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.
Last updated: January 30, 2026
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 Haeundae Blueline Park train.
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. Cheongsapo Station works well if you are coming from farther east or want to explore that neighborhood first.
The full ride takes about 30 minutes one way, but you should plan extra time if you want to get off and explore along the route. Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons, so it is best to book ahead if possible.
Book your Blueline tickets now.
There are other cool spots to visit near the Blueline if you have time, like the Haewol Skywalk and the Haewol Observation Deck. Haewol Skywalk is a short walk from the tracks and lets you walk out over the water on a glass platform. Haewol Observation Deck is nearby and gives you elevated views of the coastline, which are especially nice on clear days.
Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours total on the Blueline Park experience, including riding the train and stopping at viewpoints. After this, you can make your way back toward the city for lunch before heading to Gamcheon Culture Village in the afternoon.
Lunch
This is a good point in the day to eat somewhere near Haeundae or along a subway line, so you do not waste time backtracking later.
I recommend choosing a Korean buffet, hot pot, or shabu shabu restaurant. These are fast, filling, and easy if you want to try a variety of foods without committing to one dish. Most places let you eat at your own pace and are used to travelers, even if you do not speak Korean.
You will find plenty of lunch options within walking distance of Haeundae Beach, Mipo Station, and near Haeundae Station (Line 2). Eating near the subway makes it easier to get to your next stop in the afternoon.
Plan to spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour on lunch. Afterward, head toward the subway and make your way to Gamcheon Culture Village, which is best visited later in the day once the morning crowds thin out.
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.
Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour here, depending on how much you walk.
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, head to Haeundae, one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. This area is easy to reach by subway and has plenty of food and nightlife options all in one place.
Start with dinner. Korean fried chicken and beer is a classic choice here, but you will also find Korean BBQ, casual restaurants, and late-night food spots within a few blocks of Haeundae Beach.
After dinner, spend the rest of the night exploring. Haeundae has a mix of bars, arcades, and private karaoke rooms, all within walking distance of each other. Karaoke rooms are rented by the hour and are a fun option even if you are traveling with a small group.
Most bars in Haeundae stay open LATE, so you can make it as long of a night as you want! If you are staying in the area, everything is close enough to walk back to your hotel.
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 – Known for its colorful houses and hillside views, Gamcheon Culture Village is one of Busan’s most popular spots. You can walk through narrow streets, see street art, and stop at small cafes and shops. It takes about 1.5–2 hours to explore. See my guide on how to get to Gamcheon for step-by-step directions, or book a tour of the village.
- Jagalchi Market – Jagalchi Market is Busan’s famous seafood market and a great place to see local life. You can walk through the indoor and outdoor stalls, watch vendors at work, or sit down for a fresh seafood meal. Book a Busan street food tour that includes the market.
- Busan Tower – Busan Tower is located in Yongdusan Park and offers views over the city and the harbor. You can ride the elevator to the observation deck or walk around the park below if you do not want to go up. This stop is easy to pair with Jagalchi Market.
- UN Memorial Cemetery: The UN Memorial Cemetery is a quiet and meaningful place to visit. It is the only UN cemetery in the world and honors soldiers who died during the Korean War. The grounds are well maintained and it is free to visit. Plan about 30–45 minutes.
- Hawdong Yonggung Temple: Located along the coast, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the most scenic temples in South Korea. It sits right by the ocean and is especially popular at sunrise. This spot is farther from central Busan, so it works best if you skip another activity. Book your temple tickets now.
- Lotte World Adventure: If you are traveling with friends or want something more playful, Lotte World Adventure is a theme park with rides and attractions. It is best for travelers who want to spend most of the day in one place. Buy your tickets now.
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:
How to Travel from Seoul to Busan
If you are planning a day trip from Seoul to Busan, you have several options depending on your budget, timing, and comfort.
1. KTX (Korea Train Express)
The KTX is the fastest and most convenient option. The high-speed train takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul Station to Busan Station. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and you can book tickets in advance online or at the station.
- Cost: Around 59,000–70,000 KRW one way for standard seats
- Tip: Book early if you are traveling on weekends or holidays. You’ll also want to check train times to plan your return if it’s a day trip.
2. Express Bus
Express buses are a cheaper alternative and take about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. Buses leave from several Seoul terminals, including Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, and arrive at various Busan terminals. Book your bus tickets now.
- Cost: Around 23,000–35,000 KRW one way
- Tip: Comfort buses (luxury or wide seats) are a good option for a longer ride. Check schedules in advance.
3. Flight
Flying is usually not necessary because the KTX is faster door-to-door, but flights are available from Seoul Gimpo Airport to Busan Gimhae Airport. Flight time is around 1 hour, but when you include travel to and from airports and security, it can take 3–4 hours total.
- Cost: Around 50,000–100,000 KRW depending on airline and booking time
Tips for a Day Trip
- Start early: If you want a full day in Busan, take the first KTX or bus in the morning.
- Plan your route: Stick to one or two areas in Busan to avoid spending too much time in transit. Haeundae Beach, Dongbaek Park, or Gamcheon Culture Village are great options for a short visit.
- Return late: The last KTX back to Seoul is usually around 9:30–10:00 PM, so you can maximize your time in Busan.
Getting Around Busan For 1 Day
Busan is easy to explore, and there are several convenient ways to get around depending on your style and comfort level.
- Metro – The Busan metro is affordable, reliable, and covers most major attractions, including Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Market, and Seomyeon. Lines 1 and 2 are the most useful for tourists:
- Line 1 runs north–south through the city, stopping at Nampo-dong, Jagalchi Market, and Busan Station.
- Line 2 runs east–west and stops at Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Gwangan.
- Tickets cost around 1,300–1,500 KRW per ride.
- Using a T-money card is easiest, as it works on buses and some taxis too.
- Signs are in English, so it’s easy for tourists to follow.
- Buses – Buses cover almost every corner of the city, but routes can be tricky if you don’t read Korean.
- Taxis – Taxis are widely available, easy to hail, and reasonable compared to other major cities. They are a good option for shorter distances or if you are traveling with luggage.
- Base fare is about 3,800 KRW for the first 2 km.
- Most drivers do not speak English, so have your destination written in Korean or use a map app to show the route.
- Car Rental – If you prefer flexibility, you can rent a car, but parking can be limited and expensive in popular areas like Haeundae or Nampo-dong. Driving is better for trips outside the city center. Check out my guide to renting a car in South Korea for more details.
- Guided Tours – Many guided tours include transportation, which takes the stress out of planning. If you want to see several highlights in a short time, this can be the easiest option, especially if you are traveling for just one day.
Tips for a 1-Day Visit:
- Use the metro as your primary mode of transport, and a taxi for short hops between attractions.
- Plan your route to avoid backtracking — for example, visit Haeundae and Dongbaek Park first, then head west to Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi Market.
- Check transit times and schedules in advance to make the most of your day.
Overall, whether you choose public transit, taxis, or a guided 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:
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