Busan, Korea 5 Day Itinerary

Busan, South Korea: 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Exploring Gwangalli Beach & Gamcheon Culture Village

  • Morning: Arrive at Busan Gimhae International Airport. Check-in at your accommodation (recommended: Hilton Busan or Bukseonsa Temple Stay, depending on preference).

    • Where to stay: Hilton Busan is a luxury hotel offering stunning views of the city and sea. Bukseonsa Temple Stay provides a unique cultural experience in a tranquil temple setting.

  • Afternoon: Head to Gwangalli Beach, one of Busan’s most famous attractions. Enjoy the sandy beach or take a stroll along the promenade. Don’t miss the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge lit up at night!

    • Where to eat: Try local seafood dishes like grilled mackerel (오징어) and squid (오짯옥) at Gwangalli Beach’s many street food stalls or nearby restaurants.

  • Late Afternoon: Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, a vibrant hillside neighborhood filled with colorful houses, murals, and art installations.

    • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the hilly village.

Day 2 - Jungang-dong & BIFF Square

  • Morning: Explore Jungang-dong, a bustling commercial district with traditional Korean architecture and modern shopping centers like Shinsegae Centum City, home to the world’s largest department store.

  • Afternoon: Visit BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival) in Seomyeon, where you can find street food vendors, movie theaters, and a unique Ferris wheel.

    • Where to eat: Try Busan’s famous “tteokbokki” (spicy rice cakes) at Tongdak Tteokbokki.

  • Evening: Relax at Nurimaru APEC House, a stunning modern building overlooking the sea that offers panoramic views of Busan and Haeundae Beach.

    • Tips: Check out the night market (가라오즈 마켓) in Haeundae for unique souvenirs and snacks.

Day 3 - Beomeosa Temple & Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

  • Morning: Take a trip to Beomeosa Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Busan, situated on Geumjeongsan Mountain. Enjoy the temple’s beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

    • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking to the temple.

  • Afternoon: Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a unique seafront temple with intricate carvings and beautiful ocean views.

    • Where to eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at nearby restaurants in the fishing village of Gamaksan-ri.

Day 4 - Jagalchi Fish Market & Jeongdongjin Rail Bike

  • Morning: Explore Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in Korea. Purchase fresh seafood and have it cooked to order at one of the many restaurants nearby.

  • Afternoon: Head to Jeongdongjin, a charming coastal town famous for its sunrise (if you prefer an early start) or rail bike experience along the old railway tracks.

    • Where to eat: Taste delicious seafood pancakes (해물파전) at local restaurants in Jeongdongjin.

  • Evening: Return to Busan and unwind at your accommodation, or explore the vibrant nightlife in Gwangalli Beach or Seomyeon.

    • Tips: Check out live music bars like “The House” in Seomyeon for an unforgettable night out.

Day 5 - Yeongdo Island & Departure

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Yeongdo Island and visit the Gwangan Bridge Observatory for breathtaking views of Busan’s skyline. Explore the island’s charming villages, beaches, and temples.

    • Where to eat: Enjoy seafood at local restaurants on Yeongdo Island before taking the ferry back to Busan.

  • Afternoon: Return to your accommodation, check out, and head to Busan Gimhae International Airport for your departure.

    • Tips: Allow plenty of time for travel to the airport, as traffic can be heavy.