Busan Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Planning Your Trip
What’s the best time to visit Busan?
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather.
How many days do you need in Busan?
3-4 full days are usually enough to see the main attractions.
Is Busan safe for tourists?
Yes, Busan is generally very safe for tourists.
Do I need a visa to visit Busan/South Korea?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check the Korean Embassy website in your country.
What’s the currency in Busan?
The Korean Won (KRW).
Is English widely spoken in Busan?
Less so than in Seoul, but you’ll find English speakers in tourist areas and major hotels. Translation apps are helpful.
How do I get from Incheon Airport (ICN) to Busan?
Take the KTX (high-speed train) from Seoul Station or Gwangmyeong Station.
How do I get from Seoul to Busan?
The KTX high-speed train is the fastest and most popular option (around 2.5-3 hours).
What’s the best way to get around Busan?
The subway system is excellent and efficient. Buses are also good for areas not near subway stations. Taxis are readily available.
Should I get a T-Money card?
Yes, it’s highly recommended for public transport and can be used in convenience stores.
What’s the average cost of a trip to Busan?
Varies greatly, but a mid-range budget for 3-4 days could be around $300-$600 USD excluding international flights.
What kind of power adapter do I need?
South Korea uses Type C and Type F sockets (220V).
Should I buy a local SIM card or use an eSIM?
Both are good options. eSIMs offer convenience if your phone supports it.
What’s the tipping etiquette in Busan?
Tipping is generally not expected in South Korea.
Are there any specific cultural customs to be aware of?
Bowing as a greeting, taking off shoes indoors, and using two hands when giving/receiving are common.
Accommodation
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Busan?
Haeundae (beach, luxury), Seomyeon (shopping, nightlife, central), Nampo-dong (markets, older charm).
Are there budget accommodation options in Busan?
Yes, hostels and guesthouses are widely available.
Are there luxury hotels in Busan?
Yes, especially in Haeundae, like the Grand Josun or Park Hyatt.
Can I find unique accommodation like Hanok stays in Busan?
While less common than in Seoul or Jeonju, some guesthouses offer a Hanok experience.
Which hotels have good views of the beach?
Many hotels along Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches offer great ocean views.
Attractions & Activities
What are the must-see attractions in Busan?
Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Market, Beomeosa Temple, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
What can I do at Haeundae Beach?
Swim, sunbathe, walk the boardwalk, visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium, enjoy nearby restaurants.
What is Gamcheon Culture Village known for?
Its colorful houses, narrow alleys, street art, and unique artistic vibe.
What’s the best time to visit Gamcheon Culture Village?
Morning to avoid crowds, or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunset views.
What can I find at Jagalchi Market?
A massive fish market where you can buy fresh seafood and have it prepared on-site.
Is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple worth visiting?
Absolutely, it’s a unique temple built by the sea.
How do I get to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?
Take the subway to Haeundae Station, then a bus or taxi.
What are some other notable temples in Busan?
Beomeosa Temple (in the mountains) and Seokbulsa Temple (unique stone carvings).
What museums should I visit in Busan?
Busan Museum, Busan Museum of Art, and UN Memorial Cemetery.
Are there any good hiking trails in Busan?
Yes, Mt. Geumjeongsan offers several trails, including one to Beomeosa Temple.
What are some family-friendly activities in Busan?
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, Busan Children’s Grand Park, Samjung The Park (zoo).
Where can I experience Busan’s nightlife?
Seomyeon, Haeundae, and Gwangalli offer various bars, clubs, and pubs.
What are some good shopping areas in Busan?
Seomyeon, Nampo-dong, Shinsegae Centum City (department store).
What kind of souvenirs should I buy in Busan?
Seafood products, local crafts, K-pop merchandise, Korean beauty products.
Are there any good traditional markets besides Jagalchi?
Gukje Market, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, and Bujeon Market.
Can I do any day trips from Busan?
Yes, Gyeongju (historical capital) and Tongyeong (coastal city) are popular.
How do I get to Gyeongju from Busan?
Take the KTX to Singyeongju Station, then a local bus or taxi.
What’s the Busan Air Cruise (Songdo Cable Car)?
A cable car ride offering scenic views over Songdo Beach.
Is Busan Tower worth visiting?
It offers panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset.
What’s special about Gwangalli Beach?
It’s famous for its Diamond Bridge (Gwangan Bridge) and light shows at night.
Where can I find street art in Busan?
Gamcheon Culture Village is the most prominent, but also alleys in Nampo-dong.
Are there any hot springs or jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses) in Busan?
Yes, Hurshimchung Grand Oncheon is a famous one.
What’s the best way to see the city lights?
From Busan Tower, Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, or a night cruise.
Are there any specific film locations to visit in Busan?
Busan is a popular filming location; research specific movie spots if interested.
What are some hidden gems in Busan?
Check out Taejongdae Park, Dadaepo Beach, and the Nurimaru APEC House.
Is there a good place for cherry blossom viewing?
Samnak Ecological Park, Oncheoncheon Park, and Macdo Ecological Park.
Where can I see autumn foliage in Busan?
Geumjeongsan Mountain and nearby national parks.
Are there any major festivals in Busan?
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Busan One Asia Festival, and Busan Fireworks Festival.
Can I take a ferry from Busan to other islands or Japan?
Yes, ferries connect to Jeju Island and several Japanese cities like Fukuoka.
What’s the best way to experience traditional Korean culture in Busan?
Visiting temples, traditional markets, and trying local food.
Food & Drink
What are some must-try Busan dishes?
Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup with rice), Milmyeon (cold wheat noodles), Ssiat Hotteok (sweet pancake with seeds).
Where can I try Dwaeji Gukbap?
Seomyeon area has many famous Dwaeji Gukbap restaurants.
What’s Milmyeon?
Busan’s local take on cold noodles, often lighter and chewier than Naengmyeon.
What is Ssiat Hotteok?
A popular street food pancake filled with a sweet syrup and various seeds. Found widely in Nampo-dong.
Where can I find the best seafood in Busan?
Jagalchi Market and Gijang (for crab).
Are there good vegetarian/vegan options in Busan?
It can be challenging, but some restaurants offer temple food or specific vegetarian dishes. Use HappyCow app.
What about halal food in Busan?
Limited but growing. Look for Halal-certified restaurants or those catering to Muslim tourists.
What’s the drinking culture like in Busan?
Soju (Korean liquor) and beer are popular. Soju is often consumed with food.
Are there good cafes in Busan?
Yes, numerous trendy cafes in areas like Jeonpo Cafe Street and Haeundae.
Can I take a cooking class in Busan?
Some guesthouses or private tours offer cooking classes.
What are some popular Korean snacks to try?
Tteokbokki, Gyeranppang (egg bread), Odeng (fish cakes).
Where can I find traditional Korean tea houses?
Areas like Nampo-dong or near temples might have them.
Is tap water safe to drink in Busan?
Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink in South Korea, but many prefer bottled water.
What’s a “pojangmacha”?
A street food tent or stall, great for experiencing local street food and drinks.
Are there any specific food tours in Busan?
Some local tour operators offer food tours focusing on street food or local specialties.
Practicalities & Tips
What’s the best way to stay connected (internet)?
Rent a portable Wi-Fi egg, buy a local SIM card, or use an eSIM. Free Wi-Fi is available in many public places.
What’s the emergency number in South Korea?
112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance.
Are there any specific apps I should download for Busan travel?
KakaoMap or Naver Map (for navigation), Papago (for translation), and Subway Korea.
Is it easy to use credit cards in Busan?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere.
Where can I exchange currency?
Banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. ATMs are also widely available.
What’s the weather like in summer (June-August)?
Hot and humid with a possibility of typhoons.
What’s the weather like in winter (December-February)?
Cold with occasional snow, but generally milder than Seoul.
What should I pack for a trip to Busan?
Comfortable walking shoes, layers, a power adapter, and appropriate clothing for the season.
Is it advisable to rent a car in Busan?
Not generally needed due to excellent public transport, but useful for exploring outer areas.
Are there any specific safety concerns for solo female travelers?
Busan is very safe for solo female travelers, but general travel precautions apply.
How accessible is Busan for travelers with disabilities?
Improving, but some older areas or public transport stations might have limited accessibility.
What’s the best way to get from Busan Station to Haeundae?
Take the subway Line 1 to Seomyeon, then transfer to Line 2 towards Jangsan, getting off at Haeundae Station.
Can I store my luggage at Busan Station?
Yes, there are usually luggage storage facilities or lockers.
Are there laundry services available for tourists?
Many hotels offer laundry services, and self-service laundromats are also available.
What’s the best way to deal with the language barrier?
Use translation apps, learn a few basic Korean phrases, and be patient.
Are there tourist information centers in Busan?
Yes, at major transportation hubs and tourist attractions.
Do I need travel insurance for Busan?
Always recommended for any international travel.
What’s the best way to book KTX tickets?
Online via Korail website, at train stations, or through travel agencies.
Are there hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Busan?
Yes, a convenient way to see many major sights.
Can I visit North Korea from Busan?
No, direct access to North Korea from Busan is not possible.
What’s the UN Memorial Cemetery like?
A somber and beautiful tribute to UN soldiers who died during the Korean War.
Where can I find traditional Korean markets with a local feel?
Bujeon Market is a large, local market with fresh produce and goods.
What’s the best time to visit Jagalchi Market to see the most activity?
Morning is generally the busiest and most vibrant.
Are there any specific etiquette rules for visiting temples?
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), speak quietly, and remove shoes before entering certain areas.
What’s the best way to navigate if my phone battery dies?
Carry a portable power bank and a physical map as a backup.
Can I use public transport late at night?
Subways usually run until midnight or slightly later. Buses might run later on some routes. Taxis are available 24/7.
Are there any specific health precautions to take?
Standard precautions apply. If sensitive, wear a mask during high fine dust days.
What’s the best way to experience the local art scene?
Visit the Busan Museum of Art, F1963 (cultural complex), and various galleries.
Are drones allowed in Busan?
Regulations apply; generally, you need permits for commercial use and cannot fly in restricted areas (e.g., near airports, military bases).
What’s the best way to get a good view of Gwangan Bridge at night?
From Gwangalli Beach itself, or from a nearby restaurant/cafe with a view.
Can I visit any islands near Busan?
Yes, Oryukdo Islands (view from land or a small boat tour) and parts of Geoje Island are accessible.
What kind of traditional performances can I see in Busan?
Look for traditional music or dance performances at cultural centers or during festivals.
Are there any good places for stargazing near Busan?
Areas away from the city lights, such as higher elevations in national parks.
How far in advance should I book KTX tickets, especially during holidays?
As far in advance as possible, especially for popular routes and peak seasons.
What’s one thing I absolutely shouldn’t miss in Busan? * This is subjective, but many travelers agree that Gamcheon Culture Village offers a truly unique Busan experience.