2 Day Busan Itinerary For First Timers (+Interactive Map)

So you’re headed to the vibrant coastal city of Busan?! If you’re a first-time visitor eager to make the most of your short time in this dynamic destination, you’re in the right place. I’ve crafted the perfect 2 day Busan itinerary that will take you on a journey through Busan’s top attractions, must-visit neighborhoods, and hidden gems.

I first visited Busan on a trip to South Korea and Japan and it was one of my favorite cities of the trip! I think it is such an underrated destination so if you’re on the fence, this is your sign to book your ticket – you won’t regret it!

There is just so much to do and see here – from stunning beaches and a fantastic shopping scene to epic markets and scenic temples.

With so much to see and so little time, careful planning is essential. Below is my perfect 2 days in Busan itinerary that will give you a taste of the best sights!

2 Day Busan Itinerary: Day 1

Get ready for a jam-packed first day in Busan!

Make sure to wear comfy shoes!

📍 Gamcheon Culture Village

Kickstart your day with one of my favorite spots in Busan!

Starting from Seomyeon, hop on the Busan Metro Line 1 at Seomyeon Station, headed for Toseong Station.

Take exit 6, clearly marked for Gamcheon Culture Village, and turn right onto the main road. 

Follow the road uphill, passing Busan University Hospital, until you spot the first bus stop—a spot usually busy with other tourists. Numerous buses depart from here, but to head to Gamcheon Culture Village hop on Bus 2, Bus 2-2, or Bus 1-1.

Don’t forget your trusty T Money Card, you cannot pay cash on the bus!

When you arrive take loads of photos from various viewpoints, wander through the alleys, and seek out stunning quirky murals that paint the village. 

The best plan for exploring Gamcheon is no plan!

📍 Jagalachi Fish Markets

After a few hours at Gamcheon, catch Bus 1-1 back to Toseong Station. Board Busan Metro Line 1 from Toseong Station to Jagalachi Station.

When you arrive, soak in the bustling atmosphere, savoring the freshest seafood from sashimi to grilled fish. Don’t pass up the chance to try the market’s renowned hoe (raw fish). This is the perfect spot to grab some lunch!

Make it a point to explore both the indoor and outdoor sections of this expansive market. And remember the indoor markets are closed on Tuesdays!

📍 BIFF Square and Busan Tower

From Jagalachi Fish Market, take a short walk to BIFF Square, a hub for shopping and entertainment. Window shop, absorb the lively atmosphere, and delve into the film-themed attractions that characterize the square.

If you aren’t a fan of seafood, you can grab a bite to eat here, I recommend Egg Drop for a flavor-packed egg sandwich!

Next, head towards Busan Tower, a short walk from BIFF Square.

The views are absolutely worth it. See the colorful cultural villages, the ocean, and the uniform apartment buildings from a bird’s eye view.

📍 Lotte Department Store or Seomyeon Shopping!

To finish off the first day of this 2 day Busan itinerary, you’ve got 2 options – both involving shopping!

Cause what trip is complete without a little window shopping?

Option 1: Lotte Department Store

Indulge in a retail therapy extravaganza at the Lotte Department Store, where you’ll find fashion, cosmetics, gourmet delicacies, and more.

Lose yourself in the endless aisles of luxury brands and trendy boutiques, and don’t forget to grab dinner at one of the many restaurants within the store.

Option 2: Shop and Dine in Seomyeon

My personal pick as I love Seomyeon.

Wander around the streets lined with shops, boutiques, and markets catering to every style and budget.

After an afternoon of shopping, unwind with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants. Korean BBQ perhaps?

⭐ Love my travel guides and itineraries? I’m here to design a custom itinerary tailored to your travel dreams! Fill out the contact form below, and let’s plan your dream trip! ⭐

2 Day Busan Itinerary: Day 2

Day 2 of your Busan adventure brings a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty as you explore Haeundae Beach and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. 

Here’s how to make the most of your day.

📍 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a unique coastal temple perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. 

The temple is a little further out from Seomyeon but you have a few options to get here.

The first option is to jump in a 20-minute taxi for a quick and easy ride.

The second option is public transport which will take a little over an hour. I recommend catching Line 2 from Seomyeon Station to Haeunde Beach and then catching Bus 1001 from Haeunde Beach to Dongbusan Tourist Complex. From there it’s about a 10-minute walk to the temple.

When you arrive, explore the temple’s beautiful architecture, visit the pagoda, and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean.

Don’t forget to make a wish at the Wishing Pond.

📍 Haeundae Beach

Hop back on Bus 1001 to head back to Haeunde Beach, it’s time to relax and soak in some vitamin D!

Spend some time lying in the sun, swimming, and exploring the beachfront cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Grab some lunch and rest your feet.

📍 Haeunde Blueline Skypark

Walk around 15 minutes to Haunde Blueline Skypark for a fun little adventure!

The Sky Capsule is a cute way to see the views of the Haeunde Coast as you travel from Haeundae Blueline Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station.

📍 Gwangalli Beach

The final stop on our 2 day Busan itinerary is Gwangalli Beach in the evening.

When the sun sets, the Gwangan Bridge lights up, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable last evening in Busan.

Grab some dinner with a view of the beach at Clam Gwangalli for a Spanish feast or Sol Tap House for a beer and pizza.

2 Days in Busan Interactive Map

Bookmark the below map of this 2 day Busan itinerary so you can pull it out on the go!

Is 2 days in Busan enough?

While spending 2 days here allows you to cover many of the city’s highlights (especially with my ultimate 2 day Busan itinerary!), it may not be quite enough to explore every corner.

However, with careful planning and prioritization of attractions, you can still enjoy a fulfilling visit to Busan within this timeframe.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on its beautiful beaches, eating your way through the markets, or visiting the stunning temples, 2 days in Busan can offer a taste of what the city has to offer, leaving you eager to return for more adventures in the future.

Where to stay in Busan

Deciding between Haeundae and Seomyeon in Busan posed quite a dilemma.

In the end, I opted for Seomyeon because of its central location and convenient access to both Lines 1 & 2 on the metro.

If you’re all about packed itineraries like I am, Seomyeon is the way to go.

To my surprise, the city truly exceeded my expectations with its abundance of trendy spots, restaurants, and shops scattered throughout. Staying here turned out to be a fantastic choice!

However, if leisurely beach strolls or sunset cocktails are more your speed, Haeundae might be the better fit.

Top 3 Recommended Stays in Busan

• ⭐ Shire Hotel Seomyeon (Where I stayed): The perfect affordable hotel near the metro
• Lotte Hotel Busan: The best luxury hotel in Seomyeon
• Felix by STX Hotel & Suite Haeunde: Mid-range hotel near Haeunde beach with all the amenities

How To Get To Busan

Getting to Busan is super easy, with multiple options.

1. By Air: Gimhae International Airport (PUS) serves domestic and international flights. Airport limousine buses, taxis, and the Gimhae Light Rail Transit (GLRT) provide easy access to downtown Busan.
2. By Train: Take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Mugunghwa and Saemaeul trains offer slower but more economical options. Busan Station is centrally located for onward travel.
3. By Bus: Inter-city buses operated by companies like KOBUS offer comfortable and affordable transport from cities across South Korea.
4. By Car: If you prefer complete flexibility you can rent a car and drive to Busan via well-connected national highways like the Gyeongbu Expressway (Route 1) or the Yeongdong Expressway (Route 50). Parking facilities are available throughout the city.

Want to explore more of South Korea? Check out my 10 day South Korea itinerary!

How To Get Around For Your 2 Days in Busan

We’ve briefly touched on how you’re going to get around on this 2 day Busan itinerary but I wanted to dive a little deeper so you can have a smooth, hiccup-free experience.

Riding the Busan Metro

Navigating Busan’s Metro system is both convenient and easy to navigate. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you!

With well-connected subway lines covering major attractions and neighborhoods, you can easily hop on and off to reach your desired destinations.

And all the signs are available in both Korean and English so you can ditch Google Translate!

I recommend purchasing a T-money card for a more seamless and cost-effective journey. Purchase yours from a convenience store or pre-purchase it and pick it up at the airport.

Taking a Taxi in Busan

For a more flexible and direct mode of getting around consider taking a taxi in Busan. I suggest downloading Kakao Taxi App, I found this the easiest way to grab a taxi.

There aren’t any Ubers in South Korea, instead, Kakao is the way to go. And I found the prices to be quite cheap!

So if you have an early morning flight to catch or are really tight on time trying to squeeze in loads of attractions, don’t be afraid to jump in a taxi.

Renting a Car

If you prefer the freedom to explore Busan and its surrounding areas at your own pace, you might be considering renting a car.

➡️ Rent your car on DiscoverCars

With well-maintained roads and highways, navigating Busan by car is relatively easy, allowing you to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.

Although… Busan is notorious for haveing some pretty aggressive drivers, plus as it is a city of 3.5 million so expect some traffic. I would only recommend renting a car if you are a very confident driver or are planning to head out of the city on day trips.

For 2 days in Busan, sticking to a combination of taxis and public transport will be your best bet.

FAQ’s: 2 Days in Busan

Moving onto some commonly asked questions about spending 2 days in Busan!

As always if you have more questions, feel free to pop them in the comments below.

Is Busan or Jeju better?

Well, that depends on your preferences!

Busan offers a vibrant city atmosphere with stunning beaches, bustling markets, and rich cultural experiences.

On the other hand, Jeju Island is home to breathtaking natural beauty, including picturesque landscapes, volcanic craters, and pristine beaches.

I’d go for Busan if you’re after loads of activities with a balance of both city and beach. Or if you’re after a peaceful retreat that is all about getting out in nature, Jeju Island won’t disappoint.

Which is more beautiful Seoul or Busan?

Seoul and Busan are actually quite different!

Seoul, South Korea’s capital, is known for its modern skyscrapers, ancient palaces, and bustling street markets.

While Busan has a wonderful balance of scenic beaches, lush mountains, and cityscape.

Whether you prefer the dynamic energy of Seoul or the coastal charm of Busan, you’re sure to find beauty in both cities.

How many days should you spend in Busan?

Ideally, you should spend at least 3-5 days to fully explore its top attractions – trust me Busan is worth it!

This allows you enough time to visit iconic landmarks such as Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jagalachi Fish Markets, as well as indulge in delicious local cuisine and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Of course, if you have more time to spare, there is so much more to see. Trust me you won’t get bored here!

Check out my 5 days in Busan itinerary!

Which month is best for Busan?

Busan is beautiful year-round! Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are popular choices, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Summer (July to August) is the peak tourist season, with hot and humid weather perfect for beachgoers.

Busan in Winter (December to February) brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for enjoying winter festivals and cozying up with hot drinks.

The Wrap-Up: 2 Day Busan Itinerary

For first-timers keen to make the most of their short stay, I hope this 2-day Busan itinerary will provide you with unforgettable taste of this standout destination.

From stunning beaches to great street-eats and scenic temples, Busan truly has something for everyone.

Happy trip planning!

Keep reading about South Korea travel!

Is Busan Worth Visiting: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Busan
Seoul or Busan: Which City Should You Visit?
Seoul or Tokyo: Which City Should You Visit?
Busan 5 Day Itinerary: South Korea for First Timers
Day Trip From Seoul to Busan – 1 Day Itinerary
Is South Korea Safe For Female Travellers? A Complete Travel Guide
The Ultimate South Korea Itinerary 10 Days!
How Many Days in Busan Do You Need? The Perfect 4 Day in Busan Itinerary
16 Best Things to Do in Busan in Winter 2024 (+ Interactive Map!)