Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, offers a perfect mix of modern and traditional charm, stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks. Situated on the southern coast, this coastal city is famous for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Busan has something for everyone. In this 3-day, 2-night itinerary, we’ll guide you through the best sights and experiences that make Busan an unforgettable destination.
🏨 Best Hotels to Stay in Busan
Lotte Hotel Busan – The Perfect Blend of Luxury and Convenience
Everyone that has been to South Korea would have heard of the brand ‘Lotte’. Located in the heart of Seomyeon, Lotte Hotel offers top-notch service, an impressive array of dining options, and proximity to shopping and nightlife. Perfect for those who want to experience luxury while staying close to the action.
- 🏙️ Location: Central Busan, near shopping, entertainment, and public transport for easy access to various attractions.
🔗 Book Lotte Hotel Busan here on Trip.com!
Grand Josun Busan – Ocean Views and Modern Comfort
For travelers seeking a scenic stay with top-tier amenities, Grand Josun Busan is the ideal choice. This 5-star hotel is located by Haeundae Beach, offering stunning sea views, a rooftop pool, and luxury service.
- 🏖️ Location: Beachfront, close to Haeundae Beach and the Busan Aquarium, perfect for those who want to spend time and relax at the beach.
🔗 Book Grand Josun Busan here on Trip.com!
Day 1: Street Food, Shopping, and Night Market in Central Busan
Morning: Arriving in Busan
You’ll arrive in Busan either by the high speed train KTX (If you need tickets you can get them easily here at Trip.com) from Seoul or by plane from one of the major airports in Korea. Upon arrival, you’ll feel the city’s relaxed energy, vastly different from the fast-paced life of Seoul.
PRO TIP – Get a Klook Pass Busan to get easy access to many of the attractions at Busan!
Late Morning: BIFF Square – Start with the Heart of Busan’s Film Culture
BIFF Square is Busan’s cultural hotspot, known for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and its vibrant atmosphere. Spend the morning strolling through the square, exploring the many shops, and indulging in street food. There is a lot to see and explore here.
- 🍴 Must-Try Snack: Hotteok (Korean pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Lunch: Jagalchi Seafood Market
Your first stop should be Jagalchi Seafood Market for lunch, Korea’s largest seafood market. You’ll be impressed with the fresh catches like squid, clams, and live fish. It is truly a sight to behold and a seafood lover’s paradise! Don’t forget to try some of the seafood at one of the upstairs restaurants. We highly recommend you to try the snow crab which is extremely sweet and fresh!
Afternoon: Nampo Shopping Street – Shop ‘til You Drop
Nampo is Busan’s main shopping district, and it’s brimming with everything from Korean beauty products to fashion boutiques. It’s a paradise for shoppers!
- 💅 What to Buy: K-beauty products, unique souvenirs, and trendy clothing.
💡 Pro Tip: Explore the underground shopping mall for additional deals and tax-free options.
Evening: Bupyeong Night Market – Evening Delights
End the day at Bupyeong Night Market, one of Busan’s hidden gems. The local market transforms itself at night, when stalls closes, pushcart come out one-by-one into the narrow alleys, becoming a street food haven. From local delicacies like fried chicken to trendy street food like marshmallow ice cream, there’s something for everyone.
🍢 Must-Try: Korean fried chicken, Lobster and the Korean Style Meatball.
Day 2: Stunning Views, Beaches, and Artistic Villages
Morning: Sky Capsule Ride from Mipo to Cheongsapo
Take a Sky Capsule ride from Mipo to Cheongsapo for spectacular coastal views. This futuristic transportation is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Busan.
Afternoon: Gamcheon Cultural Village – Colorful Streets & Artistic Vibes
After that, you can head to the colorful and artistic Gamcheon Culture Village in the southern part of the city. Known as the “Santorini of Busan,” this quirky village is perched on the hillsides with narrow alleyways filled with vibrant murals, quirky sculptures, and colorful houses. It’s a wonderful place to get lost in and explore art galleries, shops, and cafes tucked away in the maze of streets.
Take your time walking through the winding streets, and don’t forget to stop by the Gamcheon Village Information Center for a map and some recommendations. There are plenty of photo-worthy spots here, so make sure your camera is ready.
- 📸 Pro Tip: Bring your camera for some of the most picturesque views in the city.
Evening: Haeundae Beach – Relax and Unwind
Haeundae Beach is Busan’s most famous beach, and it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. Spend your late afternoon sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying the seaside cafes.
Haeundae is also the perfect spot for a seafood dinner. Head to one of the nearby seafood restaurants that serve hoe (raw fish), grilled eel, or sundubu-jjigae (tofu stew). A must-try is Busan-style sashimi, which is served fresh, with dipping sauces that enhance the flavors of the sea.
Local Tip: Check out The Bay 101, a stylish harbor-side restaurant where you can enjoy amazing seafood while overlooking the marina.
Day 3: Spiritual Escape, Shopping, and Relaxation and Departure
Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Peaceful Seaside Serenity
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of South Korea’s most beautiful and unique temples, offering a stunning seaside setting that combines both natural beauty and spiritual significance. Located on the rugged coastline of Busan, this temple is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the peaceful serenity of Korean Buddhism, along with breathtaking views of the sea.
What sets Haedong Yonggungsa apart from other temples in Korea is its rare seaside location. While most Buddhist temples are tucked away in the mountains, this one sits right on the edge of the ocean, providing visitors with spectacular views of the waves crashing against the rocks and the surrounding coastline. It’s an extraordinary blend of spiritual tranquility and coastal beauty.
Afternoon: Shinsegae Centum City – Shop at the World’s Largest Mall, SPALAND – Luxurious jjimjilbangs (Korean-style spas)
Your final stop in Busan should be Shinsegae Centum City. Over here, you can relax and unwind at SPALAND, Known as one of the most luxurious jjimjilbangs (Korean-style spas) in the country. SPALAND offers an extensive range of facilities designed to help you relax and unwind. This spa complex has everything from hot and cold baths to sauna rooms and relaxation areas, making it the perfect way to recharge before heading to the airport.
- What to Expect at SPALAND: You’ll have access to various themed saunas, including a salt sauna, charcoal sauna, and herbal sauna, each offering different health benefits. The spa also features indoor and outdoor pools, oxygen rooms, and steam rooms, providing an immersive experience that promotes both relaxation and detoxification. Also there are various spa treatments such as facial masks and massage therapies, which will leave you feeling refreshed for the journey ahead.
- Pro Tip: For a complete experience, try out the traditional Korean body scrub (seshin), where a spa attendant scrubs your body with a rough cloth to exfoliate and refresh your skin.
🎫 Book your SPALAND entry ticket via Klook here.
Now that you’re fully relaxed, it’s time for a little last-minute shopping before your departure. Head to Shinsegae Centum City, the largest department store in the world (guinness book of records), where you can shop for everything from high-end luxury goods to local products. This shopping center offers a wide variety of international brands, Korean cosmetics, souvenirs, and stylish fashion items.
- What to Do at Shinsegae Centum City: Explore the various floors of the department store, which also houses an indoor ice rink, cinemas, a bookstore, and an extensive food court featuring global cuisines and traditional Korean dishes.
Evening: Departure
After spending the afternoon shopping, it’s time to head to Gimhae International Airport or the Busan Train Station for your journey back home. Take a moment to reflect on your amazing 3-day adventure in Busan, which has given you a taste of the city’s culture, history, food, and natural beauty.
Conclusion: Why Busan Should Be on Your Bucket List
Busan offers an unforgettable experience with its coastal beauty, rich cultural landmarks, delicious cuisine, and tranquil atmosphere. From relaxing on its iconic beaches to exploring the colorful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, and indulging in fresh seafood at Jagalchi Seafood Market, Busan is a destination that caters to all kinds of travelers. There is also a good mix of mordern attractions like SPALAND and traditional spots like Hadong Yeonggusa Temple, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to discover. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply some great food, Busan should definitely be on your travel radar! Don’t forget to get your Busan Pass to enjoy the best experience! Also, if you are planning to extend your travel to seoul, why not check out this ‘5D4N Seoul Itinerary’ to help with your planning?
