Seoul Done? Busan's Calling: Unveiling South Korea's Coastal Charms

For lovers of K-pop and K-drama (and anything K- in general), Seoul is definitely a must-visit for hardcore fans of Korean pop culture, culture culture, and its food. However, once you’ve made your rounds of Seoul for the umpteenth time and feel like it’s time to try something new, may we recommend attractions in Busan in your endeavor to enrich your South Korean experience?

Perhaps first made famous beyond the K-pop world via the film Train To Busan, this coastal city is, indeed, a relatively quick bullet-train-ride away and offers an abundance of fun activities to do and interesting places to visit. Read on for our recommendations of what to do in Busan, where to eat and, of course, how to get there in the first place. 

How To Travel To Busan From Seoul

There are a few ways to get to Busan from South Korea’s capital city of Seoul. From getting on the bus, to taking the train, to taking a flight, there are a few good options that will fit any budget as well as what kind of travel experience you’re looking to have. 

By flight

Taking a flight from Incheon International Airport to the west of Seoul to Gimhae International Airport in Busan, the airplane ride is generally only an hour. However, when you take into account the time it takes to travel to Incheon from Seoul city centre - or from Gimhae to the city - the travelling time adds up. Don’t forget, you’re also required to check in around one to two hours before your flight so this option is probably best for someone who loves exploring Incheon airport or just loves flying and collecting frequent flyer miles. 

By bus

Meanwhile, taking the bus is another option for travellers, especially those on a budget. A bus ticket is about half the price of a train or airplane ticket, starting at around KRW25,000 (around SGD23). The trip will take about 5 hours but it doesn’t necessarily have to be an uncomfortable ride as you do have the option of booking a Business Class ticket (Excellent Bus) or First Class ticket (Premium Bus) at prices that start around KRW40,000 (SGD37 approximately). Perfect for leaning back while you enjoy the scenery as your bus meanders through the countryside. 

By train

Another option is, of course, taking the train to Busan. Part of the KTX (Korean Train eXpress) range of trains, South Korea’s bullet train will get you from Seoul to Busan in as fast as 2 hours 15 minutes - giving you more time to explore and find out what to do in Busan, especially if you don’t have that much time to spend here during your travels. Do note that there is another service, the KTX-Sancheon line that brings travelers from Seoul to Gwangju, Mokpo, Yeosu and Gangneung. This service also has a line that goes from Seoul to Busan, but has stops in Suwon, Daejon and Daegu, so be sure not to confuse it with the KTX bullet train service that goes non-stop from Seoul to Busan.

How To Travel From Busan To Seoul

Similar to how you get from Seoul to Busan, you may travel back to Seoul via train, bus or airplane. To get the bullet train, book your tickets online and get on at Busan Station. If you prefer the cheaper bus, there are a few bus stations you can go from, including the Busan Central Bus Terminal (also known as the Dongbu General Bus Terminal) and the Busan Seobu Bus Terminal. From there, you will arrive at Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal. If you prefer flying, depart from Gimhae International Airport in Busan and fly to either Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport.

How Much Is The Bullet Train From Seoul To Busan

To book your tickets on the KTX bullet train from Seoul to Busan, the best way is to book online. You can book up to one year in advance, allowing plenty of time to start planning on what to do in Busan. A ticket on the bullet train typically costs about USD79 (about SGD100). In case you did not manage to book online or decided to go to Busan on a whim, you may walk-in at Seoul Central Station but there is always the risk of not getting tickets at the time you want. 

What To Do In Busan and How Many Days Should You Spend There

If Seoul is all about the height of modernity amidst its rich history and heritage, the main focus of Busan would definitely be the beautiful nature that South Korea has to offer. From white sandy beaches to forest hikes that take you to fortress ruins and epic sea cliff views, Busan affords a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Of course, the longer you can spend in any location, the better. However, if you only have a few days to get to know Busan, the recommended amount of time is at least three days. Within that time, these activities and attractions are just a few worth checking out during your time there:-

1. Haeundae Beach

Enjoy the beautiful beach scenery and cool, lapping waters not far from the city of Busan. In fact, you can still enjoy the Busan city skyline right from the beach.

2. Oryukdo Skywalk

Get even closer to the beach from up above here, where you may traverse the glass-bottom bridge over the part of the Busan Sea where the East Sea meets the South Sea.

3. Jagalchi Fish Market

Enjoy delicious seafood prepared your favourite way at South Korea’s largest seafood market, following a stroll through the market, observing the daily hustle of the seafood vendors.

4. Haeundae Blueline Park

Take the Beach Train for a scenic 4.8km ride along the coastline from Mipo to Songjeong. You may also take the Sky Capsule ride which goes on for 2km if you have less time to spare.

5. Geumjeongsan Fortress Hike

Hike from Beomosa Temple to Geumjeong Fortress - a 45-minute hike of about 3km up to the North Gate of Mount Geumjongsan. Be warned, though, that the trail can be a bit challenging.

6. Gukje and Bupyeong Night Markets

Enjoy Korean street food at these night markets while scouting for cheap souvenirs and the latest and trendiest K-fashion items.

7. Lotte World Adventure Busan

If you have an extra day and theme parks are your thing, definitely give Lotte World a go and tick it off your bucket list!