Once you get to the other side, you can spend time exploring the park and food stalls before riding back. If Seollal falls at the end of January, Busan can be quite expensive and super-crowded. Its actually a large seaside park with rocky outcrops and spectacular nature. For example, all of the fruit stalls are in one street, and all the seafood in another. READ MORE: 19 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO KOREA. These can be considered as the peak time for visiting Busan. 04 of 09. Lotte Hotel Busan will exceed your expectations. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Taking place at various beaches across the city, the festival features a variety of cultural performances, activities, and live music. Discover interesting murals and learn about the history of the area for an unforgettable experience. If you prefer to stay in hostels, check out the BEST hostels in Busan. Once settled, open up your Busan itinerary and prepare to have the time of your life! You can check out the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Busan along the Nakdonggang River. Is there anything youd add to this 3 days Busan itinerary, or do you have any questions about your trip? If youre backpacking Korea and looking for nightlife in Busan, head straight to Seomyeon. Busan South Korea. The average temperature in Busan remains cool during these seasons with clear skies. If you are looking to chill out at the beach to beat the heat, May, June will suit you best, and if you are looking for a little hiking adventure, cooler months will be a better option. The weather is soothing, and it is a fantastic time for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and even for walking around the city and in the outskirts. The cable car station is located next to Songnim Park and includes a couple of stops if you are taking public transport. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! This is a wonderful spot to relax for those backpacking South Korea. 6. It is an excellent time for beach activities and nightlife. Jagalchi Fish Market: If youre looking for the biggest fish market in South Korea, look no further than Jagalchi Fish Market. Best Time to Visit Busan - Leetgoo Gyeongju is the renowned capital of Shilla dynasty. The lively, bustling area has been closely compared to Seouls popular shopping district. If youre backpacking Busan, MAMA Guesthouse in Haeundae is for you! The village is perched on a hill and is made up of weaving maze-like alleys packed full of incredible cultural experiences! Busan is home to the worlds largest department store, Located in the Seungdumal region of Busan is the, Located in the Park Hyatt Busan hotel is the, Mugunghwa is a traditional Korean restaurant located in, Purchase a public transport pass for the amount of time of your visit instead of daily passes. Because of the citys many beaches, summer is the most crowded time to visit Busan. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Alternatively, you can buy one online here and it will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. The Best Time to Visit Busan. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. High Busan - Busan Tower & Busan X the SKY - 2023-03-06. How to get to Busan This luxurious hotel is ideally placed if you want to explore this lively part of town from dawn till dusk. Your Trip to Busan: Guide to Public Transportation, A Public Transportation Guide from Seoul to Busan, Explore Colorful Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, Top Tourist Attractions for Solo Women Travelers in Busan, Visiting Korea for Plastic Surgery:Tips for Planning the Trip, Traveling in Korea on a Budget: Tips and Tricks, 10 Tips and Things to Know for Your Korea Trip, 8+ Tips to Avoid Crowd Crush and Protect Yourself to Prevent What Happened in Itaewon, An Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Korea Dos and Donts. Jump on board and dash through the amazing scenery of South Korea as you travel from one magnificent South Korean city to another! March, April, and May are my favorite months to visit Busan. 1. If youre following my itinerary for Busan, youre probably exhausted from exploring cultural villages and street markets all day! The ritzy hotel features an indoor swimming pool, spa, and fitness center. There are a plethora of museums, mountains, national parks, and other tourist attractions all across the city that will make your trip to Busan enjoyable in any season. The best time to visit the area is in the evening when the streets are brightly lit up and full of nighttime revelers. An array of fashion, cosmetics, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Nampo Nampo is our number one pick for the best neighbourhood in Busan to stay in if you're visiting for the first time. Have you been to Busan? As a bonus, there is a fully equipped kitchen to try out your Korean culinary skills! Seomyeon is best if you want to be close to everything. The temperatures are mild, and trees are laden with blossoming pink cherry blossoms; mountains have a cover of vertical green carpets whats not to enjoy! Munching on some fish first thing in the morning may seem slightly odd, but the Jagalchi Fish Market is best visited at the start of the day when the produce is fresh out of the sea! A visit to Oedo Island promises to be one of the most beautiful day trips from Busan as you visit the Stairway to Heaven and indulge in the beautiful flowers and exotic plants in the area! 3. The area is constantly buzzing with excitement as it attracts countless visitors on a daily basis. Insider tip: Make the trip to Busan Tower between 8 and 10 pm to witness a spectacular display of lights that happen every 15 minutes. Youll also need to pack carefully depending on the time of year you visit. Winter can be bitterly cold, with icy blasts sweeping down from Siberia, though it rarely snows in Busan. A combined visit to the beach and boat cruise is a treat any time of day. This in itself attracts tourists in their numbers so expect a crowd. Best Areas To Stay In Busan. There isnt any off-season and most of the tourist attractions are open year-round. With a tempestuous weather, June can be a hot month with high temperatures and typhoons becoming a possibility in the country. The residential area is a hot tourist attraction and is easily accessible with a subway and bus combination of public transport! Beaches close officially on August 31 (there are no lifeguards on duty) but as the temperatures are still hot, beaches are still crowded. Relax at one of South Koreas oldest spa and beauty treatment facilities. Temperature: 41F (5C) March March in Busan heralds the beginning of spring, and the weather gets better and better as the month goes on. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. At the foot of the majestic tower is Yongdusan Park which features an iconic dragon near the parks entry and a pavilion in the park to relax. . Prepare to witness dreamlike landscapes, indulge in traditional experiences, and discover cultural experiences with this multi-city tour. With temperatures mainly in the 50s and 60s, and generally no rain, April is the ideal time to visit (if its not the beach youre after). The colorful foliage of spring and fall draws crowds to the gorgeous mountains and national parks. A night tour allows travelers to capture spectacular views, revel in the night time scenery and learn a lot about the history and culture of Busan. So, layering is always a good option but be sure that you carry a windbreaker especially if you are traveling in November. Make sure that you take your time meandering through the streets, dipping into various spots along the way. The market will be yours to explore after a short 10-minute walk! The temple is not only one of the citys most scenic spots but also one of the most culturally rich. Create and share itinerary, download PDF Guides and free access to Holidify's full content. Three shops to capture your fond memories in Busan. Activities; Of course, Busan is a city that celebrates plenty of festivals. backpackers making their way through Asia. You have a variety of bars to choose from! A top pick of luxurious five-star hotels is The Westin Chosun Busan located right on Haeundae beach. Summer months can be quite hot and humid, so if you prefer milder temperatures . Youll find a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, shopping areas, museums, and various tourist attractions throughout the city, making a visit to Busan enjoyable during any season. Although the skies are sunny even by mid-November, the temperature is little on the lower side. Experience the sea of Busan on a yacht! Gamcheon Culture Village is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Jagalchi Fish Market | Songdo Cable Car | Taejongdae | Yongdusan Park and Tower | Haeundae Market | Haeundae Beach Boat Cruise. The Value Hotel Busan gives travelers all of the luxurious comforts that they could want without breaking the bank! Regardless of your choice, touring Busan at night is significantly easier with a group. So, you should definitely allocate at least 5 days in Seoul (I recommend 7 days). A visit to Taejondae promises a beautiful and tranquil day out for the whole family. As Busan is famous for its many beaches, summer is the most crowded time to visit the city. The ULTIMATE 7 Day Seoul Itinerary: How To Spend 7 Days in, Where to Stay in Busan: An Insider's Guide to The Best Areas, The Best South Korea Itinerary for 2 weeks [Insider's Guide], Day 1 Busan itinerary: Culture and cuisine, Day 2 Busan itinerary: Pampering and nature, Day 3 Busan Itinerary: A bit of everything, Essentials and etiquette for your Busan itinerary, Final thoughts on a 3 day Busan itinerary, 19 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO KOREA, Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Areas, Hotels, and More, Teaching English in South Korea: The Only Guide You Need, Backpacking Sri Lanka: 24 Things I Wish I Knew, Where to Stay in Busan: An Insiders Guide to The Best Areas in Busan, South Korea. A T-Money card is the transportation card needed to access Busan public transport. Events to check out: Beach lovers will want to attend the Haeundae Sand Festival that takes place in late May. Located in the heart of Busan, Lotte Hotel Busan provides a peaceful and luxurious escape away from the busyness of the city without removing you completely! This season is characterized by hot and humid weather in Busan and is susceptible to monsoon winds during June to July. It is best to come in the evening, when the bridge and the entire . Or, right in the center of Seomyeon (a district famed for shopping) is Lotte Hotel Busan. Seomun Night Market is home to Daegu's regional food specialties as well. This can leave you in quite a precarious position if you find yourself lost and alone after dark. Gamcheon Culture Village also boasts one of the most incredible views that Busan has to offer! The Koran Train Express (KTX) is South Koreas high-speed rail system and is a fast and efficient way of traveling throughout the country. She documents her life living abroad and traveling the world on her blog iluv2globetrot and is the author of "A Guide to Landing an English Teaching Job Abroad. With beautiful white sand, clear and calm waters, it's perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Blue Backpackers Hostel is one of the top places to stay in Busan for travelers looking for budget and comfort. Average temperatures range from 0C to 9C, and it can feel even colder due to the wind chill. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. And dont offer its seen as an insult! A visit to Busans aquarium is a great outing for the whole family, promising an enriching and memorable experience for all! But Busan has a lot more than just beaches. Something Big is Coming / STAYC-cret in Busan / Tune in For The First Episode! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. There are higher chances of rainfall and can lead to heavy storms. If youre traveling on a budget, Seri Inn Guesthouse offers a good range of accommodation choices to suit your budget! Since it was first opened, the cable car has quadrupled in size! "Largest Department Store. When deciding where the best place to stay in Busan in three days, you need to consider where your interests lie. You can easily draw from the ATMs. There is some sporadic rains and snow in Busan is quite infrequent. This adds a very unique flair to the whole experience, and makes your pictures that much more impressive! Haeundae Sand Festival is one of the fun festival that takes place in late May and you can check out hundreds of sand scupltures, street parades, and more along with the Busan Fringe Festival. The location is superb: its within striking distance of bustling Bujeon Market and well-connected Seomyeon Station, making it super simple to get around the city. The large private rooms offer great value for money and a tasty breakfast is included in the price. Download the Subway Korea app on your phone. Many of the cities iconic sites can be found in Seomyeon, and there is no shortage of restaurants or shops! Located near the bridge is the UN Memorial Cemetery. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Gwangalli Beach lies to the west of Haeundae Beach and like its neighbor it boasts an attractive curve of fine golden sand. South Korea is a country that thrives on tradition and cultural beliefs. It is, although, quite chilly as soon as the Siberian winds start blowing. But I chose to stay in Haeundae, the seaside district on the east of the city. At 1.5km long, there are so many things to do in Haeundae. Theyre called jimjilbangs and theyre pretty awesome. The huge bridge, the first double-decker suspension bridge in the world dominates it completely. The vibe at the beaches in Korea is totally different from other beach destinations in Asia, like Bali or Sri Lanka. The mile-long stretch of golden sand is one of the best-known beaches in South Korea, and there are lots of things to do in the Haeundae District. The cable car station opens from 9 am which means that the activity is a great way to start the day. The trip from Seoul to Busan by bus takes just over 4 hours and costs $20. This history and culture of the site can be felt upon entry. Busan is a leading tourist destination in Korea and is loved by locals thanks to its glorious coastline. Be sure to pack your camera! As a result, this is a great activity to do as a couple. The spot is centrally located between Busan Station and Haeundae Beach, making it an easy spot to stop by and experience for as long or short as you wish. Admission to the Busan Tower Observatory is $6. The absolute best time to visit Busan is from June through September. This five-star property boasts touches and offers guests spectacular views over the South Korean coastline from the Sky Lobby or their accommodation. This is the perfect area for travelers who enjoy being in the everyday hustle and bustle of the city. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox, Nicole Brewer is a Black serial expat based in Oman. Busan can get crowded and expensive when Seollal falls at the end of January, which it does every few years. The best time to visit the South Korean port city of Busan depends on what you plan to do there. Choose from a four-day trip or a seven-day trip that provides a completely authentic cultural experience in cities across South Korea. South of Nampo lies Yeongdo Island, connected to the mainland by a bascule bridge which can lift to let large ships into Busan Port. Your two-day itinerary in Busan continues with a whirlwind list of Buscan landmarks. And then theres Jeju Island which is equally as impressive, with its striking natural formations and quirky museums. All cars boast spectacular views of the surrounding hillside and cliffs. Summers can get very hot in Busan so you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is cool, but not too cold. The underground malls mean that the experience is also great for a wet day in Busan. Lastly, it is important to note that very few people speak English. The best time to visit Busan is the same as I would say for Seoul. Find out what people want to know when planning their Busan itinerary. Put on your walking shoes and have a bottle of water ready- its going to be a jam-packed day! Finding an accommodation in July and August can be challenging. Busan has an efficient four-line subway which uses a two-zone fare system which cost approximately USD $1 each. She writes extensively about South Korea, where she's been based on and off since 2011. Pro tip. Its located right next to Haeundae Market and the friendly owner will make you feel at home. Pre-load a T-money or. Travel to the best cities and historical sites in Korea with the guidance of a professional who is ready and willing to point out some golden nuggets of information. The Airbnb is so close to the ocean that you can even see the water from your window. Why go? Because of its unique geography, you can enjoy all four distinct seasons. At night, the view becomes even more spectacular as it is lit up! Theres just something about the capital city and its one of the most fascinating places Ive ever visited. The Best Time to Visit Busan, South Korea - TripSavvy Summer in Busan is one of the most popular months of travel as the city is famous for its beaches. After sitting by the beach and watching the sun go down, head to one of the many Korean BBQ restaurants near Gwangalli Beach and enjoy your first BBQ in Busan before heading home. Perhaps the most popular area is Seomyeon, the heart of Busan. If you are looking to chill out at the beach to beat the heat, May, June will suit you best, and if you are looking for a little hiking adventure, cooler months will be a better option. Its popular with those backpacking Busan and is famous for its shopping and partying. Gazing at this tower from outside it is worth the journey itself, but it's worth paying. So, grab a bottle of Soju, your fellow travelers, and make your way down to the sandy bay for the ultimate hang out experience. If you are not just about visiting beaches, April is the ideal time to visit Busan. Haeundae Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Korea and for good reason. You can find out more about this on day 3 of my Busan itinerary. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It looks exactly like a normal beltexcept for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash or a passport copy. That said, it is the time of year for the famed Busan International Film Festival, an event that thousands of people flock to for 10 days each year. Busan is made of up vibrant, bustling neighborhoods, from trendy and artsy ones to more traditional and historic areas. Again, thank you! Visiting Gwangalli Beach is one of the best things to do in Busan at night as this iconic bridge is completely lit up. I guess this might be the most important part of the entire post: is it worth going to Busan? (I used Google Maps to navigate around Busan, but I followed my location on the map as directions for driving and walking dont work.). 15 Best Things to do in Busan for First Time Visitors - I, Wanderlista Spring temperatures range from 56 to 71 degrees F, perfect for frolicking amid the pink blossoms of the cherry trees. Haeundae Light Festival is another reason to visit Busan in December. As a port city set on the South-East coast of South Korea, Busan has one of the most desirable weather in the country. Insider tip: If you want to experience the cherry blossoms at the temple, make sure that you visit towards the end of April and beginning of May. To help you decide which . To help you kickstart the trip of a lifetime, weve put together the ultimate Busan itinerary to guide you on the best places to stay, when to visit Busan, and what to do once there! And dont be fooled by the term resort in the name. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Offering all of the expected luxuries such as air-conditioned, spacious rooms, and there is also a buffet breakfast offered! Get off at Amnam-dong Community Service Centre bus stop. The 9 Best Day Trips From Busan - TripSavvy The Songdo Cable Car is a top attraction in Busan, very popular with solo travelers, families, and couples! But as I mentioned earlier, I had initially planned for 5 days and after 3, I was ready to move on to the next destination. There are a lot of things to do in Busan in winter, but you may not be able to do as much hiking or outdoor exploring as you would have liked to. No matter when you choose to visit, use this guide to help you delve into rollicking fish markets, seaside temples, and dynamic festivals, all set between emerald green mountains and the sprawling white sand beaches along the East Sea. You can also fly, but often the time and effort to check-in, board, fly and wait for your luggage takes longer than the KTX train itself. You simply can not travel to Busan without taking full advantage of the incredibly beautiful city by night! Affordable meals served by local hawkers. Always! The market sells everything that you could possibly imagine! Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, thus offering a host of activities, fine dining, nightlife, and more. Busan is the perfect destination for party goers, or families looking for a chilled out holiday on the beach. If youre backpacking Busan on a budget, you may want to consider taking a bus. The market itself is preempted by rows of roadside stalls selling fresh fish. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple | Gamcheon Culture Village | Gwangalli Beach | Night Tour of Busan | BIFF Square. Although spring and fall feature the most agreeable weather, these times are not any more crowded than usual, with the exception of a few Korean holidays, and the Busan International Film Festival in October. Escalator etiquette: Always stand on the right and walk on the left. At the end of the trip, you will be given amazing enhanced photos to keep as special mementos. H Avenue Gwanganri Beach Its located in Gwangalli Beach, the panoramic views are hard to beat, and overall, the accommodation provides a lot of value. This takes you to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop which is up the hill. With 2 or 3 days in Busan, youll have enough time to see all the top attractions, explore the beaches, and indulge in delicious food. Spending 2 full days in Busan will give you enough time to explore different areas. The Sea Life Busan Aquarium is a hotspot to visit for both tourists and locals alike. If your time is limited, you may want to consider which destinations are a must-do in Korea. In between the dense flora, there is also an observatory, an amusement park, a lighthouse, and a cruise ship terminal. The bus system is extensive and reaches far across the city and includes more access points than the metro. Copyright 2023 About Us| Terms of Use This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Busan! Nicknamed the Machu Picchu of Busan, the spot is a vibrant day out for the whole family. Winter. There is no shortage of items to explore, so make sure that you take your time and look at everything before deciding on what to purchase. Prefer a cable car ride and an incredible port view? Originally launched in 1964, the cable car was the first of its kind in the country. Take your pick from sampling seafood, meat, fresh vegetables and Korean snacks amongst other products as you walk through the short street. Why visit one Korean city in a day when you can visit two? This beautiful Buddhist temple, otherwise known as Temple by The Sea, was built in 1376. Not to mention the various species of reptiles, amphibians, and algae! The neighborhood comes alive at night with its bright lights, street performances, and bustling atmosphere. The park itself is not central and requires an hour-long ride on a bus. Browse Koreas largest fish market and be amazed at the quality of fresh octopus, king crab, and other seafood. Winter in Busan runs from December to February, and it's the coldest time of year. June through September is also the monsoon season, so the streets can be flooding in low-lying areas. After you have your accomodation booked, read our packing recommendations to make packing for your trip easier! This is a great spot to enjoy a lunch or dinner before continuing on to the next adventure. Best time to visit Busan in 2 days. Tipping in Korea is a big no-no. The port city is the second-largest city in South Korea and doesnt shy away from those fun and quirky attractions that make the country so unique from themed cafes to BBQ restaurants, karaoke rooms, and more, Busan has it all! But, if you dont mind the crowds, you can enjoy the most beautiful and accessible beaches in all of South Korea. Then Nampo is the district for you! I'm the Features Editor for KoreaTravelPost. Make the tough choice of choosing to visit either Oedo Island and see the Stairway to Heaven or Tongyeong and enjoy an amazing port view. Walk through the ocean floor simulator for a truly unique experience. Busan is South Koreas second-largest city, which means that there is a lot to explore! This period sees temperatures averaging in the high 20c's (70f's), perfect for soaking up the sun on the sand. Busan is a city loved for its authentic approach to tourism, offering travelers the ultimate live like a local experience. From one of Busans most popular, bustling markets to breathtaking views, this itinerary will have you sorted for one day in Busan. You can even enjoy early cherry blossoms in March. March is still cold but the weather slowly heats up toward the end of the month. Many people compare the vibe in Seomyeon to Hongdae in Seoul. The city offers an incredible amount of cheap eats and food stalls, as well as cheap pubs to enjoy while on a trip. World Population Review. Download the Naver Maps app for directions. With its famed coastal views and iconic landmarks including Taejongdae Observatory and Yeongdo Lighthouse, its one of the best things to do in Busan in spring or fall. When you think of South Korea, your mind will probably first drift to Seoul, the countrys iconic capital. Buy a local sim card trust me! Here are some of the best things to do. The street is constantly bustling with action. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Where better to do this than at one of Busans oldest spa facilities? The Songdo cable car is definitely one of the top places to visit in Busan in three days. While it is easy to walk around to the main sites in the center of the city, there will be times when you want to venture further, and you wont be short of transport options. The best time to visit the port city of South Korea, Busan, depends on what you want to do there. My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. January is quite cold in the city, but because of the new year celebrations, people do flock the place. South Korea has four distinct seasons, which means that you'll have a vastly different experience depending on when you visit. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Busan Itinerary | 2 Days in Busan Combined with the countrys tax-free shopping program, December is a great time of year to visit.