Purpose: To plan a 10-day trip to explore the nightlife of Busan, South Korea.
Day 1:
Arrive at Busan’s Gimhae International Airport in the afternoon. Take the airport bus to your hotel. Check-in, freshen up and head to Haeundae Beach to watch the sunset. Grab some dinner at the lively Gukje Market or Jagalchi Market. Spend the evening exploring the bars and clubs at the Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches.
Transportation: Airport bus to the hotel (Approx. 1 hour, $7), taxi to Haeundae Beach (Approx. 20 mins, $10)
Hotel recommendation: Haeundae Grand Hotel
Day 2:
Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village in the morning, a colorful village featuring an array of artistic street murals. Have lunch at a local restaurant and explore the Pusan National University area. In the evening, experience Busan’s vibrant nightlife in Seomyeon, a bustling area full of bars, clubs, and karaoke rooms.
Transportation: Subway to Gamcheon Culture Village (Approx. 35 mins, $1.5), taxi to Pusan National University (Approx. 25 mins, $15)
Hotel recommendation: Ibis Ambassador Busan City Centre
Day 3:
Visit the Yongdusan Park in the morning, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Busan Tower. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Busan Museum of Art. Spend the evening at Gwanganli Beach, known for its impressive Gwangalli Bridge light show and bustling nightlife.
Transportation: Subway to Yongdusan Park (Approx. 20 mins, $1), taxi to Busan Museum of Art (Approx. 25 mins, $15)
Hotel recommendation: Citadines Haeundae Busan
Day 4:
Visit the Jagalchi Fish Market in the morning, known for its fresh seafood and bustling atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant and spend the afternoon at the Busan Aquarium. In the evening, head to the Kyungsung area known for its underground bars and clubs.
Transportation: Subway to Jagalchi station (Approx 15 mins, $1), taxi to Busan Aquarium (Approx. 20 mins, $10)
Hotel recommendation: Stanford Inn Busan
Day 5:
Experience the traditional Korean sauna, Jjimjilbang, in the morning. Sample Busan’s famous pork soup, Dwaeji Gukbap for lunch. Spend the afternoon on the Haeundae Beach, renting a lounge chair and enjoying some relaxation. Continue the evening at the Gukje market shopping for souvenirs.
Transportation: Taxi to Jjimjilbang (Approx. 15 mins, $10), Subway to Haeundae Beach (Approx. 30 mins, $1), taxi to Gukje Market (Approx. 10 mins, $5)
Hotel recommendation: Paradise Hotel Busan
Day 6:
Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa temple in the morning, a seaside temple surrounded by natural beauty. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest shopping mall. Spend the evening bar-hopping in the Haeundae area.
Transportation: Subway to Haedong Yonggungsa temple (Approx. 50 mins, $1), taxi to Shinsegae Centum City (Approx. 20 mins, $10)
Hotel recommendation: Haeundae Centum Hotel
Day 7:
Take a day trip to Tongyeong, a city known for its natural scenery and seafood. Spend the day exploring the charming alleys, and hills. Enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant and return to Busan. Spend the evening sipping soju at the Gwangbokro Street, known for its historic commercial district.
Transportation: Bus to Tongyeong (Approx. 1 hour 40 mins, $15), taxi to Gwangbokro Street (Approx. 10 mins, $5)
Hotel recommendation: Arban Hotel
Day 8:
Spend the morning at the Songdo Beach, famous for its black sand, and cable car. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the Taejongdae Park, a natural monument stone style seafood restaurant. Spend the evening at the Busan Cinema Center, one of Asia’s largest film festivals, and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Transportation: Subway to Songdo Beach (Approx. 30 mins, $1), taxi to Taejongdae Park (Approx. 10 mins, $5), taxi to Busan Cinema Center (Approx. 40 mins, $20)
Hotel recommendation: Novotel Ambassador Busan
Day 9:
Visit the BIFF Square in the morning, known for its impressive street art murals and independent cafes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend the afternoon at the Gwangalli Beach, soaking in the sun. Spend the evening at the clubbing district of the city, the Haeundae Beach.
Transportation: Subway to BIFF Square (Approx. 20 mins, $1), taxi to Gwangalli Beach (Approx. 20 mins, $10), taxi to Haeundae Beach Clubs (Approx. 20 mins, $10)
Hotel recommendation: Ramada Encore Haeundae
Day 10:
Spend your last day enjoying a traditional Korean breakfast at a local restaurant. Take a stroll of the UN Memorial Cemetery, one of the most peaceful places in Busan. Board a bus to Gimhae International Airport in the afternoon, and end your Korean journey here.
Transportation: Taxi to UN Memorial Cemetery (Approx. 20 mins, $10), airport bus to Gimhae International Airport (Approx. 1 hour, $7)
FAQs
Q1) What is the best time to visit Busan?
A: The best time to visit Busan is during the autumn season, between September and November, and during the summer season, between June and August.
Q2) How do I get around the city?
A: Busan’s subway system is an efficient and affordable way to get around the city. Taxis are also readily available.
Q3) What is the nightlife like in Busan?
A: Busan’s nightlife is vibrant, with a range of bars, clubs, and karaoke rooms. The Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach areas are particularly lively.
Q4) What are some must-eat local dishes in Busan?
A: Some must-eat dishes in Busan include Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup), Patbingsu (shaved ice), and Ssiat Hotteok (sweet pancakes with seeds).
Q5) What are some good hotels to stay at in Busan?
A: Some recommended hotels in Busan include Haeundae Grand Hotel, Citadines Haeundae Busan, and Paradise Hotel Busan.
