Busan Itinerary for 4 Days: The Ultimate DIY Travel Guide

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea beyond the vibrant streets of Seoul, I highly recommend heading down south to Busan, the country’s second-largest city. This coastal destination offers a refreshing blend of culture, history, beach views, street food, and artsy charm. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this city has something for everyone.

I did a day trip to Busan from Seoul during my first visit, together with my friends. But I realized that it was a bit rushed, and I didn’t get to enjoy it a lot. I honestly prefer slow travel and hate rushing things from here and there (maybe it comes with age? lol), so I went back to Busan for the second time.

Thus, I stayed in Busan for 4 days this time around. Furthermore, I wanted to experience a different route, so instead of taking the KTX like the first time, I flew in from Seoul. It turned out to be quicker, cheaper, and just as scenic. In this 4-day Busan itinerary, I’ll guide you through the must-visit spots, a few personal tips, and everything you need to know to enjoy your Busan trip to the fullest, whether you are a first-time visitor or not!

Table of Contents

Essential Travel Guides & Tips

Use your T-money card: It works perfectly on Busan’s subway and buses.
Stay near Busan Station: It has easy access to transit and key attractions.
Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, especially in Gamcheon and the markets.
Markets are clustered: BIFF, Nampo, and Gukje Markets are within walking distance from each other.
Downloads Kakaomaps or Navermaps for easy navigation.
South Korean tourist visa: Ensure you apply for it 2-3 months prior to your flight. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to apply for a South Korean tourist visa for the first time!

How to Get from Seoul to Busan?

There are three ways to get from Seoul to Busan, and each has its pros and cons depending on your travel goals:

By Plane: It takes about one hour from Seoul to Busan via plane.
By KTX (Korea Train Express): This high-speed train gets you from Seoul Station to Busan Station in approximately 2.5 hours. It’s convenient and scenic, but can be pricier than domestic flights. You can book your KTX tickets or Korail Pass via KLOOK for cheaper prices!
By Express Bus: The most budget-friendly option, but also the slowest. Travel time ranges from 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.

In my case, I flew with T’Way Airlines from Gimpo Airport to Gimhae Airport. The flight took around 1 hour, then another hour via metro to reach my Airbnb near Busan Station. This option is great for saving time and money, especially during promo season. On the way back, I took Jeju Air, which included 15kg of free checked baggage.

The Ultimate Busan DIY Itinerary for 4 Days

Day 1 – Arrival in Busan

Arrival in Busan
Metro transfer to Airbnb near Busan Station
Check in and rest

Day 2 – Culture, Markets, and Ocean Views

Gamcheon Culture Village
Gukje Market
Nampo Market
BIFF Square
Songdo Beach
Songdo Skywalk

Day 3 – Day Trip to Gyeongju

Bulguksa Temple
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Gyochon Hanok Village
Donggung Palace
Wolji Pond
Woljyeonggyo Bridge

You can book your day trip to Gyeongju from Busan via GetYourGuide tours!

Day 4 – Fly Back to Seoul

Jeju Air flight to Seoul
Check in at Able Guest House

Where to stay in Busan?

Kimchi Busan Downtown Guesthouse
One Way Guesthouse Busan
Deokseong Minbak

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 4 days in Busan enough?

Yes. Four days is just enough to experience the best of Busan—art villages, beaches, markets, and even a side trip to Gyeongju. You’ll leave with amazing memories and a camera roll full of vibrant moments.

What’s the best way to get to Busan from Seoul?

Flying is often faster and cheaper than taking the KTX, especially with promo fares. I flew T’Way and Jeju Air for around ₱3,500 round-trip.

Do I need a new transportation card in Busan?

No. Your T-money card from Seoul works seamlessly in Busan too.

Can I visit Busan as a day trip from Seoul?

Yes. It is possible to go for a day trip from Seoul to Busan. You leave early from Seoul via KTX and then come back around late evening.

Do locals speak English?

Some do, especially in touristy areas. But some signs are usually in Korean and English, and people are generally helpful even with limited English.

Busan is a city that has both soul and scenery, making it perfect for those who want to explore beyond Seoul and delve deeper into South Korea’s local life and culture. I did not expect to enjoy exploring Busan so much that I would even come back for a second time! I think Busan is something that I will never get tired of revisiting whenever I’m in South Korea.

If you want to explore other cities outside Seoul, then you must add Busan to your next South Korea itinerary!