Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a fun destination and a fantastic blend of natural beauty, modern attractions and cultural offerings. If you have only one day in Busan, this itinerary will help you experience the best of what this vibrant city has to offer. From breathtaking views and historic sites to culinary delights and unique activities, here’s how to make the most of your time with this 1 day Busan itinerary.
Welcome to Busan! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, this itinerary is designed to guide you through the highlights of Busan in just one day. Get ready for a mix of stunning scenery, cultural landmarks, delicious food, and exciting activities that showcase the essence of Busan. It was definitely one of my favourite places in South Korea.
Songdo Cable Car
Start your 1 day in Busan with a scenic ride on the Busan Air Cruise Cable Car at Songdo Beach. This scenic cable car ride offers panoramic views of the coastline and the cityscape, providing a fantastic overview of Busan from above. The ride takes you across the water and it’s a great chance to see a unique perspective of the city.
The cable car ride lasts around 7 to 10 minutes each way, giving you plenty of time to take in the views and take plenty of photos. As you glide over the water, you’ll see the picturesque Songdo Beach below and the bustling city beyond.
Weekdays: 9:00-20:00
17 Jun-31 Aug, Weekends & Holidays: 9:00-21:00
29 Jul-15 Aug: 9:00-22:00
Ticketing: 30 mins before closing.
Busan Songdo Cloud Walk
Once you’ve landed, you can head over through the shady trees to the nearby Songdo Cloud Walk. This is glass-floored walkway extending over the ocean, allowing you to walk above the waves and enjoy unobstructed views of the sea below. The clear glass floor adds an element of excitement and adventure to your morning stroll, making it a memorable start to your 1 day in Busan.
The Songdo Cloud Walk is a popular spot for both locals and tourists and it can get a little busy. As you walk along the transparent path, you’ll feel as if you’re floating above the ocean, with the sound of waves crashing below adding to the serene atmosphere. I enjoyed being able to see the boats and some military ships nearby too!
Trying Choryang Milmyeon Cold Wheat Noodles
After your morning adventures, it’s time to refuel with some local cuisine. For lunch, head to Choryang to try Milmyeon, Busan’s famous cold wheat noodles. Although it might seem odd at first to have a cold noodle dish, it’s actually delicious and very refreshing. Milmyeon is typically served in a cold broth with slices of meat (pork)
Choryang Milmyeon is one of the best places to try this iconic dish. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavours and generous portions although you can’t book so aim to get there quite early for lunch to avoid the queues. It’s a popular spot with locals and a great culinary addition to your 1 day Busan itinerary.
Gamcheon Culture Village Busan
Next, make your way to Gamcheon Culture Village, a vibrant and colourful neighborhood known for its hillside houses and street art. It started out as humble hillside village and was considered quite a poor area but Gamcheon has transformed into a cultural and artistic hotspot. Wander through the narrow alleys, explore the murals and sculptures, and take in the panoramic views from various observation points.
The village is a maze of steep staircases, winding pathways, and cute cafes & boutiques. As you explore, you’ll come across quirky cafes, art galleries, and charming shops, each adding to the village’s unique charm. Although it’s quite a steep walk, it’s worth the walk up from the bus stop at the bottom of the hill, along the winding paths to the lookout point over the village. It’s a great photo opportunity with views over the multi coloured roofs and even out to the ocean.
Gamcheon Culture Village is often a highlight of people’s time in the city and a must do if you’ve only got one day in Busan.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan
Visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a must for your 1 day Busan itinerary as it’s one of the most famous sights in the city and one of the few temples in South Korea located by the sea. The combination of Buddhist architecture and coastal views makes it a unique and peaceful spot to explore. The temple is nestled on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean and is accessed by some fairly steep steps that get quite busy, so it’s not ideal if you have mobility issues.
Allow about an hour to wander around the complex andyou’ll come across various pagodas, shrines, and statues. It’s a functioning temple, not just a tourist spot, so you’ll see lots of people praying, but the temple complex is welcoming to people of all faiths. The temple is also a popular spot for sunrise, offering a breathtaking view of the sun rising over the ocean.
Diamond Bay Luxury Yacht Tour Busan
After the sun set , head to the marina at Diamond Bay Terminal in Nam-gu. The Diamond Bay Luxury yacht experience is 50 minute yacht tour on a 72ft catamaran. It’s a great chance to see Busan’s coastline and skyline at night.
The Diamond Bay Yacht Tour takes you on a leisurely journey along the coast, passing by iconic landmarks such as Haeundae Beach, Dongbaek Island, and Gwangan Bridge which looks fantastic all lit up at night.
There’s a bar at the ticket office and you can buy drinks to take on board.
The Daytime sessions are (Oryukdo Tour) : Weekdays (16:30), Weekends and Holidays (13:30, 16:30) / Nighttime sessions (Haeundae Tour) : Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays (18:30, 19:30, 20:30)
Although it’s certainly a city that you could spend days in as a tourist, if you only have one day in Busan then you’ve got the chance to still get a taste for what it has to offer and this 1 day Busan itinerary is designed to give you a taste of the city’s highlights. Enjoy your one day in Busan!
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