The Ultimate 48 Hours in Busan, South Korea, Itinerary

Busan, similar to the rest of South Korea, is a very unique place with a very unique culture. With incredible cuisine, beautiful coastal views and beaches, and cute stores around every corner - there's no limit to the amount of fun things you can explore in Busan. However, if you only have 48 hours here then it might start to feel a little overwhelming - which is why I've put together my ultimate itinerary for 48 hours in Busan - including must see stops and hidden gems!

Looking for a place to stay? I stayed at Stanford Hotel Busan and loved it's proximity to BIFF Square and the subway station!

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest travel dates to South Korea.

Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to have a copy of your international driver's permit with you!

I always use AGODA's  easy-to-use platform for hotels in Asia.

To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required) - make sure to have NordVPN ready too while you surf random wifi connections.

For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

Lastly, my essential packing list when traveling.

Before you Visit Busan

Busan is located on the southern coast of South Korea, facing the Japanese city of Fukuoka. As one of only 2 cities that weren't invaded by North Korea during the Korean War, Busan is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and for hosting special events like the International Film Festival and (hopefully) the 2030 World Expo! If this is your first time visiting Busan, then here are a few of my best tips for making the most of your time here :

• Getting Around : Busan conveniently has a local subway system that can take you pretty much anywhere in the city you'd like to go. Other than the subway, many places are walkable - and there are plenty of taxis and public buses available as well.
• Black Pork : "Black Pork" might not sound appetizing, but it is one of the most famous meals from the neighboring Jeju Island. This pork comes from black pigs found on Jeju Island, and is considered some of the best meat for Korean BBQ! If you're visiting Busan or Jeju Island, this is one thing you have to try!
• The Real "Train to Busan" : Ever seen the movie "Train to Busan?" Well, you can actually experience the "real" train to Busan by catching a 2-3 hour KTX Bullet Train from Seoul Station! The train has free wifi so you can even stream the movie from YouTube for free during the ride!

Make the most of your time in Busan by ordering a Visit Busan Pass!

My favorite tours in Busan :
- Busan Air Cruise
​- Flipbook Studio

48 Hours in Busan Itinerary

Day 1 : 

• ​Catch the KTX Train from Seoul to Busan while streaming "Train to Busan" from Youtube for free (with ads) - luckily the train has free wifi!
• Depending on your train schedule, you can get to Busan in the early afternoon. I recommend checking into your hotel then heading to BIFF Square. Also called the Busan International Film Festival Square, this is a great opportunity to try different street foods, see the lively street life, and shop for fun souvenirs. This is also a great chance to try your hand at dalgona - the candy made famous by Squid Games consisting of melted sugar. The trick is to break the shape in the middle out without any cracks or breaks, and traditionally you'll win a prize!
• When you're done exploring, try heading to a local beach. If you head towards Songdo Beach try booking a ride on the Busan Air Cruise or walking the Songdo Skywalk at sunset - the views are truly stunning!
• For dinner, head to a "black pork" restaurant for an authentic Korean BBQ experience - you'll see them all over town. The nearby Jeju Island is known for their "black pork," but if you aren't heading there this is the next best place to try it! One of the best spots in Busan for black pork is the Jeju Rooftop.

Day 2 :

• If you're looking to see some action at the local Jagalchi Seafood Market, you'll have to get up super early. Like 5 am early. If you visit later in the day you can purchase some fresh seafood and they'll cook it right here for you - but if you're looking to see the market at it's most active time then the closer to 5 am the better.
• Afterwards, head towards the Gamcheon Culture Village. I recommend going around 10 am or close to it to try to avoid some of the tours and groups that frequent this spot. In addition to cute murals, the most incredible Flipbook Studio, unique street foods, and fun photo opportunities - you can also rent a traditional Korean Hanbok during your visit.​
• Depending on what time you're leaving Busan, you have a few options on how to spend the rest of your day. You could either visit a few of the other popular beaches, head up to the top of the Diamond Tower for some incredible views of Busan, or even visit the Busan Lotte World for some fun thrills!
• Either fly towards Jeju Island for some more fun, or head back to Seoul on a flight or return via the KTX Train!

Watch my adventures in Busan!

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