South Korea’s second city, Busan, is a lively place with its own take on Korean urban culture, which you can explore on these great tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Busan’s coastal location gives the city a very different atmosphere to that of Seoul. Its top neighborhoods, which are well-connected by a metro system, include Haeundae (best for beaches) to the east, Nampodong (best for shopping) to the south, and Seomyeon (the city center) to the north. Great traditional villages and water-borne tours are also popular ways to explore this ascendant city in style. Here are five amazing tours to help you get your bearings or explore a new side of Busan today.
Busan 90-Minute Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise
Busan is a beautiful city with a modern skyline, which is best appreciated from the water on this 90-minute boat tour. Perfect for those who are less familiar with the city, you’ll pass by, or beneath, many of Busan’s landmarks, including Yeongdo Bridge, Kangkangee Culture Village and the pretty, striated cliffs of Amnam Park. The boat is a modern, multi-story ferry and offers great decks for a 360-degree view of Busan. Tours depart Wed-Mon at 2pm. From $17 per person.
Busan Full-Day City Tour
This great value-for-money tour takes guests, by air-conditioned coach, on a full day tour of Busan. The itinerary provides a great overview of the city’s geography, culture and history. Highlights include the cliffs at Taejongdae, Songdo Skywalk, with its glass floor panels above the ocean, Gamcheon Cultural Village, and Yonggungsa Temple. Time is built into the well-ordered schedule for lunch, although this is not included in the fee. The price includes all transportation and entry fees, as well as the experienced guide. From $43 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Busan Tour by Night
There is an elegance to cities like Busan at night. The city’s ultra-modern side is even more evident when the skyscrapers are lit up and reflecting off the water. This tour is conducted in an air-conditioned coach, starting at Mt. Hwangryeong to get a great overview of the whole city lit up. Gwangalli is next up with its vibrant beach culture and many bars and restaurants. The Gwangan Bridge curls out over the water and makes for an impressive sight. From $75 per person.
Busan Private Tour with a Local
This private walking tour means that you can customize the itinerary to your own preferences. Learn about the best places to visit, to eat, or to explore Korean culture. These tours, which can be booked for between two and six hours, are especially useful for getting better acquainted with a particular neighborhood. Guides speak English and you can arrange to meet your guide at any city center hotel or hostel. From $80 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Busan City 2-Day Tour
For a more substantial Busan tour, this two-day option covers a lot of ground. Markets, beaches, temples, shopping and natural wonders all feature heavily in this tour, which usually operates with a smaller group size. Each eight-hour day features highlights such as the UN Memorial Cemetery (for UN soldiers who died in the Korean War), Samgwang Temple, Jagalchi Fish Market and Haeundae Beach. Although accommodation is not included in the price, there is hotel pickup and drop-off each day. From $300 per person.