7 Days in Busan, South Korea
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A full week covers Busan’s beaches, its refugee-era hillside villages, its mountain temple, two day trips, and a slower coastal close. 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).
Day 2: Gamcheon Village and the markets
Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple near Gijang in the morning, free to enter and unusual for sitting directly on coastal rocks. In the afternoon, walk Gamcheon Culture Village, the 1955 Korean War refugee shantytown turned art village from 2009. Finish at Jagalchi Market and BIFF Square, a bowl of dwaeji gukbap runs roughly 8,000-10,000 KRW nearby.
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 (verify current schedule and fare). 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, a ticket runs a few thousand won (verify current fare). Bring a light jacket even in the warmer months; the cable car summit gets breezy.
Day 6: Yeongdo Island and the coast
Walk Huinnyeoul Culture Village in the morning, another cliffside refugee-era neighborhood, then continue to Taejongdae for its forested cliffs and lighthouse; the internal shuttle train covers the loop if you’d rather ride than walk (verify current fare). In the afternoon, cross to the Oryukdo Skywalk for a last coastal view. Check tide times before you go; the closest islet visibly splits in two at high tide, so the view changes through the day.
Day 7: Dongnae and departure
Spend a slower final day inland at Dongnae, around the old hot springs, trying Dongnae pajeon, the local seafood-and-scallion pancake, and relaxing at Spa Land inside Shinsegae Centum City if you want a jjimjilbang session before flying out (verify current admission and hours). Pick up last souvenirs at Centum City or Nampo-dong, then head to Gimhae International Airport by BGL light rail or airport bus, or to Busan Station if you’re continuing on by KTX.
Read more: our 6-day Busan itinerary drops this last relaxation day if you’re shorter on time, and the main Busan guide ties together everything covered across the week.