Three Days in Busan, South Korea: The Perfect Travel Itinerary

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Busan is an exciting, wonderful place to visit in South Korea. Spending three days there is the perfect length to discover what this vibrant coastal port city is all about.

Whether you want to chill out on a glorious golden beach, explore historical temples with breathtaking coastal views or visit fascinating movie museums all about Korean cinema, Busan has so much to offer.

I visited Busan for three days and fell in love with it. The city is quieter and smaller than Seoul and in my opinion offers a more authentic South Korean experience.

Based on my time there, I curated a three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit to Busan.

Three-Day Itinerary for Busan, South Korea

I found that three days is an ideal length of time to visit Busan. There are many places to visit and explore which would be too much to do in two days or less. So, let’s dive into my itinerary for Busan in three days.

Day One in Busan

Busan is the perfect location in South Korea to do some sunbathing on a beach which is exactly what I did on my first day. It’s a nice relaxing start to the trip before visiting some iconic landmarks of the city:

1. Haeundae Beach

This is a beautiful beach next to the Haeundae district and is surrounded by countless skyscrapers. Directly ahead of you on the beach, you can see a huge suspension bridge known as ‘Diamond Bridge’ which dominates the skyline.

The views here are really lovely and the beach is super clean. Although it’s the most popular beach in South Korea, I was surprised at how quiet it was when I visited on a sunny day in June.

There are many restaurants and bars next to the beach which stretches out for over a mile. It’s a top spot to take a peaceful stroll and enjoy the serene views of the city’s coastline.

2. Gamcheon Culture Village

After relaxing on the beach, I recommend a visit to the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’.

This really colourful artistic neighbourhood built on a hillside is full of street art and makes an interesting introduction to the culture in Busan.

It is a bit far from the city centre (around 10 kilometres), but you can reach it by taxi or public transportation.

3. Busan Tower

I finished my first day in Busan with a trip to the city’s famous tower. It’s 120 feet high and is at the top of Longtou Mountain Park.

You’ll be amazed once you reach the top of the observation tower – the panoramic skyline views of the whole city, (especially its harbour) are spectacular. You can either walk or take a taxi there and it’s a must when visiting Busan.

Day Two in Busan

1. Beomeosa Temple

On day two of my trip to Busan I visited the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was an interesting start to the day.

This Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains is one of South Korea’s most historically important temples. It dates to ancient times and was used to house monks.

The temple is based in a tranquil setting, with delightful gardens that are nice to explore, making for a peaceful change of pace from the busy city.

2. Jagalchi Fish Market

This fish market was one of the most memorable places I visited in Busan. It is South Korea’s largest seafood market, and an extraordinary place to wander around.

The market simply has to be seen to be believed, it’s absolutely massive. There are so many fresh fish on show and stalls selling seafood, it’s never-ending.

There is freshly caught seafood everywhere you look here, and plenty of restaurants close by where you can try some of Busan’s renowned cuisine.

3. Busan Museum of Movies

If you’re a Korean movie fan or a movie fan in general, then I highly recommend a visit to the Busan Museum of Movies when visiting the city.

This museum is really informative on Korean cinema history. Displays range from the country’s origins in cinema to the modern day and there’s a great collection of props and memorabilia on show as well.

4. BIFF Square

I finished my second day in Busan with a walk around BIFF Square. This is a popular location that really comes to life at night, with lots of street food vendors selling awesome Korean snacks.

The street is famous for its connection to the Busan International Film Festival and has its own Walk of Fame. You can see several well-known Korean and international movie stars’ names and handprints on the pavement here.

If you’re a real movie nerd, you can hunt down the restaurant that is featured in the movie ‘Oldboy’ and is not too far away from BIFF Square. Seeing this actual restaurant in person is quite special if you’re a fan of the movie like I am.

Day Three in Busan

1. Gukje Market

On my final day in Busan, I wandered through Gukje Market, one of Busan’s oldest markets where you can find everything from traditional crafts to clothing and street food.

This was a really interesting place where you get a good sense of what life is like for local people and learn more about the culture of Busan. In addition, you can find some very unique souvenirs to take home.

2. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

For my last sightseeing trip in Busan, I visited Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It is one of the most impressive sites I visited in South Korea and one that I highly recommend.

This unique and majestic temple is situated right next to the ocean and watching the waves crash against the rocky shore creates quite a spiritual and memorable experience.

Three Days in Busan FAQs

Still not convinced about your itinerary for three days in Busan? Let’s answer some commonly asked questions about visiting Busan:

How to Get to Busan From Seoul

The train is your best option to travel from Busan to Seoul. I caught a train to Busan from Seoul (just like the movie) and really enjoyed the journey.

South Korea has a great high-speed train system known as the KTX. Catching the train from Seoul to Busan is pretty straightforward and costs from £25-£45 depending on the day and time you travel.

The train journey itself takes less than three hours and it’s a great chance to get to see more of the landscapes of South Korea.

Is Busan Safe?

Yes, Busan and South Korea is very safe to visit – whether you’re male/female or travelling solo, there’s nothing to worry about. Koreans are friendly towards foreigners and I never experienced any issues while in Busan.

You might encounter one or two beggars in Busan’s subway system, but this is very rare.

Is Busan Expensive?

Compared to Seoul, Busan is much cheaper to visit. Prices are relatively cheaper than South Korea’s capital when it comes to food and accommodation.

However, when comparing Busan to other lesser-known cities in South Korea, it is considered more expensive.

When is the Best Time to Visit Busan?

The best time to visit Busan is during the off-peak season, either the spring or autumn months are ideal. The weather is generally warm and sunny during these months, but not too hot as compared to the summer months.

The summer months also mark the beginning of South Korea’s rainy season, which typically starts around early June through to the end of August.

I experienced a full downpour day when visiting Busan in June. It rained heavily non-stop all day long – which hampered my options of things to do and places to visit for that day.

Final Thoughts on Three Days in Busan, South Korea

So that concludes my itinerary for Busan. It’s such a culturally rich place and a totally different vibe from Seoul, making it a must-visit place when in South Korea.

I loved the beaches, markets and historical sites and I honestly believe that three days is the perfect length to visit this friendly gem of a city – I fully recommend it.

If you only have a short period of time in South Korea then I would still advise you to visit Seoul – you can do a lot there in just two days or even just one day and is a good day trip option from the capital. 

But Busan has its own unique charm and beauty and is a captivating alternative to the capital. Three days in Busan is the perfect length to enjoy this wonderfully vibrant coastal city and I hope this post has inspired you to plan a visit.

Author Bio: Mark is from England and started travel blogging back in August 2022 after deciding to combine his love of writing and travelling. He has continued his travels whenever possible and has visited over 40 countries, mostly as a solo traveller and you can read all about his adventures at mjtravelguides.com.