5 Days in Busan, South Korea
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Five days covers Busan’s city core plus two of the region’s best day trips. Get a T-money card (3,000-5,000 KRW) on arrival for the metro, buses, and most taxis.
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Day 1: Haeundae and Gwangalli
Settle in near Haeundae, spend the afternoon on Haeundae Beach, and move to Gwangalli Beach in the evening for the illuminated Gwangan Bridge view. A metro ride runs about 1,300-1,650 KRW (verify current fare), and a bowl of dwaeji gukbap runs roughly 8,000-10,000 KRW.
Day 2: Gamcheon Village and the markets
Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple near Gijang in the morning, free to enter. In the afternoon, walk Gamcheon Culture Village, a 1955 Korean War refugee shantytown turned art village from 2009. Finish at Jagalchi Market and BIFF Square for fresh seafood and ssiat hotteok. Keep cash on hand for the markets.
Day 3: Beomeosa and the mountain side
Hike from Beomeosa Temple, founded 678 CE, up toward the Geumjeongsanseong fortress walls; entry is modest (verify current fee). In the afternoon, see Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park, then browse Centum City and the Shinsegae department store, the world’s largest by floor space. Wear proper shoes for the morning trail; the fortress-wall section gets steep and slick after rain.
Day 4: Gyeongju day trip
Take the KTX or bus to Gyeongju, commonly cited at around an hour each way. Visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the royal burial mounds if time allows. Return to Busan by evening; the sites are spread out, so wear comfortable shoes and expect a fair amount of walking between them.
Day 5: Tongyeong day trip
Head to Tongyeong, the “Naples of the East,” roughly 1.5 hours from Busan by bus (verify current timing). Walk the mural-covered Dongpirang Village and ride the Hallyeo Waterway cable car for panoramic island views. A cable car ticket runs a few thousand won; pack for changeable coastal weather. End the trip with dinner back in Busan or grab fresh seafood in Tongyeong’s harbor market before heading back.
Read more: our 4-day Busan itinerary drops the Tongyeong leg if you’re shorter on time, and our best day trips guide covers both day trips in more depth.