South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant destination offering a blend of natural beauty, modern attractions, and rich cultural experiences. It was one of my favourite cities in South Korea and I loved exploring this dynamic city. With this 3 day Busan itinerary then you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy some of the highlights as well as a few hidden gems.
From breathtaking views and historic sites to culinary delights and unique activities, here’s how to make the most of your 3 days in Busan itinerary.
Before we look at the itinerary, If you’re looking to decide what is the best area to stay in Busan then here’s a handy guide.
Day 1:
Morning – Songdo Cable Car
Start your 3 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. I enjoyed it as one of the first things I did during my 3 days in Busan as it gave an aerial introduction to the city and helped me visualise how the city is laid out.
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 3 day Busan itinerary.
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! It does get a little busy although if you’re heading there fairly early you should miss the crowds.
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 3 day Busan itinerary.
Trying this dish was a favourite of mine and I loved the fact it was a little unusual and not something I’d be able to get back home.
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. You cander 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 got 3 days in Busan. I didn’t actually stop somewhere for a full meal but I did make the most of the street vendors and selected a few snacks and drinks as I walked around.
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.
I visited in October/November and it did get a bit chilly so make sure to bring a jacket and scarf if you get cold easily.
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
Start the second of your 3 days Busan itinerary 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.
I enjoyed the amusingly slow pace that the pods travel at and liked the novel way of seeing the coastline. It’s also pretty cool as you approach the cityscape and see the skyscrapers towering above the tiny pods.
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).
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 3 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.
Day 3:
Morning: Jagalchi Fish Market & BIFF Square
Start the final of your 3 days in Busan by diving into Busan’s seafood culture with a visit to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market. You can sample fresh seafood or simply take a wander and marvel at the variety of seafood there. Afterward, head to BIFF Square, a vibrant street filled with movie-themed shops, street food stalls, and the handprints of famous film stars. It’s also a great place to grab a local street food snack.
Just a short walk from BIFF Square is Gukje Market, a massive traditional market where you can find anything from souvenirs to street food. If you haven’t already filled up at Jagalchi then grab a bite to eat—Busan’s street food scene is a highlight for any visitor. Some suggestions include –sundae (blood sausage), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), or hotteok (sweet filled pancakes).
Early afternoon: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan
Visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a must for your 3 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.
I took about an hour to wander around the complex and came 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 lovely view of the sun rising over the ocean.
Afternoon: 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.
I visited around 330 and stayed until the second of the flag ceremonies.There are morning and afternoon flag-raising ceremonies (10am and 5pm) by UN guards and it’s a solemn event where everyone gathers to watch.
Evening: Paddleboarding in Busan
End your day with a paddleboarding session at one of Busan’s beaches. Paddleboarding is a popular activity in Busan, offering a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the calm waters and the city’s nightscape from a unique perspective. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, you’ll find plenty of rental options and guided tours available at Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach.
We hired some wetsuits and went out on the water for an hour or so as the sun started to set and it was very pretty as the sun reflected on the surrounding buildings, which felt like a very peaceful end to our 3 days in Busan.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your 3 Days in Busan
Although Busan is a city where you could easily spend several days exploring, this 3 day 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!
