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Traveloka Team

06 Mar 2024 - 5 min read

Navigating The Best Way to Get to Busan from Seoul

Busan, a stunning port city in South Korea, offers a cultural feast and breathtaking views. This piece will walk you through an exhilarating trip from Seoul to Busan, revealing the inside scoop and the top-notch ways to savour every moment.

Thanks to smooth transportation like the Seoul to Busan train and a bunch of intriguing spots along the journey, you'll get the lowdown on the best routes, tasty dining spots, and cultural gems that are hard to forget.

So, brace yourself to absorb the allure of this venture from the capital to the gleaming port city, promising memories that will stick with you at every turn.

Best Way to Get from Seoul to Busan

You've got at least four travel choices from Seoul to Busan that you might want to check out. Here they are:

1. Train

Seoul to Busan train usually clocks in at around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Departing from Seoul Station and going to Busan Station, the first KTX train kicks off at 05:12 AM, while the last departs at 10:27 PM (Monday to Thursday) and 10:48 PM (Friday to Sunday). Trains roll in at intervals varying from 5 to 60 minutes.

For a smooth ride during peak times or school holidays, consider grabbing a KORAIL PASS, especially if you travel with at least two mates. It lets you snag your preferred seats ahead of time and makes online ticketing a breeze, ensuring you won't miss out on those sought-after KTX tickets.

2. Bus

Buses in Korea are generally luxurious, and trips from Seoul to Busan by bus are no different—you can count on reclining seats, TV screens, and even WiFi!

Most buses depart from Seoul to Busan, departing from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, which can be easily accessed via Subway Line 3 (Express Bus Terminal Station). The journey usually takes around 4-5 hours, and you will find buses departing up to 5 times per hour from the terminal.

Getting bus tickets is easy; just use the self-service machines inside the terminal. They offer a variety of prices and levels of comfort, each more wallet-friendly than other alternatives. Alternatively, you can get express bus tickets on Korean bus sites. So easy!

3. Drive

The straight drive from Seoul to Busan covers about 320 kilometres and typically takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes in regular traffic. Car rentals usually come with a nifty built-in GPS.

Alternatively, you can rely on apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for smooth navigation in Korea. Remember, using your phone while driving is illegal and risky, so best keep it stowed away for a safe journey!

4. Plane

Though we're aware it's not the greenest option, catching a flight from Seoul to Busan is hands-down the quickest way to hop between the two cities.

Most flights take off from Seoul Gimpo Airport and touch down at Busan Gimhae Airport just an hour later. The actual flight time from Seoul to Busan is a mere 1 hour. Remarkably, a whopping 40 flights daily make the trip, operated by six different airlines.

Seoul to Busan flight

China Eastern Airlines

Start from AU$286.45

Seoul (ICN) to Busan (PUS)

Fri, 5 Jul 2024

Asiana Airlines

Start from AU$313.46

Seoul (ICN) to Busan (PUS)

Tue, 2 Jul 2024

Air China

Start from AU$314.77

Seoul (ICN) to Busan (PUS)

Wed, 26 Jun 2024

Destinations to Visit in Busan

Fancy checking out Busan? Here are some cool spots that make for a great holiday.

1. Busan Tower

Busan Tower, standing majestically 69 metres above sea level and 120 metres high, is a symbol of Busan. Modelled after the Dabotap pagoda at Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju, it is the most popular spot in the city.

The second floor has a cool exhibition space with trick art and a projection room for selfies. Two lifts will take you to the observation deck, offering stunning views of Democracy Park, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Busandaegyo Bridge, Busan Harbour, Jagalchi Market, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, and the Oryukdo Islands.

At night, it is no less exciting; the view creates an even more enchanting atmosphere, especially at 8 p.m. 15-minute fireworks display.

Busan Tower Observatory Ticket | South Korea

10

SG$ 12.31

2. Legoland & Gangchon Rail Bike

LEGOLAND Korea, the 10th Legoland globally, sprawls across 280,000 square metres, making it Asia's largest Legoland and second only to Legoland New York worldwide. With 40 rides and attractions spanning seven themes—Pirate Shores, Bricktopia, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, LEGO Ninjago World, Brick Street, and Miniland—it's a blast for LEGO enthusiasts.

Explore your creative side, have a blast on diverse rides, and soak in the lively atmosphere. LEGOLAND Korea is a cool chance for both you and the kids to enjoy some LEGO-inspired fun!

Legoland 1-Day Tour from Seoul (Ticket + Transfer) | South Korea

3. Tongdosa Temple

Tongdosa Temple is this awesome blend of history and nature, just in perfect harmony. As times change, so do the temples, adapting to new structures and systems for today's digital world.

The cool part? In 2018, Tongdosa Temple got the UNESCO World Heritage Nod, along with other sansa monasteries, recognising their historical value. Talk about embracing the old and the new!

Gyeongsangnam-do Day Tour: Tongdosa Temple & Tongdo Sauna with Jeju Black Pork Barbecue Lunch (Departure from Busan) | Yangsan, South Korea

4. Gamcheon Cultural Village

In Busan, there's this cool spot called Gamcheon Culture Village. Tucked in Gamcheon-dong, Saha District, it's known for its twisty alleys, steep streets, and vibrant houses that got a facelift for tourists. Picture houses stacked like stairs at the foot of a coastal mountain earned it the nicknames "Machu Picchu of Busan," "Santorini of Korea," and even "Lego Village."

The place is a street art haven, with residents jazzing up alleys with murals and statues. Gamcheon is a total Instagram goldmine, boasting iconic spots like the Little Prince and the Desert Fox for those perfect social media uploads!

Half-Day Tour of West Busan: Gamcheon Cultural Village, Songdo Beach, and Baijiantan Cultural Village Photography Group | South Korea

5. Busan Trick Eye Museum

At the Busan Trick Eye Museum, it's all about immersing yourself in a new cultural and entertainment vibe. Dive into 3D optical illusion paintings and installations, literally becoming part of the artwork. The name Trick Eye comes from the Trompe-l'oeil technique, which transforms flat paintings into 3D illusions.

Walls, floors, and ceilings burst to life with vibrant scenes. Forget those "Do not touch" signs; here, you're encouraged to get hands-on and interact with all the exhibits. It's a place where art truly comes alive!

Trick Eye Museum Busan

Exploring the vibrant destinations Seoul to Busan, from the enchanting Gamcheon Culture Village to the iconic Busan Tower and LEGOLAND Korea, promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're captivated by historical temples like Tongdosa or seek Trick Eye Museum's thrills, Busan has it all.

Ready for your South Korean escapade? Plan your journey seamlessly by booking flights exclusively through Traveloka. Embrace the rich cultural tapestry, scenic landscapes, and exciting attractions—South Korea awaits, and Traveloka is your gateway to a remarkable experience.

Pack your bags and start on a journey by booking flights from Sydney to Seoul with Traveloka to discover the wonders of Busan.

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