City guide
Busan Travel Guide: Beaches, mountains and Korea’s freshest seafood
Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and main port, famous for Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches, Jagalchi fish market, the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village and clifftop Haedong Yonggungsa temple. It is 2.5 hours from Seoul on the KTX bullet train.
Busan at a glance
| Timezone | KST (UTC+9) |
|---|---|
| Currency | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Languages | Korean |
| Population | 3.3 million |
| Coordinates | 35.1796, 129.0756 |
Why visit Busan
Busan is Korea’s easygoing second city: temple-clad mountains dropping to surf beaches, a fish market where breakfast is still swimming, and a hillside village painted like a film set. It’s Seoul’s perfect counterweight — saltier, slower and friendlier.
When to visit Busan
Busan shines May–October; the beaches peak July–August with the crowds to match. June and September offer warm seas with room to breathe.
Haeundae in late July–early August is Korea’s busiest beach — shoulder months deliver the same sea with a fraction of the crowd. Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Busan.
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Busan travel questions
What is the best month to visit Busan?
May, June and September are the best months to visit Busan — warm beach weather without the July–August peak crowds. October adds crisp air and the film festival. Winter is cold and windy on the coast but seafood season is at its best.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.