Busan Travel Guide: Areas, Getting Around and the Airport

Busan is Korea’s second city: beaches, seafood markets, hillside villages and a subway that gets you to most of them. This guide explains the four areas most visitors use — Haeundae, Gwangalli, Seomyeon and Nampo — how to get around, and how to get in from Gimhae airport or Busan Station.

The four areas most visitors use

• Haeundae: the famous beach, big hotels, a seaside walking path and lots of restaurants. Good for a beach-and-relax base, and for the east coast beyond it.
• Gwangalli: a smaller beach facing Gwangan Bridge, which is lit up at night. Cafés and bars along the sand; a quieter base than Haeundae.
• Seomyeon: downtown — shopping streets, food alleys and the main subway transfer station. The most practical base if you plan day trips in every direction.
• Nampo: the old harbour area near Busan Station: Jagalchi fish market, Gukje Market, BIFF Square street food and Yongdusan Park. Easy to reach from the KTX.

Still choosing a hotel area? Compare them in where to stay in Seoul and Busan, and see tickets for viewpoints in attraction tickets.

The subway

Busan Metro covers the city with several numbered lines: the main north–south line runs through Nampo, Busan Station and Seomyeon, and the line through Seomyeon also reaches Gwangalli and Haeundae. A separate commuter line runs up the east coast, and a light rail line links the airport with the subway. Your T-money or other transit card works on all of them, and station signs are in Korean and English.

You might also need: Lotte World Adventure Tickets: Prices, Getting There & Tips

Taxis and buses

Busan is hilly, and some of its best spots — hillside villages, coastal temples, viewpoints — are a walk uphill from the nearest station. Taxis are the easy fix, especially in a group or late at night. Fares follow Busan’s own table, with a late-night and outside-the-city surcharge; estimate yours with the Busan taxi fare calculator. City buses fill the gaps the subway leaves; see how to ride city buses.

Getting in: Gimhae airport, KTX and ferries

• Gimhae International Airport is west of the city. The light rail connects it with the subway, and airport buses and taxis go to the main areas.
• KTX from Seoul arrives at Busan Station, next to Nampo and on the subway.
• Ferries from Japan arrive at the international passenger terminal near Busan Station.

Official source: Busan Metropolitan City · Busan Transportation Corporation (metro) · Gimhae International Airport

Gyeongju, the old Silla capital, is a popular side trip from Busan — see our Gyeongju travel guide.

Tips

• Beach areas get busy on summer weekends and during festivals — book stays early.
• Fish markets sell by weight and the price depends on the day; agree before they cook.
• Wear comfortable shoes: stairs and slopes are everywhere outside downtown.
• Coming from Seoul? Your Seoul transit card works here too.

Last checked: October 2026. Shops, services and rules change — check the official source or ask staff before you rely on them.

FAQ

Is Haeundae or Seomyeon better to stay in Busan?

Haeundae is best for the beach and a holiday feel; Seomyeon is more central for the subway and day trips in every direction.

Can I use T-money in Busan?

Yes. T-money and other Korean transit cards work on Busan subways, buses and many taxis.

How do I get from Gimhae airport to Busan city?

Take the light rail to the subway, an airport bus, or a taxi. Pick the one that suits your bags and your hotel area.

How much is a taxi in Busan?

It depends on distance, traffic and the time of night. Use the Busan taxi fare calculator for an estimate.

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