The Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)

ByRoseanne Ducut

The first time I visited Busan, I spent 2 short nights going to as many sites as I could.

I came back to Busan in 2023 and was able to explore more places.

There’s always something to do in Busan, but these are the most popular sites in Busan for first-time visitors and for a perfect Busan itinerary.

Here’s how to spend 2 days, 3 days, 4 days and 5 days in Busan to see the main Busan attractions and make the most of your Busan Itinerary.

If you’re new to South Korea, make sure to read my travel guide to South Korea.

🎥 Watch my Busan vlog:
Top 13 Free Things to Do in Busan Korea in 2024 🇰🇷 (popular + underrated!)

How many days do you need in Busan?

A woman sits beside the iconic Le Petit Prince statue, gazing over the colorful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, with lush hills and the harbor in the distanc

For most tourists who are spending two weeks in South Korea and want to see other cities too, 2 nights in Busan would suffice.

Since Busan is only a 2.5-hour train ride away from Seoul, even a day trip to Busan would still be worth it.

1 day in Busan: Read my day trip to Busan blog post.

2 days in Busan: 2 days in Busan will be good to visit the top attractions in Busan such as Gamcheon Culture Village, main Busan beaches, and observatories.

3-4 days in Busan: You’ll have time to visit additional cultural sites and coastal views Busan is famous for.

5 days or more in Busan: You’d be able to visit most of the popular Busan attractions, explore hidden gems, and relax at the beaches.

Busan Travel Essentials

Book Before Your Busan Trip:

🎫 Get the Visit Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions

🌌 Take a Busan Night Tour and see popular sites at night

🚊 Prebook your ride from the Busan airport or Busan station

🎫 Browse through dozens of available Busan tours

Getting Around Busan

A young woman wearing a jacket and carrying a backpack walks along a brightly lit street in Busan, South Korea, during the nighttime. The street is lined with various buildings and restaurants

Using public transit in Busan is similar to getting around Seoul, with an efficient subway system and plenty of bus lines.

However, some sites may require additional bus rides or walking from the nearest subway station.

Like Seoul and other cities, Busan accepts T-money cards for public transit.

Taxi

Use the Kakao T taxi app to travel to/from from different destinations. Uber in Korea works in Busan, and I’ve used it a few times.

Private Driver

You can also hire a driver for a day that will take you to the destinations on your custom Busan Itinerary.

Rent a Car

Car rentals in South Korea go for as low as $28 USD a day. Check the rates here.

Join a Tour

Group and private tours provide transportation to and from main Busan attractions. Choose from dozens of Busan tours.

Busan Itinerary Tips

Bronze statues of Mermaid and Human Statue reaching out to each other - Songdo Bay Station Busan

Here are Busan travel tips to help you save time and make the most of your Busan Itinerary:

  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. But in general, start the day early.
  • Buy tickets in advance to skip the lines. Popular attractions in Busan like the Haeundae Sky Capsule and Busan Tower can get crowded.
  • Combine nearby attractions to minimize travel time between locations.
  • Buy the Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions.
  • Check the weather forecast and plan indoor activities for rainy days or pack an umbrella.
  • Use the Naver Map app to navigate Busan. Google Maps is not maximized for Busan.
  • There’s free WiFi to use on all public buses in Busan.
  • Bring good walking shoes!

5 Most Popular Places to Visit in Busan

  1. Gamcheon Culture Village
  2. Haeundae Beach & Promenade
  3. Gwangalli Beach at Night
  4. Songdo Bay Station
  5. Haeundae Blueline Sky Park
  6. Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Want to Mix and Match for your Busan Island Itinerary? Here are my Busan blog posts:

Sample Busan Itinerary Based on Days

Cement steps where people sit to look at the water and white Gwangan Bridge in Busan

Here’s a summarized sample Busan Itinerary for different number of nights.

These are assuming you arrive in Busan in the earlier part of the day. What you choose will also depend on where you’re staying and what time you leave Busan.

Day Trip to Busan:

Day 1: Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach

📖 Read my full guide to spending one day in Busan.

2 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 1: Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Observatory, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square & Gwangalli Beach at night.

Day 2: Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.

3 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 1: Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Observatory, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square & Gwangalli Beach at night.

Day 2: Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, Songdo Bay Station, Haeundae Beach at night.

Day 3: Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.

4 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 1: Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Observatory, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square & Gwangalli Beach at night.

Day 2: Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, Songdo Bay Station, Haeundae Beach at night.

Day 3: Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Day 4: Oryukdo Skywalk or Taejongdae Resort Park, shopping, beaches.

5 Days Busan Itinerary

Day 1: Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Observatory, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square & Gwangalli Beach at night.

Day 2: Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, Songdo Bay Station, Haeundae Beach at night.

Day 3: Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Day 4: Oryukdo Skywalk or Taejongdae Resort Park, night views.

Day 5: Seomyeon District, Jeonpo Cafe Street, beaches.

Full Busan Itinerary

Day 1 of Busan Itinerary

Mid-Morning (2-3 hours)

1. Gamcheon Culture Village

Three flat white statues of people looking out at pastel-colored village at Gamcheon Culture Village, a must for a day trip to Busan

Entrance: Free

The Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the main must-see sites for tourists visiting Busan. There are different origin stories online, but this served as a village for refugees of the Korean War.

Walk around for different viewpoints, famous art alleys, and local shops.

Then grab lunch nearby.

Afternoon (2-3 hours)

2. Busan Tower or Free Observatory

View of a white stairs leading to garden on an Observatory Deck in Lotte Mall Busan

Choose from two amazing views of Busan: the Diamond Tower aka Busan Tower or Lotte Mall’s Rooftop Observatory (Gwangbok location).

(You can also go to both since they’re within walking distance of each other.)

Cost: Busan Tower is $8 USD (prebook here) and free for the Lotte Mall Rooftop Observatory (13th floor).

3. Yongdusan Park

Visit Yongdusan Park where Busan Tower is located for great views of the city and harbor from above.

You’ll see statues, temples, shops, and memorials scattered throughout the park.

Access the top of the park by stairs or escalator from the main street.

4. BIFF Square

Three large white arches over a square of vendors between shops at BIFF Square in Busan

BIFF Square used to be the center for an international film festival, now it’s a popular spot for street food, souvenir shops, and markets.

Next door is also Fashion Street for any shopping you want to do while there.

Evening (2 hours)

5. Gwangalli Beach

Lit up Gwangan Bridge at night in white, red, and blue, with light reflecting on beach

Gwangalli Beach is the best beach in Busan to visit at night. Walk down the cement paths or along the beach on the sand.

You can also warch music performances at night. The beach is lined with restaurants where you can grab dinner.

Related post: Things to do at Gwangali Beach at night

Day 2 of Busan Itinerary

Mid-Morning (2-3 hours)

1. Huinnyeoul Culture Village

The photograph captures a serene riverside view of Huinnyeoul Culture Village with a striking yellow building featuring blue awnings on the right, adding a pop of color to an overcast day. In the distance, a bridge spans the wide river, connecting the urban skyline dotted with high-rises to the lush green hillside. The juxtaposition of nature and urban development is evident, offering a peaceful yet vibrant cityscape.

Cost: free

Huinnyeoul Culture Village is another colorful culture village in Busan, this time by the sea, and is located in south-central Busan.

There are lots of shops, cafes, and colorful mural art.

Walk downstairs along the coast for the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk and then through the Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel.

📖 Read my full Huinnyeoul Culture Village post and what to do there.

Then grab lunch nearby with coastal views (Vegan or vegetarian? Here’s my favorite vegan restaurants in Busan.)

Afternoon (2-3 hours)

2. Songdo Bay Station

A view of cable cars in the air over a path of oval stones in the middle of a sea at Songdo Bay Station in Busan

At Songdo Bay Station is a long walking path called the Songdo Skywalk that leads to an observatory deck with views of the sea. You’ll also see the Songdo cable cars above going to the Yonggung Suspension Bridge.

While you do need to buy a Songdo Bay Station ticket to ride the cable car, the actual Songdo skywalk deck across the street is free.

🎫 Sondo Cable Car tickets (prebook here).

You can also take a quick break at Songdo Beach next door.

Evening (2-3 hours)

3. Haeundae Beach at night (or any beach)

Lit up colorful heart installation on ground surrounded by flowers - Haeundae Beach Busan Korea
View up it of large sand art at night in Busan

Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Busan.

You can watch street performers along the promenade leading up to the beach. There’s also light shows and street art lit up at night.

There’s lots of restaurants on the promenade and at Haeundae Market where you can grab dinner before you relax on the beach.

Day 3 of Busan Itinerary

Mid-Morning (2-3 hours)

1. Haeundae Beach

White sand beach in gray weather with red Haeundae Beach sign

Head back to Haeundae Beach to see the beach during the day before you head to the next locations nearby.

2. Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule

Two colorful capsules of the Haeundae Blueline Park sky train glide along elevated tracks surrounded by lush pine trees, with a calm sea visible in the distance under a clear blue sky in Busan, Korea

Cost: 7,000 won ($5.20 USD) each way.

Take the popular sky capsule ride starting from the Mipo Station at Blueline Park in Haeundae to Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.

The 30-minute ride provides panoramic views of the coastal landscapes.

It’s highly recommended to book in advance as tickets sell out each day. Check ticket availability here or book a Busan tour that includes tickets.

3. Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

View of Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory's extended metal walkway over rocky shores with calm blue sea in Busan, South Korea

Cost: free

Once there, explore Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, a 2.5-meter-long ocean observation skywalk, designed to resemble a blue dragon.

It extends over the ocean, so you’ll see breathtaking views of the East Sea and the surrounding coastal landscape and lighthouses.

Grab lunch in the area before heading to the next destination.

Afternoon (2-3 hours)

4. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Scenic view of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, nestled among rocky outcrops by the sea in Busan, South Korea, with waves crashing against the shore, top site for Busan Itinerary

Cost: free

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on a cliff, with big and beautiful views of the coast. You can explore the intricate architecture and statues, and enjoy panoramic views of the East Sea.

The temple complex also hosts traditional Buddhist ceremonies and festivals that you may be able to catch.

Evening (2-3 hours)

Head back to your hotel to relax or visit one of these locations for a night view:

  • Millak Waterside Park
  • Gwangalli Beach
  • Haeundae Beach Promenade
  • BIFF Square and Fashion Street

Day 4 of Busan Itinerary:

Choose between Oryukdo Skywalk or Taejongdae Resort Park (or both).

Mid-morning (2-5 hours)

1. Oryukdo Skywalk

Oryukdo Skywalk with visitors on a clear day, featuring wooden walkways leading to a rocky coastline in Busan, South Korea

Cost: free

The Oryukdo Skywalk in Busan is an observation deck with a 15-meter glass walkway.

The bridge is securely positioned over a cliff, and provides views of the East Sea and South Sea, as well as the uninhabited Oryukdo islets.

Optional nearby attractions: Igidae Park, Busan Museum, Peace Park.

2. Taejongdae Resort Park

White lighthouse and observatory deck atop rugged cliffs at Taejongdae Resort Park in Busan, South Korea, overlooking a clear blue sky

Cost: Free

Taejongdae Resort Park is a seaside park in Busan where you can walk along the scenic trails, explore the lighthouse, and visit the observatory deck.

You can also take a train to tour you around the park for 4,000 won ($3 USD).

There’s lots of natural landscapes to explore and you can spend hours here.

Eat at nearby restaurant or take a quick 10-minute bus ride back to Huinnyeoul Culture Village to eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.

Evening (2-3 hours)

Head back to your hotel to relax or visit one of these locations for a night view:

  • Millak Waterside Park
  • Gwangalli Beach
  • Haeundae Beach Promenade
  • BIFF Square and Fashion Street

Day 5 of Busan Itinerary:

Mid-morning (2-4 hours)

1. Seomyeon District

A small street in Seomyeon District in Busan with colorful shops and restaurants

Seomyeon District has been called the “Hongdae of Busan.” This area has lots of newer cafes, shopping spots, and restaurants.

There’s also the popular Jeonpo Cafe Street to grab breakfast or brunch.

If you’re looking to shop in Busan before you leave Busan, this would be a good area to do so.

Other things to do before you head back to the airport:

  • Shop for souvenirs
  • Eat at a seaside cafe or restaurant
  • Take a coastal walk
  • Visit a nearby beach

Group Tours to Explore Busan

If you want the ease of a planned-for-you and guided tour, consider joining a Busan tour for a day or two. They provide transportation and take you to to main attractions in Busan:

Enjoy your time in Busan!

More Busan Posts

13 Free Things to Do in Busan (Popular + Underrated Spots!)

Is Busan Safe? (Personal Experience as a Solo Female Traveler)

Uber in Korea: Where it Worked & Where it Didn’t (+ Costs)

5 Best Beaches in Busan (+ Events to Look Out For)

5 Things to do in Gwangalli Beach at Night

Don’t Miss This Free Busan Observatory Deck at Lotte Mall

The Must-Visit Huinnyeoul Culture Village by the Sea in Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan: Travel Tips & How to Get Here

Is Bosu Dong Book Street in Busan Worth Visiting? (History + Travel Tips)

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and encourages solo female travelers to take #yolo trips. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.