안녕하세요~ Annyeonghaseyo from Busan, Korea! ❤
Busan is a beautiful port city which I have been wanting to visit during the recent years, after hearing so many good things about it. It is a relatively cheap location to travel to (as compared to my favourite Japan), thanks to the great currency exchange rate and the overall low living cost in Busan.
It is sad to hear that every year a large population of young generation leaves Busan, because the phrase "old man and the sea" is seemingly boring for them and they look out for more opportunities and excitements elsewhere. To me, Busan has so much to offer - its unique blend of beautiful seaside scenery and cultural heritage, as well as its role as a vibrant port city - I would think it is a desirable place to live, visit, and invest in.
Since it was an impromptu trip for me to catch the last glimpse of cherry blossom in Busan (I literally bought my flight tickets two days before flying there!), I have done up a quick 4D3N itinerary that fits my personal interests - the sandy beach and blue sea, specialty coffee / scenic cafes, and cherry blossoms.
All in all, if you are a nature lover and coffee connoisseur, this itinerary would be useful for you!
DAY 1 - HAEUNDAE
❤ Morning - Arrival at Gimhae International Airport
❤ Afternoon - Check into your accommodation near Haeundae
❤ Late afternoon - Stroll along Haeundae Beach → Walk the Dongbaekseom Island Trail → stop at Nurimaru APEC House for great ocean views
❤ Sunset time - Haeundae Blue Line Sky Capsule
❤ Evening - Dinner at Haeundae Traditional Market
DAY 2 - SAKURA & BEACH
❤ Morning - Oncheoncheon Stream for cherry blossom viewing
❤ Midday - Lunch / Cafe hopping at Momos Coffee Flagship Store
❤ Afternoon - Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (beautiful seaside Buddhist temple)
❤ Evening - Visit Gwangalli Beach and enjoy the beach promenade and dinner by the beach
DAY 3 - CULTURE VILLAGES
❤ Morning - Visit Songdo Beach and ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car
❤ Midday - Visit Huinnyeoul Culture Village and cafe hopping by the sea
❤ Afternoon - Explore Gamcheon Culture Village
❤ Evening - Explore Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market, and BIFF Square
❤ (Optional) Night - End the day with Yongdusan Park for a panoramic view of the city.
DAY 4 - NATURE WALK & SHOPPING
❤ Morning - Start the day at Oryukdo Skywalk
❤ Midday - Enjoy a meal at the scenic cafe, Blue Bottle Millaksubyeon-ro
❤ Afternoon - Check out Busan's shopping district, Shinsegae Department Store
❤ Evening - Head to the airport and goodbye Busan!
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DAY 1 - HAEUNDAE
Gimhae International Airport was only an hour train ride away from my accommodation for the trip - Haeundae. I would strongly recommend Haeundae to be your base, because of its proximity from various tourist attractions. The transportation network here is pretty good, albeit less punctual, as most of the places I went were accessible via buses and trains.
Travel tips
Remember to buy a T-money prepaid transportation card at the airport's convenient store, to ease the journey.
My budget stay for this trip was Toyoko Inn Busan Haeundae 2, which included a large queen bedded room and complimentary breakfast. It costed only USD44 per night, hence no complaints at all.
Haeundae | ‘Hae-Un-Dae' | 海雲台 | Sea cloud platform
The first thing to do in Haeundae, was of course strolling along the Haeundae Beach. Look how misty it was even during midday! On a 13°C spring day, the cool windy stroll was pretty relaxing.
Dongbaekseom Island | 동백섬
Then I took a short bus ride to the entrance of the Dongbaekseom Island Trail, right in front of the main entrance of The Westin Josun Busan. It offers two options for nature lovers - scenic coastal walking trail (450m) on raised wooden deck along the coastline and a circular trail (930m) around the island's nature forest. The whole walking course takes about 30-50 minutes.
I chose the circular trail which allowed me to spend more time immersing into the beauty of the nature. The highlight of the trail was the Nurimaru APEC House - particularly, the terrace on the second floor, which offered panoramic views of Haeundae Beach, Oryukdo Islets and sparkling Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
Quick stop at Borie Bakery & Deli @ The Bay 101 for a Chewing Bagel (KRW 3,800) and cherry blossom view.
Haeundae Blue Line Park Sky Capsule
Towards the golden hours, I went for the most exciting activity of the day - Haeundae Sky Capsule (KRW 40,000 one-way) - a romantic capsule that runs on a 2km elevated track overlooking the beautiful ocean. The best route and timing to go for is definitely from Mipo to Cheongsapo during sunset hours, so that you can enjoy the sunset view right in front of you.
Travel tips
Arrive at the station 30 minutes before your scheduled time on the ticket, to avoid long queue. For the best sunset view, aim to depart around 5.45pm from Mipo Station.
Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk | Drying of seaweed by the harbour
Every moment of enjoying the beauty of golden hours and ocean views felt so magical to me. Instead of taking the Beach Train back to Mipo, the adventurous spirit in me ignited and hence I took a more scenic route by taking a slow stroll back to Haeundae beach. Walking along the shoreline calmed the soul more deeply than I ever dreamed. ❤ Lovin' the experience here!
Travel tips
If you have some time to spare at Mipo Station, head over to Cafe Rooftop for a drink and dessert while enjoying the great ocean views near Haeundae Beach.
Haeundae Traditional MarketFor dinner, I headed back to the Haeundae Traditional Market located a stone's throw away from the hotel, to hunt for local delicacies. The seafood pancakes, hotteok and grilled skewers were commonly available here.
Not forgetting to mention that Busan is also well-known for its local specialty food which you must try at least once because you can only taste here in Busan, including:
- Hoe (very fresh raw fish)
- Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup)
- Milmyeon (wheat noodle in a cold chicken or beef broth)
- Ssiat Hotteok (sweet pancake with seed)
Dwaeji Gukbap (pork and rice soup) @ OBOK (KRW 10,000)
So there went my choice for dinner - a hearty, piping hot bowl of Dwaeji Gukbap that felt like a hug after a long day. The tender pork, slow-cooked to perfection, melted in my mouth with every bite - so rich with the depth of milky broth it was simmered in for hours, while a spoonful of spicy gochugaru brought it all to life.
This humble and deeply satisfying meal was a perfect ending to my first day in Busan!
❤❤❤
DAY 2 - SAKURA & BEACH
Cherry blossom viewing at Oncheoncheon Stream
Since the main purpose of this impromptu trip was to catch the last glimpse of cherry blossoms, I made my way to the popular Oncheoncheon Stream on a bright sunny morning for a peaceful stroll and cherry blossom viewing. 🌸 I was so delighted that the blossoms along the riverside had just reached full bloom and were looking stunning!
Lined along the stream is a row of scenic cafés where you can relax with the view of the stream and cherry blossom trees. However, I decided to skip this and went for a specialty coffee place instead.
Travel tips
Remember to use NAVER apps to search for the best cherry blossom viewing spots near you. This limited-time feature makes itinerary planning so much easier and hassle-free!
Momos Coffee Flagship Store
20, Osige -Ro Geumjeong-gu, Busan.
My favourite café discovery in Busan has to be Momos Coffee! ❤ This local brand has deep roots in the city, starting back in 2007 in a humble restaurant warehouse in Oncheonjang. Since then, it has grown to become the gold standard for coffee in Busan. It is also home base of Jooyeon Jeon, the 2019 World Barista Champion, which adds to its prestige.
As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the calming sight of lush bamboo greenery - a serene, almost meditative atmosphere that immediately set the tone. I ordered the Mucho Berry Latte (KRW 6,500), which was a beautifully balanced blend of fruitiness and richness, paired with a flaky, buttery Croissant (KRW 4,400) that made the perfect companion.
The coffee was so impressive that I couldn't leave without picking up their specialty 7 variety pack of drip coffee bag (KRW 13,000) to enjoy a taste of Momos back home.
All in all, this place isn't just a café. It is an experience that any coffee lover shouldn't miss in Busan.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
After a satisfying meal, it was time to head to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside Buddhist temple that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere. Built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty, the temple is dedicated to the Sea Goddess of Mercy, and it is one of the few temples in Korea standing right on the coast.
As I arrived at the temple after a short hike, I was struck by the dramatic stone stairway that led down to the complex, flanked by statues of zodiac animals and prayer lanterns. Every turn revealed intricate architecture - colorful eaves, ornate carvings and tranquil spaces for prayer. I particularly enjoyed the cliff view and the rhythm of the ocean, which added to the peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Although I arrived before sunset, it wasn't the golden light that impressed me the most - it was the feeling of admiring the sea and sky from the magnificent temple complex. So serene and calming, I feel whole.
Gwangalli Beach
Then I headed back to town, and spent the evening at Gwangalli Beach. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the beach transformed into a relaxed yet vibrant scene. The dazzling lights of the Gwangan Bridge lit up the night sky with a colorful light show that reflected beautifully across the water.
Korean-style pork cutlet rice @ Donkachun
While the beach promenade was lined with casual bars and restaurants that spilled out onto patios facing the sea, I chose Donkachun as it offered unobstructed views of Gwangan Bridge from the upper floor of the shoplot. The pork cutlet rice (KRW11,000) here was pretty good. Totally value for money!
My second day in Busan then concluded with a stroll by the beach while watching the waves roll in under the sparkling bridge. The atmosphere was laidback, with locals and travelers alike enjoying music, street performances and the cool ocean breeze.
One thing I love about Gwanglli in the evening is that it has this effortlessly chill vibe that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer. It is the place where the energy of Busan comes alive in a beautifully coastal way.
❤❤❤
DAY 3 - SONGDO & CULTURE VILLAGES
Songdo Marine Cable Car ride with cherry blossom view
On the third day of Busan adventure, my morning began with a ride on the Songdo Marine Cable Car (KRW 17,000 for a two-way ticket), which glided smoothly between Songdo Beach and Amnam Park, offering breathtaking aerial view of the coastline, the sparkling water and the surrounding cliffs. Honestly, it was nothing spectacular as I have been to similar rides suspended above the sea which offered better experiences.
At the top, I spent an hour or so at the Songdo Sky Park and Observation Tower, exploring the wooden decks and photo spots with The Little Prince. Watching the horizon stretch endlessly, the experience could be better if the sky was less gloomy.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village
After a slight letdown in the morning, visiting the Huinnyeoul Culture Village definitely lifted up the mood. Perched on the cliffside above the sea, this quiet charming village is a blend of art, history and simple seaside beauty. Getting lost along the narrow, winding alleys lined with pastel-painted houses and murals, actually filled my heart with peace and tranquility.
It is not a polished tourist attraction, but rather a lived-in space with local stories to tell. However, it was getting more and more touristy with expensive cafes mushrooming at the cliffside, each competing for the best sea view location.
Coffee break at Aether Cafe
"Come grab a coffee by the sea" becomes a famous tagline here given the coastal town's ever growing cafes. I did a quick online search and stumbled upon this double storey sea-facing cafe, hence decided to unwind here with a glass of Iced Latte (KRW 7,000) and Lemondill Scone (KRW 6,000) which turned out to be terrible. Apart from the view, there was nothing to shout about here. My sincere advice is, please avoid this cafe at all cost.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Finally, the best part of the day was no other than the infamous Gamcheon Culture Village walking tour although it was raining during my visit. Dubbed as the "Machu Picchu of Busan", it is an artsy and colorful village with amazing street murals, sculptures, quirky cafes and cute shops selling trinkets and local crafts. I fell in love with the beautiful wallpaper-like scenery here instantly! It was extra lovely with the cherry blossom trees lining the slopes at the background.
Seed Hotteok at BIFF Square
For the evening, my initial plan was to explore Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market and BIFF Square for a local market and food hunting experience, followed by taking a short escalator up to Yongdusan Park for a panoramic night view of the city.
Unfortunately, luck was not on my side as it was raining heavily so I decided to only roam around the BIFF Square area for some street food and light shopping before calling it a day.
My quick dinner was the Busan's famous Seed Hotteok (KRW 2,000) which was a fried dough pastry filled with sunflower seed, peanuts, almond, pumpkin seed and sesame. It gave a very pleasant biting pleasure and was tummy-filling too. The dinner was perfected by a box of super fresh and juicy strawberries (KRW 3,000). I lapped up all 30++ pieces of strawberries at one go!
❤❤❤
DAY 4 - NATURE WALK & SHOPPING
Oryukdo Skywalk
On my final day in Busan, I woke up early to explore the Oryukdo Skywalk. It was a cold morning - just 11°C - and the wind was strong from the moment I stepped outside.
The thrilling walk over the ocean with beautiful views in Oryukdo Skywalk was quiet and peaceful, with hardly anyone around that early. Once I reached the Oryukdo Sunrise Park located right above the slopes, I was impressed by the beautiful sight of daffodil fields facing the rocky islets and emerald sea.
Spending a good one hour here felt just right for me to enjoy a peaceful walk while appreciating the beauty of spring. Although it was cold and windy, the experience was totally worth it. The ocean, the cliffs and the feeling of standing upon the amazing sea view made it a memorable morning.
Blue Bottle Coffee Cafe
243 4F, 5F, Millaksubyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, 48275 Busan.
Then I took an hour bus ride back to the city to spend the rest of the morning in a scenic café. The new Blue Bottle Coffee in Millaksubyeon-ro sits right by the Suyeong River, with clean minimal design and huge windows overlooking the river and Baeksan Mountain - so calm and scenic.
I ordered a Hot Latte (KRW 6,900) and a Liege Waffle (KRW 6,800). The latte was smooth and well-balanced, while the buttery waffle was that perfect caramelised sweetness. I grabbed a seat by the window, sipping slowly while enjoying the peaceful view. What a relaxing start of the day!
Before heading back to the hotel to check out and catch my evening flight, I managed to check out the Shinsegae Centum City, the world's largest department store, and explore the luxury boutiques, cosmetics shops and fashion retailers.
❤❤❤
After spending 4D3N in Busan, I am honestly smitten with the city. From the beautiful sunset in the sky capsule to chilling by the river with lots of cherry blossom surrounding me, every spot has its own vibe and delivers different experience.
Overall, this Busan trip was a great balance of exploring the nature and relaxing myself, with plenty of amazing views and tasty treats along the way. Looking forward to visiting Jeju - the last part of Korea which I haven't been - next! ❤
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