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8 Days Seoul & Busan Travel Itinerary, Korea
Busan, a popular coastal city for travellers to Korea is often visited as overnight trips from Seoul.
It is the second largest city in Korea famous for its beaches, largest department store in the world, freshest seafood and tasty street food.
Popular Attractions in Busan:
a) Central & West Busan - Busan Station, BIFF Square, Jagalchi Fish Market, Yongdusan Park (Busan Diamond Tower), Seomyeon Shopping Street, Gamcheon Culture Village, Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Songdo Beach, Songdo Cloud Trails, Busan Air Cruise, Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, etc.
b) East Busan - Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Sky Capsule, Haeundae Beach Train, Busan X the Sky Observatory (98-100F), Lotte World Adventure Busan, Skyline Luge Busan, Cheongsapo Seafood Village, etc.
KoreaToDo has put together a day-by-day itinerary for travellers, allowing travellers to explore beyond Seoul to a city of natural coastal beauty, BUSAN.
The Itinerary Plan:
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There is no direct train from Incheon Airport to Busan. You will need to take AREX Airport Express Train from Incheon Airport (T1 - 43mins / T2 - 51mins) and transfer at Seoul Station for a 2hrs 40mins KORAIL KTX high speed train to Busan.
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At Busan, for a different experience from Seoul, we recommend staying at Haeundae Beach, about 50 mins away by subway/public bus or 40 mins by taxi from Busan Station.
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As such, instead of going direct to Busan from Incheon Airport, we suggest travellers to stay in Seoul first. Leave your heavy/large-sized luggage upon check out at your Seoul's hotel and carry a light overnight pack to Busan... unless you wish to drag your heavy luggage up and down the trains and train stations...😎
Itinerary Highlights
SEOUL
BUSAN
Before Departure
1. Recommended Activities, Tours & Tickets to pre-purchase before trip (optional).
🚄 KORAIL Train Pass (Seoul ↔ Busan)
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Purchase the KORAIL PASS (for foreign visitors only) on KLOOK or KORAIL official website. Purchase available 31 days prior to travel date. If you are only going to visit Busan, you can purchase the '2 Day Select Pass' return ticket at 131,000 won per adult. If you have 2-5 people travelling together, you can buy the SAVER pass for 121,000 per adult.
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Go to KORAIL website to reserve your train ticket (i.e. pick your train no., date & time). Choose 'KTX' train, the fastest train to Busan.
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Print out your KORAIL PASS and Train Tickets; and travel with your Passport for inspection on board.
![[Incheon Airport] Airport Limousine Bus Ticket (One-way/Round-trip)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0505b9_d7d6bd3873ae4f79b6ee1dd30bdef6fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_217,h_173,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/N%20Seoul%20Tower%20-%20Small%204%20-%20bright.jpg)
2. Recommended Accommodation Location in SEOUL: anywhere near Myeongdong Station, preferably on the same side of the road as 'Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong' (i.e. 2 mins walk to airport limousine bus drop off/pick up bus stop, near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station).
3. Recommended Accommodation Location in BUSAN: anywhere along Haeundae Beach near 'MS Hotel Haeundae' with bus stops to/from Busan Station just in front of the building and 8 mins easy walk to Haeundae Station.
3. Download Mobile Apps
a) Korea Subway Info App - Metroid HD or KakaoMetro
b) Location/Walking Direction Map - KakaoMap or Naver Map
Day 1: Arrived Seoul / Check in / Seoul City Wall Walk / Naksan Park / Ihwa Mural Village / Dongdaemun Design Plaza / Myeongdong
SEOUL
At Incheon Airport - Arrival Hall (public area after collecting luggage)
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Pick up pre-purchased WIFI Router & SIM Card at Incheon Airport (where applicable).
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Recommend to purchase T-money Card at any convenience store at the arrival hall of Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2). Card deposit is ₩4,000. Suggest to top up at least ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 as the airport limousine fare is ₩17,000.
(The card can be used on airport limousine bus to city, bus, taxi, subway and convenience stores. Top up at any downtown convenience stores or subway stations. More details...)
💡If you can't get the card at the convenience store, you can walk a bit further to the subway station to purchase the card. Alternatively, you can get it at most convenience stores when you arrived in Myeongdong. Different stores carry different designs and you can pick your favourite!
Take Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport (T1/T2) to City (i.e. Myeongdong Station Bus Stop)
Bus #: 6015
Interval: 2-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins
Fare: ₩17,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)
No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.
Notes:
Refer to Incheon International Airport official website on the latest Airport Limousine Bus's schedule and updates.
Alternative ways to get to Myeongdong from Incheon International Airport:
a) book your Private Airport Transfer by Car OR
b) take the non-stop AREX Airport Railroad express train from Incheon International Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1: 43 mins / Terminal 2: 51 mins, ₩9,500) and transfer to subway for Myeongdong Station (line 4, 3 mins, 2 stops, ₩1,400). Luggage carrying up/down the stairs might be required. There are taxi stands outside Seoul Station too.
Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station:
First bus 05:40 | Last Bus 23:00
Walk outside of arrival hall (1F) at Gate 5, look for Bus# 6015 to Myeongdong at bus platform 5B.
Departing from T2 to Myeongdong Station:
First bus 05:20 | Last Bus 22:40
Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28
Tab the T-money Card on boarding.
alternatively, bus ticket can be purchased at counters/machines (recommended) outside arrival hall (T1, 1F), bus waiting area (T2, B1) or by cash to driver.
Check into accommodation booked after alighting from Airport Bus at 'Myeongdong Station' Bus Stop.
From Myeongdong Station, take the train to Hansung Univ. Station (5 stops, line 4, exit 4 ), 9 mins. Walk straight about 3 mins until you come across the stairs up to Seoul City Wall. Alternatively, you can catch a short taxi ride here.
Seoul City Wall Walk - Naksan Mountain Trail
Lets start the day in Seoul with fresh air and great city view! 🐥
Passing by Naksan Park.
Reaching the village with interesting metal sculptures, colourful mural paintings and mosaics on the walls and staircases by local artists. Lunch at one of the cozy restaurants or cafes here.
Note: Please keep noise level down as residents living here.
Detour Option - Daehangno Street
If you are feeling the 'effects' of your early flight to Seoul or cannot find anything that you like to eat at Ihwa Mural Village, you can walk downhill towards Hyehwa Station (10mins). There are signage around or use the walking direction map on Ihwa Mural Village page. The area around Hyehwa Station is Daehangno, a cultural mecca for the young. There are many shops, restaurants and cafes around the station. From there, take the train back to Myeongdong Station (4 stops, same line, line 4), 8 mins.
Heunginjimun Gate @ Dongdaemun
Continue on the easy walk along the Seoul City Wall, downhill to Dongdaemun.
Walk towards Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an unique-shape building on the left and an iconic landmark of Korean design industry.
From Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station near Dongdaemun Design Plaza, take the subway back to Myeongdong Station (2 stops, line 4).
Take a rest at your hotel room before getting around Myeongdong for the rest of the day.
SEOUL
Day 2: Day Trip from/around Seoul
1. Recommended Day Tours from Seoul
3. or Explore more on North of Han River / South of Han River (i.e. Gangnam)
SEOUL / BUSAN
Day 3: Getting to Busan / BIFF Square / Jagalchi Fish Market / Gamcheon Culture Village / Huinnyeoul Culture Village / Jeoryeong Coastal Trail / Songdo Beach / Songdo Air Cruise (Marine Cable Car) / Amnam Park / Haeundae Market
Check out Hotel. Leave the big luggage at hotel and carry an overnight pack to Busan. Please ensure you have your printed KORAIL PASS, Train Ticket and Passport with you.
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Seoul Station (line 4, 2 stops); or taxi to Seoul Station (7,000 won, 13 mins)
Follow the signs to walk from the subway station to Seoul Station (KTX).
At Seoul Station (KTX), look for the platform number to board your train, previously reserved on KORAIL website online.
Take the KTX Train from Seoul to Busan. 🤗
On reaching Busan Station (KTX):
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you can store your overnight pack at the station's lockers. Locker's pricing & operating guide at Busan Station page.
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change the 'city' of your subway app (MetroidHD / Kakao Metro) to 'Busan'.
Notes: You can use the same 'T-Money' card on transport and convenience stores in Busan too.
Walk to Busan Station (subway). Take the subway to Jagalchi Station (line 1, 3 stops).
Lots of fabulous street food here! A must try is Ssiat Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake stuffed with seeds). Look for the stall with the longest queue for the best one. 😊
Nampo-dong is a good base to visit most of the popular attractions in Central and West Busan.
Pick 1 of Your Preferred Tour Courses
Course 1: Classic
Nampo & Gamcheon Culture Village
Visit the other places of interest in close walking distance to each other at Nampo-dong.
You can also go on Jagalchi Cruise, boarding at Jagalchi Market building Gate 7.
After Nampo-dong, walk to the bus stop near Jagalchi Station (line 1, exit 3). Take the bus to Gamcheon Culture Village (15 mins) or take a short taxi ride there (10 mins).
Nearby the village's entrance is Cafe Avant Garde Busan with fantastic view of Gamcheon Culture Village.
Cross the street to take the bus (+subway) back to Busan Station or take a taxi (15 mins).
Course 2: Relax
Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Coastal Tunnel & Jeoryeong Coastal Trail
Walk to the bus stop near Nampo Station (line 1, exit 6). Take a 12 mins bus ride to Huinnyeoul Culture Village.
Take one of the several stairways from the village down to the water edge for Jeoryeong Coastal Walk and Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel.
From village, take direct bus back to Busan Station. 20 mins.
Course 3: Fun
Songdo Beach, Busan Air Cruise, Songdo Cloud Trails & Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge
Walk to the bus stop near Nampo Station (line 1, exit 5). Take a 11 mins bus ride to Songdo Beach.
All attractions are within walking distance or via Busan Air Cruise (marine cable car) to Amnam Park.
From Songdo Beach, take direct bus back to Busan Station. 15 mins.
💡If you like to cover most of these attractive places, you may consider to stay 1-2 nights at Nampo-dong. Check out the hotel recommendations near BIFF Square.
Collect your overnight pack from the locker at Busan Station.
You can get to your accommodation at Haeundae (beach) by subway (to Haeundae Station, 50 mins, 1 transfer), direct bus (45 mins) or taxi (40 mins). see Haeundae Beach page for travel options.
Check into your accommodation at Haeundae Beach, Busan.
For Haeundae Market. Use the walking details on Haeundae Market page if required.
Dinner at one of the many restaurants along Gunam-ro (main road between beach and Haeundae Station), Haeundae Market or around your accommodation. See map at Haeundae Beach page if required.
BUSAN
Day 4: Haeundae Beach / Haeundae Sky Capsule / Haeundae Beach Train / Busan Green Railway Coastal Walk / Cheongpaso Sky Observatory & Seafood Village / Songjeong Beach / Mipo / Haeundae Cruise / Busan X the Sky Observatory
Start the day walking to the most popular beach in Busan, Haeundae Beach and enjoy taking photos with the seagulls.
Walk on the left of the sea towards the tall 'Haeundae LCT The Sharp' building. Turn left after the tall building onto Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil and walk straight forward to the entrance of Haeundae Blueline Park on your right.
Haeundae Sky Capsule / Haeundae Beach Train / Busan Green Railway Coastal Walk
From Haeundae Blueline Park, you can take Haeundae Sky Capsule that runs on the elevated railway 7-10m above the ground from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station; or take the faster Haeundae Beach Train with more train stops till Songjeong Station. The last option is to walk next to the railway line along Busan Green Railway (coastal walking trail) and explore the beautiful sights along the way at your own pace.
Cheongsapo Seafood Town (Cafes, Restaurants & Lighthouse)
From Haeundae Blueline Park - Cheongsapo Station, check out the charming Cheongsapo Seaside Village. Enjoy a relaxing walk to the twin lighthouse, coffee at the rooftop cafes and seafood meal at one of the many popular restaurants along the street.
Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk Observatory
Catch magnificent views of Songjeong and Cheongsapo coasts at the 72.5m long observatory that stretches out over the ocean.
From Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk Observatory, you can continue your walk along Busan Green Railway or take Haeundae Beach Train to Gudeokpo Stop (known for chic cafes & restaurants) or Songjeong Station (famous Songjeong Beach).
After touring Cheongsapo and/or Songjeong, return to Haeundae Blueline Park - Mipo Station by Haeundae Sky Capsule, Haeundae Beach Train or walk. Walk back towards the tall 'Haeundae LCT The Sharp' building. At the end of the road near the coast, turn left to Haeundae Mipo.
Haeundae Mipo (Cafes, Restaurants & Haeundae Cruise Terminal)
There are a variety of popular cafes, restaurants and a famous gelato freshly wrapped in rice cake shop at Mipo. You can have your meal here and chill out.
Haeundae Cruise and/or Busan X the Sky Observatory
If you still have time left for the day, you can consider taking the sightseeing Haeundae Cruise Tour to Oryukdo Islets (day/sunset) or Gwangandaegyo Bridge (night).
Also, 2 mins walk from Haeundae Cruise Terminal is Busan X the Sky Observatory, located on the 98-100F of Haeundae LCT The Sharp - Landmark Tower. This is the largest observatory in Korea where you can enjoy panoramic view of Haeundae and Mipo coasts, highest Starbucks (99F) in the World and Sky 99 Grill & Pasta Restaurant (99F).
Option 1: Haeundae Cruise Tour
💡You can check out at the cruise terminal on your way to Haeundae Blueline Park in the morning for their departure times for the day and buy a ticket too.
Option 2: Busan X the Sky Observatory
Located at Haeundae LCT The Sharp - Landmark Tower, Busan X the Sky Observatory's entrance is on the side facing the sea. The observatory opens till 21:00 daily, last admission at 20:30.
BUSAN
Day 5: Lotte World Adventure Busan / Skyline Luge Busan / Oryukdo & Igidae / Shinsegae Centum City Spa Land / Lotte Premium Outlets / Seomyeon Shopping District
There are quite a number of great places to visit from Haeundae. Here are the recommended tour courses for your picking based on your preferences.
Pick 1 of Your Preferred Tour Courses
Course 1: Gijang Faves
Lotte World Adventure Busan, Skyline Luge, Misigilsang Food Hall
From Haeundae Station, take the subway to Osiria Station (1 line transfer). 20 mins. 15 mins walk or take a taxi outside the station to Lotte World Adventure Busan. 15 mins walk from Lotte World to Skyline Luge Busan.
You can have your dinner at Misigilsang Food Hall Busan, located between the Lotte World and Skyline Luge.
💡Check out the popular lobster buffet at Viking's Wharf.
If you still have time, you can walk across the road to shop at Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch (closes at 21:00)
Take the subway from Osiria Station back to Haeundae Station.
Course 2: Nature Walking
Oryukdo, Igidae & Shinsegae Centum City Spa Land
Take the subway from Haeundae Station to Kyungsung Univ. Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station on the same line, 9 stops (exit 5). Take a 18 mins bus ride to Oryukdo Skywalk.
Visit the famous Oryukdo Skywalk and Oryukdo Islets.
This is also the starting point for the scenic Igidae Coastal Trail to Yongho Starlight Park (4.7km, 2.5hrs).
From the end point, Yongho Starlight Park, walk to the nearest bus stop for the bus back to Kyungsung Univ. Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station (line 2). 11 mins bus ride.
You can take the subway to Centum City Station (line 2, 6 stops, exit 12) and relax at the modern Korean spa, Spa Land, located at Shinsegae Centum City (shopping mall).
Take the subway back to Haeundae Station (line 2, 3 stops).
Course 3: Shop & Eat
Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch & Seomyeon
From Haeundae Station, take the bus to Lotte Outlets stop. 30 mins. 3 mins walk to Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan Branch where you can shop over 500 famous domestic and international brands e.g. Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Burberry, etc
Across the road is Brick Campus Busan at Maison Dongbusan Mall. For fans of IKEA, there is a nearby IKEA, 5 mins walk from Lotte Outlets.
💡From Lotte Outlets, you can choose to drop your purchases at your hotel in Haeundae midway before proceeding to the next shopping paradise.
Take the train to Seomyeon Station (line 1/2). There are many nearby shopping malls and the famous Jeonpo Cafe Street (prop shops, cafes & restaurants).
Take the subway from Seomyeon Station back to Haeundae Station (line 2, 16 stops).
BUSAN / SEOUL
Day 6: Dongbaek Island / The Bay 101 / SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium / Train back to Seoul / Lotte Mart / N Seoul Tower
Start the day with a leisure walk (about 1-1.5 hr) to Dongbaek Island, located on the extreme right end of Haeundae Beach. see Dongbaek Island page for walking direction.
Offer majestic view of Haeundae Beach and the ocean beyond. You can to visit the interior of Nurimaru APEC House. Free admission.
The Bay 101 Yacht Club (optional where time permits)
From Dongbaek Island, you can take a 5 mins walk to The Bay 101 where you can take a 60 mins Yacht Tour (11:00 - 22:00, hourly departures) or check out their famous Fish & Chips.
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium (optional where time permits)
On your way back to hotel, if you have still have time, you can drop by SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, one of Korea’s top aquariums with 3 underground levels and 8 themed zones.
Walk back to your accommodation and check out.
If you are staying along Haeundae Beach, you can take the direct bus# 1003 to Busan Station (45 mins). Other options include subway with 1 transfer (50 mins) or taxi (40 mins).
Lunch at Busan Station or buy a lunch box to eat on board the train.
Take the KORAIL KTX Train from Busan back to Seoul.
Lotte Mart (optional)
Pop by Lotte Mart located next to Seoul Station to buy your favourite local goodies back to your home country.
Take the subway from Seoul Station back to Myeongdong Station.
Check into your accommodation and dinner at Myeongdong.
If you are not ready to call it a day, why not get up to N Seoul Tower and its observatory to enjoy the beautiful night view?
SEOUL
Day 7...: Day Trip from/around Seoul
1. Recommended Day Tours and Activities
3. or Explore more on North of Han River / South of Han River (i.e. Gangnam)
SEOUL
Last Day: Getting to Airport...
Take the Airport Limousine Bus, #6015 (or #6001) from the same drop off stop (Myeongdong Station) to Incheon Airport (T1/T2)
Bus stop location: near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station and right in front of KB Bank.
Interval: 2-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins (T1) / 90 mins (T2)
Fare: ₩17,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)
No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.
First bus 04:35 | Last Bus 20:15 (refer to the information at bus stop for the latest schedule)
Alternatively, you can book on a private car transfer to Airport as well.
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