Direction and Purpose: This is a 3-day itinerary for a shopping trip to Busan, South Korea. We will explore different shopping districts in Busan, where we can shop for Korean fashion, beauty products, and food. We will also try out local Korean cuisine and visit some tourist attractions in between shopping.
Day 1:
9:00 AM – Hotel Check-in
We recommend staying at Citadines Haeundae Busan, a modern and comfortable hotel located in the Haeundae district.
10:00 AM – Gukje Market
We will start our shopping trip at the famous Gukje Market. You can find all sorts of things at Gukje Market, from traditional Korean clothing to souvenirs, toys and more. This is a great place to start if you’re looking to buy cheap but good quality products.
Transportation: We recommend taking the Busan Subway Line 1 (Orange Line) from Haeundae Station to Jagalchi Station (2 stops). Approximate travel time is 10 minutes and the cost is around 1,200 KRW (1 USD).
11:30 AM – Lunch at Nampo-dong
After exploring Gukje Market, we will visit the Nampo-dong shopping district to have lunch. This area is known for its street food and seafood markets, so we recommend trying some local specialties like eomuk (fish cake), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and hotteok (sweet pancake).
Transportation: We recommend walking from Gukje Market to Nampo-dong, which takes around 15 minutes.
1:00 PM – Lotte Department Store
After lunch, we will visit Lotte Department Store, one of the largest department stores in Busan. This store has several floors of shopping, including a luxury brand section, a beauty section, and a food court.
Transportation: We recommend taking the Busan Subway Line 1 (Orange Line) from Nampo Station to Seomyeon Station (5 stops). Approximate travel time is 20 minutes and the cost is around 1,600 KRW (1.30 USD).
3:00 PM – Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center
We will end our first day of shopping with a visit to the Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center. This center is located in the basement of Seomyeon Station and is filled with fashion boutiques, beauty shops, and street food stalls.
Transportation: We recommend walking from Lotte Department Store to Seomyeon Station.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Haeundae Beach
For dinner, we will head back to Haeundae Beach and try some authentic Korean barbecue at Haeundae Galbi Jip. This restaurant is known for its delicious grilled meats, and seafood dishes.
Transportation: We recommend taking the Busan Subway Line 2 (Green Line) from Seomyeon Station to Haeundae Station (7 stops). Approximate travel time is 25 minutes and the cost is around 1,600 KRW (1.30 USD).
Day 2:
10:00 AM – Shinsegae Centum City
We will start day two with a visit to the largest department store in the world, Shinsegae Centum City. This mall has over 14 floors of luxury shopping, including designer clothing, electronics, and home goods.
Transportation: We recommend taking the Busan Subway Line 2 (Green Line) from Haeundae Station to Centum City Station (2 stops). Approximate travel time is 10 minutes and the cost is around 1,200 KRW (1 USD).
1:00 PM – Lunch at Haeundae Traditional Market
We will continue our shopping spree at Haeundae Traditional Market, where we can sample Korean street food and buy souvenirs. We recommend trying some of the tasty snacks like the tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and the mandu (dumplings).
Transportation: We recommend taking a taxi from Shinsegae Centum City to Haeundae Traditional Market. Approximate travel time is 10 minutes and the cost is around 5,000 KRW (4 USD).
3:00 PM – Busan Cinema Center
After lunch, we will visit the Busan Cinema Center, a unique architectural masterpiece that hosts international film festivals. We can also take a stroll around the outdoor park or check out the exhibitions inside.
Transportation: We recommend taking a taxi from Haeundae Traditional Market to Busan Cinema Center. Approximate travel time is 20 minutes and the cost is around 15,000 KRW (12 USD).
7:00 PM – Dinner at Gwangalli Beach
For dinner, we will head to Gwangalli Beach and try some delicious Korean seafood at Seomyeon Ganga Haeundae. This restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes and has a great view of the beach.
Transportation: We recommend taking the Busan Subway Line 2 (Green Line) from Centum City Station to Gwangan Station (3 stops). Approximate travel time is 15 minutes and the cost is around 1,200 KRW (1 USD).
Day 3:
10:00 AM – Jagalchi Fish Market
On our last day in Busan, we will visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in Korea. Here, you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, clams, crabs, and more.
Transportation: We recommend walking from Gwangalli Beach to Suyeong Station and taking the Busan Subway Line 2 (Green Line) to Jagalchi Station (6 stops). Approximate travel time is 30 minutes and the cost is around 1,600 KRW (1.30 USD).
1:00 PM – Lunch at Gamcheon Culture Village
After exploring the fish market, we will visit the colorful and picturesque Gamcheon Culture Village. This area is known for its stunning views and street art, as well as some great local restaurants.
Transportation: We recommend taking a taxi from Jagalchi Fish Market to Gamcheon Culture Village. Approximate travel time is 20 minutes and the cost is around 10,000 KRW (8 USD).
3:00 PM – BIFF Square
We will end our shopping trip at BIFF Square, a popular shopping district in Busan that is filled with cafes, boutique shops, and street food stalls. This area is also home to the Busan International Film Festival.
Transportation: We recommend taking a taxi from Gamcheon Culture Village to BIFF Square. Approximate travel time is 15 minutes and the cost is around 8,000 KRW (7 USD).
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to visit Busan?
The best time to visit Busan is during the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer.
2. Do I need to speak Korean to go shopping in Busan?
No, you don’t need to speak Korean to go shopping in Busan. Most of the shopkeepers speak basic English, and you can also use translation apps and pocket dictionaries to help you communicate.
3. How much money should I bring for this 3-day itinerary?
We recommend bringing around 500,000 KRW (400 USD) for this 3-day itinerary, which should cover your accommodation, transportation, food, and shopping expenses. However, the amount can vary depending on your preferences and budget.
