What type(s) of travellers would your recommendations for Busan suit?
My recommendations for Busan are perfect for couples, foodies and backpackers.
How long would you recommend for one to spend in Busan?
3 days 2 nights.
What are the top things to see in Busan that you would recommend?
1. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
– I never fail to visit this temple by the sea whenever I go to Busan (have been there 4 times!)
– There’s a 15-minute uphill walk from the nearest bus stop to the entrance of the temple
Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang, 부산광역시 South Korea (View on Google Maps)
2. Spa Land at Centum City
– Love the experience that I had at this multi-storey spa located at Centum City (see images here)
– Filled with various hot and cold spa rooms
– Single-sex hot spring areas, both indoors and outdoors (you have to be fully naked!)
– Spend a couple of hours relaxing in the spa rooms, watching DVDs at the comfort of your own reclinable armchair, resting on cushioned seats, or feasting away at food and dessert selections
– All these at just KRW15,000 (weekdays) and KRW18,000 (weekends and holidays) for four hours, and you can extend at KRW3,000 per hour! If you spend more than KRW10,000 within Spa Land, you can stay up to 6 hours
Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, U-dong, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea (View on Google Maps)
3. Gamcheon Culture Village
– Many photography spots
– Takes about two hours to explore by foot from the start to the end
– Look out for artworks on various walls and on roof tops
– Guides are available for reservations here
Address: 203 Gamnae 2(i)-ro, Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea (View on Google Maps)
What are the food places that you would recommend in Busan?
1. Milmyeon – Busan Cold Noodles
– These cold noodles are unique to Busan and different from what you can get in Seoul
– There are a couple of places around that serve good Milmyeon, such as Choryang Milmyeon and Halmae Gaya Milmyeon
Address of Choryang Milmyeon: 363-2 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea (View on Google Maps)
2. Street food at BIFF Square
– Within walking distance from the Jagalchi Fish Market
– The famous Busan-style hotteok called the ssiat hotteok (씨앗호떡) in the middle of BIFF Square is a must-try!
- It’s sweet, chewy and crunchy at the same time as it contains brown sugar, cinnamon, doughnut and crushed nuts.
- I don’t particularly like any other hotteok that I have tried in South Korea, but I love this!
Address of Biff Square: 58-1 Gudeok-ro, Nampodong 5(o)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea (View on Google Maps)
3. Jagalchi Fish Market
– Visit in the morning / early afternoon
– Within walking distance from BIFF Square
– Go up to Level 2 for a seafood meal: Pick and choose what you would like to eat from the tanks filled with fish, eel, crabs, oysters, clams, scallops, prawns…have them live, fried or grilled!
Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea (View on Google Maps)
Any recommendations on where to stay in Busan?
When is a good time of the year to visit Busan?
How should one get around in Busan?
By trains and buses.
Are there any local norms/cultures that a tourist should be aware of?
What are the acceptable payment currencies and modes?
Cash (South Korean Won). Credit cards are only accepted in major stores.
Any other tips/things to be aware of in Busan?
How should one stay connected to the internet?
Buy a prepaid sim card from the convenience stores, but note that not every convenience store sells.
Cost of Trip
Airfare – return ticket from Singapore to Seoul – Scoot – SGD450
Accommodation – About SGD65 per twin room per night at 24 Guesthouse Haeundae Premier
Food – About SGD10-15 for each meal
Transport – Seoul to Busan (2-2.5 hours) – KRW56,000 (one-way)
Tell us a bit about yourself
I love exploring and learning about new things, creating experiences, capturing and sharing moments. As such, I am currently building a travel application with my team at Away Nation, which aims to help travellers plan and book their trips based on recommendations from friends and locals, do check it out!
