Busan is spread out along the coast, so the best way to see it in a day is to stay on one side of the city. This plan follows the east coast: a temple on the rocks in the morning, Haeundae Beach in the middle of the day and a Korean spa in Centum City in the afternoon, finishing with dinner back by the sea. The stops are close enough that you spend minutes, not hours, getting between them.
Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Start at Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple built on the rocks above the sea in Gijang, north-east of Haeundae. It is one of the few Korean temples on the shoreline rather than in the mountains, and it gets busy from mid-morning, so go early. A taxi from Haeundae takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic; local buses also run, and Naver Map or KakaoMap will show the current route.
Allow about an hour. There are steps down to the main hall, and the temple is a place of worship, so keep your voice low and be considerate with photos.
The temple is in the Osiria area, which also has a large outlet mall and resorts. If you would rather wake up nearby, see our guide to Ananti at Busan Cove.
Midday: Haeundae Beach
Head back to Haeundae, Busan's best-known beach. Walk the sand and the promenade, then eat lunch in the streets behind the beach. Haeundae Traditional Market, a short walk from the sand, is an easy place for snacks such as fish cakes and tteokbokki.
If you have time, the Haeundae Blueline Park runs a beach train and small sky capsules along the old coastal railway between Mipo, near the end of the beach, and Cheongsapo. Tickets for the sky capsules can sell out at busy times, so book ahead in summer and at weekends.
Afternoon: a Korean spa in Centum City
Centum City is one stop from Haeundae by subway (Line 2). Spend a slow afternoon at SPA LAND Centum City, a large spa inside Shinsegae Centum City department store with hot-spring baths and themed rest rooms. It is a comfortable introduction to Korean bathhouse culture; our bathhouse guide explains the basic rules. The same building is good for shopping if the weather turns, and our guide to shopping at Shinsegae Centum City covers one of its stores.
Evening: dinner by the sea
Return to Haeundae for dinner. For Korean grilled ribs, Ribs of Legend Haeundae is close to the beach. Afterwards, walk along the beach at night or take a short taxi ride to Gwangalli Beach, where the Gwangan Bridge is lit up after dark.
If you have more time
- A sea-view cafe: the Gijang coast has several cafes with ocean views. Waveon Coffee is one of the best known, though it is a drive north of Haeundae, so it suits visitors with a car or a taxi budget.
- The west side of Busan: Jagalchi Fish Market, the BIFF Square street food area and Gamcheon Culture Village fill a second day well.
Practical tips for a day in Busan
- The same transit card you use in Seoul works on Busan's subway and buses.
- Taxis are the easiest way to reach Haedong Yonggungsa. Show the driver the name in Korean (해동용궁사) or book with the Kakao T app.
- Summer weekends at Haeundae are very busy. Start early and keep the beach for the late morning.
- Check opening hours on a map app on the day, especially for the spa and the Blueline Park.
FAQ
Can I visit Busan as a day trip from Seoul?
Yes, with the KTX it is possible, but it makes for a long day. You will see more if you stay at least one night, ideally near Haeundae for this plan.
How do I get to Haedong Yonggungsa?
The simplest way is a taxi from Haeundae, about 20 to 30 minutes. Local buses also go there; check the current route on Naver Map or KakaoMap.
Is this plan good on a rainy day?
Partly. The temple and beach are outdoors, but the afternoon at SPA LAND and Shinsegae Centum City is indoors, so you can stretch that part if the weather is poor.
