If you’re visiting Seoul, a day trip to Busan is easier than you might think. Located on the southern coast, Busan is famous for its stunning beaches, colourful villages, and vibrant food scene. Thanks to Korea’s high speed KTX train, you can reach Busan in about 2.5 hours.making it a fantastic getaway even if you’re short on time.
We caught the first train out of Seoul Station and gave ourselves nearly a full day to explore the city’s hills, coastline, and lively neighbourhoods. With smart planning, you can do the same.
Why Take a Day Trip to Busan?
Busan offers a totally different vibe from Seoul. Where the capital is all about skyscrapers, palaces, and fast paced city life, Busan feels more laid-back with its beaches, seafood markets, and scenic mountain backdrops. Even if you only have one day, the contrast is worth experiencing.
Top Things to Do in Busan in One Day
1. Visit Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park
One of the easiest attractions to reach from Busan Station is Busan Tower, located inside Yongdusan Park. The tower rises 120 meters and offers panoramic views of Busan, from the busy port and beaches to the rolling green mountains in the distance.
- How to get there: You can walk, but taking the metro to Jungang Station saves time.
- Don’t miss: The park itself. With its statues, shrines, and peaceful pathways, it’s a lovely spot to explore before heading up the tower.
The tower is fairly simple inside, but the view is the real reward. From one side, you’ll see the vast sea and bustling shipyards; from another, the pastel rooftops of old neighborhoods contrasted with shiny modern skyscrapers. On a clear afternoon, the blue sky and green hills create an unforgettable backdrop.
2. Explore Gamcheon Culture Village
If you’ve got a little extra time in Busan, you have to check out Gamcheon Culture Village,people call it the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” and honestly, I get why. It’s this colourful hillside maze of pastel houses, winding alleys, murals around every corner, and cafés that practically beg you to sit down for “just one more coffee.”
We grabbed a taxi up there (trust me, unless you’re a fan of steep hikes, this is the way to go). Once inside, we kind of let ourselves get lost, and it was the best decision. Every turn revealed another mural, tiny shop, or photo spot that looked like it was made for Instagram. You could easily spend hours here, but even if you’re short on time, just wandering through for a bit gives you such a fun glimpse of the neighbourhoods charm.
3. Enjoy the Busan Air Cruise at Songdo Beach
No trip to Busan is complete without hitting the beach. There are plenty to choose from around the city, but we decided on Songdo Beach, not just for the sand and sea, but because it comes with a little extra adventure.
Right by the beach, you can hop on the Busan Air Cruise, a cable car that sails over the water and takes you up to Songdo Sky Park. If you’re feeling brave, go for one of the clear-bottom cabins, it’s like floating over the ocean with nothing but glass under your feet. Definitely a bit of a thrill!
At the top, Songdo Sky Park has a few viewpoints and spots to wander around, but it’s easy to see everything without rushing. The best part? You get to ride the cable car back down, watching the beach come back into view. Take a breather before the final stop of the day.
4. Chasing the Sunset at Taejongdae
As the sun started to dip, we decided to squeeze in one more stop: Taejongdae. It’s only about a 15 minute drive from Songdo Beach, and calling it a “park” doesn’t quite do it justice, it’s more like a huge forest on a peninsula, with trails that wind along the coast and little hidden spots tucked away between the trees.
We didn’t want to risk getting lost after dark, so we kept it simple and headed for the nearest highlight: Pebble Beach. The taxi drops you at the main entrance, and there’s a big map at the gates that points you in the right direction.
True to its name, Pebble Beach is a rocky little hideaway wedged between Busan’s cliffs. With the light fading and the waves rolling in, it turned out to be the perfect low-key way to end our day in Busan.
Tips for a Successful Busan Day Trip
- Start early: Catch the first KTX train from Seoul Station to maximize your time.
- Plan ahead: Focus on a few key attractions rather than trying to see everything.
- Stay flexible: Busan’s charm lies in its mix of urban life and seaside relaxation, don’t rush too much!
- Make use of the taxis, their by far the quickest way to get around!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the panoramic views from Busan Tower, the colourful alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, or the relaxing beaches, Busan makes for a refreshing contrast to Seoul. With just one day, you’ll get a taste of Korea’s second largest city, and likely be inspired to come back for a longer stay.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d love for you to stay connected! You can follow me on my social platforms, subscribe to my newsletter for more travel stories and tips, or even support my work by buying me a coffee through this link!
Go Venture Beyond.blog 
Leave a comment