During our 10-day trip to South Korea in spring, we spend 2 days in Busan, a charming coastal city. I’ve heard from some people, that Busan is much more beautiful than Seoul. I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to discover the two cities: each of them having its own, unique charm.

After spending 2 days in Busan (or before that), you probably would love to see what Soul has to offer. If that’s the case, you might like to see my guide to spending 4 days in Seoul and the guide to renting a hanbok.

A quick guide to planning 2 days in Busan

With just two days in Busan, you can explore its most iconic sights, indulge in local delicacies, and experience the unique charm that makes this city so special. This itinerary will guide you through an unforgettable 48-hour adventure, balancing cultural exploration with scenic relaxation.

How to get to Busan from Seoul

Traveling from Seoul to Busan is straightforward and convenient, with multiple options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Train: The fastest and most popular method is the KTX (Korea Train Express), which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul Station to Busan Station. Trains run frequently throughout the day. For us it was an ideal choice, so if you value speed and comfort, I’d recommend this option and with only 2 days in Busan, taking a train is the best. You can book your train ticket through Klook– in my opinion, the most convenient way of booking pretty anything in South Korea.
Bus: it’s a more budget-friendly option. Intercity buses depart from major terminals like Seoul Express Bus Terminal and take approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. While slower, buses are often cheaper and still comfortable. You can also book it through Klook.
Flights: Alternatively, domestic flights between Seoul Gimpo Airport and Busan Gimhae Airport take just over an hour, but when factoring in check-in and transit time, it may not be significantly quicker than the KTX.
By car: Lastly, driving is also an option for those who prefer flexibility and scenic road trips, though toll fees and parking can add up. This is a good option if you have plenty time and want to make frequent stops in places that you wouldn’t normally visit. You can rent your car here.

Overall, the KTX remains the most efficient and convenient way to travel from Seoul to Busan for most people, especially if you don’t have that much time.

Where to stay in Busan

When visiting Busan for just two days, location is everything. The city is large and spread out, so choosing a base that minimizes travel time between major attractions can make a big difference. For this itinerary, the best areas to stay are Seomyeon, Nampo-dong, or Haeundae – each offering unique advantages.

Seomyeon is centrally located and well-connected by public transport. It’s an excellent hub for getting around the city quickly. It’s ideal if you want to experience both traditional markets and modern nightlife, with plenty of dining and shopping options at your doorstep. If you’re planning to enjoy evenings out, Seomyeon is the liveliest and most convenient choice.

Nampo-dong is a fantastic option if your focus is on the cultural and historic side of Busan. It’s close to Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, BIFF Square, and Yongdusan Park—all part of day one’s itinerary. Staying here allows you to walk to many of the day’s key attractions while immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant old-town atmosphere.

If your preference leans more toward beaches and coastal relaxation, Haeundae is the perfect seaside retreat. It’s ideal if you want to wake up near the water, and it places you right next to the attractions planned for day two, including Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and the Haeundae Blueline Park.

Ultimately, Seomyeon provides the most flexibility for a busy 2 days in Busan, especially if you’re arriving via KTX to Busan Station and want to easily access both eastern and western parts of the city.

You can look for hotels here:

2 days in Busan itinerary: top things to see and do

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant coastal destination known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and bustling food markets.

However, I must warn you that 2 days in Busan is not nearly enough to enjoy the city fully. Our trip was not long enough to fit more than that in the itinerary, but I would definitely recommend extending the stay in Busan if you can.

So, if you only have 2 days in Busan, these are the highlights I think are worth checking up.

Day 1: cultural gems and seaside charm

Your first day in Busan will be a mix of history, art, and seaside attractions, giving you a true taste of the city’s diversity.

Morning: Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi fish market

Start your journey at Gamcheon Culture Village, one of Busan’s most picturesque spots. Often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Korea,” this vibrant hillside neighborhood is filled with colorful houses, intricate murals, and narrow alleyways.

Strolling through the village, you’ll encounter unique art installations, quirky shops, and cozy cafés. Be sure to visit the famous Little Prince statue for an iconic photo with the cityscape in the background. It’s the most popular photo spot in Gamcheon and the waiting line was long. Obviously, we didn’t wait. Actually, I never wait in line to get a photo that everyone wants. I’d say, you can expect at least 30 minutes of waiting.

When in Gamcheon, don’t forget to collect your stamps. I didn’t have any notebook with me, but as I always have a handwritten trip plan on paper, I stamped the unique Gamcheon stamps on it.

As the name suggest, Gamcheon is a cultural village, which means you can get some amazing cultural experiences, like Korean art painting workshop, renting a hanbok for amazing photos or flipbook making class. You can also do something as fun as send yourself a snal mail, a postcard that will arrive a year later. You can find one located in Sky Maru Observatory.

We planned our day using public transportation only, which was a bit of an adventure. It’s not hard to move around by buses, but we needed to plan connections and count in waiting times. Gamcheon is located on a steep hill, so be prepared to that. If you want to save some time, I recommend joining a half-day trip with a guide.

Gamcheon is also a great place for cute cafes. I loved Coffee It House (where the below photo was taken) as it offers amazing views of the village, they have a pink-themed floor for photo shoots and a hanbok rental service.

After immersing yourself in Gamcheon’s artistic charm, head to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market. The market is a sensory experience- vendors calling out their fresh catches, tanks brimming with live seafood, and an endless variety of fish and shellfish displayed on ice.

If you’re feeling adventurous, order some freshly prepared seafood from one of the restaurants inside the market. Sannakji (live octopus) and hoe (Korean-style sashimi) are must-try dishes for seafood lovers. Well, for very adventurous seafood lovers. I didn’t dare.

Afternoon: Biff Square and Yongdusan park

From Jagalchi, make your way to BIFF Square, a lively area named after the Busan International Film Festival. This bustling street is famous for its street food, so grab a ssiat hotteok, a sweet Korean pancake filled with seeds and honey. Take some time to explore the handprints of famous film personalities embedded in the sidewalks, similar to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

A short walk from BIFF Square will take you to Yongdusan Park, home to Busan Tower. This tranquil park is a great place to relax and soak in panoramic views of the city. If you want a higher vantage point, consider taking the elevator up Busan Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Busan’s skyline and harbor.

Evening: Gwangalli beach and night views of Gwangan bridge

As the sun sets, head over to Gwangalli Beach, a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Known for its soft sand and lively atmosphere, the beach is lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it an ideal place for dinner. The highlight of the area is the stunning Gwangan Bridge, which lights up beautifully at night.

Find a beachfront café and enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail while admiring the dazzling night view. I promise, it makes a very romantic date night.

Day 2: temples, beaches, and scenic landscapes

Day two will take you to Busan’s natural wonders and spiritual landmarks, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa temple

Start your day early with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Korea’s most beautiful temples. Unlike most temples in Korea, which are located in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa is uniquely situated on a cliff overlooking the sea.

The temple’s serene atmosphere, coupled with the sound of crashing waves, creates a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. Take your time exploring the temple grounds, admiring the intricate Buddhist statues and the striking main hall. It’s a stop on many Busan tours if you want less hustle.

Late morning: Haeundae beach and Dongbaekseom island

From the temple, make your way to Haeundae Beach, Busan’s most famous beach. This wide sandy stretch is popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect spot to relax or take a dip in the ocean.

Nearby, explore Dongbaekseom Island, a scenic coastal walkway with lush greenery, rocky cliffs, and beautiful ocean views. Don’t miss the Nurimaru APEC House, a modern conference hall that hosted world leaders during the APEC summit and now serves as a cultural exhibition center.

Afternoon: Haeundae Blueline Park and Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

For a unique experience, hop on the Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsule or Beach Train. These scenic rail rides offer breathtaking views of the coastline, taking you from Haeundae to Cheongsapo. The Sky Capsule, in particular, is a fun and romantic way to enjoy the coastal scenery at a leisurely pace.

If you travel in spring, taking the Sky Capsule train will take through the tops of cherry trees in full bloom. What can be more romantic and beautiful than that? Unfortunately, during our 2 days in Busan, we run out

Once you arrive at Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, take a walk along this glass-bottomed structure extending over the sea. It’s a fantastic spot to admire the crashing waves below and the vast horizon ahead. The observatory is also a great place to capture memorable photos of Busan’s stunning coastal beauty.

Evening: Seomyeon district for shopping and nightlife

Conclude your Busan adventure in the Seomyeon District, the city’s vibrant shopping and nightlife hub. Seomyeon offers an exciting mix of trendy boutiques, underground shopping malls, and lively bars. A must-visit is Jeonpo Café Street, a transformed industrial area now filled with stylish cafés and artisan coffee shops.

For dinner, try Korean barbecue at one of the many restaurants in the area. The experience of grilling meat at your table, paired with flavorful side dishes and soju, is a perfect way to wrap up your trip. If you still have energy, explore Seomyeon’s nightlife, where you’ll find everything from cozy speakeasies to lively nightclubs.

Final thoughts- is it worth spending 2 days in Busan?

2 days in Busan may not be enough to see everything, but this itinerary covers the city’s highlights, from cultural landmarks to scenic coastlines and vibrant urban life.

Whether you’re wandering through Gamcheon’s colorful alleys, savoring fresh seafood at Jagalchi, relaxing on Haeundae Beach, or taking in breathtaking views from Gwangalli, Busan is an unforgettable blend of tradition and modernity. This dynamic city will leave you longing for another visit, ready to uncover even more hidden gems along its shores.

Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

See also:

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.