Cheap Flights to Busan

Quick summary

Identity

South Korea's wartime capital, still seeking UNESCO recognition

Busan's identity is inseparable from its role as the country's number-one harbor city — a fact that shaped its history as much as its economy. When Seoul fell early in the Korean War, the South Korean government declared Busan the provisional wartime capital on August 18, 1950, a status it held for 1,023 days. The city's population swelled from about 300,000 to roughly a million as refugees poured in from across the country, many arriving through Pier 1 of Busan Port. That sudden influx produced some of Busan's most distinctive urban landscapes — dense, tiered housing built straight into steep mountain slopes to house the overflow — the same social history that later gave rise to Gamcheon Culture Village. Busan is now pursuing UNESCO World Heritage status for its "Sites of the Busan Wartime Capital of Korea," a nomination for UNESCO's tentative list.

Don't miss

Gamcheon, from relocation housing to open-air gallery

Gamcheon's origins go back to the 1920s-30s, when the city relocated its poorer residents to a hillside area — close enough to supply labor to the port, but tucked out of view of it. A public art project launched in 2009 transformed the same terraced neighborhood into today's pastel-colored "Machu Picchu of Busan," covered in murals, small galleries and installation art, with panoramic views down the tiered rooftops to the sea. It remains a lived-in neighborhood rather than a museum piece — one reason it feels different from similarly photogenic spots elsewhere.

To discover

Jagalchi, Korea's largest fish market

The market's name comes from "jagal" (gravel), a reference to the gravel-covered shore it originally stood on. Its modern identity crystallized during the Korean War, when refugee women known as the "Jagalchi ajumma" began selling seafood to support their families — a tradition still visible today between the outdoor stalls and the modern indoor complex rebuilt in 2006. Upstairs, tank-to-table restaurants let you pick your seafood live before it's cooked, about as fresh a meal as the city offers.

To discover

Haeundae and Gwangalli, two very different beaches

Haeundae, Busan's flagship urban beach, draws huge crowds to its 1.5 km of white sand, backed by hot springs, the Oryukdo Islands viewpoint, the scenic Dalmaji-gil coastal road and the Sea Life Busan Aquarium. Gwangalli, the beach closest to downtown, has a younger, more local energy, its cafés and restaurants facing directly onto the illuminated Gwangandaegyo (Diamond) Bridge after dark — arguably Busan's most photographed view. For something quieter, Taejongdae Resort Park, named after Silla-era King Taejong, offers cliff-top hiking, a lighthouse and small temples above the sea, well away from either beach's crowds.

Swimming: rip currents occur on Busan's beaches and lifeguard cover outside summer is limited. Follow the flags and posted advice; Songjeong beach, calm and shallow, is considered one of the safest.

Excursion

Haedong Yonggungsa, the temple by the sea

East of Haeundae, in Gijang County, this Buddhist temple is one of the few in Korea set on the seaside, where most temples sit in the mountains. The temple dates its foundation to 1376, a claim that is disputed. It honors Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, the Sea Goddess Buddha of Mercy, and is especially popular during Buddha's Birthday celebrations, when paper lanterns decorate the complex. Reach it from Haeundae by bus or taxi; check the route on the day.

In the north of the city, Beomeosa Temple, founded in 835 on the mountainside, is a contrast to the seaside temple. At temples, dress modestly and take your shoes off before entering the halls.

Museums and memory

Museums, war memory and culture

Busan has many museums, including the Busan Museum, the Busan Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, the Korea National Maritime Museum and the Busan Modern History Museum. The UN Memorial Cemetery, the only UN military cemetery in the world, recalls the city's role in the Korean War, and a museum tells the story of the provisional capital.

For culture, the Busan International Film Festival takes place in Haeundae and across the city during the first ten days of October. Museum opening days and hours change: check them before you go.

Food

Dwaeji gukbap, a dish born of hard times

Busan's signature comfort food, dwaeji gukbap, a pork bone and rice soup, traces its popularity partly back to the wartime refugee period, when it offered a cheap, filling meal for a city suddenly swollen with newcomers. Also try milmyeon, cold wheat noodles in a sweet-sour-spicy broth, ideal in summer, and hoe, raw fish fresh from Jagalchi market, and ssiat hotteok, a seed-stuffed sweet pancake sold on the street at Nampo's International Market.

Other local favourites are eomuk, the fish cake Busan is known for, and dongnae pajeon, a seafood and green onion pancake. Local meals stay inexpensive; vegetarians will find fewer options.

Getting around and budget

From Gimhae Airport into the city

Gimhae International Airport lies west of the city, roughly 15 to 25 km from downtown depending on the source. The Busan-Gimhae Light Rail links it to the metro, with a change at Sasang (Line 2) or Daejeo (Line 3): allow roughly 35 to 50 minutes to the centre, depending on the destination. A limousine bus and taxis are the other options, easier with luggage; the time depends on traffic.

The city metro (4 lines, about 116 km) covers the city well, complemented by the Donghae line to Haeundae and by buses, with rechargeable transport cards. The KTX links Seoul and Busan in about 2 to 2.5 hours. Ferries and fast boats reach Fukuoka in Japan in a few hours: to be checked.

Cost level: medium. Busan is generally cited as cheaper than Seoul, particularly for accommodation and transport, and local meals, markets and public transport keep a trip reasonable.

When to go

When to visit Busan?

How long to stay

How long to spend in Busan?

Plan at least 2 to 3 days for Gamcheon, Jagalchi, the beaches and the seaside temple. With Taejongdae, Beomeosa or a day trip to Gyeongju, 4 to 5 days is comfortable; Busan also pairs easily with Seoul thanks to the KTX.

Busan's airport

Gateway to the southeast of Korea

In pictures

Busan in pictures

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Busan