Busan is South Korea’s laid-back coastal gem, where vibrant markets, colourful art villages and dramatic mountains meet seaside charm and ocean views. As the country’s second-largest city, it has a totally different vibe from Seoul: slower, sunnier and full of salty sea air. Even if you’ve only got one day, Busan offers plenty of highlights without feeling overwhelming. From floating high above Haeundae Beach in a Sky Capsule to getting your adrenaline fix on the glass‑bottomed Oryukdo Skywalk, my “one day in Busan” guide will help you make the most of 24 hours in one of Korea’s most dynamic and scenic cities.
But first, you probably want to ask:
Is one day in Busan enough?
Short answer: no. It’s a huge city with a lot to offer. I could even recommend spending a week there.
Is it then worth going to Busan just for one day?
Another short answer: yes!
Located less than 3h from Seoul with the train, it might feel like a far and unnecessary trip, but it totally isn’t. Busan has a super cool vibe, completely different to Seoul and it’s a very interesting city to visit, especially if you’re into beaches, beautiful views and cool bridges.
But to be clear…
I’m not telling you to get up at 10 am, arrive in Busan at 1 pm and leave on the same day. That would definitely be exhausting, would make no sense and you might as well just skip it. My itinerary involves spending the whole day in Busan, from early morning until the late evening.
So if you decide to make your way there, but…
one day in Busan is all you’ve got…
with my itinerary, you’ll still get the best of Busan’s highlights. Well, beach-y highlights, because the seaside is a huge part of what makes Busan so special. The sea shapes the relaxed and breezy mood of the city, so if you love the sound of waves and fresh sea air, you’ll feel right at home in Busan.
So grab your sunglasses, charge your camera and get ready to explore Busan’s best in just one unforgettable day!
A few tips before we start:
- as I already mentioned, this guide involves spending a full day in Busan. You should start sightseeing no later than 9 am.
- a breakfast stop is not included. Have breakfast before you start.
- this itinerary is definitely doable in one day, but if you want to skip something or add something, you can obviously do that too.
- this itinerary was made for spring, summer and autumn. Although keep in mind that from late June until late August there’s a monsoon season in South Korea. Even though Busan has the mildest weather in Korea, heavy rain can still happen.
- you will have to use public transport. But no worries, Busan has easy to navigate metro and bus system. Just grab a T-money card (a prepaid and rechargeable public transport card) from any convenience store, and you’re all set.
- Google maps don’t work in South Korea! You can still look up places, but for real-time directions and getting around, it’s pretty unreliable. Instead, download Naver Map (Android link) (iOS link). It works much better and offers English versions. All the map links in this blog post will be made using this Naver Map.
- wear something comfortable, especially on your feet. Layers are also a good idea.
- pack a few snacks and bottles of water. You will be hiking, so you might get thirsty and peckish.
If you don’t want to spend money on countless bottles of water and primarily, you want to use less plastic, get a water bottle with filter. A WaterWell water bottle filters 99% of water pathogens and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Read more about it here and get your water bottle today!
And most importantly…
- this itinerary is sea-oriented. Yes, we will go “into the city” in the evening, but since sea and sea views kind of shape Busan, I concentrated on them. Plus you can get all the “city vibes” in Seoul and other cities.
All clear? Ok!
Here’s a little preview of the route you’re going to take.
How to spend one day in Busan – the best things to do
Let’s start with my personal favourite thing and a must-do activity in Busan.
You don’t have time to read this blog post? Watch my Instagram reel. It consists of pretty much the same itinerary, naturally without much detail. But you can definitely get a feeling for Busan.
First stop: Haeundae Sky Capsules starting at Cheongsapo Station
Located in Haeundae Blueline Park, this pastel-colored monorail offers a leisurely 30-minute journey along the coastline, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. The capsules travel at a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to soak in the scenic beauty and capture memorable photos. And memorable they will be. As I said, it was my absolute favourite thing to do in Busan. The whole experience was just…super cute! Watch my Instagram video.
The route of the capsules stretches approximately 2.3 kilometers between Mipo Station and Cheongsapo Station. And while Mipo station is the starting point for the majority of people, you’ll be starting your capsule journey and the one day in Busan experience from Cheongsapo Station.
If you want more tips about taking Haeundae Sky Capsules, check out my blog post. I devoted a whole article to this cute experience.
But the main tip is:
book in advance! If you have only one day in Busan, booking in advance is an absolute necessity. Spots sell out fast! That’s the link to booking your ride from Cheongsapo Station to Mipo Station.
How to get to Cheongsapo Station?
There are several buses that arrive at Cheongsapo Station, like 2, 7, 10. Your way of getting there naturally depends on where you’ll be coming from. Check Naver Map to find the best connection. And remember, you have to be there by 9.30 am at the latest!
Quick tip!
If you want to see the capsules…maybe not from above, but at least from “the same level”, visit Dongbaek Dessert Café. This café is perfectly placed for a couple of photos as it has a roof terrace that is level with the raised track. You will have to buy something though.
Stop two: Haeundae Beach
After finishing your capsule route at Mipo Station, it’s time for a quick stroll along one of the best Busan beaches: Haeundae Beach.
Haeundae Beach is Busan’s most famous stretch of sand. With its soft golden shore, clear blue waters and a long boardwalk lined with cafés and shops, it’s the heart of the city’s coastal charm. In summer, it’s busy with swimmers and sunbathers, but even in the quieter months, the sea breeze and skyline views make it a favourite spot for a walk.
So take it all in, but don’t linger too long. There’s a lot to do ahead.
Stop Three: Shopping Promenade and Raw and Sweet Café
While strolling down Haeundae Beach, take a right to step onto Gunam-ro promenade. This wide, pedestrian-friendly street is lined with shops, street food stalls and buzzing cafés, making it perfect for a casual wander. A walk there is a fun way to soak up the lively atmosphere of Haeundae. Exactly – a walk – you’re not stopping there! Continue going until you reach Raw & Sweet Haeundae coffee shop – a cozy spot known for its great coffee and stylish, minimalist look. It’s the ideal place to take a break, sip something refreshing and – if you grab a seat in front – watch the world go by before heading back out to explore more of Busan.
Stop four: Egg drop Haeundae (optional)
This stop will a be a quick one. You can even skip it if you want to. But if you fancy a bite, Korean style, on the way back from Raw & Sweet, stop at Egg Drop Haeundae. You can order your sandwich using one of the machines and enjoy this super popular snack.
Warning:
This place can get very busy. If you see a long line, the best would be to skip it. There’s no point in wasting time. No vegan options available.
Stop Five: Oryukdo Skywalk and Igidae Coastal Trail
The Oryukdo Skywalk is one of Busan’s standout coastal attractions and a must-visit if you love dramatic sea views. It’s definitely the most thrilling stop on your “one day in Busan” itinerary. Perched high on the cliffs at the edge of the city, this glass-bottom walkway lets you literally walk above the crashing waves, with nothing but clear panels between you and the swirling blue sea below.
It’s short but cool, and the panoramic views of the rugged coastline and distant islands make it well worth the stop. Best of all, it’s free to visit!
But no worries, I didn’t make you come all this way only for 5 min excitement. The excitement will continue…for almost 5 km (3 miles)!
Because you’re about to embark on one of the most peaceful trails in Busan: Igidae Coastal Trail.
Starting a few steps fro Oryukdo Skywalk, Igidae Coastal Walk is one of Busan’s hidden gems. Unlike the busier tourist spots, this path feels more local and relaxed, with wooden walkways, rocky outcrops and little coves where the waves crash dramatically against the shore. As you walk, you’ll spot fishermen, seabirds and, on a clear day, even Busan’s skyscrapers shimmering in the distance.
The Igidae Coastal Walk is about 4.7 kilometers (around 3 miles) long. Walking the full trail at a relaxed pace usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the views (and trust me, you’ll want to stop a lot). It’s not too difficult, but there are some stairs and uneven paths, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Quick tip!
If you need a toilet, you have to buy water or you want some extra tourist information, stop by Haeparang-gil Tourist Information Center which you will see after getting off the bus. On the second floor, there’s also a café, so if feel like you need some extra energy for the walk, don’t hesitate to visit.
How to get there?
From Egg Drop Haeundae cross the street and take the bus number 1011 from Haeundae Urban Railroad Station. Get off at Numbu Drivers License test centre, walk 500 meters and take bus number 24 or 27 or 131. They’ll drop you off the Oryukdo Skywalk.
Bus 1011 is quite rare – it goes every 30 min. So you either have to time it well, or you can take a metro (and a bus later). You take Line 2 from Haeundae Station in the direction of Dongbaek Station. You get off at Kyungsung University/Pukyoung Nat. Univ. Station. After leaving the station (Exit 5), take 24, 27 or 131 bus.
Stop six: Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach is a great spot to wind down your one day in Busan, especially as the sun starts to set. The beach itself is smaller and quieter than Haeundae, but it comes with an unbeatable view of the massive Gwangan Bridge. The area has a laid-back vibe, with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants lining the shore – perfect for grabbing a drink while watching the bridge sparkle over the water. It’s a relaxed yet lively way to end your day by the sea.
How to get there?
After you finish Igidae Coastal Walk at Dongsaengmal Observatory, head down to Igidae Entrance bus stop (that’s another 1 km – sorry :)). From there you can take bus number 20 or 131 to Geumnyeonsan Station. Walk a few minutes to Gwangalli Beach.
Now, you can either finish your day at Gwangalli Beach or, if you have the strength, head to the city. To the night market at BIFF Square to be exact.
Stop seventh: BIFF Square
Ending your day at BIFF Square and its bustling night market is the perfect way to wrap up your Busan adventure. As evening falls, the square comes alive with bright lights, sizzling street food stalls and the energy of both locals and tourists. You can snack your way through Busan classics like hotteok (sweet pancakes), eomuk (fish cakes), and spicy tteokbokki while soaking in the lively atmosphere. It’s a fun, flavourful, and very local way to finish off your one day in the city.
How to get there?
To get from Gwangalli Beach to the BIFF Square you need to take bus number 41. You get off at Jagalchi Station.
And…you made it!
Your one day in Busan has come to an end. Perhaps it was a busy day, but hopefully also exciting. One thing is certain though, you definitely got a real taste of what Busan is all about. From riding sky capsules over Haeundae Beach to walking cliffside trails and ending the evening with street food at BIFF Square. Yep, you checked it all off.
I hope you had a great time and that this small taste of what Busan has to offer will make you come back again! It’s such a great city!
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
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