The summer is coming. Any plan how to spend this hot season of the year in Korea? If not, how about having a short trip to Busan? It is not only the 2nd biggest city in Korea, but also a wonderful city. Despite the long distance from Seoul to Busan, you can reach it within less than 2,5h thanks to the good KTX connection.
Here is my suggestion for a 24-hour-trip in Busan to have a relaxing but interesting tour. It’s also easy to go and suitable for family with kids.
The itinerary for 24 hours
Day 1: Arrival and relax on the beach
Day 2: Taejongdae Park – Fish market – Gamcheon culture village and departure
More details as well as Naver map links to the destinations will follow …
Day 1: Relax on Busan’s beaches
After your arrival in Busan, take your swimming suit and go directly to Haeundae or Gwangalli beach. Both have beautiful white sand, cristal clear water and gorgeous view.
Haeundae Beach – 해운대해수욕장
Considered as one of the most famous and popular beach in Korea, Haeundae features a long white sand beach, shallow water and well organzied swimming area. A lot of people come here during the summer for swimming.
In the west of Haeundae Beach you’ll find the Dongbaek island, a small hill park and a nice place to have a short walk.
Naver map: Haeundae Beach
Gwangalli Beach – 광안리해수욕장
While Haeundae beach is a bit far away from the city, Gwangalli Beach is much closer. Furthermore from the beach you can see directly the Gwangandaegyo bridge, which is one of the most beautiful bridges over the ocean.
Especially in the evening, the bridge is glowing.
Naver map: Gwangalli Beach
Good things to know
You can go swimming on the beaches from 9 am until 6 pm. There are a lot of restrooms with showers along the beaches. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent too.
Various restaurants, cafés, bar and shopping options can be found around the beach areas.
When it gets dark, you may see people launching fireworks or burning sparklers on the beach. Those are available in all convenience stores if you want to light up some.
And when you stay somewhere close to the beach, don’t be lazy… Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the wonderful sunrise on the beach.
Night markets
Do you want to see something more in the night? Visit the International Market – 국제 시장 (Gukjesijang) during night time, which is close to the Busan station. Here you will find a lot of food, clothes, house hold and other decoration items at once.
This market is also known through a very famous Korean movie, which has the same name – Gukjesichang (2014). It is a touching story about Korea from the 50’s through an ordinary man, whose life began in this market.
Naver map: Gukjesijang
Day 2: Taejongdae Park – Gamcheon cuture village
Taejongdae Park
Taejongdae Park is located on the most southern point of the Yeongdo coast, features breath-taking view of beautiful cliff, pine forest and wide open sea.
You can either explore the park by walking up and down hill (free of charge) or take the Danubi train, which costs around 3.000₩ (~2,5€) p.p.. Another option to enjoy the view is to have a cruise tour around the half island (start from 10.000₩ p.p.). More information can be found at the Tourist information booth at the park entrance.
Naver map: Link
Lunch in the markets
It’s better to return to one of the markets in the city to have lunch. Either in the fish market Jagalchi or in international market Gukjesichang, you will find really yummi and less pricely Busan’s food.
Naver map: Jagachi Market
Gamcheon culture village
Now you have energy again to visit another magnificent place in Busan? The Gamcheon culture village should be your next destination.
You cannot miss it because of their blue cottages built as stair-case. It reminds me a lot of the indian blue city Jodhpur.
Following the cuture route around the village, you will find a lot of paintings, sculptures, cute Cafés and stunning view from above.
Especially during the cherry blossom season this place is magnificent .
Naver map: Gamcheon culture village
More destinations
You have more than 24h to spend in Busan? Don’t worry, a lot of more beautiful destinations are waiting for you to discover. For example
Haedong Yonggung Temple
Haedong Yonggung means the Palace of East sea’s dragon. Do you know that in Asian myths, there were four dragons ruling four seas: North, South, East and West? They were truly mighty and can give you the power to make your wishes come true.
This stunning buddhist temple was built during the Goryeo Dynasty and located directly on the coast. You can come here very early, at 5 am, to watch the first light of the day coming out.
Naver map: Haedong Yonggung Temple
Oryukdo – Skywalk
More granite, garden, water and beautiful scenery…
Naver map: Oryukdo Sunrise Park
Shopping
In case there is some time left for shopping, you will find a lot of stores and things to buy in Busan. Besides the shopping malls and market, try also the underground shopping streets directly at Busan train station or at Seomyeon Station.
What can you buy from Busan? One of its most famous specialties is Fish cake (Odeng or Omuk). Other than that, try Chocopie house’s chocopies in Busan station. They’re amazingly yumi!
Other tips for your trip
How to get to Busan from Seoul?
If you’re from Seoul, it is recommended to use the KTX train. It only takes you a little bit more than 2h by KTX, compared to 5-6h driving with car, it’s much more relaxing.
Before weekend or main holiday seasons such as Seollal or Chuseok, train tickets might be sold out. Remember to make reservation in advance. Usually reservation is possible one month prior the travel date.
How to get around in Busan?
By bus, subway or Taxi. Hop on, hop off bus is also a good alternative way, if you want to see a lot of things within one day.
My favorite navigation app for Korea is Naver Map.
I also recommend to use T-Money card for your convenience and saving money. Because with it, you don’t have to pay additional fee while transferring from subway to bus within 30 min.
Where to stay?
It always depend on your budget, expectation and requirements. For this short trip, I personally think, it is better to stay either close to the Busan station or to the beach.
What to do with the luggages?
There are lockers at the Busan train station and at the Taejongdae Park to store your luggage. It’s advisable to get some cash to pay for it.
You can find more pictures from this trip here.
Contact me if you’re interested in more information. Have a nice trip in Busan!