Hello! This time, we’ve prepared a complete Busan travel guide for those planning a trip to Korea’s second-largest city. The guide, totaling about 2,000 characters, covers recommended attractions, local food, transportation methods, and more. It’s organized in an easy-to-understand way so that even first-time visitors can explore Busan with confidence and enjoy their trip!
1. What Kind of City is Busan?
Busan is a port city in southeastern Korea, surrounded by mountains and the sea, offering abundant natural beauty. With a population of about 3.5 million, it is Korea’s second-largest city after Seoul, playing a key role in both economy and tourism.
Key features:
- Beautiful coastal cityscapes
- Fresh seafood cuisine
- Sophisticated café culture
- Easy access from Japan — about 3 hours by high-speed ferry from Fukuoka
2. Top 5 Attractions: Don’t Miss These!
① Haeundae Beach
The most famous beach in Busan, perfect for swimming in summer and strolling in spring or fall. The area is lined with luxury hotels and cafés.
📸 Photo Spot: Blue Line Park Sky Capsule, a glass bridge along the coastline
② Gamcheon Culture Village
A hillside village with colorful houses, popular on Instagram. Once a poor neighborhood, it has been revitalized through art.
🎨 Full of murals and art installations, a must-visit for photography lovers
③ Gwangalli Beach & Gwangandaegyo Bridge
Famous for its night views. Enjoy coffee at a beachfront café while watching the illuminated bridge — a romantic experience
④ Jagalchi Market
Busan’s largest seafood market, popular with locals. You can select fresh seafood at the stall and have it prepared on the spot.
🦐 Recommended dishes: live octopus (san-nakji), sea urchin, soy-marinated crab (ganjang-gejang)
⑤ Songdo Skywalk
A thrilling glass bridge over the sea, giving you the sensation of walking on water.
3. Top 5 Must-Try Foods in Busan
① Milmyeon
Busan-origin cold noodles in a chilled broth with chewy texture — perfect for summer.
② Dwaeji Gukbap
Rice soup with tender pork in a milky broth, light and perfect even for breakfast.
📍 Recommended spot: Samjin Dwaeji Gukbap
③ Nakgopsae
Stir-fried octopus, intestines, and shrimp in a sweet and spicy sauce — addictive with its spicy and savory flavors.
④ Sashimi Set at Jagalchi Market
A luxurious set with fresh sashimi and Korean-style side dishes.
⑤ Hotteok
Busan-style sweet pancakes filled with nuts and cinnamon — popular to eat while strolling around BIFF Square.
4. Shopping & Souvenirs
Nampo-dong
A lively shopping district with clothing, cosmetics, and miscellaneous goods.
💡 Nearby Lotte Department Store and underground malls make it convenient even on rainy days.
Centum City
Home to Shinsegae Centum City, one of the world’s largest department stores, with duty-free shops, spas, and cinemas.
Recommended souvenirs:
- Korean seaweed (especially Busan’s rock seaweed)
- Original mugs or stationery (Gamcheon Culture Village designs)
- Busan-exclusive Starbucks merchandise
5. Getting There & Getting Around
From Japan
- By plane: From Narita, Kansai, or Fukuoka to Busan Gimhae Airport (1.5–2 hours)
- By ferry: About 3 hours from Fukuoka port on the high-speed ferry Beetle
Around Busan
- Subway: 4 lines cover major tourist spots
- Taxi: Cheaper than Seoul, convenient with the KakaoT app
- Bus: Slightly complex, but a good way to experience local life
6. Recommended Accommodation Areas
Haeundae
Perfect for those who want a resort-like atmosphere with the beach, luxury hotels, and cafés
Seomyeon
A vibrant area popular with young travelers for shopping, dining, and nightlife
Nampo-dong
Excellent for first-time visitors due to its proximity to major attractions
7. Travel Tips & Precautions
- T-money card (transportation card) is more convenient than cash; can also be used at convenience stores
- Translation apps or phrasebooks are helpful if you don’t speak Korean
- Hotels and restaurants should be booked in advance during weekends or holidays due to crowds
Summary
Busan is a city that offers the perfect combination of food, sightseeing, shopping, and nature. It’s ideal even for first-time visitors to Korea, and its warm and relaxed atmosphere provides a different experience compared to Seoul.
If you’re planning your next trip, definitely consider adding Busan to your itinerary!
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