Travel Plan for 10-day Busan Traditional Markets Itinerary
Direction: In this itinerary, we will be exploring the traditional markets of Busan, South Korea, for 10 days. We will learn about Korean culture, history, and local cuisine while immersing in the local way of life.
Day 1: Arrival in Busan
– Transportation: From Busan-Gimhae International Airport, take the Airport Limousine Bus #1 to your hotel.
– Hotel Recommendation: Hilton Busan ($$$), Hotel Foret Premier Nampo ($$), Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Busan ($)
– After settling in, take a stroll around Gukje Market, one of the oldest markets in Busan, where you can find a wide range of products, from clothes to seafood.
– For dinner, head to the Jagalchi Market, the largest seafood market in Korea, and enjoy the freshest seafood dishes.
Day 2: Gamcheon Culture Village and Taejongdae Park
– Transportation: Take bus #2 or #2-2 from Gukje Market to Gamcheon Culture Village.
– Explore the colorful houses and murals of Gamcheon Culture Village, and visit the local art galleries and cafés.
– For lunch, try the famous ssiat hotteok (sweet pancake) at a local street vendor.
– Transportation: Take bus #8 from Toseong Station to Taejongdae Park.
– Enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and cliffs at Taejongdae Park, and visit the lighthouse and the Yeongdo Bridge.
– For dinner, try the Busan-style dwaeji gukbap (pork soup with rice) at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Beomosa Temple and Seomyeon Shopping District
– Transportation: Take subway line 1 from Jagalchi Station to Beomosa Station.
– Visit Beomosa Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea, and explore its pagodas, halls, and gardens.
– For lunch, try the bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) at a local restaurant near the temple.
– Transportation: Take subway line 1 from Beomosa Station to Seomyeon Station.
– Shop for Korean cosmetics, fashion, and street food at Seomyeon Shopping District, the busiest commercial area in Busan.
– For dinner, try the Korean-style fried chicken at a local restaurant near Seomyeon Station.
Day 4: Haeundae Beach and Dalmaji Hill
– Transportation: Take subway line 1 from Seomyeon Station to Haeundae Station.
– Visit Haeundae Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Korea, and walk along its sandy beach and boardwalk.
– For lunch, try the eomuk (fish cake) soup at a local restaurant near the beach.
– Transportation: Take bus #100 or #100-1 from Haeundae Station to Dalmaji Hill.
– Enjoy the beautiful sunset and night view at Dalmaji Hill, a scenic area that offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city.
– For dinner, try the Korean-style barbecue at a local restaurant near the hill.
Day 5: Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival and Anmin Traditional Market
– Transportation: Take the Centum City Light Rail Transit to Sasang Station, and then take the Eoulim bus to Jinhae.
– Visit Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the most popular flower festivals in Korea, and admire the pink cherry blossoms and the cultural events.
– For lunch, try the naengmyeon (cold noodle soup) at a local restaurant near the festival.
– Transportation: Take the Eoulim bus to Anmin Traditional Market.
– Explore the local culture and try some unique Korean snacks at Anmin Traditional Market, which has a history of over 50 years.
– For dinner, try the kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) at a local restaurant near the market.
Day 6: Gwangalli Beach and Dongbaek Island
– Transportation: Take subway line 2 from Seomyeon Station to Gwangan Station.
– Visit Gwangalli Beach, another beautiful beach in Busan that is famous for its night view, and walk along its beach and bridge.
– For lunch, try the hoe (raw fish) at a local restaurant near the beach.
– Transportation: Take a taxi or walk to Dongbaek Island, a small island that offers a pleasant walking trail and a panoramic view of Gwangan Bridge and Haeundae Beach.
– For dinner, try the chimaek (chicken and beer) at a local restaurant near Dongbaek Island.
Day 7: Songdo Beach Cable Car and Jagalchi Cruise
– Transportation: Take bus #26 or #30 from Jagalchi Market to Songdo Beach.
– Take the Songdo Beach Cable Car, the first cable car in Korea, and enjoy the view of the sea and the city from above.
– For lunch, try the gimbap (rice roll) at a local street vendor near the cable car.
– Transportation: Take the Jagalchi Cruise from Songdo Beach to Jagalchi Market, and enjoy the view of Busan Harbor and the bridges.
– For dinner, try the sashimi (raw fish) at a local restaurant near Jagalchi Market.
Day 8: Busan Tower and Nampodong
– Transportation: Take the Busan Tower elevator, the most representative landmark of Busan, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top.
– For lunch, try the pajeon (pancake) at a local restaurant near Busan Tower.
– Transportation: Take the escalators in Nampo-dong to visit the Kkangtong Market, Gukje Market and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market.
– Explore the local culture and try some unique Korean snacks at the markets.
– For dinner, try the Hotteok (sweet pancake) or Jukkumi (baby octopus) at a local restaurant near the market.
Day 9: Haedong Yonggung temple and Songjeong Beach
– Transportation: Take bus #181 from Haeundae station to Haedong Yonggung temple.
– Visit Haedong Yonggung temple, the only temple in Korea which is located at the seaside and offers a special attraction to tourists.
– For lunch, try the bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) at a local restaurant near the temple.
– Transportation: Take the subway line 2 from Haeundae station to Kyungsung Univ. Station and then take the bus #181 or 183 to Songjeong Beach.
– Visit Songjeong Beach, the longest and widest sandy beach in Busan and offers a variety of beach activities.
– For dinner, try the street food at a local street vendor near the beach.
Day 10: Gamcheon Mural Village and Busan Museum
– Transportation: Take bus #2 or #2-2 from Jagalchi Station to Gamcheon Mural Village.
– Explore the colorful houses and murals of Gamcheon Mural Village, and visit the local art galleries and cafés.
– For lunch, try the bean sprout soup at a local restaurant near the village.
– Transportation: Take bus #17 or #61 from Gamcheon Mural Village to the Busan Museum.
– Visit the Busan Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Busan and Korea, and the art galleries and exhibitions.
– For dinner, try the Korean-style Chinese food at a local restaurant near the museum.
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to visit Busan Traditional Markets?
The best seasons to visit Busan are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, each traditional market has its unique events and festivals throughout the year, so you can visit following those as well.
2. What is the cost of transportation in Busan?
The cost of public transportation in Busan is very affordable, starting at around 1,300 KRW ($1.5) per ride for buses and subways. Taxis are slightly more expensive, with an initial fare of 3,000 KRW ($2.8) and a cost of around 10,000 KRW ($9.1) for a 30-minute ride.
3. What are some popular Korean dishes to try in Busan Traditional Markets?
Some popular Korean dishes to try in Busan Traditional Markets are naengmyeon (cold noodle soup), bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables), ssiat hotteok (sweet pancake with seeds), dwaeji gukbap (pork soup with rice), kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), chimaek (chicken and beer), and various seafood dishes.
4. What are some recommended souvenirs to buy in Busan Traditional Markets?
Some recommended souvenirs to buy in Busan Traditional Markets are Korean cosmetics, fashion, handicrafts, traditional snacks, pottery, and tea. Some of the shops and stalls also have handmade items that showcase the culture of the area.
5. What is the currency of Korea, and can I use credit cards?
The currency of Korea is the Korean won (KRW), and most places accept credit cards. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash for street vendors and small shops.
