Itinerary direction and purpose: This travel plan is for a 5-day excursion to explore the natural wonders and parks of Busan, South Korea. We will immerse ourselves in the rich Korean culture and visit popular tourist attractions while discovering the city’s hidden gems.
Day 1 – Taejongdae Park and Gamcheon Cultural Village
8:00 AM – Check in at your hotel. We highly recommend staying at the Park Hyatt Busan, which is located within walking distance from Haeundae Beach and offers magnificent ocean views.
9:00 AM – Head to Taejongdae Park via Busan Metro Line 1, which costs approximately 1300 KRW per way. The park is famous for its lush greenery, limestone cliffs, and a lighthouse that overlooks the sea.
12:00 PM – Grab a quick bite at one of the food trucks or local restaurants near the park. We suggest trying ssiat hotteok, a Korean-style pancake filled with seeds, nuts, and sugar.
2:00 PM – Take a stroll along the streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village, which is also known as the “Machu Picchu of Korea.” The village boasts colorful houses built on a steep hillside, offering a panoramic view of the city.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Ssiatjeom, a traditional Korean restaurant located in the heart of the village. Enjoy a bowl of deulkkae-bibimbap, a type of mixed rice dish that is uniquely flavored with perilla seeds.
Day 2 – Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Oryukdo Skywalk
8:00 AM – Breakfast at your hotel.
9:00 AM – Take a bus or metro to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a seaside Buddhist temple that is famous for its breathtaking ocean view and serene atmosphere.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Gijang Market, a local marketplace that offers fresh seafood and Korean street food delicacies.
2:00 PM – Visit Oryukdo Skywalk, a U-shaped glass bridge that offers a panoramic view of the East Sea and Oryukdo Island. The skywalk is accessible via Busan Metro Line 2 and costs approximately 800 KRW.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Ganga Haeundae, a vegetarian Indian restaurant located near Haeundae Beach. Indulge in flavorful curries and naan bread while enjoying the ocean view.
Day 3 – Haeundae Beach and APEC House
8:00 AM – Breakfast at your hotel.
10:00 AM – Spend the morning soaking up the sun at Haeundae Beach, one of the most popular beaches in South Korea. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a small fee.
12:00 PM – Grab some street food from the vendors along the beach, including tteokbokki, pajeon, and hotteok.
2:00 PM – Visit the APEC House, a conference center that hosted the 2005 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The building offers a stunning view of the Gwangan Bridge and the coastline.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Gwangalli Beach, a picturesque beach that is popular for its night views and street food. We recommend trying the Gwangalli Burger, a burger with shrimp tempura, lettuce, and spicy mayo sauce.
Day 4 – Busan Botanic Garden and Geumjeongsan Fortress
8:00 AM – Breakfast at your hotel.
10:00 AM – Visit the Busan Botanic Garden, a world-class botanical garden located in the heart of Busan. The garden features over 3,500 species of plants, including a rare species of lotus.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Dongnae Halmae Pajeon, a famous Korean pancake restaurant that serves authentic Korean-style pajeon (pancake) and makgeolli (rice wine).
2:00 PM – Hike up to Geumjeongsan Fortress, a historical fortress that overlooks the city of Busan. The fortress is accessible by cable car, which costs approximately 5500 KRW per way.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Joo-ok, a Korean restaurant that serves traditional dishes using local ingredients. We suggest trying the gomjangeo gui, a grilled mackerel that is seasoned with soy sauce and served with rice.
Day 5 – Beomeosa Temple and Songdo Beach Skywalk
8:00 AM – Breakfast at your hotel.
9:00 AM – Take a bus or metro to Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist temple that is considered one of the most important temples in Korea. The temple is surrounded by a tranquil forest and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Bojungiketang, a traditional Korean restaurant that offers various herbal soups and rice dishes.
2:00 PM – Visit the Songdo Beach Skywalk, a unique suspended walking trail that offers breathtaking views of the sea and the coastline. The skywalk is accessible via Busan Metro Line 1 and costs approximately 800 KRW.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Gukje Market, a traditional Korean market that offers various street food and local cuisine. We suggest trying the bibimbap served in a hot stone bowl.
FAQs:
1. How much does it cost to travel to Busan for 5 days?
The cost of the trip will depend on the type of accommodation, the mode of transportation, and the activities you choose. However, you can expect to spend approximately $700-1000, including flights, hotel accommodations, transportation, food, and activities.
2. What is the best time to visit Busan?
The best time to visit Busan is from March to May, and from September to November. During these times, the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded with tourists.
3. Is it safe to travel to Busan?
Yes, Busan is generally a safe city, and crimes against tourists are rare. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.
4. Can I visit Busan without speaking Korean?
Yes, you can visit Busan without speaking Korean. Most of the popular tourist attractions have English signage and English-speaking staff. However, it’s always recommended to learn some basic Korean phrases to communicate with the locals.
