A Perfect 2-Day Itinerary To Busan For First Time Visitors

The perfect 2-day itinerary to Busan! This coastal gem is often overshadowed by Seoul, but trust me. Busan has a charm of its own that’s impossible to resist.

Thanks to the global love for K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean culture in general, more and more travellers are travelling to South Korea. And while Seoul often steals the spotlight, Busan is where city vibes meet beachside vibes.

The first time I explored South Korea, I was captivated by the energy, food, and culture. So on my next solo trip, I knew I had to slow down and soak in the beauty of Busan.

Busan is safe, exciting, and full of unique spots to explore. In this quick but epic 2-day itinerary to Busan, I’ll show you how to make the most of your time in South Korea’s second-largest city.

Check out my 10-day South Korea itinerary to plan a great trip!

Best time to visit Busan

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each season is like in Seoul and Busan. The weather can shift depending on the time of year, so it’s good to plan.

Spring is one of the most popular seasons to visit. The weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing. Summer in South Korea is no joke. It’s hot, humid, and honestly, pretty uncomfortable—especially in Seoul. That said, if you’re heading to Busan, this is the best time for beach days.

Autumn is my personal favourite. The air is cool and fresh, and it’s less crowded than in spring but still lively. I loved late September in Busan. The weather was still warm!

Winter is snowy, but Busan is milder than Seoul. While still a great visit, I do prefer the sunny beaches over a snowy one in Busan.

How many days do you need in Busan?

If you’re short on time, two full days in Busan is just right to catch the city’s highlights. You’ll get a great mix of beach vibes, culture, street food, and scenic spots.

However, if you want to add a full beach day, I would stay three days in Busan, for a more relaxed pace.

Is Busan expensive?

Busan, like Seoul, can be as affordable or as expensive as you want it to be. It’s pretty comparable to Seoul since Busan is also a weekend summer getaway for the locals.

If you stick to street food, and casual Korean eateries, and grab a snack or breakfast from a convenience store now and then, you’ll keep your daily costs low.

Since Busan is a popular getaway for locals—especially on weekends—you’ll find prices fairly similar to Seoul when it comes to food and attractions. But there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look.

Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense. Outside of peak season, expect to pay somewhere between $100 to $150 per night for a simple double room with a private bathroom and air conditioning in a central area.

How to get around in Busan

Getting around Busan is pretty easy, even if it’s your first time in the city. South Korea’s public transport system is super efficient and budget-friendly, which makes it great for solo travellers.

Busan’s subway system isn’t as big as Seoul’s. There are only a few lines, and changing between them can take a bit of time. So while the city is well connected, you might find yourself using the bus more often here.

That said, I’ll be honest, sometimes I just didn’t feel like spending 40 minutes on the subway when I could hop into an air-conditioned taxi and get there in half the time. Taxis in Busan are reasonably priced and a good backup option when you’re short on time or just want to travel in comfort.

T-Money card

Grab a T-Money Card on arrival in South Korea! You’ll need it to get around with public transport. You can buy one from every convenience store (they even have ones from your favourite K-pop star) and you top it up with cash.

I started with 10000 WON (around $9) for seven days and that was enough to start with.

How to Travel to Busan

KTX Bullet train

South Korea’s train system is super smooth and easy to navigate, with great connections between major cities.

I took the KTX bullet train from Seoul to Busan, and it was honestly the easiest, most stress-free way to travel. The journey takes just 2.5 hours from city to city—no airport queues, no long waits, just hop on and go.

It’s not the cheapest option (I paid around $120 for a return ticket), but if you book early ( I was pretty last minute), you can score better deals. And honestly, it’s worth every cent for the comfort and convenience.

By Airplane

You can also fly from Seoul to Busan, it’s a very quick flight, and if you book early, tickets can be quite affordable. It might save you a bit of time compared to taking the train, thanks to the short flight duration.

However, even though it’s a domestic route, there’s still the usual airport hassle like check-ins, security, boarding, and waiting around. Personally, that’s the part I prefer to avoid.

While flying might look faster on paper, all the extra steps at the airport can make the whole experience feel less convenient.

There are daily flights with multiple airlines like Jeju Air, and Jin Air and will set you back around $50.

Is Busan Safe for Solo Travellers?

Just like in Seoul, one of the best things about visiting alone is how safe it feels. South Korea is known as one of the safest countries for solo travellers—up there with destinations like Singapore, Japan, or Chiang Mai.

When I visited Busan in 2022, it felt like the city was still adjusting to the rise in international tourists, but that made it even more interesting. It had a slightly more local, laid-back vibe compared to Seoul, but the sense of safety was the same.

I loved that I could leave my phone or purse on my seat while popping to the bathroom without stressing. Something I’d never dare to do in most other countries.

South Korea is a dream for solo explorers, and Busan is no exception. From cosy cafés and pretty bakeries to markets, museums, beach walks, and scenic nature spots, there’s always something to do.

Where to stay in Busan

Choosing where to stay in Busan can be a little more tricky than in Seoul. The subway network isn’t as extensive, so getting around usually means switching lines or hopping on a bus.

Busan Station area

A super convenient choice, especially if you’re arriving by KTX train. You’re right near your arrival point, and it makes getting back to the station for departure super easy too.

This area is also close to Songdo Beach, Nampo-dong, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village. You’ll find plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars nearby, making it a great base for sightseeing and relaxing in the evenings.

Nampo Hound Hotel Premier

Nampo Hound Hotel Premier is a stylish and comfortable hotel just 3 km from Songdo Beach and only a 5-minute walk from Gukje Market. The hotel has a garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar, and some rooms even come with a balcony and city views. It’s a great mid-range option in the heart of the city.

Seomyeon area

If you want more youthful energy, Seomyeon is another fantastic area to consider. It’s the bustling downtown district, full of shopping streets, trendy cafés, beauty stores, local restaurants, and nightlife.

I stayed here in Busan because it’s also well-connected via subway, so it’s a good spot for getting around the city. You’re less likely to switch subway lines because they all start in Seomyeon.

Hotel Kyungsung

Hotel Kyungsung is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Seomyeon. It has a cosy, modern design with rooftop access, friendly staff, and a great location close to shops and restaurants. It’s perfect if you want something comfortable, stylish, and central without a huge price tag.

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is easily the most famous beach in Busan and once you get there, you’ll understand why. It has a lively, fun atmosphere, loads of cafés, restaurants, and activities, plus a wide stretch of beautiful sand that’s perfect for beach walks or just soaking up the sun.

It’s located on the eastern side of the city, so it’s a bit farther from Busan Station. But if you’re all about those beach vibes, Haeundae is a fantastic place to base yourself.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Haeundae

Ramada Encore is a modern and affordable hotel right in the middle of Haeundae. It’s just a short walk from the beach and close to the market and subway station. Clean, comfy, and super convenient. It’s a great pick for beach days without breaking the budget.

The perfect 2-day itinerary to Busan

Day 1: Gamcheon Village, Nampo-dong, Gwangalli

If you ask me, Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the most unique and beautiful spots in Busan. This colourful hillside neighbourhood is packed with street art, rainbow-painted houses, and narrow little alleys that are just made for wandering.

It’s a total dream for photographers and such a fun place to explore on foot. I spent a few hours here just strolling around, taking photos, and stopping for an iced tea at a cute little café with a view.

After your visit, head down to Nampo-dong for lunch. This area is known for its amazing seafood, so if you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat. I had an incredible meal with grilled fish, spicy soup, and rice. Simple, classic, and so delicious.

When you’re ready you can walk along the scenic Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, or check out the immersive Arte Museum Busan nearby if you’re in the mood for something artsy and cool.

Head over to Gwangalli Beach for a relaxed first evening. It has a lovely laid-back atmosphere. Take a sunset stroll along the beach, enjoy the sea breeze, and grab a drink or dinner with a view of the beautiful Gwangan Bridge lighting up after dark.

Day 2: Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is by far the most popular area in Busan and honestly, it lives up to the hype. With a beautiful big beach, loads of cafés, restaurants, bars, and a super laid-back vibe, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend the whole day.

Start your morning by chilling on the beach or taking a dip if the weather’s warm. Then hop on the Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule for a scenic ride along the coast—it’s a fun and easy way to take in those gorgeous sea views.

Make sure to stop by Busan X the Sky, one of the tallest observatories in Korea. The view from up there is next level, especially on a clear day.

After that, take a walk along the Haewoljeong Observation Deck for even more beautiful views, and when you’re ready to relax, head to Café Rooftop Cheongsapo. It’s the perfect spot to sip a drink while soaking up those peaceful ocean views.

The main street from Haeundae Station to the beach is full of energy, with lots of shops, street food stalls, and cosy cafés to explore. I loved just wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere. It’s such a feel-good part of the city.

Day Trip to Gyeongju UNESCO

If you’ve got a day to spare, I would add another day for a day tour trip to Gyeongju. Known as the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is full of incredible historical sites and stories.

When you join this guided tour you’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in Korea’s past. You’ll start your journey at Yangdong Cultural Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you’ll find traditional hanok houses and learn about aristocratic life during the Joseon dynasty.

It’s the perfect cultural escape from Busan, especially if you love history, beautiful architecture, and a peaceful countryside vibe.

If you’re travelling to Seoul and you have some time left, a visit to Busan is a great addition! You don’t need a lot of time in Busan to see the highlights and the coastal vibes are a welcoming different atmosphere after Seoul.

Don’t forget to check out my 5-day South Korea itinerary and essential travel tips to Seoul for first-time visitors (which apply to South Korea in general).

Oh and never forget to check out the current visa and immigration rules for South Korea.

Are you ready to plan a trip to Busan? Don’t forget to let me know how it was! Questions? I’m always here. Leave me a comment on my most recent Instagram post.