s also a customary Korean lunch followed by a visit to the JSA itself. One of the reasons why this tour takes longer is because security is tighter and you’ll be subject to inspections when entering the Panmunjom facility. Expect to be back in Seoul by around 5 to 6PM.

Day 4 – Excursions From Seoul / Seoul’s Neighborhoods

If you are thinking of visiting Nami Island , allocate a full day for the excursion. You can choose to do it yourself but for convenience, you may want to take a direct bus which can do Nami Island combined with  Petite France . They will also handle the day’s itinerary for you. Whichever option you choose, you’ll find that taking a shuttle bus there is indeed a lot easier than the DIY route.

If a day trip to Nami Island does not appeal, you can also venture to some of Seoul’s other interesting neighborhoods. Here’s a rundown of districts worth checking out:

hiking in suseong dong valley

hiking in suseong dong valley

  • Buam-dong – Still relatively unexplored by foreign visitors but Buam-dong is quickly gaining ground for its art and design hubs and independent cafes interspersed with natural areas. Highlights here include Changuimun (the original city gate), the cafes Club Espresso and Lumberjack as well as Whanki and Seoul Museums . Nearest metro: Jahamun-gogae
  • Seochon – Personally, my favorite among Seoul’s less known districts, Seochon was where the nobles used to live back in the Joseon Dynasty. You will find a lot of clothing boutiques here as well as the Sejong Village Food Street but the real gem is the Suseong-dong Valley where locals typically go for nature walks. Nearest metro: Gyeongbokgung
  • Itaewon – A very foreign-centric district as American soldiers typically come here during their leisure time. Today, it’s home to plenty of international restaurants, cafes and boutiques.

Day 5 – Busan

Take a morning train ride to Busan (you can purchase train passes here ) – South Korea’s second largest city. Depending on which train you take, the overall journey ride will require 2.25 to 2.50 hours so it’s definitely possible to do Busan as a day trip if you’re pressed for time, albeit a rushed one.

Many of Busan’s main tourist attractions are located not too far from Busan Station (where trains from Seoul stop). A few blocks south is 40 Steps , a 450 meter street lined with statues and other photo opps, including a 40-step stairway. The area has been refurbished recently and is supposed to reflect life in Korea in the 1950s and 1960s.

Tip: While many of Busan’s attractions are in the city center, the bulk of the good hotels are located farther out. This is especially true for seaside hotels. The good news is that there are left luggage lockers inside Busan Station for you to leave large bags while you go exploring in town.

seoul to busan day tour

inside jagalchi market

From here, Jagalchi Market (nearest metro: Jagalchi Station) is a short hop away. The thought of eating freshly cut octopus with their tentacles still wriggling probably stands as one of the most iconic travel images concerning South Korea and that is exactly what this bustling seafood market is known for. Less adventurous eaters have other options as well. There’s a wide array of fish, crab and other shellfish available which can be chosen for cooking and served to be eaten at the dining tables upstairs.

gamcheon cultural village

gamcheon cultural village

Next up on one’s Busan checklist is Gamcheon Culture Village . Some call it Korea’s Santorini which I think is a bit of a stretch. It shares more similarities with the blue city of Jodhpur however as many of the houses are painted in similar shades of light blue. You can spend around 1 to 2 hours here depending on interest level. You’ll find shops and murals scattered around the village as well as cafes and museums. There is also an elevated view point here which is a popular spot for wedding shoots and panoramic photos of the village.

If you are in Busan only for a day trip, you can end here and return to Seoul. Otherwise, head to the below.

Day 6 – Busan Outskirts

seokbulsa temple

seokbulsa temple

If you are up for some hiking, check out Seokbulsa Temple located around Geumjeongsan, a mountain range not far from the city center. If you are coming as a group, it might make sense to take a taxi up and ask the driver to wait for you. Admission to the temple grounds is free of charge and visitors come here for the Buddha niches carved on the rocks. It is not considered a major temple in Korea but I have to say these carvings are among the most impressive I’ve seen in the country.

Tip: Within the general vicinity of Haeundae is Dalmaji-gil which has plenty of art galleries, cafes and restaurants. If you are in Busan during the weekend, check out the Dalmaji Art Flea Market from 2PM to 9PM. You can find handicrafts, teapots, bags and other creations by local artists.

After a morning hike, it’s time to cool off by the coast. Busan’s appeal to Koreans lies in its relatively milder weather and beaches. If you are in Busan during the summer months, you might find Haeundae Beach (nearest metro: Haeundae Station) relatively packed with weekenders from Seoul. While it’s definitely a popular tourist spot in Busan, I would not say Haeundae Beach is a must-see especially if you come from a tropical country. If you are in the area, I would instead suggest checking out the Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium near the beach or Busan Cinema Center (nearest metro: Centum City Station) with its metallic exterior and wave-like roof and mini-light show. It is an especially wonderful spectacle at night.

yonggungsa temple

yonggungsa temple

Another place to visit in the eastern part of the city is the Yonggungsa Temple . While Korea has no shortage of temples, what makes this place stand out is its scenic seaside location. The temple is literally perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the coast which makes it one of Busan’s most photogenic spots. To get here, take the metro to Haeundae Station then transfer to bus 181.

Day 7 – Gyeongju

anapji pond in gyeongju

anapji pond in gyeongju

Another reason to visit Busan is that it serves as an excellent base from which to explore Gyeongju , the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has a plethora of historical sites that can easily take up one whole day of exploring. Highlights in Gyeongju include:

  • Bulguksa Temple – Considered one of the main temples of Korea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist Art. The Dabotap pagoda which is found in the temple grounds is featured in the 10 Won coin.
  • Seokguram Grotto – Probably the closest Korea has to an “Indiana Jones” type of archeological site, visitors go inside a cavern to witness a large stone sculpture of the Buddha. Of all the places in Gyeongju, it is probably the Seokgruam Grotto that impressed me the most. It’s too bad photography is not allowed inside.
  • Cheomseongdae Observatory – An ancient astronomical observatory built during the Silla period in the 7th century.
  • Tumuli Park – A large area filled with mounds representing the tombs of the former kings of the Silla period. This was how Korea’s royalty was buried back in the day and you can find other burial mounds scattered all over Korea (including North Korea).
  • Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond) – Particularly photogenic when visited in the evening while the structures are floodlit, today Anapji Pond exists in a garden-like state with cherry blossoms in the spring and pavilions that are immaculately reflected by the still waters from the pond.

To get to Gyeongju from Busan, you can either take the bus (around a 40 minutes ride) from the bus terminal or alternatively, you can book a guided day tour to Gyeongju that takes you through the tourist attractions listed above.

Getting to Seoul From Incheon International Airport

The Airport Express (AREX) train is my preferred way of getting from Incheon International Airport to the city  as it’s relatively fast, inexpensive and there are frequent departures. Do note that if you are flying with Korean Air, you get a discount on train tickets so it’s wise to keep your boarding pass. Alternatively, you can also book online here to get a 25% discount for the AREX ticket to Seoul.

Another way to get to the city is by one of the airport buses which take almost 1.5 hours but the plus point is that it drops you off at varying locations around Seoul. If your hotel is near one of the airport bus stations, then it may make better sense to travel by bus.

Getting to Busan From Incheon International Airport

There used to be a direct KORAIL train from Incheon International Airport to Busan but it has been discontinued. If you can’t fly in/out of Busan to your home city directly, your best bet is to take the AREX to Seoul Station (~ 1 hour) then take a direct train from Seoul Station to Busan Station (~2.5 hours).

Getting to Busan From Seoul (City Area)

From Seoul to Busan (and vice versa), you have a couple of options including train, plane, bus or car rental. These are the pros and cons of each of these options:

  • Best overall: South Korea’s KTX trains are best overall in getting between Seoul and Busan . The trains are fast, with the shortest ride being around 2 hour 15 mins. Economy class tickets cost about 59,800 Korean Won. Busan’s main station is in the city itself, not far from Jagalchi Market. You can purchase rail passes here .
  • Fastest: Flying is theoretically the fastest. The plane ride lasts just less than an hour but you’ll need to factor in getting to the airport an hour before. Once you reach Busan, you’ll also need to factor in that Busan’s Gimhae Airport is in the outskirts and you’ll again need some form of transport to get to the city center.
  • Cheapest: If you are on a budget and don’t mind being on the road for a couple more hours, you can take the bus. A bus ride between Seoul to Busan takes just over 4 hours and costs about 30,000 Korean Won. Buses will drop you off at Busan’s Central Bus Terminal which is at the northern edge of the city. There is a metro station here – Nopo – which can take you to the city center for a cheap price. However, if you plan on avoiding the metro due to heavy bags, etc; you’ll have to note that it’s quite a long cab ride to the city and you may end up paying an extra 20,000 Korean won or more for the taxi trip.
  • Car rentals: Car rentals have gained in popularity in the pandemic era as some folks prefer to minimize interactions with strangers during their trip. South Korea is a relatively easy place for driving. Just make sure you have your international license. You can check out car rentals in Korea here .

Travel Tips for Seoul and Busan, South Korea

  • Travel Insurance: In this age of uncertainty, it may be prudent to get travel insurance for your trip. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion running until 29th Feb that comes with FREE Apple AirTag (worth S$45) that may even be worth more than the cost of the insurance itself. 
  • Navigation: As mentioned previously, I can’t stress the help that Naver Maps provides in navigation and even bus schedules. Make sure to download the English version of this app.
  • Changing Money: In Seoul, one of the best places to change money is this money changer in Myeongdong near the Chinese Embassy. The full address is: 26 Myeongdong 2-gil, Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea and they are open daily from 9AM to 9PM. Otherwise, you can also get pretty good rates from the branches of the big banks. In Busan, you can similarly exchange foreign currency at the big banks or in the area around Jagalchi Market.

Where to Stay in Seoul and Busan

seoul to busan day tour

shilla stay gwanghwamun

Seoul – If you prefer to stay somewhere closer to the shopping district, you can check out the Stanford Hotel Myeongdong . The hotel is located just next to Euljiro-1 station. Rooms are clean and value-for-money. The property is also relatively new. For somewhere closer to sightseeing spots, I can’t recommend mid-priced Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun enough. The hotel is within walking distance to Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village. I absolutely loved being able to conveniently return to the hotel in the afternoons for some siesta time as I took breaks between sightseeing. Rooms are of modest size with understated chic decor, taking inspiration from the iconic The Shilla Hotel. You can also check the best prices for other Seoul hotels here .

Busan  – The southern city is generally considered by locals as a resort destination and that is likewise apt for visitors in order to serve as a bit of contrast to the hustle and bustle of Seoul. While in Busan, I recommend the highly instagrammable Hilton Busan located in the city outskirts. The curve-y interiors reflect the seaside location of the hotel. Just a word to note – you might get too comfortable here that you wouldn’t want to leave the hotel anymore. For a cheaper option, you can check out Baymond Hotel located a short walk from Haeundae Beach. You can also check the best prices for other hotels in Busan here .

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July 12, 2019 at 11:27 am

Great and very informative post. I visited South Korea earlier this year around May 2019. But i only ventured through the capital city Seoul. However, I am more keen to explore the ancient side of the country during my next visit Busan and Gyeongju. I am thinking of starting my visit in Busan, to Gyeongju and then back to Seoul for few days before flying out, but am confused if that’s possible because my port of entry will definitely be Incheon airport from Kuala Lumpur and so as my port of exit. Is there anyway i can fly directly into Busan from Kuala Lumpur and make Seoul as my port exit? Or I have to arrive at Incheon airport go through the immigration and then make my way to Busan?

seoul to busan day tour

July 12, 2019 at 11:33 am

Yes, if you are coming from KL, believe AirAsia flies to Busan direct.

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May 10, 2022 at 2:38 pm

This is an excellent itinerary! Thanks for sharing! am heading to Seoul in late June & will be spending 2 weeks there. I would like to include 2 days stay in both Busan & Sokcho & will likely travel to these two places on weekdays, to avoid any weekend crowd. Can you advise whether it is best to travel from Seoul-Sokcho-Busan-Seoul or visi versa? I noted travelling time between Busan & Sokcho by express bus is 6 hours?? Is it safe to purchase any bus tickets etc only when we fly into Seoul? Do you have any inputs or recommendation? Thank you so much!

May 10, 2022 at 2:42 pm

Thanks for your kind words. Sorry haven’t been to Sokcho itself but regarding buses – I usually only buy on the spot.

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November 17, 2021 at 2:58 pm

Hi, I will be flying to Seoul with family for 15 days in late December thanks to Singapore-South Kores VTL. Would like to get your advise on the following: 1) Are we able to visit Jeju or is quarantine still required? 2) We were thinking of renting a car to visit some outskirts of Seoul. a) Is it possible to drive to Busan? b) Are there any areas which we should avoid by car? c) Is it easy to drive in South Korea & find parking too? Hope to hear from you soon! 3) Any good recommendations for authentic Korean food?

November 17, 2021 at 3:09 pm

Hi, Thanks for dropping by. I am not sure about Jeju. It’s best to check with relevant authorities.

On driving to Busan – yes it’s possible but it will be a few hours’ drive.

Driving in South Korea is quite easy – but note they drive on the opposite side of the road as compared to SG.

For parking, most tourist attractions will have parking areas so no issues. If you are in the city center, might be a bit tougher but you can find those indoor parking lots or shopping mall parking spaces. Don’t park on the street unless it’s clearly marked for parking.

For food, you can check out the ones I listed in this article 🙂

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December 19, 2021 at 11:35 pm

Hi! It is possible to drive from Seoul to Busan but it will take roughly 6 hours to get there, mostly because of the traffic, but also because the speed limit is set at 110 km/hour. As far as parking is concerned, most hotels and restaurants have their own parking, but within the city going by public transportation is much easier. Coming from Eastern Europe and having lived in Hong Kong for a while, and after 1 year of living in South Korea I would say driving is easy, just a bit crazy crowded, especially as you get closer to Seoul (no matter the direction). Hope this helps!

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April 8, 2022 at 11:28 am

Hi B, thankyou so much for sharing your trip, such an amazing journey. reading your post makes me also want to visit there 🙂 hope i can visit there too for next vacation

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January 28, 2023 at 8:57 pm

I spent a week in Busan and a week and Seoul and can just recommend it. I really enjoyed Busan a little more than Seoul. I love the sea and the coastline and beaches there are so beautiful.

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January 31, 2023 at 11:36 pm

I came across your website. I found it most interesting. I wish to travel to South Korea in April. I want to visit Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju Pohang, Itaewon, and Jeju island. I wish to be brave and travel on my own. Female in her sixties but young at heart. are there lots of accommodation for the single traveller.

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May 7, 2023 at 5:55 pm

Thank you, this is really great! I have a question about Busan – in your itinerary its just 2 nights which makes sense to me, but you suggested hotels that seem quite far from the station. Was it not stressful to get all your luggage to the hotel, then back to the sightseeing etc?

May 7, 2023 at 7:38 pm

That’s a great question! As Busan’s hotels are quite spread out, to save time, I would suggest leaving your luggage at the lockers inside Busan station while exploring the sights.

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September 9, 2023 at 10:57 am

Hi, You itinerary is great. I wanted to ask why didn’t you add the DMZ tour to this. What are your thoughts

September 9, 2023 at 7:51 pm

Thanks for the idea. Just added my experience of the DMZ tour 🙂

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TAGY   Travel   Korea

    + 82 10 5481 8362.

seoul to busan day tour

Busan Tour from Seoul via KTX

부산마린.JPG

TAGY Travel   Korea

Make your way to busan, the second-largest metropolis in korea, via a ktx express train that travels at the speed of 300km/h. two and a half hours ride will bring you to busan station. the beautiful port city of busan, the second-largest metropolitan area in korea, is heavily visited by national and international tourists alike. no matter how extreme the temperature gets throughout the seasons, the city always bustles with people heading for the many attractions to see and explore absolutely wonderful beaches, glamorous night scenes, and traditional markets are scattered around the city.  , tour description.

Seoul station

A pickup at your hotel starts your trip with a transfer to Seoul Station, where the train is ready to carry you to Busan. After the ride across the South Korean countryside, You will get to Busan station and meet your guide, set out to visit some of the most storied sights around.

Seoul station

Amidong Tombstone Culture Village

Amidong Monument cultural village 2.jpg

The stairs and the walls in this village are different from what you normally see.

They are all tombstones. That's why the village is called Tombstone culture village. People began living here in tents since 1951 during the Korean War. When it became more settled, the tents became too small, so people began building on top of Japanese graves which was created during the Japanese colonial rule. This Village is right next to Gamchon culture village. From this village, the entire city of Busan can be seen.

Gamcheon Mural village

After  jagalchi market, you will head for gamchen mural village. gamcheon was a refuge to many people fleeing to busan during the korean war. the gamcheon cultural village embraces the joys and sorrows of the korean war refugees and modern history of busan. the creative urban regeneration project started in 2010 and the success of the project attracts 1,400,000 korean and foreign tourists to the village annually. the place in the photo on top of this page is very famous photo spot. many tourists line up to take pictures from the spot..

Korea Busan private tour - Gamcheon Mural village

Jagalchi fish market

South Korea Jagalchi fish market-Busan city tour

Jagalchi fish market mainly deals with live and freshly caught seafood. Fish and shellfish are caught daily and sold fresh to consumers, almost right off the boat. The area is lined with tanks containing all sorts of fish, eels, squid, shellfish, and mollusks. Some areas have workers preparing the seafood for long term storage. You can watch as the fish get scaled, beheaded, chopped up, and dumped in a box of ice, all in record time.

For lunch, try grilled fish and hot spicy fish soup at a restaurant in the market., un memorial cemetery.

UN Memorial Cemetery-Busan city tour

You'll visit the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea. The UN Memorial Cemetery is a well administered, beautifully maintained final resting place for many allied soldiers who died during the Korean War. If you have time during your visit to Busan, drop in for a couple of hours and walk around this solemn but magnificent place.

Dongbaek island.

Korea private tour-Tagytravelkorea, Dongbaek Island

There is Dongbaek Island at the western end of Haeundae beach.  Dongbaek is translated into Camellia which is growing in islands of southern provinces and southern coastal area of Korea blossoming around March., of which the leaves are thick and glossy maintaining dark green color through 4 seasons. There is Nurimaru APEC house, around three-story building exclusively built for the final summit meeting for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in the island.

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach-Busan city tour

Haeundae Beach is the most popular beach in South Korea, with 1 million visitors a day during the summer season. Offering various water sports activities, festivals, concerts, and parties, Haeundae Beach is a destination worth visiting for an exciting getaway!

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Busan Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line; most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. 

 Seoul station

In the evening, you will take KTX train back to Seoul.

From Seoul station to your hotel, you will return on your own.

Tour itinerary

Pricing information.

Number of Guest / Pric e per Person -  2Persons / USD390 -  3Persons / USD320 -  4Persons / USD292 -  5Persons / USD274 -  6Persons / USD263 -  7Persons / Inquiry

-  1Day Private tour

-  All admission fees to tourists sites

-  Local-English or Chinese speaking tour guide (when you arrive at Busan station)

-  Round-trip transfer service with private vehicle (Busan)

-  Round-trip KTX ticket (Economy class) 

-  Hotel Pick-up in Seoul

-  Personal expenses

-   drop-off service in seoul, -  every meal.

Tour itinerary-1

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busan city tour

One day Busan City Tour (From Busan)

Join our One day Busan City Tour (From Busan) and enjoy the streets and attractions of one of South Korea's most important cities.

busan city tour

One day Busan City Tour (From Seoul)

Join our One Day Busan tour and enjoy the streets and attractions of one of South Korea's most important cities.

gyeongju tour

Gyeongju One Day Tour – The Museum Without Walls

Visit the museum without walls and experience its rich and abundant historical properties with our Gyeongju One Day Tour!

andong hahoe folk village tour

Historic Village of Korea, Hahoe, Andong Tour

Join us on Hahoe Folk Village tour to assist to the Hahoe Mask Dance and explore the city known as the center of korean folk traditions.

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Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Spring Tour

Gyeongju is the largest cherry blossom site in Korea and draws millions of visitors every year. Join our Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour!

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One Day Gyeongju Tour (Autumn season only)

Visit the nation's most popular field trip destination and experience its rich and abundant historical properties with our Gyeongju Tour!

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3 Days Busan Tour

Do you want to have a 3 Days Busan Tour and enjoy both daytime and night attractions in this dynamic city?

seoul to busan day tour

2 Days Busan Tour

Do you wanna have a 2 days Busan Tour and enjoy both daytime and night attractions in this dynamic city?

Jangsado Sea Park Tour (Depart from Busan)

Through our Jangsado Sea Park Tour you will get to visit the beautiful Jangsado Island which was one of the drama's filming locations.

3D2N Busan Gyeongju Tour

3D2N Busan & Gyeongju Tour

Experience its rich and abundant historical properties and visit the second populous city with our 3D2N Private tour!

jinhae cherry blossom festival

2 Days Jinhae Cherry Blossom & Busan City Tour

Spend two days in Busan to see the Jinhae Cherry Blossom and have a private tour around Busan with accommodation!

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OEDO BOTANIA Tour (from Busan)

OEDO BOTANIA Tour: a marine botanical garden which offers a beautiful view of the crystal blue South Sea and surrounding landscape.

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seoul to busan day tour

Meet Location

  • Seomyeon Station (Line 1 & 2)
  • Round-trip transportation
  • English/Chinese speaking tour guide
  • Entrance tickets
  • Songdo Cable Car tickets (optional)
  • Other personal expenses

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seoul to busan day tour

Please keep in mind

Cancellation policy.

[Seoul - Busan] KTX One-day Tour departing from Seoul (by Hongik Tour)

Option and inclusions, information, refund policy, guide language.

  • 1. A trip to Busan where you can tour perfectly within 1 day.
  • 2. Traveling by KTX saves you an enormous time and energy than traveling by bus!
  • 3. From visiting Jalgachi Market, Gamchon Cultural Village, Haeundae, and other famous attractions make your 1 day more spectacular!
  • 4. No set schedule! Since only the KTX ticket and the connection bus are provided, you can plan your own journey freely!

Date & Time

Option details.

Is the time too short for you to visit both Seoul and Busan? Are you looking for a one-day tour to Busan? Do you want to go there conveniently but without joining a group tour? Then reserve this product right now!

Since only the KTX ticket and the connection bus are provided, you can plan your own Busan journey freely! From Jalgachi Market, the biggest living fish market in Korea, to Haeundae that Busan people are proud of, you can visit all of these places within a day!

Jalgachi Market

seoul to busan day tour

• Busan Yangdo Bridge - the bridge of memories

• Since the movie 'Friend'  was filmed in the dried seafood market, it is now called the "Street of Friends"

Gamchon Cultural Village

seoul to busan day tour

Busan  Haeundae Beach

seoul to busan day tour

• Wide beach, clean ocean, and ships sailing along with the shoreline

• One of the best 8 tourist spots in Korea

• You must visit Haeundae for at least one, and it is always good to visit more than once

07:30 Meeting in front of Hongik agency picket, which is in front of "Bulgogi Brothers" on 3/F waiting room of Seoul station

07:57 Depart from Seoul Station (Train number: KTX231)

11:20 Busan Station → Arrival at Jalgachi Market

11:30 Lunch at Jalgachi Market

12:20 Departure to Gamchon Cultural Village

13:00 Arrival at Gamchon Cultural Village

14:00 Departure to Oryukdo Islands Skywalk

14:10 Arrival at Skywalk

14:40 Experience Oryukdo Islands Skywalk 

15:20 Departure to Haeundae

15:40 Arrival at Haeundae

17:00 Departure to Busan Station and have a dinner

19:15 Departure to Seoul from Busan (Train number: KTX160) (Weekdays)

19:16 Departure to Seoul from Busan (Train number: KTX160) (Weekend)

• Get off at Line No.1/4/Airport Railyway Seoul Station → Come out from Exit 1 and go to the waiting room in Seoul Station on the 3/F  → If you go in front of " Bulgogi Brothers", you can see the staff waiting next to the Hongik tour picket  →  Collect your schedule and tickets, and get on the train 10 minutes before the departure

※ Please board on the KTX Train straight away if the staff is unavailable to assist you on the day of your reservation.

1. This tour does not include any staff or tour guide. Please collect your tickets and schedule at the meeting point and start the journey on your own.

2. Please arrive on time for the train/bus!  

3. English-speaking customers can also join this tour without any difficulties.

4. If the schedule for the train is changed, CS Center will notify you through email.

5. If the tour is canceled,  CS Center will notify you through email/messenger.

6. There will be times the staff being unavailable to assist you on the day at the Seoul Station due to the operation issues. In these cases, you will be sent an Email 4~5days prior with a file of the KTX Ticket and Schedule. Please make sure to check your email or even give us an email (op@seoulpass) for more information. A refund requested due to missing the KTX Train because the email was not checked will not be permitted. 

7. Please seat according to the carriage number and seat number. There will be staff from KTX checking your ticket. Please present either the printed ticket or the image from your mobile. 

1. Reserve the tour date you want.

2. After confirming the voucher, please also check your mailbox one day before the tour

※ A voucher will be sent right after your booking is confirmed. 

3. If the tour is not canceled, please arrive at the meeting point on time! (at least 20 minutes before departure)

4-1. Receive the Schedule from the staff member then depart  ※ Make sure to keep the schedule with you for the day!

4-2. (In case there are no staff on the day) Board on the KTX Train on time and check the schedule for the day!

•  Cancelation of 4 days before the tour date (Latest by KST 5 PM): 100% refundable

•   Cancelation of 3 days before the tour date (Latest by KST 5 PM) : 8 0% refundable

•   Cancelation of 2 days before the tour date (Latest by KST 5 PM) : 5 0% refundable

•   Cancelation of 1 day before the tour date: Non-refundable

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World Travel Toucan

One Day in Busan day trip – The Perfect 1 day itinerary

shows an image of a Korean temple on the coast

Busan is a city much unlike the rest of South Korea. Situated on the south-east coast of the country, this bustling metropolis is a city centre right alongside a coastline of beautiful beaches. It’s a place that many Koreans visit for their summer holidays. In our opinion, it feels much like a bigger version of Barcelona in Spain, Miami in the USA, or Da Nang in Vietnam.

As South Korea’s second most popular tourist destination, a trip to the country simply isn’t complete without a stop in Busan. Seoul is full of rich history and endless attractions. Busan has a more relaxed holiday appeal. It’s great for shopping, food, beaches and fun activities. It’s also an impressive place to see. Its towering skyscrapers, islands and long bridges are an attraction in itself.

Many people visit Busan on a day trip from Seoul or another city. It’s very quick and easy to get to due to the high speed rail network, so you can easily pop to the south coast for a fun day out. In this Busan day trip guide, we share the top things to see and do in one day to ensure you make the most of your visit. It’s action-packed but full of places you can’t miss!

shows an image of buildings in Busan city

How to get to Busan from other South Korean cities:

When visiting Busan for a day trip, you’re likely travelling from Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Jeju or another South Korean city. Busan has its own airport so you can fly there from Seoul and a few other cities. However, we’ve found that the very best method of transport is the high speed train, also known as the KTX. Bullet trains are amazingly fast and efficient in Korea. You avoid the transit times of getting to and from the airport and it’s almost always a quicker option.

For a Busan day trip, the train is the most convenient option. You’ll get a lot more time to explore Busan and have flexibility on the time you’ll return to your departure city.

Here are the journey times to Busan by train from popular destinations:

From Seoul: 2 hours 20 minutes

From Daejeon: 1 hour 25 minutes

From Gwangju: 1 hour 50 minutes

One day in Busan itinerary - Shows the streets of the city centre

Is one day enough time to explore Busan?

Busan is a city home to 3.6 million people . It’s a way bigger place than you can imagine and you’ll soon see its huge scale when you arrive. As such, it has a seemingly endless number of things to do. Koreans are great at imagining unique and entertaining attractions and Busan is full of them. Beaches, theme parks, markets, ski slopes, hiking trails, art exhibits and music festivals are just some of the things to do in Busan. There’s also the historic and cultural attractions, including the must-visit Haedong Yonggungsa temple.

You can easily stay in Busan for a week and not see everything. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t see a lot in one day. In a Busan day trip, you can still experience some of the city’s best attractions and get a taste of city life by the beach. Arrive into Busan early and leave late to make the most of your visit. Continue reading for a sample one day in Busan itinerary.

shows an image overlooking buildings in Busan South Korea

How to get around in Busan

Public transport is very good in Busan. There’s a well-connected metro route, as well as frequent public buses that cover all attractions in the city. You also have local taxis that can be flagged down and rideshare apps such as Kakao T, or the car rental option. Uber is also available in Busan, but it’s often more expensive that taxis.

As time in Busan is limited for your 1 day Busan itinerary and you want to see as much as possible in a short amount of time, getting around by taxi is the best option. Taxis are quite affordable in South Korea and you can find them all over Busan. Catching the metro and walking is the budget-friendly option if you don’t want to use taxis all day.

shows a closeup image of a train

Our 1 day Busan itinerary           

Busan songdo marine cable car.

As soon as you arrive in Busan, we recommend heading to the seaside, to an attraction known as Songdo Marine Cable Car. This short but scenic cable car ride takes you across the bay to Songdo Sky Park. The views of Busan’s beaches, bridges and skyscrapers from the cable car are a great welcome to the city! You’ll instantly see how picturesque and vast it is.

Once you arrive at Songdo Sky Park, there are a handful of things to see. Check out the art exhibits, grab a snack from a street food stand or go for a walk through the park. It has a number of giant dinosaur sculptures! The highlight of the park is an elevated viewing deck that hangs off the side of a cliff. Brave the metal walkways for a nice view of the coastline.

Once you’ve explored Songdo Sky Park, you can return to Songdo Station on the cable car.

shows an image of a cable car in Busan

Songdo Cloud Trails

Once you step off the cable car, it’s worth heading downstairs to a series of walkways known as the Songdo Cloud Trails. They’re right next to the cable car station. The Cloud Trails is a unique set of raised platforms that stretch out over the sea, providing a beautiful seaside backdrop as you walk.

shows an image of a walk way overlooking the beach in Busan

Find Busan tours on Get Your Guide

Gamcheon culture village.

Gamcheon Culture Village is unlike the rest of Busan and is a must-visit attraction for any 1 day in Busan itinerary. Nestled to the west of the modern city centre, this traditional village is built on the hillside. Constructed in the 1920’s to provide homes to the working class, it’s known for its many coloured buildings, stacked up against each other to form a vibrant neighbourhood. Today, it’s still a residential neighbourhood, but it’s also a popular tourist attractions.

Head to Gamcheon Culture Village and walk the narrow streets on foot. It has a number of nice photo opportunities, viewpoints and cafes.

shows an image of colourful buildings in Busan, South Korea

Busan Old Town street food stalls

By this time on your 1 day in Busan day trip, it’s probably approaching lunchtime. We’re sure you’ll be desperate to try Busan’s foodie delights! For a tasty lunch-on-the-go, we recommend visiting BIFF Square . The original home of Busan International Film Festival, this central hub and the surrounding streets have numerous street food stands, each with a bright red and yellow colour. You’ll find plenty of delicious Korean dishes, plus a few dishes local to the area. Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup with Rice) is a local favourite.

Take time wandering around the street food market, grabbing a drink in a café or doing a spot of shopping. This area is host to a plethora of fashion stores, gift shops and market stalls.

shows an image of Korean pancakes being cooked at a market stall

Haeundae Blueline Park train and coastal walk

Busan is a city with attractions that centre around its gorgeous coastline. One of the best ways to see the coast is using the highly popular Haeundae Blueline Park line. The train and colourful ‘Sky Capsules’ take you along a scenic coastal route that looks out at the sea. It’s a relaxing experience with beautiful scenery and is a welcome break from all the walking.

If you’d prefer to get some exercise, you can choose to walk the coastal path instead of boarding the train. The path and train line stretch all the way to Songjeong Station to the east, with plenty of viewpoints and photo spots along the way. Be sure to book tickets for the Blueline Park train in advance. They can sell out on busy days!

shows an image of the front of a sky train

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The absolute must-see attraction on your Busan 1 day itinerary is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It’s one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the country, famous for its cliffside location. Hadong Yonggungsa sits a little further along the coast from the Blueline Park Songjeong Station, so you can easily get to the temple by taxi from the station.

Wander around the temple grounds to discover ornate buildings, Buddhist shrines, a colourful array of lanterns and numerous statues and viewpoints. The temple was built in 1376 and is one of South Korea’s most historic and cultural attractions.

shows an image of a Korean temple on the coast

Haeundae Beach

Busan has many beaches, but none of them are quite as famous as Haeundae Beach. As the main destination for festivals, music concerts, award ceremonies and more, Haeundae Beach is a bustling place to visit no matter the time of the day. By this time on your Busan day trip, it’s likely approaching late afternoon/early evening. This is the perfect time for a sunset stroll along the Haeundae Beach promenade.

Explore the beach area at your leisure and soak in the atmosphere. There’s always an event happening at Haeundae and the sunset views make it a nice place to start your evening.

shows an image of people walking on Haeundae beach in Busan

Gwangalli Drone Show and Gwangalli Beach

You’re likely getting tired after a long but fun day in Busan. For evening dinner and entertainment, we recommend heading along to Gwangalli Beach. This popular tourist resort area has a long sandy beach with a stunning view of Busan’s bridges and city skyline. It also has an endless array of restaurants, serving up everything from Italian and Mexican cuisine, to some excellent local food.

Gwangalli Beach is the best place in the city to catch the Busan evening drone show, which takes place every Saturday. It’s a 10-minute light show where hundreds of drones light up the evening sky, forming a series of shapes and objects to the sound of music. It’s a cool site to see if you’re visiting on a weekend. If you’re not visiting Busan on a Saturday, there are plenty of nice bars, cafes and a walking promenade to check out.

shows an image of a light drone show in Busan

Our top tips for visiting Busan on a day trip

  • Arrive into Busan as early as possible to make the most of your day. There’s a lot to see and do in a short period of time!
  • Try not to rush around too much or include too many items in your Busan day trip itinerary. It’s best to see attractions properly and enjoy your day rather than tiring yourself out. Adjust your itinerary to suit the duration of your visit.
  • Grab a lunch or dinner on-the-go to save money and spend more time exploring the local attractions.
  • Use taxis to maximise the number of attractions you can see during your day trip. Public transport is excellent but it might take you longer to get around.
  • Bring snacks with you or stock up at the train station before setting off on your Busan adventure.
  • Use Google Maps to pin offline attractions, restaurants and other points of interest. That way, you’ll never get lost. You should also download the Korean alternative to Google Maps, Kakao Maps. This app gives you accurate directions for driving, walking and public transport.
  • Book attraction tickets in advance, especially for attractions such as the cable car, Sky Capsule and beach train. You’ll spend less time queuing and are guaranteed entry. Some attractions sell out on busy days.
  • Visit on a weekday over the weekend for less crowds.
  • Avoid visiting in the summer months to experience less crowds, traffic and waiting times. Busan is a very popular summer holiday destination for Koreans.
  • Research restaurant options before arrival and have a few options planned out in each area you visit. This will increase your chance of having a good meal and you won’t waste time searching on the spot.

A collection of colorful lanterns in Busan

Thanks for reading our Busan day trip itinerary and guide! We hope we inspired you with the best places to visit in a short amount of time and you can now plan your own day trip. Busan is an amazing South Korean city to visit no matter your interests and we’re confident you’ll leave with great memories. If you have any questions about travelling Busan or any of the items we’ve included in our guide, be sure to post a comment below. 😊

Check out our other South Korea travel guides for more inspiration.

Ricky

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

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Comments (2)

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For a 2 day stay in Busan, any recommendation for accommodation? Area? Air B&B’S

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Hello Karin,

Here are some suggestions:

– If you want to see the old city and be near the markets, stay near Seomyeon. This area is best as it’s in the heart of the city centre. – Hyundae beach and Gwangan beach are great if you want to relax and have a beachy holiday, but still want to be near public transport to older attractions. – Hotels near the train station are also handy, especially if you’re coming by train.

Unless you’re renting a car, it can be difficult to get around in Busan, so your best bet is to stay as locally as possible. Staying in Seomyeon will allow that and make getting around much easier for you 🙂

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Helena Bradbury

The ultimate 10 day south korea itinerary: seoul, jeju, busan.

I initially thought that a 10 day South Korea itinerary would be plenty of time. But before our trip was finished, I was already planning return trips in the spring and summer to see the cherry blossom in Korea and experience the hiking trails and mountains in the country.

Okay, I was getting ahead of myself.

But I seriously do hope to return one day soon because those 10 days in Korea made me fall in love with the country and eager to see more!

That being said, I do think that a 10 day itinerary for Korea is the perfect amount of time to see the country’s highlights and go beyond the capital of Seoul.

This 10 day itinerary for South Korea will cover Seoul , Jeju and Busan, as well as an optional DMZ day trip on one of your days in Seoul.

This itinerary also assumes that you are arriving into Seoul Incheon International Airport. However if you are arriving into Busan or another smaller domestic airport (perhaps if you’re already travelling in Asia) then this itinerary could easily be switched to suit your starting point in either Busan or Jeju.

As always if you would like an offline PDF version of this Korea itinerary, all my articles are available for purchase to take on your trip here .

a colourful village on a hillside in Busan, South Korea

Gamcheon Culture Village

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. While clicking these links won't cost you anything, they will help me to keep this site up and running! Check out the full disclosure policy for more details. Thank you so much!

When is the best time of year to visit South Korea?

Most Korea travel blogs will tell you that the answer to this is either spring or autumn, perhaps even summer if you want to plan an island getaway to Jeju .

However I visited in winter (late December and into early January to be exact) and while I can definitely see the argument for avoiding the winter (it was -8C in Seoul and Busan on some days) - winter was also absolutely magical. 

Visiting Korea in winter meant we had little to no crowds to contend with, prices were very cheap. Visiting Jeju this time of year , it was around 10C but sunny and very few visitors. We experienced the heaviest snowfall in 40 years in Seoul which was magical.

All this to say, don’t be put off from visiting in winter if you can pack the right clothes for it and you don’t mind the cold.

However if you plan on hiking, enjoying the beaches, swimming in the sea off Jeju Island or generally trying to reduce the bulky weight of your luggage then I would suggest the perfect time to visit is spring, summer or autumn instead.

Korea in spring still feels like a hidden gem (everyone seems to flock to Japan for spring blossoms instead) and likewise, Korea has stunning autumn foliage but being a smaller country, the autumn foliage lasts a much shorter time so can be difficult to predict and plan flights for the optimum autumn window.

a snowy street in a traditional Korean village in Seoul, South Korea

Bukchon Hanok Village

How to plan a trip to South Korea

Once you have established the time of year you’re visiting, planning a trip to South Korea is very straightforward.

If it’s your first time, my number 1 suggestion for your Korea trip plan is to book your domestic flights between Seoul, Jeju and Busan.

Domestic travel within Korea we found to be exceptionally cheap, even at the last minute we only paid around £30-35 each for our flight from Seoul to Jeju and the same again from Jeju to Busan.

All our flights were booked via Jeju Air.

Tips for visiting Korea:

You will need to download either KakaoMap or Naver Map for your time in Korea. Google Maps does not work in Korea and these are their two equivalent apps.

If you’re planning to visit Jeju Island you will most likely need to rent a car. There is public transport but you would need several days more to see everything as buses are slower than self-driving.

If you do hire a car at any point on your South Korea trip itinerary you will need to show your International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your licence from your home country. This is a non-negotiable for renting a car in South Korea. We only rented a car in Jeju Island as it’s the easiest way to get around.

Download Korean on Google Translate - it will be a lifesaver for translating signage, menus and talking to staff or locals

Buy a T-money card from one of the convenience stores as soon as you arrive. This is the national standard card for travel payments on all public transport throughout the country so it just makes everything much easier. You can also top it up and use it to pay for things like you would a credit or debit card

Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in Korea

How many days is enough for Korea?

Many people just travel to Seoul and that’s fine, but there’s so much more to see in Korea.

I think 7 days is enough to just do Seoul and Busan with maybe a day trip from one of them.

But to include Jeju Island in your itinerary you really need 10 days in Korea at a minimum.

The perfect 10 day itinerary South Korea for Seoul, Jeju Island and Busan

Day 1: seoul.

Where to stay in Seoul: Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong (amazing location and spacious hotel room)

Depending on what time you arrive in Seoul, on your first day you may or may not have the full day here to start your Seoul itinerary .

AM Ikseon-dong Hanok Village - If you have more time and are looking for brunch or lunch spots, head to the Iskeon-dong Hanok Village. This historic village is one of many in and around Seoul (and the rest of the country).

But this one in particular is characterised by beautiful, unique and quirky cafes. From one with a train track running through it, to cheese cafes, specialist dessert cafes, signature butter bread cafe and iconic bakery cafes serving souffle pancakes.

a narrow street lined with cafes with decorative orange umbrellas

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

a cafe in a traditional wooden building in South Korea with a train track running through it

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village cafe

PM Namsan Mountain - In the afternoon, head up Namsan Mountain for the best views of Seoul.

Head towards “Namsan Cable Car” on your map app. You’ll walk along a busy road and there’s a free cable car lift (sort of like a funicular) that is free to use and takes you to the main platform where you can find the actual cable car to take you up the mountain.

The cable car costs 15,000 won (£9) for a round trip or 12,000 won for one way. There are stairs to walk up/down if you choose to only go one way. The cable car ride takes around 3-4 minutes to the top.

Once at the top you can enjoy the amazing city views from the observation decks for free. You can pay a further fee to go up the Seoul TV tower but we decided it wasn’t worth the extra cost as the city views were already incredible from the top of the mountain.

However there are several restaurants in the TV tower so if you decided to have a meal there, you would get the views as part of your dining experience.

a view of Seoul city from the top of a mountain

The view from Namsan Mountain

Evening Myeongdong - head back down the mountain and spend the evening exploring the famous Myeong Dong Night Market.

Myeongdong in Seoul is one of the most famous and well-known districts, it’s also a popular base for visitors if you’re looking for a central location to stay in Seoul.

Myeongdong is famous for the night market where you can find countless street food stalls selling Korean food and market stalls lining the streets which are also alive with brightly lit shops.

I highly recommend finding your dinner in this area, we enjoyed Korean Orange chicken, local egg breads, Gyozas, Cheesy baked bread, seaweed wraps, toasted ice cream and probably more I’m forgetting.

a hand holding a paper food tray with four large gyoza on

Korean Gyoza

two small street food bowls with orange fried chicken in and two hands holding the pots

Orange friend chicken

In this area there are also lots of shops, so if you’re looking for Korean fashion brands or Korean skincare, you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring here.

If you’re in the mood for evening drinks, the nearby neighbourhood of Euljiro has two fabulous breweries, The Ranch Brewing Euljiro and Euljiro Brewing. Both do food and if you’ve read any of my itineraries before, you know I love a good brewery and will always seek out the best ones in a new city! Ranch Brewing is also hidden behind a secret vending machine door!

Helena walking into a doorway hidden behind a red vending machine

Day 2: Seoul

AM Bukchon Hanok Village - Start your day early by beating the crowds to Bukchon Hanok Village. This is possibly the most famous Hanok village in Seoul (maybe in South Korea).

The Bukchon Hanok village is a beautiful traditional Korean village with traditional Korean houses and narrow, steep cobbled streets.

It is a beautiful area to wander around, especially if you’re a photographer as the steep streets offer great contrasting views with the modern skyline of Seoul.

However due to its popularity, the village does get very busy which is why I suggest going first thing in the morning. It’s also a popular location for people to dress in the traditional Hanbok dress - if this is something you want to do on your trip then this is a great area to do it.

PRO TIP: If you hire a traditional Hanbok outfit in Seoul , you can enter the city attractions such as the Palace and museums free of charge.

a woman in a traditional red hanbok korean dress looking down a street on a hill in a traditional village. Seoul city is visible in the distance

Bukchon Hanok Village in the snow

After the Bukchon Hanok Village, do the short walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace to see the changing of the guard at 10am (don’t worry if you miss it, they do it twice a day every day at 10am and 3pm)

The changing of the guard is spectacular to see as the guards parade in traditional dress and beat huge drums as they perform the traditional ceremony at the royal Palace which dates back to the 14th century.

The changing of the guards happens at the Gwanghwamun Gate (south entrance) of the Palace grounds.

It costs just 3000 won (£1.80) to enter the palace grounds. Once inside you can stay as long as you like exploring the colourful and intricate buildings and courtyards. You can also visit the National Folk Museum of Korea for free which is located in the grounds.

Woman in blue coat standing on a stone balcony in the snow in front of a colourful red, blue and green palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

PM Seoul cafe hopping - You’re likely in need of some refreshment after a few hours exploring the palace grounds.

Fortunately Seoul is famous for the unique and aesthetic cafes and coffee shops in the city offering sweet treats, snacks and great coffee.

Just outside the palace we discovered the Nuldam Space cafe, a vegan cafe where we had a coffee and pastry but you can also write a letter to the future and leave it at the cafe, they will send it to you (or the person of your choosing) on the date of your choosing within 1 year.

Most people write a letter and choose to post it to themselves on or around the same date the following year, but there is a slot for every day of the year, so you can choose if you perhaps have a special occasion like a birthday or wedding that you’d like to send it for (either to you or someone else)

We loved the concept and the coffee and snacks were great, I had a matcha latte and Taylor had a chocolate latte.

There are both domestic and international letter options, I believe ours cost 5000 won at the time of our visit for international postage and we’re excited to receive it in a year!

a white envelope with a red wax seal on it, being held up to the camera

Posting our letter at Nuldam Space coffee shop

Evening Hongdae - No visit to Seoul would be complete without spending an evening in Hongdae Street.

This district of Seoul is famous for being the cool district of the city with plenty of k-pop street dancing, brightly lit stores and bars, cool eateries, street art, fashion market stalls and other street performers.

Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or just a bite for dinner and some entertainment, wandering around neon-lit Hongdae is definitely an experience!

a brightly lit busy street with lots of colourful lit signs

Day 3: DMZ day trip

I will caveat this day on the 10 days in Korea itinerary by saying that the DMZ is not something that everyone is comfortable with and that’s totally fine.

If that’s the case, I highly recommend an alternative day trip from Seoul. Other day trips we considered were Nami Island and the Garden of Calm , or the Gangchon rail bike and culture tour of Gangwon-do.

If you are interested in doing a DMZ day trip, this is the exact DMZ tour we did and I absolutely recommend it.

For those not sure, the DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and refers to the strip of land between North and South Korea that acts as a buffer zone since the Korean War Armistice in 1953.

The day started early with us being picked up at the meeting point in Myeongdong around 7.30am (there are several pick up points available throughout the city depending on where you’re staying).

We then drove around 1 hour from Seoul for our first stop of the day which was at the Mt. Gamaksan suspension bridge. The scenery was beautiful and the bridge, waterfall and nature trails were amazing to see, especially in contrast with the modern city of Seoul.

a woman in a blue coat walking across a red suspension bridge towards a hill with some snow on it on the other side.

Gamaksan suspension bridge

After this stop we head to the waiting zone where all your details, passports and information is shared with the ticket point. This is mandatory as the DMZ is an active military zone and all visitors must be logged, checked and verified.

NOTE: you must bring your passport on this day tour. If you do not bring it then you cannot enter the DMZ.e we had authorisation to enter the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) we had several stops during the day which included:

The 3rd Tunnel

The Dora Observatory

Freedom Bridge

Unification villages

The steam locomotive severally damaged in the war

Woma standing in front of three freestanding letters in red, yellow and blue that read DMZ

At the main DMZ centre

a large grey asphalt area leading to an empty border crossing gate

the border between North and South Korea

Our guide was incredible, sharing information with us about the Korean War and the lasting historical, social and political impacts. He did a really great job of sharing the sombre and devastating details of the war and its recent history, as well as some entertaining anecdotes like when South Korea played Gangnam Style by Psy from huge loud speakers across the border in response to the deteriorating relations in 2016 when the north planned mines on the South side of the border.

Large grey stone blocks of a war memorial with three flagpoles

The Korea War Memorial in the DMZ

From the Dora Observatory there are binoculars where you can actually look across the border and see North Koreans going about their day in the nearby border village - this was the most surreal part to me, just being right there, within eyesight of the North.

a grey, barren landscape with mountains in the distance

North Korea seen from the Dora Observatory

The 3rd tunnel was also fascinating, it was a tunnel built by the North to infiltrate the South who discovered it and foiled the plan. It goes deep underground and at the end you are just 170m from North Korea. You cannot take your phone or belongings into the tunnel, there are secure lockers to leave them in at the top. The tunnel does also get small and dark so bear this in mind if you are claustrophobic.

I highly recommend the tour, I learnt so much and it was definitely a unique, once in a lifetime experience.

Check the DMZ tour details and availability here.

Day 4: Seoul and fly to Jeju (travel day)

Where to stay in Jeju-si: Hotel Sirius

Depending on your flight time from Seoul to Jeju Island, you might have the morning available in Seoul.

If you do, I have a few suggestions depending on what your interests are:

a huge atrium filled with floor to ceiling bookshelves with a woman going down an escalator in front of the shelves

Starfield Library

1. The Starfield Library - if you’re a book lover or an aesthetic library lover then you’ll probably already have heard of Starfield Library as it’s all over Instagram. This beautiful library is famous for its towering bookcases and escalators. It’s located in the Starfield Coex Mall across the river and is best reached on the Number 2 metro line, get off at Samseong World Trade Center Seoul and follow the lines on the floor outside the train station which lead to the library.

2. Fun cafes - if you’re loving the cute and aesthetic cafes in Seoul then you might be interested in visiting a few more beautiful locations. Unfortunately the 2D cafe in Seoul closed down not long after our visit, but you can still visit a lot of gorgeous cafes in the Hongik University area such as Happy Nature Place Cafe, Cheong Su Dang, JeokDang or Molto Italian Espresso Bar with a view of the Myeongdong Cathedral.

3. Shopping - if you’re keen to shop some more, the Lotte Mall or the Hyundai Mall are the places to be!

Arriving in Jeju - once you arrive in Jeju, you will need to pick up your rental car. We rented through SK Rent-a-car which is an AVIS partner in Korea. Note that you will need to have an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Korea and they are very strict on it.

We had no problem with renting a car in South Korea or driving in Korea, both experiences were smooth and seamless, every hotel we booked on Jeju island had car parking available for free and the roads were generally quiet and easy to navigate.

If you really don’t want to hire a car or drive in Jeju, you can do a series of organised day trips from Jeju city. I’ve found these ones which cover a lot of the spots included on this itinerary:

Jeju Island East Coast day tour from Jeju-si

Jeju Island west and south coast day tour

Customise your own Jeju Island tour with a private tour and driver

Flying and time spent at Incheon airport takes up a good chunk of the day but if you have some time in Jeju, steal some ideas for things to do in Jeju City from Day 5 below.

Evening - If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and drink, Black Pork is a speciality in Jeju Island and I highly recommend it! The experience is similar to a Korean BBQ experience with the meat cooked on the hot plate in front of you by the staff and with plenty of side dishes included in the price.

In Jeju City there is a street called Black Pork Street with dozens of these local restaurant options. We went to Donhyanggi and absolutely loved it. We only ordered one type of pork and it was amazing, plus the amount of sides included was incredible. At the end they can also make you fresh egg fried rice on the hot plate and you get cold noodles for free - such an amazing experience. They even bagged up our coats to keep them free from the cooked meat smell!

For drinks we adored Bluebird by Magpie - this is a brewery close to the waterfront and a short walk from Black Pork Street. The beers are incredible and they also have pizzas which looked so good, we went back here to try them before our departing flight to Busan!

pork being cooked on a hot plate in the middle of a table with many side dishes around the hot plate

Black Pork Korean BBQ

Two large pepperoni pizzas next to a glass of beer

Bluebird by Magpie

Day 5: Jeju Island (hiking Mount Hallasan)

If there’s one place I absolutely recommend for your 10 day Korea itinerary, South Korea’s answer to Hawaii is the place. Jeju Island is called the Hawaii of Korea for a reason and I was absolutely stunned by the island’s beauty, from the incredible scenery, dramatic coastline, pristine beaches to the amazing hiking trails, waterfalls and affordable prices. I’m already planning a return trip!

AM - We didn’t spend too much time exploring Jeju City itself, just for the evening we arrived and the evening we left on, but the waterfront area and Yongyeon Pond are places I would have visited if we had more time.

Start your day early to give yourself enough time for the hike up Mount Hallasan.

My Hallasan is the iconic peak of Jeju Island, located in the centre of the island, it is the tallest peak on the island and there are 7 possible trails of varying difficulty.

There are many tours that also hike up the mountain so don’t be put off, as long as you’re fit and healthy and enjoy walking then climbing Hallasan is an amazing experience.

a landscape looking out across an island on a grey day with the sea visible in the distance

Views from Hallasan looking down on Seogwipo City

For an easier trail I recommend the Eoseungsaengak Trail which takes around 2 hours. But if you want to see the Hallasan crater you will need to take the Gwaneumsa Trail or Seongpanak Trail. You will reach a fork where the two trails split off so some people choose to ascend one trail and come back down the other. Seongpanak is a longer trail however Gwaneumsa is more challenging with lots of steps which can be difficult if you prefer a slower ascent.

For these trails to the crater, allow at least 7 hours round trip for your hike. 4-5 hours going up and 2-3 hours coming back down.

NOTE - bear in mind the time of year you are visiting. Hiking in the winter is not recommended unless you are well-prepared with cramp-ons and are an experienced hiker. Despite the milder weather on the island, Hallasan still gets snow and visibility is poor. The days are also shorter and with limited daylight if you don’t start your hike early enough you will run out of light. 

In autumn or winter, start your hike no later than 9am. In the summer, starting later is fine.

Make sure you have adequate supplies for food and water. You should have 1 litre of water per 2 hours of hiking. So 4 litres of water per person is the minimum for hiking Mount Hallasan - more in the hot summer months.

Alternative - If hiking up Mount Hallasan isn’t something you want to do then I have a couple of suggestions.

1. Drive west along the north coast of the island, this is the least visited but there are some great stops such as the llama lighthouses at Iho Tewoo beach and the lava tubes at Hyeopjae cave. The famous lava tube at Manjanggul Cave on the east side of the island is closed for renovation until 2025, so this is a great alternative if you want to explore the lava tube caves on Jeju Island.

2. Drive the 1100 Highland road which cuts past Mount Hallasan and connects Jeju City with the south coast of the island. This is the highest road on the island and you can get great views of Mount Hallasan and the surrounding landscape from several rest stops along this road.

a smooth tarmac road lined with tall green trees, remnants of snow on the verges

Driving the Highland 1100 road

3. The Seogwipo Natural Recreational Forest is south along the 1100 Highland road and is a great alternative for an easy stroll in nature. With miles of easy boardwalks through the trees - very peaceful and beautiful.

Evening - stay the night at Seogwipo (we found hotels to be so cheap here and with parking included!)

In the town itself, don’t miss Seogwipo Olle Market, this is a great street food market for dinner, look for the stalls with the lines - they’re the best!

We also enjoyed a drink at the Jeju Beer Fountain taproom.

Day 6: Jeju Island (south)

Where to stay in Seogwipo: Casaloma Hotel

AM - We spent a long day on the south coast trying to see as much as possible, the driving distances are short and so easy but there are so many stops to see!

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall - A super easy start to the day if you’re staying in Seogwipo as this waterfall is pretty much in the town. Although we got a bit lost trying to get there, make sure you’re mapping (using Naver Maps or KakaoMap) to the waterfalls car park and not the waterfalls themselves. The car park is located at the mouth of the river, search for “ Cheonjiyeon Waterfall ticket booth ” on Google Maps to find the exact location.

Entrance to the falls cost 2000 won (£1.20) per person and there’s a huge car park with some shops and a convenience store. The walk to the falls takes around 10-15 minutes from the car park on a flat, paved path.

We grabbed takeaway coffees and did this as our morning walk and with the early morning sun on the falls as we arrived it was absolutely stunning to see and a beautiful start to the day.

a large pool of water with a waterfall flowing down a cliff face into the pool on the righthand side. The cliffs and pool are surrounded by green trees on a sunny day

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall in Seogwipo

Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls - Not to be confused with the very similarly named waterfalls we just visited! Next we drove 25 minutes west along the coast to Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls and the Seonim Bridge. There is a large car park and it costs 2500 won per adult (£1.50).

 The falls are a series of three waterfalls, although the first one is often dried up unless after heavy rain. Even in the winter when we visited, it wasn’t flowing. However the pool was vibrant blue!

The second and third waterfalls were both beautiful, such vibrant blue turquoise water and lush greenery. The trails are well marked and you can also see the iconic Seonim Bridge which is a red and white iron bridge which is surprisingly steep!

You can walk across the bridge and visit the temple observation deck. The Jeju Yeomiji Botanical Gardens are also further along this path but that’s a separate ticket (and it was winter on our visit so we didn’t go!)

woman in a brightly patterned fleece and orange hat standing on a wooden deck with a waterfall flowing down a green moss covered cliff into a dark blue pool

Cheonjeyeon falls - the second waterfall

a woman looking down from a platform to a waterfall flowing into a dark blue pool below. Surrounded by trees

Cheonjeyeon falls - the third waterfall

Jusangjeollidae - This was one of the stops I was most excited about and it’s just a 5 minute drive from the waterfalls.

I’ve seen these uniquely formed basalt columns in Northern Ireland, they’re also in Iceland and Scotland and usually occur due to volcanic activity. But I never expected to see them in Korea!

Of course being a volcanic island, it makes sense that these unique rock formations are here and they were truly spectacular to see with the dark grey rock in contrast to the bright blue of the sea.

Again there is a large car park here and the entry fee is 2000 won per adult (£1.20). The observation deck is a short walk from the car park and is well paved with wooden decking along the coastline to view the rocks. We were probably only here around 20-30 minutes, it’s a super short stop but beautiful and worth it!

a coastal area with unique basalt columns forming the coastal rocks. The sea is teal blue

Jusangjeollidae

a woman on an observation deck looking down on a coastline of volcanic rock

Jusangjeollidae observation deck

Jeongbang Waterfall - A short drive back east to the opposite side of Seogwipo town is this beautiful waterfall which is the only waterfall that falls into the sea in Korea and apparently one of only seven in the whole of Asia?!

Again there is a large car park and the entry fee is only 2000 won. There is a series of steep stone stairs down to the waterfall.

The falls are beautiful, as is the whole coastline. You can climb on the rocks and get closer to the waterfall pool, just be careful as they can be slippery.

There are other trails and viewpoints in this area too, we walked along a couple, including following signs to another waterfall called Sojeongbang Waterfalls, but it seemed to be man-made which was a bit strange. I’d recommend just visiting the main Jeongbang Waterfall.

a woman standing on a boulder surrounded by shallow water, in front of a large waterfall cascading down a green moss covered cliff into a dark blue pool

Jeongbang Waterfall

Afternoon - all these locations are fairly close together so depending on how quickly you’ve visited them all, you may have some spare daylight.

As we were visiting in winter, our daylight was limited so we decided to drive over to Oedolgae which is also nearby and close to Seogwipo to see the sunset over the sea stack.

Oedolgae is a famous sea stack with dramatic cliff views and uninterrupted sunset views with beautiful boardwalks and benches to enjoy the scenery. In the summer there are also swimming spots here.

The view at sunset was magical and a beautiful way to wrap up our day exploring the waterfalls and rocky coastline of Jeju.

a rugged, rocky coastline with lots of greenery and blue seat at sunset

Oedolgae at sunset

Tip : half of the car park is free to park in, the other half (closer to the entrance) is 2000 won per car. Obviously the free spaces get snapped up first - just be aware so you don’t park your car in a paid spot and walk off without paying.

Soesokkak or Wind 1947 - In the summer months if you have more daylight in the early evening, you might want to check out one of these nearby spots.

Soesokkak is a great swimming spot along the coast while Wind 1947 is a fun Go Karting track where you can have some fun whizzing around the track on a Go Kart surrounded by palm trees. 

Day 7: Jeju Island (east)

This was probably my favourite day on our entire 10 day Korea itinerary! 

NOTE: This day covers both Seongsan Ilchulbong crater and the Manjanggul Lava Tube, however as of January 2024, the Lava Tube is closed for renovations until 21st August 2025. The alternative lava tube you can visit on the island is on the northwest coast which I mentioned earlier - Hyeopjae Cave. The alternatives on the east of the island are the Folk Village, Sinyang Beach, Hamdeok Beach or Jeju Stone Park. (more details on all below)

AM - Start your day early again and head towards the east coast and the famous Seongsan Ilchulbong crater - the most popular area on Jeju and UNESCO World Heritage site. We did a short stop on the way at Sinyang Beach which is just 10 minutes drive from the crater and the beach there is honestly stunning, the most unexpectedly clear, neon blue water which I did not expect to see in January! If it was summer we would have spent a couple of hours swimming here!

a rock pool surrounded by a calm, turquoise clear bay of water. A beach in the distance on a clear sunny day

Clear turquoise waters at the beaches in Jeju

Seongsan Ilchulbong Marine Provincial Park is a protected state park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Geosite with the main attraction being the epic Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone / crater on the peninsula which you can climb to see the crater as well as stunning views.

There is a large car park and it gets busy which is why I suggest going here first thing in the morning (you could even stay overnight the night before as some people do to hike the crater at sunrise).

There are two walking trails, the one on the left is free and the one on the right is the paid trail up to the crater. The ticket price for the Seongsan Ilchulbong Park is 5000 won for adults and 2000 won per child, however if you do the hike prior to 7am for sunrise, the booth is unmanned and it’s free to visit.

Looking down stone steps to a view of a small coastal town surrounded by blue sea

On the way up to Seongsan Ilchulbong crater

a wooden curving staircase on a cliff overlooking a turquoise blue bay

On the way back down, Mt Hallasan visible in the distance

The paid trail up to the Seongsan Ilchulbong crater takes 20-30 minutes depending on your fitness level. The walk is short but it’s around 500 steps and some sections are steep. The route is very well-maintained though and there is a large seating area at the top to enjoy the views of the crater.

The trail is also a one way system, so you get slightly different views on the way uo and the way down. I personally preferred the views on the way down as they were less obstructed. We were so lucky with a clear winters day and we could see the stunning blue waters of the bay and even Mount Hallasan in the distance!

After doing the crater paid trail, I recommend following the shorter free trail which is just a short walk down to the bay and along the coast path. 

At the bay you can see the famous “Haenyeo” lady divers of Jeju Island free diving for abalone, sea cucumbers and more. This sea foraging is a historic cultural tradition of Jeju and the women are in their 60s, 70s and even 80s and have been doing this their whole lives! You can see them dive at 1.30pm or 3pm each day so I recommend going after you’ve done the main crater hike. You can even try the raw seafood fresh or slightly cooked right there on the beach!

steps leading down to a green bay, partially shadowed by a huge cliff

Part of the free trail, this is the bay where you can get the boat trips

an older woman in a wet suit

Haenyeo - Jeju Lady Divers ready to go into the water

There are also two different boat tours available from the beach here. Route A is shorter and costs 10,000 won per person. Route B is longer and costs 20,000 won.

Manjanggul Lava Tube cave - The drive from Seongsan Ilchulbong to Manjanggul Lava Tube is just 40 minutes. However as I mentioned above (and much to our surprise when we arrived) the Lava Tube is closed for renovations until 31st August 2025. This is a huge length of time and I hope they reopen sooner but the alternative lave tube to visit is on the opposite side of the island. If you have time to visit, it’s called Hyeopjae Cave. However if this is your last day on Jeju, there are some other nearby spots worth visiting.

Sinyang Beach - This is the beach that’s close to Seongsan Ilchulbong crater that I mentioned earlier and if you’re visiting in the warmer months, you might want to take it easy and head over here after your hike to cool off and enjoy some leisurely beach time.

calm, crystal clear turquoise waters in a bay with a small town and trees visible on the other side

The bay opposite Sinyang Beach

Hamdeok Beach - this is one of the best beaches on Jeju Island and it’s close to Jeju City. There is loads of parking and as it’s in a town there’s some gorgeous waterfront cafes and restaurants as well as coastal walks and the beautiful sandy beach and crystal-clear water. Walk out to the Jeonmangdae Observation deck for great views and enjoy a refuel at Cafe Delmoondo.

a beach with a few people in the distance and a cafe with roof terrace on the rocks

The cafe at Hamdeok Beach

Jeju Stone Park - All over Jeju you will see the famous icon of Jeju island - the stone statues with a face. These are called Dol Hareubang which literally means “Old Grandfather”. No one knows the exact origins or symbolism of the stone statues but they are believed to represent gods which offer protection and fertility and are placed at entrances as they are believed to provide protection against demons travelling between realities. 

While you will see these statues all over the island, you can visit the Jeju Stone Park and learn more, as well as visit the museum, see a traditional Korean folk village and learn more about the culture and history of Jeju. Tickets cost 5000 won which is fairly expensive but worth it if you have a couple of hours to explore.

a line of 4 stone statues with faces - the Dol Hareubang of Jeju Island

Dol Hareubang - Jeju stone statues

Evening - head back to Jeju City and either stay overnight there if you have a morning flight, or you could stay elsewhere on the island to spend longer at the Jeju attractions if your flight to Busan isn’t until later in the day tomorrow.

Day 8: Fly to Busan and afternoon in the city

Where to stay in Busan: Arban Hotel

The final stop on this 10-day itinerary is Korea’s second largest city, Busan . Again we found £30 flights from Jeju Island to Busan and the flight was less than 1 hour - super quick and easy to maximise your time on your South Korea 10 day itinerary!

Once at Busan Gimhae International Airport, we took the airport transit into the city. It’s slightly odd, but you ride 3 stops on the Light Rail train to Sasang and then change to Line 2 (the Green Line) into the city. Again, make sure you’re using Naver Maps or Kakao Maps as they made it very straightforward.

We stayed in the Seomyeon area of the city, close to the metro so we could easily get to and from the airport and around the city. You can continue to use your T money card here which you should have got in Seoul as it works all over the country.

However we didn’t find Busan as easy to navigate as Seoul, there are less metro lines and the city is super spread out. This is due to the rapid increase in population as people moved south to escape the Korean War in the 50s. This led to Busan expanding rapidly and because it’s situated in a hilly region, small “villages” popped up around the city.

These are now absorbed by the city of Busan which has a population of around 8 million people and the areas are more like neighbourhoods or districts, although they’re still called “villages”.

This spread out and hilly landscape makes Busan difficult to navigate and after visiting the Dakbatgol Mural village and Nampo area, it took us all afternoon to just get there and see one place. 

So we decided to see it all in the short space of time we had left, booking a full-day Busan tour for the following day was the best choice - and I’m so glad we did! Read on for tomorrow’s breakdown of the places to visit in Busan on a tour or by yourself.

a colourful stairway covered in mosaics with a stair cable car along the middle

Dakbatgol Mural village Stairway of Wishes and the resident’s cable car

Evening - we loved the Seomyeon area of Busan, it’s lively with loads of restaurants, bars and shops. We got Korean fried chicken and checked out Wildcat Brewing in the area.

Day 9: Busan day trip and highlights

As I mentioned on yesterday’s itinerary, we quickly realised that Busan was more difficult to navigate and due to the size of the city and how spread out everything is, it wasn’t going to be easy to see all the sights we wanted to with just two days.

So we booked this incredible Busan city highlights tour. (make sure to select the option with the Blueline ticket if you want to do the same exact trip as me)

This was a full day guided tour with a small group and we moved between sights on a minibus, which was a lot quicker and more efficient than public transport and walking would have been.

The tour included:

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

Haeundae Blueline Park

Huinnyeoul Culture Village

We also stopped for lunch at a fresh seafood restaurant in Haeundae which was amazing (the cost of this is additional)

If you have time, a visit to Haeundae Beach is also a popular stop if you’re visiting in the summer months.

a 3-arch stone bridge across an esturary leading to a colourful red and yellow temple

Located just outside the city on the outskirts is this stunning temple that’s pretty unique in that it’s located on the coast with a bridge overlooking an estuary and rocky beach area.

The temple is beautiful and we were lucky to get there before any other tours as our tour picked us up from the city centre fairly early at around 7.30am.

My favourite part is that they have a shrine to road safety and I’m a bit of a nervous driver so I left my offerings there ha!

a large blue observatory deck in the water with people standing on it, looking out to sea

Further along the coast is this observatory which allows you to walk out on a glass walkway over the stunning blue sea.

I honestly had no idea that Busan was such a stunning coastal city, but apparently it’s nicknamed the “Miami of Korea”. The beaches, clear blue water, vibrant colourful city, skyscrapers and sunny weather definitely live up to the name!

After this we had an early lunch with sea views and fresh seafood which was cooked on the hotplate at our table - amazing!

a raised track with 3 capsules running along the track like cable cards. Views of the sea and city beyond

The sky capsules on the Haeundae Blueline

four sky capsules on the track with skyscrapers looming behind

Approaching Mipo Station on the sky capsules in Busan

Our time at lunch and the observatory had given our tour guide the time to book our tickets for the Haeundae Blueline Park - one of the things I was most excited for in Busan. And it lived up to the hype!

The Blueline is this super cute pod/cable car that runs along a raised track, following the coastline for around 20-30 minutes with stunning views. I can’t believe how lucky we got with the weather but it was the perfect day for it and I absolutely recommend Haeundae Blueline Park if you’re looking for just a few things to do in Busan.

a stairway painted completely blue with a blue building on one side and a white one on the other

Blue stairway in the culture village

four people sit underneath parasols on a roof deck looking out across a bay of water on a sunny day with clear blue skies

One of the many cafes in Huinnyeoul Culture Village overlooking the bay

This felt like a cute blue and whitewashed Greek village except with views of the epic metropolis on the other side of the bay.

With winding alleyways, boutique shops, cafes with an ocean view and plenty of street art, this was a pedestrianised paradise that felt like an alternative artistic haven right in the heart of the city. This is one of the villages that developed as the city rapidly expanded during and after the war. It certainly has its own unique identity.

Helena standing on a balcony with a whole colourful village of hundreds of houses on the hillside behind her

Gamcheon Culture Village. This viewpoint is Avant Garde Cafe

Often called the Machu Picchu of Busan, this is probably the only place I knew I definitely wanted to see in Busan before our trip and this colourful mountainside village has been on my South Korea bucket list for aaages!

Thankfully it did not disappoint, the colours were just incredible, the vibrant streets, street art, cafes and music made this such a fun experience and I honestly wish we had longer there to soak it all in! Gamcheon Culture Village was definitely a highlight of our trip.

seoul to busan day tour

Gamcheon Culture Village at golden hour

Evening - for dinner, drinks and an amazing view, head to Gwangalli Beach. It blew me away that there was a beach in a city that looks like this! The bay is beautiful, the suspension bridge connecting each side of the bay as you look out from the sandy shore is just spectacular and they often have boat trips with fireworks that you can watch at dusk.

We went to Gorilla Brewing for drinks and dinner after watching sunset on the beach.

a sandy beach at dusk with a suspension bridge visible in the bay and city skyline lit up on the other side

Gwangalli Beach

Day 10: Busan

Depending on your flight time, you may or may not have a full day here in Busan.

If you have time, I highly recommend the Oryukdo Skywalk, this whole stretch of coastline in Oryukdo Park from Oryukdo to Igidae is beautiful.

Alternatively if you don’t have time to walk this city trail, I recommend checking out the Samgwangsa Temple which is located in the city. During festival season the entire temple is covered in spectacular colourful lanterns.

If you didn’t make it to Gwangalli Beach yesterday evening, that’s another great city location which is so beautiful and you can enjoy the beach, the views and the scenery in the sunshine during the day. Having such a spectacular beach in a city was something so surprising to me so it’s definitely worth checking out!

Due to how spread out the city is, I would recommend picking just one of these to do before you head to the airport, unless your flight is very late in the evening and you have the whole day.

FAQs: Korea travel itinerary

Is South Korea a tourist friendly country?

Absolutely, we had nothing but positive experiences during our entire time in Korea. I would say it’s slightly less western tourist accessible than perhaps Japan just due to the lack of English spoken and lack of English signage. But with the proper preparation, downloading the Korean map apps and offline Google Translate, you should have no problem!

Is it safe to travel to South Korea?

This was a question we were asked so regularly and as a country itself, yes South Korea is safe. I never once felt unsafe walking on my own at night or going out and socialising and meeting people in bars or on our tour.

However I can understand that people may have concerns about tensions between the North and South. This is a political situation which is constantly changing and only you can make an informed decision about what is safe and comfortable for you at the time of your trip. 

Can I travel to South Korea?

This will depend on your passport nationality. For the latest information on visas, visa exempt countries and those who require a K-ETA (Korean e-visa) click here .

Over 90 countries are visa-exempt for Korea, however if you are visa exempt you usually still need a K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation) you can apply here and it costs 10,000 won (£6)

Is 10 days enough in Korea?

If you’re currently planning your South Korea itinerary, 10 days is more than enough to see these three main locations - Seoul, Jeju Island and Busan.

If you plan to spend longer in Jeju Island going on hiking trails or if you want to plan more day trips from Seoul or Busan, you will need longer.

Is Jeju Island worth it?

Of course the answer to this is subjective but there are few places which have so pleasantly surprised me and Jeju honestly blew me away . From the nature, the scenery and the hiking trails, to the stunning beaches, waterfalls and dramatic coastline - there is so much natural beauty on this island that I already can’t wait to return!

Is it worth going to Busan?

In all honesty I wondered this myself. I didn’t feel massively excited to go to Busan but I’m actually so glad we did. I’m also definitely glad we did the day tour as that was the highlight of our time in Busan and I really don’t think we would have been able to see so much of the city if it wasn’t for that!

Is Jeju cheaper than Seoul?

Jeju Island is definitely cheaper than Seoul. We paid around £55-70 a night in Seoul but paid around £35-50 per night in Jeju. Food was also slightly cheaper however we were there in the low season so these prices probably change in the summer months.

Can you drink Korean tap water?

Yes, tap water in Korea is safe to drink. The country has very high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and monitoring.

Summary: your 10 day South Korea itinerary

I had worried initially that this 10 days in Korea itinerary was too ambitious. While it is a full-on itinerary, we did manage it all and I had the most incredible time - South Korea surprised me massively and I was already planning return trips in the autumn and summer so I can experience more of the hikes and see the beautiful autumn leaves!

I really hope that this South Korea travel itinerary inspires you to visit this beautiful country, maybe it inspires you to add it to your bucket list or perhaps you’re already planning a trip! If you are, let me know if this guide is useful and have an amazing trip!

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The best 10 day South Korea itinerary you need to plan your trip to Korea and see all the best sights in Seoul, Jeju Island and Busan | 10 day itinerary south korea |10 day korea itinerary seoul jeju busan | south korea trip itinerary | itinerary kor

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8-Day South Korea Tour to Visit Highlights of Seoul, Busan and Jeju

8-Day South Korea Tour to Visit Highlights of Seoul, Busan and Jeju

Immerse yourself in the dynamic capital of Seoul, where ancient palaces meet modern skyscrapers. Explore the vibrant city of Busan and its stunning beaches, bustling markets, and serene temples. Discover the natural wonders of Jeju Island, known for its volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and UNESCO-listed sites. This webpage is your ultimate tour to an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and gastronomic delights of South Korea.

We can customize this trip by adding anything you're interested in and scheduling days to fit your pace. We would happily organize a unique theme or activities for birthdays, young children, anniversaries, etc.

  • Best For: Slow Pacers and Couples
  • Departure date: Up to you
  • Sample Price: From US$3,200p/p, (2 per room)*
  • Flights: SE Asia's included (international on request)

* The price is based on a private tour for 2 people.

Tour Highlights

Here are the fantastic attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace .

Visit the charming bukchon hanok village filled with traditional houses from the joseon dynasty., spend a day to explore the beautiful landscapes and unique culture of jeju island ., visit the huinnyeoul culture village in busan, a charming coastal village with picturesque cliffs..

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

The itinerary serves as a mere example of a personalized tour, designed exclusively for you. Your preferences will shape the authentic journey. We are fully prepared to craft an tailor-made tour that fulfills your desires.

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Seoul. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

Begin your journey in Seoul with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace , the largest and most beautiful of the five palaces in the city. Learn about its history and enjoy the restored palace buildings.

Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village , a charming neighborhood filled with traditional houses from the Joseon dynasty. Take a stroll through its narrow alleys and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Korea.

End the day in Insadong, a neighborhood known for its traditional culture and arts scene. Explore the streets, indulge in Korean cuisine, and visit art galleries and shops.

Start the day by walking along the historic Seoul City Wall, also known as Hanyangdo Seong. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and soak in the rich heritage surrounding you.

Head to N Seoul Tower , an iconic landmark offering breathtaking cityscapes. Consider visiting in the evening for a stunning view of Seoul illuminated. Find tranquility at Bongeunsa Temple, located in the heart of the bustling city. Marvel at the Buddhist architecture and immerse yourself in the serenity it offers. Conclude the day with a shopping spree at Myeongdong Shopping Street, a vibrant district known for its fashion, beauty products, and local treats.

Visit the Cheomseongdae Observatory , an ancient structure from the Silla Kingdom representing the lunar calendar. Dive into the history and significance of this observatory.

Immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture at Bulguksa Temple , originally built for peace and prosperity. Explore its serene surroundings and delve into the cultural richness it embodies.

Continue to the Seokguram Grotto , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the seated Buddha and appreciate the cultural significance preserved throughout the ages. Conclude the day by exploring the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, home to impressive burial mounds and the Cheonmachong Tomb. Experience the rich archaeological heritage that paints a vivid picture of ancient times.

Begin the day at Huinnyeoul Culture Village in Busan, a charming coastal village with picturesque cliffs. Take a leisurely stroll along the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk and explore the Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel for a unique seaside experience.

Ascend to Dalmaji Hill Park for breathtaking panoramic views of Busan and its azure sea. Experience the artistic ambiance reminiscent of Montmartre in France. Conclude the day by exploring more of Busan's attractions and its vibrant atmosphere.

Fly to Jeju and begin the day at Seongsan Ilchulbong , a natural wonder shaped by volcanic eruptions. Witness the spectacular view from the crater and embrace the awe-inspiring landscape. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful attractions and unique culture of Jeju Island.

Start with a visit to Samseonghyeol , a sacred site believed to be the birthplace of three demigods. Explore the serene surroundings and connect with Jeju's captivating folklore.

Immerse yourself in the captivating heritage of Jeju at the Folklore & Natural Museum . Learn about the island's unique culture, history, and natural wonders. Venture to Yongduam Rock, a dragon-shaped rock formation along the coast. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean and take a leisurely stroll along the nearby coastal area.

Indulge in Jeju's culinary delights at Black Pork Street , known for its delectable Jeju black pork. Discover the local gastronomic scene and savor the island's specialty dishes.

Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Jeju Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.

Design Your Ideal Trip with Our Travel Expert

Exceptional experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Our Service Includes:

  • Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • Hand-picked star-rating accommodations
  • Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
  • Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-sk-cx-3

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  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
  • Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

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seoul to busan day tour

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

seoul to busan day tour

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion.

Guilin, but mostly Yangshuo was at the tail end of our China adventure so there was a lot to live up to. Having a guide like Gary Wei meant that our trip ended on a high! We arrived in Guilin very late from an 11 hour train journey. Gary met us with gifts of fruit, sweet bread and cakes which was so unexpected and thoughtful.Gary's knowledge of the area was exceptional and his attention to us the same. He really took our children under his wing - even tuning in to annoying sibling rivalry and managing to keep the peace very well! Gary was our personal photographer at times and even our Taiji instructor, making a beautiful video of us all doing Taiji in a scenic setting :)The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is definitely worth taking and we enjoyed our few nights in the area, riding bikes along the river, doing a cooking class and enjoying the scenery

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Bustling Busan in a Day: A Whirlwind Tour

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February 20, 2024 · 1 min read

Busan 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day adventure in Busan, a city that blends modernity with tradition. Start your journey at the Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the 'Machu Picchu of Busan.' Spend your day wandering through the labyrinth of brightly colored houses, artistic murals, and quaint cafes that offer a picturesque view of the city. This hillside cultural enclave promises a full day of exploration and photo opportunities, immersing you in the vibrant spirit of Busan. After soaking in the artistic atmosphere, make your way to Yongdusan Park, a serene escape nestled in the heart of the city. Although your visit here will be brief, the park offers a refreshing hour amidst lush greenery and historical monuments, including the famous Busan Tower. This itinerary is perfect for those looking to capture the essence of Busan's beauty and culture in a limited timeframe.

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  • Day 1: Exploring the Artistic Charm and Green Spaces of Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

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Begin your Busan adventure with a visit to the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, a place where art and community come together to create a living canvas. Nestled in the hills of Busan, this picturesque village is often referred to as the 'Machu Picchu of Korea' due to its colorful, tiered houses. Spend your day wandering through the narrow alleyways, admiring the whimsical murals, and discovering hidden art installations. With a full day to explore, you'll have ample time to soak in the creative atmosphere and perhaps find a unique souvenir at one of the local craft shops.

Attraction Info

  • 200 Gamnae 1(il)-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 9:00am-6:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Lijia spicy fried rice cake

Yongdusan Park

After immersing yourself in the artistic enclave of Gamcheon Culture Village, take a leisurely hour to unwind at Yongdusan Park. This urban oasis offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Located in the heart of Busan, the park is named after the mountain it sits upon, resembling a dragon's head. Stroll through the lush greenery, enjoy the panoramic views of the city and harbor, and don't miss the Busan Tower, a symbol of the park and a perfect spot for a memorable photo.

  • 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Where to Stay Tonight

Boutique hotel aria nampo, busan nampo-dong elise, elysee hotel, top things to do in busan-2024.

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

'BUSAN It is the largest observatory in Korea. Ex the Sky in Busan, including 'X the Lounge', which provides a comfortable relaxation space, 'X the Photo', which records special memories against the backdrop of the sea above, and 'X the Gift', a souvenir shop where you can keep your memories for a long time. We provide specialized services.

seoul to busan day tour

△ Standing on the observation deck, you can enjoy the vast sea view of Haeundae, one of the eight scenic spots in Korea, and the magnificent city view of Busan.

seoul to busan day tour

△ The Sky Cruise elevator runs at high speed from the 1st floor to the 100th floor, allowing you to enjoy a dreamy and dynamic moment. You can experience soaring in the sky in a hot air balloon when going up, and explore the dreamy deep sea when going down.

seoul to busan day tour

△ Under the Shocking Bridge, overlooking the white beach and sea of Haeundae, feel the thrill of excitement!

seoul to busan day tour

△ Through large-scale high-tech media, Busan’s colorful scenery and sea scenes can be seen in a dynamic form.

seoul to busan day tour

△ Don’t miss the wonderful art performance that combines real scenes and images at Sky X Show!

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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TheTravel

13 Quick Weekend Trips You Can Take From Seoul

F or any traveler thinking of visiting South Korea , Seoul is the number one destination on their list. With an astonishing number of shops, cafes, restaurants, and wild nightlife, it's hard to grow tired of a city that offers so much. But sometimes it's nice to get out of the city and change up the scenery. South Korea is only 100, 210 km². To put that in perspective, it would take nearly ninety-nine South Koreas to make up the landmass of the United States. NINETY-NINE! The country's landscape is notable for its rolling mountains and abundance of beaches. Luckily for both visitors and residents, South Korea is a small enough country where a quick four-hour road trip could actually bring you to the other side of the country.

UPDATE: 2023/05/18 12:31 EST BY KHYATI DAND

More Weekend Trips From Seoul

Staying in Seoul doesn't mean that one must confine themselves to the attractions of the Korean capital. With plenty of picturesque islands, smaller cities, and historic towns a skip away, visitors can easily hop onto a bus or a train for a weekend getaway. Which is why, this list was updated to include more weekend trips from Seoul that travelers can embark on.

Related: 20 Reasons South Korea Should Be Every Traveler's Next Destination

Chuncheon, which quite literally means spring river, is the capital of Gangwon Province. Located on a basin formed by two rivers, Chuncheon's name is quite apt, for it's a city that's surrounded by shimmering lakes and mountains. The city is famous for its outdoor activities, a spicy chicken dish called dak-galbi, and thriving nightlight thanks to a young population of university-going students that reside there.

  • Seoul to Chuncheon: Approximately an hour by bus

At first sight, Ansan seems like nothing but an industrial city with little to attract tourists and visitors from Seoul. But Ansan sits on the coast of the Yellow Sea and parts of the Yellow Sea Islands lie within its jurisdiction, including the stunning Daebu Island. With easy connectivity to the capital, visitors can enjoy a quick seaside trip to Ansan from Seoul. Even better, the tidal wave constantly shifts in Ansan, revealing new coastal paths to walk on every day.

  • Seoul to Ansan: Approximately 30 minutes by cab

Seoul may offer all the thrills of a big city but to truly explore South Korea's history, one must venture outside its borders. Ganghwado is home to several prehistoric sites, including various dolmens or tombs that are World Heritage Sites , fortresses, temples, and churches. Because Ganghwado sits on the edges of South Korea's border, visitors may even catch a glimpse of North Korean villages that are located less than two kilometers away on a good day

  • Seoul to Ganghwado: Approximately 50 minutes by cab

Related: South Korea For History Buffs: Exploring 10 Locations Rich In Culture & Heritage

Muuido is a small island that is just two hours away from Seoul by public transportation. If you're coming from Incheon Airport, the island is actually directly west of the airport. This island is a great place to relax. There's tons of seafood and clean beaches. Muuido is known for its little huts that are available to rent along the beach. At low tide, you can even walk to Silmido island from Silmi beach! Gather a few friends for a quick weekend away from the city. So close to Seoul it could easily be a quick day trip.

  • Seoul to Muuido Island: Approximately two hours by bus

Nami Island

Nami Island is easy to get to and is about an hour away from Seoul. With transportation direct through the subway line or the KTX (Korea's highspeed train), you can find yourself on Nami Island after a quick nap on the train. Famed for its charming tree-lined pathways, the island has been featured on a couple of K-dramas, such as Winter Sonata. Nami Island is beautiful during any season. Rent a bike during Spring or Summer and cruise along the bike paths. Or visit during the Autumn season to witness the beautiful fall foliage.

  • Seoul to Nami Island: Approximately an hour by train

Being the second largest city in the country, it is no wonder that Busan is one of the top places to visit in Korea . There are so many things to see and do. Busan has the world famous Jalgachi Fish Market. Walk in and savor the smell of fresh seafood as vendors try to sell you their catch of the day. Once you decide between any of the fresh catches, be it salmon, king crab, mussels or lobsters, the vendors will escort you to the second level where restaurant stalls are ready to prepare your food. Sling back a couple of shots of soju before heading out to experience the nightlife. If clubbing isn't your scene, then the beach is where you'll want to be. Buy a few fireworks then launch them at Haeundae beach and watch them explode in the night sky. While you're in Busan, you won't want to miss Gamcheon Cultural Village either -- a fun colorful village on the hills of Busan.

  • Seoul to Busan: Approximately three hours by train

Related: Try These 10 Unique Activities In Charming Busan, South Korea

For some adventuring, Sokcho is the perfect place to go. Here you'll find one of Korea's most beautiful mountains, Seoraksan Mountain. Seoraksan is 1,708 meters above ground and offers gorgeous views any time of the year. It's the third tallest in the country. With all these mountains, its no wonder that hiking is a popular weekend activity in Korea. If you plan well, you'll be able to hike during the fall to see the leaves change to bright reds and orange. The trip from Seoul is about three hours by car and four hours by public transportation.

  • Seoul to Sokcho: Approximately two hours by bus

The Gyeongju Historic Area has 52 registered sites under the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. This place is packed with history. Most sites are free to visit as they're out in the open for anyone to explore. While there are dozens of tourist sites to see, some of the most visited locations would be the Gyeongju Royal Tomb of King Naemul. Biking past it, you probably wouldn't realize you've been zipping through the park past royal tombstones as the tombs look like massive green mounds popping out of the ground, these are called tumuli.

  • Seoul to Gyeongju: Approximately two and a half hours by train

Jeonju is another historical town that famed for their Jeonju Hanok Village, magkeollis (a light rice wine) and bibimbap. In Jeonju, it is a must to sample the bibimbap, a staple in Korean cuisine which is made up of rice and a variety of colorful vegetables all served in a hot stone bowl, and often topped with meat and an egg. Visiting this town is like stepping back in time. Tourists, both domestic and international, come to walk through the old village and wear hanboks (traditional Korean clothing). Stop by Wansan Park to take in all the nature. The park is filled with all kinds of flowers and beautiful aromas.

  • Seoul to Jeonju: Approximately two and a half hours by train

Jindo Island

Jindo is a unique little island found in the southwestern part of Korea. It is famously known for the festival in the month of February during the Lunar New Year. During this time of year hundreds of tourist flock to Jindo Island to witness the parting of the seas leaving a narrow pathway to walk between the two bodies of water. It's a pretty extraordinary sight to see. Jindo Island is about 4 1/2 hours from Seoul, six hours if you are driving. Apart from the mysterious sea dividing, Jindo is also famously known for its dog Jindo Gae, the jindo dog.

  • Seoul to Jindo Island: Approximately four and a half hours by train

Just four and a half hours from Seoul is Korea's largest green tea fields in Boseong. Aim to visit in May when the green tea leaves are at their greenest. During this time, Boseong also hosts its Green Tea Festival with tea exhibitions and shops. Try their famous teas or even sample their green tea infused pajeon (fried Korean pancake). If you are visiting during the holidays, Boseong also has their Tea Plantation Light Festival for visitors to see the rolling fields light up in beautiful twinkling colors.

  • Seoul to Boseong: Approximately four and a half hours by train

Suncheon Bay is a great romantic weekend getaway . But you don't need a significant other to enjoy the beauty this bay has to offer. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is home to an overwhelming number of bird and tree species. The reeds grow tall and sway for 570 acres. For a complete sea of green, summertime would be the best time to visit. For more yellow colored reeds, then autumn is your best bet. Come with your camera and be prepared to take some incredible sunset photos.

  • Seoul to Suncheon: Approximately three and a half hours by train

There's no need to book a flight to Kyoto to walk amongst towering bamboo trees in Japan's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. South of Seoul, is Korea's very own bamboo forest. Damyang is a little over a three hour trip from Seoul. Although the forest is blissful and gorgeous in every way, there are not too many tourists to be found in this area making it the perfect spot for photographs. As you explore the path with soaring bamboo shoots overhead, you'll eventually stumble upon a hammock. Hop on and gently swing as you take in the tranquil green forest and appreciate the heights.

  • Seoul to Damyang: Approximately three and a half hours by bus

NEXT: 10 Essential Things To Know If You Plan To Visit North Korea

13 Quick Weekend Trips You Can Take From Seoul

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How much is train from Busan to Seoul?

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Train Travel from Busan to Seoul: A Photographer’s Perspective

As a travel photographer, I have been fortunate enough to explore the vibrant cities of South Korea, including the bustling metropolis of Seoul and the charming coastal city of Busan. One of the most convenient and efficient ways to travel between these two cities is by train, specifically the Korea Train eXpress (KTX). In this article, I will discuss the train travel experience from Busan to Seoul, including ticket prices, travel times, and some frequently asked questions.

The price for a KTX ticket from Busan to Seoul depends on several factors. Firstly, the ticket price varies based on your travel date. Weekends and holidays tend to be more expensive compared to regular weekdays. Secondly, the price is influenced by when you purchase your ticket. Buying in advance can often result in lower prices than buying last-minute. Finally, the ticket class you choose will also impact the price. The Economy Class Seat starts from around 79 USD, while the 1st Class Seat starts from 111 USD per ticket.

The journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes by train. The KTX trains, operated by Korail, offer a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by bus, it takes about 4 hours and costs between ₩25,000 to ₩40,000. However, the train is often considered the better option due to its faster travel time and comfortable seating.

Here are some additional FAQs that may help in planning your train travel from Busan to Seoul:

1. Is it better to fly or take the train from Seoul to Busan?

While flights between Seoul and Busan may offer better prices and timings, taking the KTX train provides a unique travel experience. The train allows you to enjoy the scenic landscapes of South Korea as you journey from one city to another. Additionally, the train stations are conveniently located in the city centers, making it easier to reach your destination upon arrival.

2. Do I need to buy KTX tickets in advance?

It is highly recommended to book your KTX tickets in advance, especially if you have a specific travel date and time in mind. Buying your tickets on the day of your trip may result in limited availability or even sold-out seats. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, it is advisable to book your tickets online through the Korail website or app.

3. Can I bring luggage on the KTX train?

Yes, you are allowed to bring luggage on the KTX train. There are overhead storage compartments for smaller bags or luggage, while larger pieces can be stored in designated areas between the train cars. However, it is always advisable to pack light and consider the limited storage space available on the train.

4. How much luggage can I take on the KTX?

There are no specific baggage restrictions on the KTX train, allowing you to bring as much luggage as you need. However, it is important to keep in mind the limited storage space mentioned earlier. It is advisable to travel with manageable and easily storable luggage to ensure a comfortable journey for yourself and fellow passengers.

5. Is one day in Busan enough?

While one day is not enough to fully explore all that Busan has to offer, it is still possible to get a taste of this vibrant city in a short period. You can spend the morning visiting Busan’s maritime highlights on a sightseeing tour and then use the rest of the day to soak in the local culture, try delicious street food, or relax on one of Busan’s beautiful beaches.

6. Is Busan more fun than Seoul?

Whether Busan or Seoul is more fun is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Seoul offers a bustling city experience with a vibrant nightlife, historical sites, and modern attractions. On the other hand, Busan offers a unique blend of city life and coastal charm, with beautiful beaches, bustling markets, and delicious seafood. Both cities have their own distinct charm and attractions, making it worth visiting both if possible.

7. How far is Busan from Seoul by train?

The distance between Busan and Seoul by train is approximately 417 kilometers (259 miles). The KTX bullet train covers this distance in a relatively short travel time ranging from 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours and 25 minutes, depending on the specific train and route.

8. Can you eat on the KTX trains?

While KTX trains do not have a dedicated restaurant car, you can purchase food and drinks from vending machines on board. The trains are designed for high capacity and offer comfortable seating, power outlets, and large panoramic windows for you to enjoy the scenic views during your journey.

In conclusion, traveling from Busan to Seoul by train is not only convenient but also provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of South Korea’s landscapes. Whether you choose the KTX train or another mode of transportation, exploring these two vibrant cities is a must for any travel photographer. So, plan your journey, pack your camera, and get ready to capture the essence of Seoul and Busan through your lens.

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IMAGES

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