Mark Ford, Founder of Plus1 Travel
It’s great to have you here searching for Busan travel tips. The city of Busan sits on the Korean Peninsula’s south-eastern coastline, just a short flight from Asian capitals like Beijing and Tokyo, and a two-and-a-half hour bullet train ride from Seoul. South Korea’s largest port and second-largest city spreads out along the jagged coastline of the Yeongnam Region, and rises into a sea of mountains beyond. From the shellfish which drew Paleolithic gatherers to its rugged shores, to the never-ending offerings of Jagalchi Fish Market, …from the Joseon ships of old, to the dockyards which helped drive South Korea’s economic miracle, Busan has forever been linked to the ocean. As the world races further into the 21st century, Busan continues to evolve, into a haven where hard-working Koreans can let their hair down, reflect on the past, and peer into the future. While the bustling port underpins Busan’s economic vitality, it’s the city’s beaches which increasingly draw travellers from all over Asia. Just a 40-minute subway ride from Busan Station is the city’s star attraction, Haeundae Beach, South Korea’s biggest and best-loved beachside hangout. Follow the long sweep of sands eastward to Dalmaji Hill, an outlook adored by the wandering poets of yesteryear and the coffee lovers of today.
Busan is served by Gimhae International Airport located 22 kilometers from the city center. When searching for Busan travel tips and how to get from the airport to Busan, there are a couple of ways that will get you there conveniently. Let’s have a closer look at the different options, with prices and how long they take.
Subway
Flights to Busan
There are subway lines connecting the airport to Busan city center. Depending on where you are going, there are various routes to Busan. Take the Gonghand (Airport) station and take the BGL (Busan-Gimhae light rail transit) toward Sasang Station. At Sasang Station transfer to Subway line 2 (Green line) to Seomyeon Station. Subway line 2 (Green line) goes to Haeundae (beach) and Gwangan (Gwangalli beach) stations towards Jangsan. If you’re going to Busan Station or Nampo-dong area then transfer at Seomyeon Station to Subway line 1 (RED) towards Dadaepo Beach. Tickets cost ₩3,700 – ₩8,000 (around $3-$6) and the ride takes around 40 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are the most convenient way of getting from the airport to Busan, but it’s more expensive. It will get you into the city in around 20 minutes for the price of ₩24,000 – ₩30,000 ($19-$25). Depending on where you are going, Busan is a big city and it can get a lot more expensive than that.
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea with over 3,5 million people living there. When searching for Busan travel tips and how to get around Busan, there are a number of transportation options that will get you around the city. Let’s have a closer look at those in this simple guide.
Busan
Tickets
Busan has a transportation card called Cashbee, and if you’ve been in Seoul you can also use your T-money card. Getting a Cashbee makes it more convenient to travel via public transport, simply get one and top it up with as much money as you want and use it on metro and buses.
Metro
The most convenient way of getting around Busan is by using the extensive metro system. With the four metro lines you’ll have access to all the major tourist attractions and a single ticket cost ₩5000. Metro lines offer announcements at every station in English.
Buses
Busan has an extensive bus network and if you want to travel outside the city and explore along the coast this is a great option. Use the Cashbee card you’re good to go to. Inside the bus there are announcements in English. There’s also the Busan City Tour bus that will get you around to the most visited tourist attractions for around $9.
Taxi
Regular taxis are in grey color, and the black taxis with a yellow sign are deluxe taxis that have free phone service. The basic fare per 2 kilometers is ₩3,300. Insist on using the meter and take another taxi if the driver refuses to avoid being overcharged.
Busan is a dynamic and sprawling city that offers a great deal of history, beautiful beaches, thriving nightlife and exciting food. When searching for Busan travel tips and the best places to stay, it’s not always easy to know where to stay in such a large city. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide on the three best neighborhoods to stay in Busan. Let’s have a look.
Nampo is a busy neighborhood located in the center of Busan. Here you’ll get to experience its neon light, magnificent restaurants and the famous street food scene in the city. If you’re looking to stay central and want to have access to culture, history, restaurants and live in the midst of it all, this is a great place to stay.
Haeundae
Recommended Hotel: Stanford Inn Busan
Haeundae is located on the northeastern edge of the city. This is the entertainment district of Busan, with plenty of exciting nightclubs, incredible restaurants and nice pubs. Haeundae is beautifully located near the sea side and it’s a great place to visit local city markets, street boutiques and high quality shops during the day.
Recommended Hotel: Ark Blue Hotel Busan
Seomyeon is one of the coolest places to stay in Busan. It’s a vibrant area filled with restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and attractions. With plenty of culture, history and nightlife this area is the place to be if you want to experience the cool part of Busan with bright lights and a lively atmosphere, yet still have access to some nature in the Busan Citizens Park.
Recommended Hotel: Busan Business Hotel
Gamcheon Culture Village
Accreditation: Flying The Nest
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Mark Ford – Founder of Plus1Travel.com – For More Travel Tips > Go Here