Explore Busan
Your perfect trip to South Korea
Busan is the raw, unpolished, and fiercely energetic counterpart to Seoul’s manicured perfection. It is a city that smells of salt, dried squid, and diesel. Squeezed between steep mountains and the Korea Strait, the city feels vertically compressed—houses stack precariously on hillsides in vibrant favela-like colors, while skyscrapers in Marine City pierce the clouds like glass needles.
The energy here is distinctly different. The dialect (*Saturi*) is louder, rougher, and warmer. In the Jagalchi Market, ‘Ajummas’ (middle-aged women) with permed hair and rubber gloves will yell at you to buy fresh octopus, which they will slice up while it’s still wriggling. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is undeniably alive. The food is hardy and soul-warming; *Dwaeji Gukbap* (pork rice soup) is the local religion, a milky, savory broth that locals eat for breakfast, lunch, and after a hangover.
Busan is a tale of two cities: the glamorous, Miami-esque Haeundae with its luxury hotels and foreign tourists, and the gritty, historic Nampo-dong where the scars of the Korean War are still visible in the narrow alleyways. To understand Busan, you must visit both: drink a fancy cocktail looking at the Diamond Bridge, then sit on a plastic stool in a tent bar (*Pojangmacha*) eating spicy rice cakes.
The perfect plan for Busan:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Port Soul
- Morning: Jagalchi Fish Market. Go inside the wet market on the ground floor. It smells intense. Watch the eel skinning. Then eat grilled fish upstairs.
- Afternoon: Gamcheon Culture Village. Skip the main street. Get lost in the narrow staircases connecting the tiers. It’s a maze of pastel houses. Find the 'Little Prince' statue for the view.
- Evening: BIFF Square & Nampo-dong. Eat Ssiat Hotteok (seed-stuffed pancake)—it’s famous here. Walk up to Yongdusan Park for the tower view.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Coastal Luxury
- Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa. A rare temple built right on the rocky coastline. Arrive at 8 AM before the tour buses. The sound of waves crashing against the temple walls is unique.
- Afternoon: Haeundae Beach. Walk the coastline. Take the Blue Line Park Sky Capsule (book weeks in advance)—a retro train along the coast.
- Evening: The Bay 101. Go for fish and chips on the deck. The view of the Marine City skyscrapers reflecting on the water is the best photo op in Busan.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Bridges & Drones
- Morning: Taejongdae Park. Take the 'Danubi' train or hike to the lighthouse. The cliffs are dramatic. On a clear day, you can see Japan (Tsushima Island).
- Afternoon: Spa Land Centum City. The best *Jjimjilbang* (sauna) in Korea. It’s inside the world’s largest department store. spend 4 hours soaking and napping.
- Evening: Gwangalli Beach. Grab a craft beer from Gorilla Brewing. Sit on the sand and watch the Diamond Bridge (Gwangan Bridge) light show. On Saturdays, there is a massive drone show.
Weather
Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms on Dalmaji Hill are spectacular. Mild (15-20°C).
Summer (June-Aug): Hot, humid, and crowded. Haeundae beach is a sea of parasols.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): The absolute best. The film festival (BIFF) is on, skies are clear (18°C).
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold but drier than Seoul. Snow is rare. The wind off the ocean cuts deep.
Local Customs
- Beach Etiquette: Don't wear bikinis on the boardwalk. Cover up until you are on the sand.
- Saturi: Locals speak loudly. They aren't fighting; that’s just the Busan accent.
- Respect Elders: On the subway, the priority seats are strictly for the elderly. Do not sit there, even if empty.
History & Culture
During the Korean War (1950-1953), Busan was the only major city not captured by the North. It became the refugee capital, swelling with people from all over the country. This influx created the chaotic, unplanned, and dense hillside neighborhoods like Gamcheon, which were originally shantytowns for the displaced.
Getting Around & Safety
The Busan Subway is excellent and reaches most tourist spots.
- T-Money: The same card from Seoul works here.
- Buses: Drivers are aggressive. Hold on tight.
- Taxi: Cheap and easy, but traffic in Haeundae on weekends is a nightmare.
Info for Nomads
Workation Vibe
Speed: Fast. 100+ Mbps.
Cafes: Werk Roasters (industrial, serious coffee) and Momos Coffee (World Barista Champion).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Busan cheaper than Seoul? +
Yes, slightly. Food and accommodation are about 10-20% cheaper, but luxury hotels in Haeundae can be pricier than Seoul.
What is Dwaeji Gukbap? +
Pork and Rice Soup. It’s milky, unseasoned (you add salted shrimp and chives yourself), and full of pork slices. Go to the Seomyeon Gukbap Alley for the best ones.
Can I swim in October? +
Locals won't, but foreigners do. The water is chilly (20°C). The official beach season closes in late August, meaning no lifeguards.