Did you know that Busan has the world’s largest department store? Seriously, Shinsegae Department Store in Centum City has a monstrous floor space of 126,612 square meters. Now, if looking for the tour information you need is starting to feel like a speed run through this mega-complex, it’s time to give your browser (and mind) a rest. Welcome to the ultimate Busan tourism guide.
From transport and food, to city etiquette and when to add a Busan tour guide to your plans, we’ve got you covered. By the end of the article, you’ll feel more confident about taking a night tour through Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, or what to do in a Jimjilbang (Korean sauna). Let’s go!
Tucked away along the south eastern coastline of the Korean Peninsula, Busan is the nation’s second largest city and its largest port. Home to 3.4 million people, and the origin city for BTS stars Jimin and Jungkook (there’s even a mural), Busan is a rapidly growing metro area.
So how many tourists visit Busan? Before the pandemic, 1.6 million tourists had touched down to see Busan’s famous sites, contributing to the overall 2.3 million visitors (2017). Much like the rest of the world, Busan was hit hard by the pandemic, with only 152,000 foreign visitors in 2021, but they’re bouncing back! By 2022, the city saw a 216% increase as 482,000 visitors made Busan their prime destination.
Often overlooked for Seoul, Busan is not a smaller version of the Korean capital. It has its own culture, flair, and linguistic dialect. If Seoul is buzzing and shiny, Busan is laid back, hip and inventive, which explains its booming international popularity.
So how many foreigners are in Busan? There’s a thriving expat community, with around 49,434 foreigners living in Busan, but the city shines when it comes to visitors. Ready to see who visits Busan the most? Drumroll please…
Okay, I can hear your question loud and clear. Why is Busan so popular? The variety! There’s a vibe for every type of traveler. Love films? The Busan International Film Festival never disappoints. Looking to learn about the city’s culture? Gamcheon Village is the best place to start. The options are endless. But since we have to start somewhere, from white sand beaches to cozy night markets, here are Busan’s grandest gems.
Busan's Top 5 Tourist Hotspots
Besides these beautiful attractions, Busan has fully embraced the title of “port city” with the largest beach, Haeundae, in the district of the same name, and of course, the Jagalchi Fish Market, which holds the impressive title of the biggest seafood mart in South Korea.
Fancy baptism by fire, or should I say ice? Head to Busan in the winter for the annual Polar Bear Festival, where thousands brave the cold waters in nothing but their swimsuits.
Once you’ve had your fun at the popular sites, it’s time to dig into the spirit of Busan at these attractions.
Travel Bonus : Is it better to visit Seoul or Busan? You don’t have to choose! You can visit both Seoul and Busan, as the bullet train ensures they are only 2.5 hours apart. Both in South Korea, Busan and Seoul are dramatically different, with Seoul offering popular K-Culture and Busan offering relaxation, laid back seaside living and deeply Korean roots.
Alright, all of this activity is bound to have your stomach rumbling at some point. So what food is Busan known for? Here are some classic Busan dishes to keep you satisfied.
For The Foodies: Busan's Market List
Alright, so Busan has its own vibe and soul, but what will day to day life look like for you in the Land Of Mountains? These quick tips should help clear things up.
Travel Q&A: Is English widely spoken in Busan? South Korea ranks 36th out of 111 tested regions and countries on the EF English proficiency index, and Busan ranks with a moderate level of proficiency of 544, which is close to Seoul’s 580. So while most people understand English, they’re reluctant to speak it with confidence.
Though Busan has four distinct seasons, it has the benefit of location. Thanks to the maritime climate, Busan enjoys several months of warm weather and even warmer waters. What is the best time to visit Busan? Generally, September to October is seen as the ideal travel time in terms of weather, but every season has its perks.
Travel Sweet Spot: September to October & April to June
Not too hot, not too wet, and not too cold, these seasons are ideal for indoor and outdoor activities in Busan. September’s averages of 23°C (73°F) remain ideal, with 6 average daily sunshine hours and only 11 days of predicted rainfall. April to June is ideal for flower lovers as the Nakdong Cherry Blossom Road comes alive.
For Heat Lovers: July to August
Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses, because Busan heats up right around July, with August carrying the highest average temperature of 26°C (79°F). Summer here is toasty, and sometimes wet with June, July and August having the highest rainfall averages of the year (220mm, 300mm and 290mm respectively). August is ideal for sea swimming as average temperatures wade around 26.3°C (79°F).
The Cold Shoulder: December to March
Unless you’re polar bear swimming, stay away from the water during this dry and chilly season, as February’s sea temperatures stay around 13°C (55°F). January presents the harshest temperatures with daily averages of 3°C (37°F). The trade off? Smaller crowds and plenty of time to indulge in Busan’s massive cozy cafe and coffee culture.
Alright, let’s talk about transport. Busan’s transportation is both tricky and simple, depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing. Let’s weigh each option.
Busan comes with its own customs, so these tips should help you navigate the sea city with ease.
Busan, much like Seoul, is one of the safest cities in the world. With a low crime index of 23.06 and a safety index for walking around at night of 75.96, Busan is safer than Seoul. Busanites are laid back people with friendly demeanor, so expect hospitality and understanding.
Is Busan friendly to foreigners? Yes! Busan has cultivated a culture of friendliness and accommodation towards visitors and new residents alike. How about solo female travelers? Absolutely! While minor scams or pick-pocketing are still present, women are just as likely to face these issues as men, and public gender-based aggression or violence is more likely in Belgium, Germany and Australia than it is in Busan.
Okay, so you’re ready to take a Train To Busan (hopefully one without bloodthirsty zombies), but you’re stumped about fitting all of these fantastic things into your itinerary. Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too.
Planning a tour through the Land of Mountains is just one click away. Get in touch with a Busan tour guide and create a schedule that fits your travel plans, keeping you, your loved ones, and your memories a top priority.
P.S. Looking to travel with companions? The more, the merrier. Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Busan as you are!
Busan, South Korea
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