All About Exploring Busan Independently

Busan stands out as one of the hottest destinations when visiting the Land of Kimchi. It not only boasts breathtaking scenery but also offers incredibly enticing activities for global travelers. If you're planning a trip to Busan, don't miss out on this article!

Ideal Timing for a Busan Trip

Busan, the largest port city in South Korea, is significantly influenced by its coastal location. The city experiences an average temperature ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius. Each season brings a unique charm to Busan, inviting exploration.

• Spring (April - May): High humidity, perfect for participating in cherry blossom festivals.
• Summer (June - August): Beautiful weather, ideal for beach activities, sunbathing, or water sports.
• Fall (September - November): Busan is splendid during this time, with sunny yet cool weather, and the city adorned in yellow and red hues of autumn leaves.
• Winter (December - March): Dry and cold weather with snow, suitable for snow-related activities.

The best time to visit the coastal city is in summer

Based on my travel experience in Busan, the summer months are the most suitable time to visit this coastal city. Clear blue skies, white clouds, and expansive beaches will undoubtedly offer you the most vibrant and exciting Busan experience.

What to prepare for a trip to Busan?

For your self-guided trip to Busan to be truly seamless, meticulous preparation is key! Make sure not to forget any essentials during the preparation phase.

Essential Documents

When traveling abroad, documents are indispensable. Ensure you have all the necessary documents listed below for smooth immigration procedures.

Passport

A passport is a crucial document for international travel. Note that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months for you to travel abroad. If you are traveling with children, don't forget the birth certificate to verify their relationship when dealing with immigration authorities.

Vietnamese Passport

Visa

A tourist visa for South Korea is essential for entering the country. The short-term visa issued for tourists is the C-3-9 visa, allowing a stay of 15 - 30 days. Remember to apply for your visa early to avoid any impact on your trip, as the process can take up to 12 days.

South Korea Tourist Visa

Personal Items

Depending on the season of your visit, choose appropriate clothing. However, whether it's summer or winter, evenings can be quite chilly, so don't forget to pack a jacket. Additionally, I recommend everyone to bring sneakers for easy movement and participation in various recreational activities. If you plan to visit the beach, don't forget a pair of beach sandals.

Prepare suitable clothing for the weather in Busan

Flight Tickets

Currently, there are direct flights from Vietnam to Busan with prices ranging from 7 to 10 million for a round-trip ticket. When booking, make sure to choose flights to Gimhae International Airport, identified as PUS.

Flight tickets to Busan, South Korea

Book Accommodation

Busan offers a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Depending on your purpose, preferences, and budget, choose accommodation that suits you. Here are some hotel recommendations based on my experiences in Busan.

Seomyeon District

This central area in Busan ensures you won't have to worry about any amenities. Choosing a hotel here provides convenient access to everything you need while exploring Busan.

Seomyeon District is located in the center of Busan

• Advantages: Central location near many famous attractions, diverse dining options.
• Disadvantages: Slightly higher prices, can be noisy at night.
• Price Range: 20000₩ - 40000₩ per person per night.
• Some Hotel Suggestions: Sangsang Stay Busan, Kyungsung Hotel, Arban Hotel,...

Haeundae District

Located near the most beautiful beach in Busan, you can both enjoy the beach and easily find charming cafes for check-ins as well as quality seaside restaurants.

Hotels in the Haeundae area are convenient for those looking to enjoy the beach

• Advantages: Proximity to the beach, convenient for beach activities.
• Disadvantages: Relatively high prices.
• Price Range: 50000₩ - 62000₩ per person per night.
• Some Hotel Suggestions: Mipo Oceanside Hotel, Youngmu Parade Hotel, Marine Residence Hotel,...

Gwangan District

A district quite close to the beach but less crowded than Haeundae, suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment.

Gwangan District is also situated near the beach

• Advantages: Located between the city and the beach, making it easy to move between attractions.
• Disadvantages: Relatively high prices.
• Price Range: 35000₩ - 55000₩ per person per night.
• Some Hotel Suggestions: Pale De CZ Condo Hotel, Illua Hotel, MS Hotel Haeundae,...

Nampo District

This place is undoubtedly suitable for those who love shopping, as Nampo gathers many small and large fashion stores. It is also close to many large markets for you to enjoy a variety of dining options.

Nampo, located in the bustling city center

• Advantages: Central location with affordable prices.
• Disadvantages: Few luxury hotels.
• Price Range: 20000₩ - 30000₩ per person per night.
• Some Hotel Suggestions: Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse, Foret Premier Nampo Hotel, Samwonjang Motel, Staywell Hotel,...

Transportation in Busan

Public transportation in South Korea is highly developed, so you won't have to worry about moving between attractions in Busan.

Subway

Subway is a common means of transportation in Busan. Fortunately, for your Busan trip, most famous attractions are easily accessible by subway. Just familiarize yourself with the map, understand the subway lines, and you can explore all around Busan.

Busan Subway

If you want to save costs, you can purchase an unlimited subway card for all lines within a day for 5000₩, available at all automated ticket machines inside the subway stations throughout the city.

Bus

Buses remain the primary public transportation in South Korea. Operating from 4:30 AM until 1:30 AM, you won't have to worry about being out late. With buses arriving every 10 - 15 minutes, it's extremely convenient for those looking to save costs, as bus rides only cost around 3000₩ per day.

Cost-effective bus transportation

Taxi

If you dislike waiting, you can take a taxi, though the price difference can be significant. In Busan, there are two main types of taxis that many people choose: regular taxis and deluxe taxis.

• Regular Taxi (gray): 2200₩ for the first 2km.
• Deluxe Taxi (black): 4500₩ for the first 3km.

Taxis in Busan

Must-visit places in Busan

When traveling to Busan, you surely must visit some of the famous South Korean tourist spots here. Let me introduce you to some incredibly beautiful places to explore in Busan.

Gamcheon Cultural Village

• Address: 200 Gamnae 1-ro, Saha-gu, Busan.
• Opening hours: 9:00 - 18:00.
• Free admission.

This place was once an old village on the hill with deteriorating houses. In 2009, artists revitalized this village with vibrant and artistic colors. The mural village has gained popularity for its uniqueness and has become a favorite Instagrammable spot for many young travelers visiting Busan.

Enchanting mural village in Busan

Haeundae Beach

• Address: 1015 Haeundae, Jung 1-dong, Busan.
• Opening hours: 24/7.
• Free admission.

Having visited Busan, the largest port city in South Korea, without experiencing the beach is truly a missed opportunity. Haeundae is the most renowned beach in Busan, always bustling with tourists. The scenic coastline, featuring blue seas, white sands, and an expansive horizon, creates a breathtaking view. Haeundae is also frequently chosen as the venue for the annual sand sculpture festival held in May.

The most beautiful beach in Busan

SEALIFE Busan Aquarium

• Address: 266 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan.
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 19:00.
• Ticket prices:

Busan Aquarium is located near Haeundae Beach. It showcases over 250 marine species with more than 10,000 specimens related to the ocean. The aquarium also features an 80m tunnel for an immersive experience with marine life, separated only by a thick, transparent, pressure-resistant glass.

Unique aquarium experience in Busan

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

• Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan.
• Opening hours: 5:00 - 20:00.
• Free admission.

Sacred temple ideal for witnessing sunrise

A uniquely designed temple with 108 stone steps leading to the sea. This temple offers a spacious and serene environment. The best time is to visit for sunrise or admire the romantic sunset. If you come in April, you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere along with blooming cherry blossom trees, painting the surroundings in vibrant pink.

Busan Tower

• Address: 37-30 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan.
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00.
• Ticket price:

With a height exceeding 118m, this is the ideal spot for you to enjoy panoramic views of Busan. The tower is also located in the middle of Yongdusan Park, so you can visit the park for a stroll and take photos, the incredibly romantic atmosphere will surely delight even the most discerning travelers.

Busan Tower, an iconic symbol of the city

Jagalchi Seafood Market

• Address: 52 Jagalchi Haean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan.
• Opening Hours: 5:00 - 22:00.
• Free Admission.

When in Busan, take the time to visit this top seafood market in South Korea. Although specializing in seafood, this market is always clean, and you won't be bothered by the pungent smell of shrimp and fish when you come here.

Extremely large and diverse seafood market

The first floor specializes in various types of fresh seafood, while the second floor mainly sells dried goods, and there is a dining area for visitors who want to enjoy a meal at the market. Here, make sure to try two specialties: octopus and king crab, both of which are incredibly enticing no matter how they are prepared.

What to Eat in Busan?

Korean cuisine, in general, and Busan's culinary scene, in particular, are incredibly diverse and rich. When traveling to Busan, make sure to try these dishes to make your trip even more exciting and complete.

• Fresh Seafood: When visiting the seaside city of Busan, indulging in fresh seafood is a must. Head to large markets like Jagalchi Market, where spending around 100,000₩ will get you a satisfying meal.
• Haemultang: Renowned for its high-quality seafood, the spicy seafood soup in Busan is famous for its unique flavor. The sweet taste of fresh seafood blends with a hint of spicy chili, creating a distinctive and delicious dish. To try this dish, visit Gukje Market, where almost every stall serves excellent Haemultang.
• Fish Cakes: Busan is famous for having the best fish cakes in South Korea. If you get the chance, don't forget to try the spicy fish cakes sold at the smoke-filled food carts along the streets.
• Cold Noodles: This Korean dish will refresh you after your time exploring Busan. If you prefer cold mixed noodles, try Junhajudong Milmyeon.
• Pork Soup Dwaeji Gukbap: A sweet and savory pork soup with rice offers a unique culinary experience. One recommended dwaeji gukbap place is the Twin Pork Soup in Namgu.

The spiciest seafood soup that you must try in Busan

Suggested Itinerary for a 3-day 2-night Trip to Busan

If you're still unsure about where to go and what to do in Busan, try considering my 3-day 2-night itinerary to independently explore and find the perfect schedule for your visit to this second-largest city in South Korea.

Day 1: Travel from Hanoi to Busan, visit Busan Tower, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

I flew from Hanoi to Busan, which took about 6 hours. In my opinion, it's advisable to book an early flight to make the most of your time exploring various attractions. From Gimhae International Airport to downtown Busan, it's approximately 30km. Taking the train will take about 1 hour to reach the hotel I booked in advance.

Witness the Sunset at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

After settling in, I'll explore Busan Tower, enjoying the panoramic view of the city from the tower's top. Then, take a bus to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Based on my Busan travel experience, I recommend staying until late afternoon when the night falls. The scenery becomes truly romantic, and you only need to stand on the stone steps overlooking the sea to capture a beautiful moment.

Day 2: Haeundae Beach - SEALIFE Busan Aquarium - Jagalchi Fish Market

On the second day, I headed to the beautiful Haeundae Beach for a swim. Even if you can't swim, just sunbathing on the white sandy beach provides a delightful experience. Walk a bit further to find a quieter spot, and the photoshoot with the blue sea will undoubtedly be stunning.

Experience Exciting Activities at Haeundae Beach

I'll also visit SEALIFE Busan Aquarium for a quick 2-hour exploration. If you plan to check it out, you can easily fit it into your schedule.

By the end of the day, I'll swing by Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in Busan. Here, I tried grilled octopus and the spicy seafood soup, haemultang, at a restaurant in the market for 50,000₩.

Day 3: Explore Gamcheon Culture Village

On the last morning in Busan, I reserved time to visit the charming mural village. The vibrantly painted walls adorned with unique artwork will undoubtedly serve as the perfect backdrop for your Instagram-worthy photos. Look for the Little Prince and the Fox Statue or head to Little Planet Café for a panoramic view of this beautiful cultural village.

In the afternoon, check out of the hotel and head to the airport for the return flight to Hanoi.

Check-in at Gamcheon Culture Village

The expenses for my 3-day, 2-night self-guided Busan trip include:

• Round-trip flight: Hanoi - Busan with Vietjet Air: 7.5 million VND.
• Visa processing fee: I applied for a 5-year visa with a total cost of 2.3 million VND.
• Hotel booking: Reserved a room at Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse, conveniently located in the city center, offering budget-friendly prices at only 50,000 KRW for 2 nights: approximately 900,000 VND.
• Local transportation: Getting around by subway and bus cost only 10,000 KRW: around 200,000 VND.
• Food expenses: Indulged in various seafood dishes in Busan, spending 90,000 KRW: about 1.6 million VND.
• Entrance fees to tourist attractions: 42,000 KRW: approximately 750,000 VND.

So, how much does a self-guided trip to Busan cost? Based on my experienced itinerary, the total expenses per person for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Busan amount to approximately 13.3 million VND. Therefore, if you want to enjoy your trip comfortably, it's advisable to prepare around 15 million VND for this journey.

Tips for self-guided travel in Busan

To ensure a smooth travel experience, consider the following tips for your itinerary:

• In Korea, the time is two hours ahead of Vietnam. Remember to adjust your phone's clock to avoid missing your flight.
• When booking a hotel, choose the Nampo area, centrally located and reasonably priced. However, many places may not provide amenities such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, so bring your own set when traveling.
• Plan your trip to Busan in June - October for the city's most beautiful scenery.
• Exchange currency before arriving in Korea for a better exchange rate.
• Always keep the phone number of the Vietnamese Embassy handy in case of unforeseen circumstances. The address of the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea is 123 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul; phone +82-2-7205124.

I've shared with everyone based on my experiences traveling in Korea. I hope this information can make your trip more enjoyable. If you're interested in exploring the diverse attractions of the Land of Kimchi at affordable prices, check out Mytour's Korea tour! Wishing you a safe and joyful journey.

Author: Tuntun

Image source: Internet