Busan, Korea-3-day-itinerary
Day 1: Beaches and Seafood
Morning
- Accommodation: Stay at a hotel or hostel in the Haeundae area, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Some popular options include the Haeundae Grand Hotel and the MAMA Guesthouse.
- Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Korean breakfast at Tosokchon, a popular restaurant chain serving up delicious dishes like bibimbap and japchae.
Afternoon
- Haeundae Beach: Spend the morning lounging on Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most iconic and bustling beaches. Take a stroll along the shore, try your hand at water sports, or simply soak up some sun.
- Busan Aquarium: Head to the Busan Aquarium, located right on the beach, to see an incredible array of marine life from around the world.
Evening
- Jagalchi Fish Market: Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, a bustling marketplace filled with fresh seafood. Try some sashimi or grilled fish at one of the many restaurants, and be sure to explore the stalls selling everything from seaweed to souvenirs.
- Dinner: For dinner, head to Haedong Yonggung Crab House, a local institution serving up fresh seafood and delicious crab dishes.
Transportation
- Subway: Take the subway to Haeundae Station (Line 2) for easy access to the beach and surrounding attractions.
- Bus: Alternatively, take bus number 100 or 139 from Busan Station to get to Haeundae Beach.
Day 2: Culture and History
Morning
- Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Korean-style coffee at Angel-in-Us Coffee, a popular cafe chain.
- Busan Museum of Art: Visit the Busan Museum of Art, a stunning building featuring an impressive collection of contemporary art from Korea and around the world.
Afternoon
- UN Memorial Cemetery: Pay respects at the UN Memorial Cemetery, a poignant tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War.
- Busan Tower: Take in panoramic views of the city from the top of Busan Tower, a iconic landmark located in Yongdusan Park.
Evening
- Gukje Market: Explore Gukje Market, a bustling marketplace filled with street food, souvenirs, and local goods. Be sure to try some hotteok (sweet pancakes) and bungeo-ppang (fish-shaped pastry).
- Dinner: For dinner, head to Halmae Jjimdak, a popular restaurant serving up delicious Korean-style chicken dishes.
Transportation
- Subway: Take the subway to Munjeon Station (Line 1) for easy access to the Busan Museum of Art and surrounding attractions.
- Bus: Alternatively, take bus number 26 or 27 from Busan Station to get to Gukje Market.
Day 3: Temples and Views
Morning
- Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty bowl of hotteok at Hotteok Alley, a popular breakfast spot.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple located right on the coast. Take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and explore the beautiful gardens.
Afternoon
- Igidae Park: Head to Igidae Park, a scenic coastal park offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. Take a leisurely hike along the coastline or simply relax with a picnic.
- Gamcheon Lighthouse: Visit Gamcheon Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse located on a scenic cliffside. Take in the stunning views of the ocean and surrounding coastline.
Evening
- Dinner: For dinner, head to Millak Hoetjip, a popular restaurant serving up fresh seafood and delicious raw skate dishes.
- Nightlife: End your trip with a bang by exploring the vibrant nightlife of Haeundae Beach. Try Fuzzy Navel or Starface for some great drinks and dancing.
Transportation
- Subway: Take the subway to Dongnae Station (Line 1) for easy access to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and surrounding attractions.
- Bus: Alternatively, take bus number 5 or 6 from Busan Station to get to Igidae Park.
Things to Know
- Language: While many Koreans speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Korean phrases like “hello” (annyeonghaseyo) and “thank you” (gamsahamnida).
- Currency: The Korean won is the local currency. You can exchange money at airports or major banks.
- Weather: Busan has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
- Respect: Korea is a conservative country, so be sure to dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural attractions.
Tips
- Learn some Korean: While many Koreans speak some English, it’s still appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn the language.
- Try new foods: Busan is known for its seafood and local delicacies like hotteok and bungeo-ppang. Be adventurous and try new things!
- Bargain at markets: At traditional markets like Gukje Market, it’s expected that you’ll bargain prices with vendors. Have fun with it!
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Busan, Korea!