Busan

Beaches, hillside villages and the biggest fish market in Korea, 2.5 hours from Seoul by KTX.

Busan is Korea's second city and its holiday town: beaches, seafood, and hills stacked with colourful houses. Two nights is enough for the highlights; three if you want a slow beach day.

Getting there

• KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station, about 2 h 30 min. SRT from Suseo arrives at the same station.
• Gimhae Airport (PUS) has international flights from Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and more. Light rail + subway or a taxi to Haeundae takes 45–60 minutes.

Areas

• Haeundae: the main beach, high-rise hotels, Blueline Park coastal train.
• Gwangalli: the beach with the bridge view, cafés and bars facing the water; drone shows on weekends.
• Nampo / Jagalchi: fish market, BIFF Square street food, Gukje Market, Yongdusan Park.
• Gamcheon Culture Village: the pastel hillside village; go in the morning before tour groups.
• Seomyeon: central shopping and nightlife, transfer station.

Must-do

1. Jagalchi Market: pick your fish downstairs, eat it upstairs.
2. Haedong Yonggungsa, a temple on the rocks by the sea.
3. Blueline Park sky capsule along the coast from Haeundae.
4. Gwangalli beach at night.

Food

Dwaeji-gukbap (pork soup rice), milmyeon (cold wheat noodles), ssiat hotteok at BIFF Square, and raw fish by the market.