Busan, South Korea, is a city that absolutely blew me away. I had not heard of it before visiting there on a tour through South Korea, but I was in love with the city by the time I left there. The city is highly worth a visit, even for just one day, and I made you the perfect 1 day Busan itinerary.
The city truly has a bit of everything, from beaches and nightlife, to amazing restaurants and hikes, there’s something for everyone.
Keep reading for the ultimate 1 day Busan itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: January 1, 2025
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One Day in Busan Itinerary
If you are visiting Korea, you want to make the most of your one day in Busan. Below is the perfect itinerary that will make sure you maximize your time in the city and have the perfect day in Busan.
Morning
Good morning and welcome to Busan! Today your time in my favorite city in South Korea starts with a scenic train ride!
The Haeunde Blueline train takes you on a beautiful ride along the water, where you get some amazing views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
You can ride from either the Mipo Station or the Cheongsapo Station. If you are staying in Haeundae, Mipo is closer and walkable.
There are other cool spots to visit near the Blueline if you have time, like the Haewol Skywalk and the Haewol Observation Deck.
Lunch
Once you are done seeing just how beautiful Busan is, it’s time for lunch! I recommend finding a buffet or a hot pot or Shabu Shabu restaurant.
There are quite a few around the city, with some good options close to the train.
Afternoon
After lunch, get some fresh air by walking in Dongbaek Park. The park sits on the water and will give you some amazing views of Busan. There are lots of trails and paths to follow here, plus a lighthouse along the promenade.
Or, if you aren’t feeling up to anything too active, hang out on the beach! Haeundae Beach is close to the walking trails, and you can even add the beach in as part of your walk.
You can always switch this with the morning train ride if you visit when the weather is hot and want to do your walk before it gets too warm.
Not sure when to visit? Check out my guide to the best time to visit Busan.
Evening
To end your 1 day in Busan, you will have an unforgettable time in Haeundae – one of Busan’s most popular neighborhoods. First, grab a bite to eat – I recommend some chicken and beer, but you can also find some good Korean BBQ, bars, and more.
After dinner, check out some of the many fun bars and arcades. You can also rent a private karaoke room here and sing your heart out with your friends. The bars here stay open LATE, so you can make it as long of a night as you want!
Things to Do in Busan
If the suggested 1 Day Busan itinerary above doesn’t fit your travel style, here are more activities to consider. You can do these instead of the activities above if they sound more fun to you 🙂
- Gamcheon Culture Village (see how to get to Gamcheon for more)
- Jagalchi Market
- Busan Tower (observation deck)UN Memorial Cemetary
- Hawdong Yonggung Temple
- Lotte World Adventure
You can do any of these activities during your day in Busan!
Tours to Book in Busan
Booking a tour in Busan is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites. Plus, there are a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Busan:
Getting Around Busan For 1 Day
Busan offers several convenient ways to get around. The metro is affordable and covers most major attractions, including Haeundae Beach and Jagalchi Market. Buses are another option, though routes can be more complex for non-Korean speakers. Taxis are widely available and a good choice for shorter distances, with reasonable fares compared to many cities. If you prefer flexibility, you can also rent a car, but parking in popular areas can be limited.
If you book a guided tour, transportation is typically included, making it a stress-free way to explore Busan’s highlights. Whether you choose public transit or a private tour, getting around Busan is straightforward and efficient.
Where to Stay in Busan
Want to spend more than one day in Busan? I don’t blame you! If you decide to spend more time in Busan, check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: