From Seoul To Busan: A 4-Day Train Itinerary With The Korea Rail Pass

Joel Conceicao

Last updated: Jul 2, 202410 minutes

A Rail Car Ride Across The Coastline Of Busan-pelago

Experience Korea's Best

If you are wondering if Busan is worth visiting, imagine a silky white ribbon lacing a cobalt blue gem. That’s how Busan looks when miles of white sand entwine the deep blue ocean, pinned with colours of fluttering parasols.

Right out of some Carribean scene, isn’t it?

Busan has caught the attention of world travellers with its breathtaking scenic beaches, mountains, temples and above all its delicious seafood.

The city is a perfect mosaic of urban lifestyle and natural outdoors. No wonder, it’s called “the Miami of South Korea”. So pack your bags and set off on a 4-day trip to Busan via a high-speed bullet Train To Busan From Seoul.

In this blog, we have created the perfect 4-day Busan travel itinerary for you, 1 day at a time. We have listed the top attractions in Busan, shared their opening hours, how to go to Busan from Seoul, where to buy tickets, and more.

Day 1: Start Your Epic Adventure in Seoul

Welcome to the bustling capital of South Korea. Mostly, international tourists commence their South Korean adventure from here. And why not? This metropolitan city boasts some of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Whether you are looking for museums of traditional Korean Arts and culture, a fun-filled adventure ride with friends, or a diverse nightlife, Seoul has it all.

Some of the must-visit attractions of Seoul:

Lotte World Theme Park

If you have a day to spare in Seoul, you have to visit one of the largest amusement parks in the world. This indoor and outdoor amusement theme park is a must-visit for its diverse range of thrilling rides. Feel your heart pounding as you plunge into steep drops and twist through roller coaster loops!

From ice-skating rinks to folk museums exhibiting Korea's 5000-year-old heritage, from delicious eateries to mesmerising light & dance shows, you will be left in awe at every corner of the sprawling adventure park.

Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 3(sam)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea (map)

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 10am to 9pm

Prices: Starting SGD 24

Samsung Museum of Art

The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Arts has a collection ranging from traditional Korean art to the world’s modern and contemporary art.

It has 2 museums. Museum 1 features traditional Korean Art, while Museum 2, modern art by international as well as Korean artists. A good place for the art buffs.

Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (maps)

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun: 10am to 6pm

Prices: Entry is free unless you want to attend special exhibitions.

Trickeye Museum

If you are into 3-dimensional artwork or optical illusions this museum can wonder you. Click photos with blazing dragons, mermaids or flying horses. Decorate your photo board with some unique pictures.

Address: 80 Siloso Road, Southside, Blk B, #01-04, Singapore 098969 (maps)

Opening Hours:Mon to Sun: 11am to 7pm

Prices:Adult: SGD 12 | Children (below 18 years): SGD 9

Day 2: Let's Head to Busan

It’s time for Busan. In your Busan itinerary, we recommend starting with a tour of Busan's popular beaches & the largest seafood market! Don't forget to get help from the local guides. They can take you to the best spots in the shortest possible time. Also, you can discover some hidden gems that the tourists generally remain oblivious of.

In this Busan 4-Day Itinerary, you can spend the first day visiting the following attractions and more.

  • Haeundae Beach: This 1.5km long and 70-90m wide white sand beach is the most popular beach in Busan. There is a nice walking pathway along the beach and seating areas at intervals to rest.

  • Jagalchi Fish Market: It is South Korea’s largest seafood market. It’s a jaw-dropping experience to witness such diverse sea creatures alive right in front of you.You can explore a variety of seafood here like some deep water fishes, eels, octopus, king crabs and more. You can buy them there and hand them over to the restaurants above for a freshly cooked meal.

  • Gwangalli Beach: You can spend your breeze evening sipping a cup of coffee and watching the mesmerising light & drone show on this beach. You can get a magnificent view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge across the sea from this beach.

Address: 546 Cheongnyong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea (map).

Opening Hours: Mon to Wed

Prices: Starting SGD 346.21

Day 3: More Busan Adventures

You can keep this day for hiking some exotic mountain trails, visiting serene Buddhist temples, the colourful hillside village of Gamcheon Culture Village, and eventually witnessing the panoramic view of the city from Yongdusan Park, Busan Tower in the evening.

Beomeosa Temple

You can start with a gentle hike to the top of Geumjeongsan Mountain. Tossed on this cliff you will find this Korean Buddhist Temple, congruous with nature. At the entrance, you can witness the flagpole support, - two old stone structures. It’s believed to have stood for 1,300 years as a symbolic guardian of the temple.

You can also witness the stone pagodas, stone lanterns, and various Buddha statues here. You may also get to relish the temple food (usually bibimbap) as lunch in this temple. Otherwise, you can also try local Busan cuisine at a traditional Korean restaurant. Don’t miss the seafood hoe (raw fish).

Address:546 Cheongnyong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea (map).

Opening Hours:Mon to Sun: 9 am, 10 am, 11 am (time slots).

Prices:Starting SGD 100.68

Gamcheon Culture Village

Next, you can spend your afternoon lazing around at the colourful hillside village of Gamcheon Culture Village. It’s a perfect amalgamation of art, culture and history. Take a few clicks of these colourful houses, murals, etc, and decorate your Insta wall.If you are a K-variety show lover, you would be glad to know that the show Running Man was filmed at this place.

To know more about the village and explore other nearby hidden trails and beaches you can book a tour from Gamcheon Cultural Village & Skywalk & Markets. They even take you on a stroll through the Songdo Skywalk, a short trail over Songdo Beach.

Address: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea 49368 (map).

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 9 am, 10 am, 11 am (time slots).

Prices: Starting SGD 466.85

You can end the tour at Yongdusan Park, Busan Tower in the evening. You can watch the panoramic view of the scintillating city lit up like a dream from this 120 m tall iconic observation tower.

Day 4: Discovering Hidden Gems

The Busan Itinerary’s Day 3 can pass in no time. Leaving Day 4 with a lot of options still to explore.

Busan's Coastal Charm & Culture: Sky Capsule

Take a Sky Capsule ride along the Coast of Busan at the confluence of the East Sea & the South Sea. You can then have your lunch around that area.You can cross the rocky and beautiful Oryukdo islands on the skywalk.

Walk through Hinnyeoul Culture Village & experience the local charm of this splendid coastal village on the sloping hill.

Address: 116 Cheongsapo-ro, Haeundae-gu, 1019-2 Jung-dong, Busan, South Korea (map)

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 9 am (time slot)

Prices: Starting SGD 94.20

Busan Air Cruise: Songdo Marine Cable Car Ticket

On this tour, you will witness the vast sea, the marvellous cliffs, and the distinctive rock formations from the transparent capsule up the sky.

Soak in the unforgettable view of the Busan coastline including the Yannan Park, Nampodong City, and the Nangang Bridge. You will love the thrill of the glass floor in the crystal cabin.

Address: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea (map).

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 9am to 10pm

Prices: Starting SGD 15.78

Running Man Experience and Poo Poo Land

If you are into the TV show Running Man, you must drop in for a fun experience here.

Irrespective of your age, or gender, you will have an hour full of entertainment. Solve the 12 stages and make your grand escape. It’s your opportunity to live a real-life video game.

Address: 672 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea (map).

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 11am to 8pm

Prices: Starting SGD 9.06

Haeundae River Cruise

Get on a luxury yacht and cruise the Haeundae River for close to an hour. Pass by the APEC Naru Park, Busan Cinema Centre, Marine City and other wonderful sights.

Address: Haeundae River Cruise (HRC), 리버크루즈 매표소 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea (map)

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm (night tour slots)

Prices: Starting SGD 18.26

Full-Day Busan Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

You can also opt for a full-day 8-hour guided tour of Busan. It will also include the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple on a mountain valley above the shore and a Korean BBQ.

Address: Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea (map).

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 9am slot.

Prices: Starting SGD 213.03

Busan Overnight KORAIL Tour

It’s always sad towards the end of the itinerary. However, if you have another highspeed luxurious train ride waiting for you, you have reasons to be excited. Maybe you won't even mind the distance. You can head back by the Ktx Busan To Seoul train ride. Be sure to checking the timings and which stops to alight at first though!

Address: Jungang-daero, 초량제3동 Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea (map).

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun: 8:45am

Prices: Starting SGD 743.11

Essential Tips for Your South Korean Adventure

Korea Rail Pass (Unlimited Rides)

The Seoul To Busan Train Travel Time is usually 5 hrs. However, you can witness the beautiful scenery all along Korea as you take the high-speed KTX trains that can go up to 300kmph, taking only 2 hrs and 40 mins to reach Busan from Seoul.

For your convenience, you can buy the Korea Rail Pass (Unlimited Rides). This pass includes Korea's high-speed KTX as well as regular tourist trains.

With this pass, you can explore over 600 stations and other Ktx Busan To Seoul Stops such as Gyeongju, Chuncheon, Gangneung, Pyeongchang, and more. You can check the Ktx Seoul To Busan Timing from the link below.

Discover Seoul Pass (24/48/72 Hour)

While you are in Seoul don’t forget to get the Discover Seoul Pass. It offers free entry to over 50 major attractions and discounts to more than 150 other attractions in Seoul. You can even use this pass as a transportation card for buses and subways.

Korea 2-in-1 Unlimited Data SIM and T Money Transportation Card (Airport Pickup)

Don’t forget to get a SIM card. You would need it throughout the city booking restaurants and cabs, even when you are out on some offbeat hiking trails.

With Korea 2-in-1 Unlimited Data SIM and T Money Transportation Card (Airport Pickup), you can enjoy a high-speed and stable 4G/LTE network. You can also access social messaging platforms like WhatsApp, WeChat, etc. The T money transportation card can also be used in buses and subways.

Go City: Seoul All-Inclusive Pass

With this pass, you can save up to 50 % on the top 30 attractions in Seoul. You can even choose between 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-day passes depending on your itinerary.

Hop On This 4-Day Itinerary From Seoul To Busan!

Busan is catching the attention of world tourists for the right reasons. Did you know, it is on the path of building the iconic Oceanix, — the world’s first sustainable floating city?

So whether you are looking for a laid-back holiday exploring exotic seafood on white sand beaches, or are up for some adventure rides with your friends and loved ones, or if you are a Korean cultural buff, Busan welcomes you all. Plan your trip from Seoul to Busan with Pelago and get a lifetime of memories.

Commonly Asked Questions

How long is the train ride from Seoul to Busan?

Seoul To Busan Distance is around 320 km.A day trip from Seoul to Busan usually takes 5 hours. However, with the high-speed KTX trains it takes around 2 hrs and 40 minutes.

How much is the bullet train from Seoul to Busan?

Train from Seoul to Busan cost may vary depending on the kind of train you choose. You can avail a Bullet Train from Seoul To Busan with the help of the Korea Rail Pass. The price starts from SGD 120.99.

How long to stay in Seoul and Busan?

Seoul as well as Busan is worth visitingfor at least 3 to 4 days each if you want to explore its hidden gems.

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Busan?

Both places have their unique beauty and offerings. If you prefer beaches and mountains more, then your Busan Travel Itinerary should be longer. If you prefer adventure rides, museums, and 600-year-old traditional Hanoks then Seoul should be your priority.

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Written by Joel Conceicao

Joel has a serious addiction to mountain hiking and is a bona fide beach bum. Inspired by Anthony Bourdain to travel fearlessly, he has explored from the Himalayas to the Andaman Sea, honing over a decade's worth of travel writing experience.

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