South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant destination offering a blend of natural beauty, modern attractions, and rich cultural experiences. If you only have two days in Busan to explore this dynamic city, this itinerary will help you maximise your time. From breathtaking views and historic sites to culinary delights and unique activities, here’s how to make the most of your 2 days in Busan itinerary.
Day 1:
Morning – Songdo Cable Car
Start your 2 days 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 2 days 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!
Lunchtime – 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 2 day Busan itinerary.
Afternoon – 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 2 days in Busan.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan
Visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a must for your 2 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.
Evening – 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)
Day 2:
Morning: Blue Line Park Monorail and UN Memorial Cemetery
Start the second of your 2 days in Busan with a ride on the Blue Line Park Monorail or the Sky Capsule for a unique perspective of Busan’s coastline. It’s a super cute monorail that takes you on a scenic ride along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. The pods are painted in pinks and blues, many with cute characters on the side and it’s actually a way that many children get to school.
The Busan Sky Capsule operates daily, with opening hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The capsules run at regular intervals so you never have to wait long. Ticket prices vary depending on the route and duration of the ride. A one-way trip from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station costs approximately 30,000 KRW (about 25 USD) for a single capsule that can accommodate up to four passengers. For a round-trip, the cost is around 55,000 KRW (about 47 USD). It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot and enjoy this captivating journey along Busan’s picturesque coast.
UN Memorial Cemetery
Next, pay your respects at the UN Memorial Cemetery, dedicated to the UN soldiers from 16 countries who lost their lives during the Korean War. The grounds are beautifully maintained and offer a place for reflection and remembrance. The cemetery also features a museum and visitor centre, that’s a bit like a small chapel and provides insight into the history and significance of the site through screenings.
Afternoon: Haeundae Beach
Spend your afternoon relaxing at Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most popular beaches. It is very clean and is a great place to unwind and enjoy the sun. There are plenty of beachside cafes and restaurants where you can grab a drink or snack while taking in the view. It’s a popular spot for people walking and it has wide pathways for a stroll.
Dinner: Local Seafood at Sealand Sashimi Centre
Eating at the Sealand Sashimi Centre in Busan is an interesting culinary experience that captures the essence of Korean seafood cuisine. As you enter the establishment, you’re greeted with a selection of aquariums showcasing the day’s catch. The idea here is that you select the fish you want – options include tuna, salmon and more exotic offerings like sea urchin, abalone, and octopus. It’s quite a quirky option and when I visited there weren’t a lot of tourists so it’s quite a unique addition to your 2 day Busan itinerary.
Once you’ve selected and paid for your choices, you can take it up to the restaurants on the upper floors where it will be prepared for you at a reasonable price. You’ll be served traditional accompaniments such as soy sauce, wasabi, and various Korean side dishes enhance the flavours of the sashimi. Pair your meal with a selection of soju or traditional Korean rice wine for an authentic touch. The Sealand Sashimi Centre is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, making it convenient for both lunch and dinner. Prices are reasonable, with sashimi platters typically ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 KRW (approximately 25 to 85 USD), depending on the variety and quantity of seafood.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your 2 Days in Busan
Although Busan is a city where you could easily spend several days exploring, this 2 days in Busan itinerary ensures that you experience the city’s highlights. From the scenic views of Songdo Cable Car and Blue Line Park Monorail to the cultural richness of Gamcheon Culture Village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to all interests. Enjoy your visit!
