Itinerary
Busan in 2 Days: Beaches, Temples, and Street Food
December 16, 20257 min read
Busan, Korea's second-largest city, offers a completely different vibe from Seoul. With stunning beaches, colorful villages clinging to hillsides, ancient temples, and some of the country's best seafood, this coastal metropolis deserves at least two days of exploration. Here's how to make the most of your time in this dynamic city.
Day 1: Beaches and the Colorful Gamcheon Village
Start your Busan adventure at Haeundae Beach, Korea's most famous stretch of sand. Even if you're not swimming, the beachfront promenade is perfect for morning walks. Grab breakfast at one of the many cafes lining the shore.
Head to Gamcheon Culture Village, often called the 'Machu Picchu of Busan.' This hillside community features brightly painted houses, quirky art installations, and narrow alleyways perfect for photography. Allow 2-3 hours to explore and find the famous Little Prince statue.
For lunch, visit Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market. Choose fresh fish from the first floor and have it prepared on the second floor. The experience is unforgettable, even if raw fish isn't your thing—the atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
End Day 1 at Gwangalli Beach for sunset views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge. The beachfront is lined with restaurants and bars perfect for dinner.
Day 2: Ancient Temples and Local Markets
Begin early at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside Buddhist temple perched on the rocky coast. The temple is stunning at sunrise, and mornings are less crowded. The ocean backdrop makes this one of Korea's most photographed temples.
Next, explore Gukje Market (International Market), a sprawling maze of alleyways selling everything from vintage clothing to Korean street food. Don't miss the adjacent BIFF Square, named after the Busan International Film Festival, where you'll find more street food vendors.
For a unique experience, ride the Haeundae Beach Train (Blueline Park), a sky capsule that offers panoramic coastal views. The train connects Haeundae to Songjeong Beach along a beautiful coastal route.
Finish your Busan trip at Seomyeon, the city's main shopping and entertainment district. The underground shopping center has great deals on Korean fashion and cosmetics.
Busan Food You Can't Miss
Busan's food scene is legendary. Milmyeon (cold wheat noodles) is the city's signature dish—refreshing and perfect for hot days. Try it at Gaya Milmyeon near Seomyeon.
Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup with rice) is Busan's comfort food. Locals eat it for breakfast, lunch, or late-night meals. Head to Ssangdungi Dwaeji Gukbap for an authentic experience.
At Jagalchi Market, try Hoe (Korean-style sashimi) and Jogae Gui (grilled shellfish). The market vendors will prepare everything fresh. Don't be afraid to point and choose—the language barrier is part of the adventure.
For street food, Hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes) in BIFF Square is a must. The Busan-style version includes a mixture of nuts and seeds that's uniquely delicious.
Final Thoughts
Two days in Busan barely scratches the surface, but you'll leave with a taste of everything that makes this city special—from beachside temples to bustling markets. The laid-back coastal atmosphere is a refreshing contrast to Seoul, and the fresh seafood alone is worth the trip. Consider extending your stay if you can!
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