Busan Travel Tips and Etiquette
South Korea sits at one of the safest tiers for travelers, low crime, and Busan itself is a straightforward, modern city to get around. A handful of practical points make the difference between a smooth trip and a confusing one.
Get a T-money or Cashbee card
Buy one at any convenience store, metro station, or kiosk on arrival, roughly 3,000-5,000 KRW, then tap it for the metro, buses, most taxis, and convenience-store purchases anywhere in Korea. Given how hilly and spread out Busan is, this single card is the most useful thing you’ll carry.
Currency is the won, not the yen or dollar
South Korea uses the won (KRW), running into the thousands for ordinary purchases, roughly 1,350-1,400 to the US dollar (verify current rate). Cards work almost everywhere; markets and small stalls lean more cash-friendly, so carry some won regardless. Look for ATMs marked “Global” if your card is foreign-issued, since many domestic bank ATMs reject them outright.
Tipping isn’t expected, anywhere
Restaurants, taxis, hotels, none of them expect a tip in Korea. It’s a genuine difference from Western norms rather than a nuance to hedge on.
North Korea and the DMZ are a Seoul concern, not a Busan one
Tensions around the DMZ occasionally make headlines, but the DMZ sits well north of Seoul, and Busan is about as far southeast as it’s possible to get in South Korea. Daily life and tourism here continue completely normally regardless of periodic news from the north.
Watch the calendar for typhoons and monsoon rain
Typhoon season runs roughly August-September, and the jangma monsoon brings heavy rain in late June and July, with some flooding and landslide risk in the hillier areas. Neither should cancel a trip, but check the forecast and be flexible with outdoor plans during those windows. Rip currents can also be strong at Haeundae and Gwangalli in season, so stick to flagged swimming areas.
Basic etiquette
Bow slightly and use both hands when giving or receiving money, gifts, or business cards. Remove shoes indoors at temples, traditional restaurants, and guesthouses. Be respectful and dress modestly at active places of worship like Beomeosa and Haedong Yonggungsa, both still functioning temples rather than museum pieces.
Read more: our best places to stay guide covers where to base yourself, and the main Busan guide has the full city overview.