A Quick Guide to Busan

Busan is Korea's relaxed coastal counterpoint to Seoul: beaches, fresh seafood, mountains, and a slower pace. It's an easy addition to almost any trip.

Getting there

The KTX high-speed train connects Seoul and Busan. The fastest trains take about 2 hours 15 minutes; ones with more stops can take up to around 3 hours. Book an assigned-seat ticket, then board the specified train and seat. KTX is not entered by tapping a transit card at a subway-style gate.

What Busan is known for

• Beaches — Haeundae and Gwangalli are the famous two.
• Seafood — bustling markets and coastal restaurants.
• Views — colorful hillside villages and seaside walking paths.

Getting around

Busan has its own subway, and your T-money card works here too. Buses fill in the gaps, and taxis are affordable.

A simple plan

Spend a morning at the beach, a market lunch, an afternoon exploring a hillside village, and dinner by the water. Two days is enough for a first taste; longer if you love the coast.

Payment and food

Card acceptance is similar to the rest of Korea — fine at chains, cash-friendly at small seafood stalls. See our payment guide before you go.