Busan

South Korea's second-largest city runs along a coast where beaches, granite peaks and a working harbor sit side by side. Sunbathers head to Haeundae and Gwangalli, while Jagalchi Market and the pastel stairways of Gamcheon Culture Village show the city's working-class roots. There are budget dwaeji-gukbap counters and seaside fine-dining restaurants, and Busan has had its own MICHELIN Guide selection since 2024. The KTX reaches Seoul in about two and a half hours.

Top places

Haeundae Beach

Gwangalli Beach

Gamcheon Culture Village

Jagalchi Market

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Taejongdae

Huinnyeoul Culture Village

BIFF Square

Gukje Market

Busan X the SKY

Hotels

Signiel Busan

5-Star

Park Hyatt Busan

5-Star

Paradise Hotel Busan

5-Star

Grand Josun Busan

5-Star

Lotte Hotel Busan

5-Star

Commodore Hotel Busan

4-Star

Best Western Haeundae Hotel

4-Star

Shilla Stay Busan Haeundae

4-Star

L7 Haeundae by Lotte

4-Star

Sunset Hotel

4-Star

Restaurants

Mori

1 MICHELIN Star

Palate

1 MICHELIN Star

Fiotto

1 MICHELIN Star

Le DORER

1 MICHELIN Star

Jeongjitgan

Bib Gourmand

Hapcheon Gukbapjip

Bib Gourmand

Hanwolgwan

Bib Gourmand

100.1.Pyeongnaeng

Bib Gourmand

Moemiljip

Bib Gourmand

Haemok

Bib Gourmand

Things to do

Haeundae Sunset Sky Capsule & Night View Tour

Ride the Sky Capsule along Haeundae's coast at sunset, then tour Busan's night views.

Busan X the SKY Observatory Ticket

Busan's highest observatory, at the top of the 411.6m LCT tower, with sea and city views.

Skyline Luge Busan

Chairlift up, then luge down four tracks totaling 2.4km with sea views.

Gyeongju UNESCO Day Trip from Busan

Day tour to Bulguksa Temple and Silla-era royal tombs in ancient Gyeongju.

Gwangalli Yacht Tour

50-minute yacht ride from Gwangalli with Gwangan Bridge views and fireworks after sunset.

Songdo Marine Cable Car Ticket

Ride 1.62km over the sea between Songdo Beach and Amnam Park.

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium Ticket

Walk through an underwater tunnel among sharks, rays, and 250 marine species.

Spa Land Centum City Ticket

Four-hour jjimjilbang entry with 18 hot spring baths and 13 themed sauna rooms.

Lotte World Adventure Busan Ticket

Theme park day pass with rides, shows, and exhibitions.

Running Man Busan Experience Center Ticket

Take on timed missions and mazes themed on the variety show Running Man.

Getting there

Visit Busan Pass

Free entry to 30+ attractions; the physical card doubles as a rechargeable transit card.

KORAIL Pass

Unlimited KTX and regional train rides for 2–5 days nationwide.

Seoul–Busan KTX Train Ticket

High-speed rail between Seoul and Busan in about 2.5 hours.

Gimhae Airport Shuttle Bus

Shared shuttle: Gimhae Airport to Haeundae/Gwangalli hotels, back from set Haeundae stops.

Busan KTX Station Private Transfer

Private car between Busan KTX Station and your stay anywhere in Busan.

T-Money Transit Card

Rechargeable card for subways, buses, and taxis across Korea.

Busan Station–Gijang Shuttle Bus

Thu–Sun bus from Busan Station to Lotte World, Haedong Yonggungsa and the Gijang coast.

Fukuoka–Busan Ferry (New Camellia)

Ferry linking Fukuoka and Busan: daytime from Fukuoka, overnight from Busan.