Busan



🔥 Hotspots

🥘 Food

Busan is a coastal city famous for its seafood, local specialties, and relaxed café culture. Don’t miss these culinary highlights:

Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) $ – Korea’s largest seafood market. Pick fresh fish and have it prepared on-site — sashimi lovers, this is your paradise.

Gukje Market (국제시장) $ – A buzzing traditional market with street snacks like hotteok, fish cakes, and tteokbokki.

Samjin Eomuk (삼진어묵) $ – Busan’s legendary fish cake brand. Visit their factory cafe near Busan Station for creative variations.

Jeonpo Café Street (전포 카페거리) $$ – A hip neighborhood filled with independent cafés, brunch spots, and aesthetic dessert shops.

Anga (안가) $$ – A top spot for Korean BBQ lovers, especially if you want quality beef or pork in a casual setting.

☕ Cafés

Waveon Coffee 🌊 – One of the most famous cafés in Korea, located on a beach cliff with stunning sea views and minimalist architecture.

Terarosa (Busan branch) – Originally from Gangneung, this premium café brand serves some of Korea’s best hand-drip coffee.

🍾 Going Out

Busan offers a more laid-back nightlife vibe than Seoul, but you’ll still find plenty to enjoy:

Seomyeon (서면) – The heart of Busan nightlife with bars, clubs, norebang (karaoke), and student-friendly prices.

Gwangan (Gwangalli Beach) – Chill beach bars, fireworks, and night cafés with a view of the famous Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

Haeundae (해운대) – More upscale beach nightlife, lounges, rooftop bars, and hotels with live DJs.

Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) – Buy a drink, sit on the beach steps, and enjoy late-night socializing right by the sea.

 

⛰ Activities

Busan is a perfect mix of ocean, mountains, and urban energy — here’s what to explore:

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장) – The most famous beach in Korea, with festivals and fireworks in the summer.

Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을) – Colorful hillside houses turned into art galleries and cafés.

Beomeosa Temple (범어사) – A historic Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains, offering temple stays and peaceful views.

Igidae Coastal Walk – A scenic hike along Busan’s cliffs with panoramic views of the ocean and Gwangan Bridge.

Busan Cinema Center – Home of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) — check for open-air movie nights or exhibitions.

Shinsegae Centum City – The world’s largest department store with a spa, ice rink, cinema, and food court.

 

💶 Cost of Living

🏠 Rent

Busan is more affordable than Seoul overall:

  • Goshiwon (고시원): Expect to pay around 200–400 EUR/month — suitable for short stays and solo students.

  • One-room (원룸) / Officetel: Clean and private studios range from 400–800 EUR/month depending on the district (Seomyeon, Haeundae more expensive).

  • Recommended housing platforms: Ziptoss, Zigbang, Dabang

🛒 Groceries

  • Major supermarkets: Homeplus, E-Mart, Lotte Mart

  • Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are open 24/7

  • Monthly grocery budget: ~150 EUR.
    Local food is very affordable — imported goods (cheese, fruit, cereal) are pricey.

🚇 Transportation

  • T-money card works just like in Seoul: valid on subway, buses, and some taxis.

  • One ride: ~1 EUR

  • Busan subway lines are easy to navigate and well-connected.

  • 📱 Apps: KakaoMap, Naver Map, Busan Metro App

 

✈️ Airports

Gimhae International Airport (PUS) – Serves both domestic and international flights. Just 30–45 minutes from the city center.

✈️ Tip: Buses and light rail connect the airport to Seomyeon, Haeundae, and major stations.