2-Day Busan Itinerary: The Miami of South Korea

There’s something about Busan that sticks with you. Maybe it’s the way the city pairs the modern with the traditional, or the way it makes you feel like you’re in multiple places at once. At times, I felt like I was on a tropical island. Other times, it all felt surreal, kind of like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. This post is a reflection on that journey, filled with moments of laughter, unexpected surprises, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of being present.

Join me through this two-day deep dive into the heart of Busan, where each activity slowly unfolds layers of identity, culture, and pure randomness. And hey, if you plan on visiting this South Korean treasure, take this as your guide—a love letter to Busan.

Busan Trip Logistics: How to Plan Your Busan Trip and 2-Day Busan Itinerary

When is the best time to visit Busan?

Choosing when to visit Busan depends on what you’re after. If beaches are what you want, then the summer months are perfect, though expect some crowds. For slightly cooler weather and a mix of outdoor activities, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the best times. The temperatures are moderate, and you’ll experience more local culture without fighting through dense waves of tourists.

How do you get to Busan?

• By air: Busan is served by Gimhae International Airport (PUS).
  • It’s a well-connected airport with direct flights from various Asian cities and a few international destinations. From the airport, you can take the metro, an airport limousine bus, or a taxi to reach central Busan. Pre-booking a transfer is also an option for added convenience.
  • Also, have a look at flights on Skyscanner
• By train: Busan is connected to Seoul and other major cities by the high-speed KTX train via 12go. The journey from Seoul takes around 2.5-3 hours, making it a popular option for both locals and tourists. Regular trains are also available for a more scenic (and budget-friendly) trip.
• By bus: Intercity buses are an affordable and comfortable way to travel to Busan from cities across South Korea. Companies like Express Bus Terminal offer frequent routes, with express buses providing a faster option. The bus ride from Seoul takes around 4-5 hours, with both regular and deluxe seating options available.
• By ferry: If you’re coming from Japan, there’s a ferry service that connects Fukuoka, Japan, to Busan via JR Kyushu Jet Ferry. It’s a unique way to reach Busan and allows for a scenic entry into South Korea. The ferry ride takes around 3 hours.

How do you get around Busan?

First, get a transportation card: To make travel easier and more affordable, get a Cashbee or Hanaro card, which can be used on buses, subways, and even some taxis. You can purchase these cards at convenience stores or subway stations and recharge them as needed. Using a card saves you from buying individual tickets and provides a small discount on fares.

Now choose bus, subway or taxi:

• Bus: Busan’s extensive bus network covers all parts of the city and is a great way to explore areas beyond the subway lines. Major buses include standard city buses and express buses for faster connections. Bus stops are marked in English and Korean, and each route has color-coded numbers. Tap your transportation card upon boarding and when getting off to pay for the ride. While efficient, buses can be challenging to navigate during peak hours, so plan your routes ahead of time.
• From Train Station to Haeundae Beach: If you’re arriving at Busan Station via KTX or another train, it’s easy to reach Haeundae Beach. The subway line connects directly from Busan Station (Line 1) to Seomyeon Station (transfer to Line 2), where you can continue on Line 2 toward Haeundae Station. The ride takes around 40 minutes. Once you arrive at Haeundae Station, it’s a short walk to the beach. Alternatively, taxis are available at Busan Station and will take about 30 minutes to reach Haeundae, depending on traffic.
• Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Busan and are relatively affordable compared to other major cities. You can easily hail a taxi on the street or use apps like Kakao Taxi. While most drivers understand basic English, having your destination written in Korean can be helpful. Taxis are equipped with meters, and you can use your transportation card or pay in cash. For a more scenic ride to Haeundae or a late-night trip home, taxis provide comfort and convenience.

How long should I stay in Busan?

Honestly, this question always depends on you. As this Busan itinerary is roughly 1.5 to 2 days, that is the minimum amount of time you should spend in Busan, but more is always better. We spent a week in Busan, and while we were working some time, we still felt like it wasn't even enough!

Where should I stay in Busan?

Haeundae Beach: For beach lovers and first-time visitors, Haeundae is one of Busan’s most popular areas. Here, you’ll find a mix of high-end hotels, boutique guesthouses, and budget options with stunning ocean views. Plus, you’ll be close to Haeundae Beach, the Busan Aquarium, and nightlife spots. However, it is a bit far from the train station.

And some hotel recommendations in Haeundae Beach area:

• Paradise Hotel Busan: This luxury hotel is one of Haeundae’s top-rated options, famous for its beachfront location and infinity pool overlooking the sea. The hotel features an outdoor hot spring, spa, casino, and various on-site restaurants serving local and international cuisine. It’s perfect for a relaxing yet upscale beach stay.
• Signiel Busan: Located in the LCT Tower, Signiel Busan offers a modern and luxurious stay with panoramic ocean views from almost every room. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, making it ideal for travelers looking for top-tier luxury and amenities.
• Shilla Stay Haeundae: A chic and contemporary hotel, Shilla Stay Haeundae provides comfortable rooms and a rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking ocean views. With a more affordable price point, it’s perfect for travelers who want modern comforts without splurging too much. It’s located right by the beach and offers easy access to nearby attractions.
• Grand Josun Busan: This hotel combines luxury with a family-friendly atmosphere. Located right on Haeundae Beach, Grand Josun Busan has spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a sauna, and even a kids’ zone for families. The on-site restaurants offer a mix of Korean and Western dining options, and it’s within walking distance of the beach and major sites.

The incredible skyscrapers of Haeundae Beach area!

Other areas to stay in Busan:

• Seomyeon: Seomyeon is Busan’s bustling downtown district, ideal for those who want to stay close to shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes. This area is a central hub for transportation, making it easy to access other parts of Busan. Seomyeon offers everything from luxury hotels to budget hostels and is perfect if you love city vibes and convenience.

• Gwangalli Beach: Known for its vibrant nightlife and views of the illuminated Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Gwangalli Beach is a lively area with a range of cafes, restaurants, and beachfront accommodations. It’s a great alternative to Haeundae for those seeking a beach vibe with a little more local flavor.

• Nampo-dong and Jagalchi: For a more traditional Busan experience, Nampo-dong is the go-to area. It’s close to the Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan Tower, and the BIFF Square shopping district. This area offers a variety of accommodations, often more affordable than the beach districts, and is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Busan’s local culture and history.

Busan Itinerary Day 1: Beachside Tranquility and Unexpected Encounters

Morning - Haeundae Beach: Serenity in the Sands

Start your day early at Haeundae Beach, one of Busan's most iconic spots. If you’re anything like me, lounging on a peaceful, near-empty stretch of sand while soaking in the sun is a luxury. Strangely, I found the beach to be mostly deserted, as locals tend to shy away from the direct sun and after all, it was only the start of May. But that solitude? It felt like a perfectly tailored gift. It’s the kind of place where time just melts away, urging you to stay longer—an ideal way to begin your first day of exploration.

Look at that long, sleek Haeundae Beach!

Mid-Morning Surprise - Ryan Holiday in Busan

I’ve got a confession: surprises make me anxious. So when Fabio decided to spring one on me, I tensed up. We arrived at a local exhibit, featuring a mascot named Ryan Holiday. Yes, you read that right. Ryan Holiday (he copied my name, clearly). Although we didn’t actually enter, I was left laughing at the absurdity of the situation. And hey, sometimes laughter is the best souvenir.

If you do decide to enter, you will be treated to a hysterically cute exhibition, including a 4D film, all featuring this mascot and his pals. This is one of the things that makes countries like Korea and Japan so darn cute!

Noon - A Bird’s Eye View: Busan X the Sky

After a morning of randomness, the mood shifted when we decided to visit Busan X the Sky, the tallest building in the city. And let me tell you, seeing the city from above gave me a new perspective—literally and figuratively. The sea stretched out in front of us, and the sprawling city below felt insignificant and fleeting in that moment. For someone like me, who fears heights, the glass-floored observation deck was a challenge. But wasn't that a metaphor for life itself? Sometimes the most terrifying moments lead to the most unforgettable memories.

Afternoon - Haeundae Beach Train & Sky Capsules: Slow and Steady

The day continued with the Haeundae Beach Train and Sky Capsules, a slow-moving sky capsule ride that gave us panoramic views of the coastline. With the waves lapping by, I found myself thinking of how the ride felt like life—slow in some stretches, faster in others, but always beautiful if you take the time to watch. The calmness of the sea—was perfect in its own right.

We recommend taking the standard beach tram first to some other fishing villages (grab an afternoon coffee and donut at Alice Donut), and then take the sky capsule on the way back. In doing this, you avoid the mega-lines we saw at Haeundae Blueline Park - Mipo Station, the starting point of the sky capsules. One other thing to keep in mind is that when you buy tickets, at Mipo Station, you will be given an allotted time to take the Sky Capsule.

Evening - Korean Barbecue: A First-Timer's Dream

After conquering my fear of heights, it was time for my first-ever Korean barbecue experience at Haeundae Show me the Gogi. The restaurant staff pretty much ordered for us, pointing out what we should try, and soon hot plates of meat cooked right in front of us. Now, I don't usually indulge in such heavy meals, but the unique flavors and the communal experience made everything feel justified. Since that moment, Korean barbecue has become one of my favorite things to eat.

Sorry, vegetarians—this was a carnivorous day. But then again, travel often asks us to step out of our comfort zones, doesn’t it?

Night - A Walk on Dongbaekseom Island

To work off the Korean barbecue and endless amounts of soju you will have likely just consumed at dinner, take one last serene night walk on Dongbaekseom Island right next to Haeundae Beach. The park is surprisingly big and features lots of vegetation and little photo-op spots. Just like everywhere else in South Korea, this place feels super safe, even at night.

We also recommend coming here during the day, as you will get another perspective of the beautiful island, and if you are keen, you can also do a little workout at one of the outdoor gyms.

Busan Itinerary Day 2: Markets, Villages, and a Bit of History

Let's head now to the other side of town (closer to the train station). If you are taking a train back to Seoul, this is the side of town you will want to be on to end your Busan trip anyway. If you need to stow your bags, you can do so in lockers at the train station!

Morning - Jagalchi Fish Market: A Glimpse of Authenticity

We began our final day with a visit to Jagalchi Fish Market, where stalls spill out into the streets, and locals barter for the freshest seafood. I wasn’t in the mood to eat fish, but walking through the market was an experience in itself. It reminded me of how food is not just sustenance—it’s identity, culture, and community, all wrapped into one. If you're someone who enjoys seeing the raw, unfiltered side of a city, add this to your Busan itinerary.

Mid-Morning - Gamcheon Culture Village: A Kaleidoscope of Color

Just when I thought Busan couldn't surprise me anymore, we wandered into Gamcheon Culture Village. Imagine vibrant pastel houses stacked on top of each other, winding streets, and endless alleys of street art. On the surface, it’s a trendy Instagram-perfect spot, but there’s a deeper story here—this place was once a slum, and the transformation into a cultural village represents resilience and growth. Walking these streets gave me this weird mix of wanderlust and nostalgia, a reminder that even the seemingly understated locations can carry profound stories of survival.

Afternoon - Tea Ceremony at Yao Tea Gallery

That afternoon, we found ourselves having a tea ceremony at Yao Tea Gallery. It was here that we attended a traditional Korean tea ceremony—as calm and reflective as the ocean view surrounding the island. The thing about tea ceremonies is how they slow you down. In a world that moves a million miles an hour, this felt like a moment to breathe, reflect, and sip away any lingering stress.

Evening - Farewell Photobooths

As our trip neared its end, we discovered the city's love for photobooths, and trust me— this isn't your typical mall setup. These booths let you dress up in quirky costumes, snap pics, and have a bit of lighthearted fun. As cheesy as it might sound, getting lost in the silliness was a fitting end to our Busan adventure. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected (like playing dress-up in an empty store) that stays with you the longest.

Conclusion: Finding Yourself in Busan's Chaos

At the end of it all, Busan left me feeling like I had unlocked a memory I didn't even know I had. This city, with its blend of chaos and calm, pushed me out of my comfort zone and into experiences I’ll hold onto forever. I came here for the beaches and the BBQ, but what I found in Busan’s depths was an evolving sense of myself. If you’re planning your 2-day Busan itinerary, don’t worry too much about hitting all the tourist spots—let yourself get lost in the surprises along the way. They’ll usually be the best parts.

And if you’re ready for more enriching travel experiences, I've picked out some ultimate travel tips to help you craft the perfect dream vacation.

Happy travels!