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City Tours print

Seoul Busan Daegu Daejeon
Ulsan

 Incheon

 Gyeongju Samcheok
Mokpo Suncheon Yeosu Suwon
Yongin Chuncheon
 
Busan City Tour

 
Located on the southeastern coast of the Korean peninsula, Busan (부산) is a dynamic port city with an abundance of tourist attractions, historical and cultural sites, and trendy shopping areas. The city's public transportation system is very well-developed, but for an even more convenient and all-inclusive tour of this unique seaside city, hop aboard the Busan City Tour operated by the Busan City Government. The Busan City Tour features a variety of one-day travel courses, each of which centers on a different theme. By taking one of the following tours, you'll not only be able to pick the itinerary that best suits your interest; you'll also be able to make the most of your time and visit a variety of major attractions such Haeundae Beach, Taejongdae Resort Park, Jagalchi Market, Dalmaji-gil Road, and more.

Tour courses of the bustling Busan area are divided into two categories: Circulation Tours (Haeundae Course or Taejongdae Course), which allow for more freedom as far as your time schedule; and Themed Tours (Historical & Cultural Exploration Course, Haedong Yonggungsa Course, Eulsukdo Natural Ecology Course, or Night Course), which are packaged tours that give you a deeper look at some of the fascinating aspects of Busan.

Circulation Tour buses (Haeundae and Taejongdae Courses) leave from Busan Station and involve multiple buses that travel around a fixed course on a regular schedule. By purchasing a single all-day ticket, travelers can get on and off the buses at will throughout the day. Individual TV screens installed on the back of each seat give information about the stops along the way through images, video clips, animated shorts, and more. For international travelers, audio services are offered in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

Though circulation tours will take you around to many of the major attractions, themed tour courses will let you delve deeper into the history, temples, ecology, or nighttime views of Busan City. Each circulation tour departs from Busan Station and follows a set itinerary, making a series of stops at prime destinations before returning back to Busan Station. Check the departure and arrival times for each course and plan ahead to enjoy as many as three different tour courses in one day!
Visitor Information

☞ Operating hours by course

  1. 1) Haeundae & Taejongdae Tour
    • Travel time: 1hr, 40min
    • First bus: 09:30 / Last bus: 17:00 / Bus every 30min / 16 times a day
  2. 2) History & Culture Tour
    • Travel time: 4hr, 10min
    • Departs: 09:20 / 1 tour a day
  3. 3) Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Tour
    • Travel time: 3hr, 50min
    • Departs: 14:00 / 1 tour a day
  4. 4) Eulsukdo Eco Tour
    • Travel time: 3hr, 40min
    • Departs: 09:40, 14:10 / 2 tours a day
  5. 5) Night Views Tour
    • Travel time: 2hr, 30min
    • Departs: 19:00 (October-April) / 19:30 (May-Sept.) / 1 tour a day
* The Busan City Tour program does not operate on Mondays.
* If Monday is a holiday, the tour program will remain in operation.

☞ Departures
Buses leave from the Arirang Tourist Hotel near Busan Station Square
(Subway Line 1, Busan Station, Exit 8 / Railway - Busan Station, Entrance 1)

☞ How to use


◎ Circulation Tour (Haeungdae Tour, Taejongdae Tour)

    • - Each ticket serves as a day-pass, allowing visitors to get on and off the tour buses anytime throughout the day. Simply get off the bus at any stop. After you finish sightseeing, take the next bus to continue along the tour route.
    • - Reservations may only be made for tour buses departing between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on weekday mornings. Reservations may not be made for buses departing after 11:30 a.m. on weekdays or for buses operating on weekends or national holidays. In cases where reservations are not or cannot be made, tickets may be purchased from the bus driver at any bus stop, pending seat availability. 
◎ Themed Tour (History & Culture Tour, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Tour, Eulsukdo Eco Tour, Night Views Tour)
    • - All themed tour courses depart from Busan Station. Visitors must stay with the group for the entire duration of the tour. Passengers may not transfer to another bus or tour course.
    • - Reservations must be made in advance. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour from the bus driver only if seats are available.
☞ Ticket purchase
◎ Online reservations: www.citytourbusan.com (Korean only)
◎ Phone reservations: ARS 1688-0098 (Korean, English, Japanese),
Tel: 051-464-9898 (Korean, English)
* Tickets can be picked up from the bus driver on the day of the tour.
◎ On-site purchase: Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver at any bus stop, provided that seating is available.

☞ Fare: Adults (ages 19 and up): 10,000 won / Youth (ages 4-18): 5,000 won
* Discount: 2,000 won off regular adult fare for those with an Air Busan ticket, international cruise ticket, or KTX day ticket

☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-51-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ Busan City Tour homepage: www.citytourbusan.com
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ Busan Tourism homepage: http://etour.busan.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

* Haeundae Tour: Explore the Busan Coastline!


* Bus itinerary
 Travel time: 1hr, 40min / First bus: 09:30 / Last bus: 17:00 / Bus every 30min / 6 times a day



Busan Station → Busan Museum → Gwangalli Beach → Nurimaru → Haeundae Beach (Aquarium) → Haeundae Station → Shinsegae Department Store (Centum City, Busan Cinema Center) → Busan Museum of Art (BEXCO) → Gwangandaegyo Bridge → UN Memorial Cemetery → Busan Station

 
Busan Museum (부산박물관)
At the Busan Museum, collections of local artifacts and documents tell the history of the Busan area—from prehistoric times to the Samhan/Three Kingdoms Era (7th century) and the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The museum also runs hands-on traditional cultural programs and folk classes to share the proud legacy of Korean traditional culture with museum visitors.
☞ Go to Busan Museum
☞ Homepage: http://engmuseum.busan.go.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)

Nurimaru (누리마루)
Nurimaru is located to the east of Haeundae Beach on Dongbaekseom Island, a natural haven of lush camarilla and pine trees. This important landmark was christened Nurimaru ('nuri' meaning 'world' in Korean and 'maru' meaning 'summit') to reflect the building's original purpose as the venue of the 2005 APEC Summit. The three-story structure is a modern representation of a traditional Korean pavilion (called a 'jeongja') and commands a sweeping view of Haeundae Beach.
☞ Go to Nurimaru APEC House
☞ Homepage: http://tour.busan.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)
Sandwiched between Dalmaji Hill (on the right) and Dongbaekseom Island (to the left), Haeundae Beach is an expansive, white-sand beach that is one of the most popular tourist sites in Busan. The beach is easily accessible via public transportation and is an ideal festival venue, hosting events like the Polar Bear Swim, the Haeundae Sand Festival, and other special celebrations throughout the year. In late fall, the beach serves as one of the stages of the famous Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Beloved by travelers for its convenient location, this gorgeous stretch of sand is particularly alluring at night when the light from the nearby buildings sparkles off the ink-black waves.

Shinsegae Department Store
In June 2009, The Shinsegae Department Store in Busan was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest shopping complex, dethroning the previous titleholder, Macy's Department Store in New York. The Shinsegae Department Store is a mega shopping complex, often called "an oasis in the city." In addition to shops, the department store offers an array of entertainment options including Spa Land, an ice rink, a cultural center, a movie theater, an art gallery, a golf range, and an outdoor park. The department store's exterior lighting, designed to embody the vision of a "golden sea," makes for a magnificent sight come nightfall.
☞ Go to Shinsegae Centum City
☞ Homepage: www.shinsegae.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Busan Cinema Center
Busan Cinema Center opened its doors in 2011 as the main venue of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of the world's leading film events. The center is a sprawling 54,335 square meters in total area and stretches up for an impressive nine stories (plus an underground level). Main facilities include a multi-purpose performance hall, three theaters, the BIFF committee office, a film media center, and a range of convenience facilities. The Big Roof, the most prominent symbol of the center, has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the world's largest cantilever beam.
☞ Go to Busan Cinema Center
☞ Homepage: www.dureraum.org (Korean, English)

Busan Museum of Art (부산시립미술관)
Together with the Busan Cultural Center and the Busan Museum, the Busan Museum of Art is one of the city's most visited cultural destinations. In addition to galleries, archives, research facilities, and an outdoor sculpture park, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and cultural events aimed at actively engaging the public in the world of art.
☞ Go to Busan Museum of Art
☞ Homepage: www.busanmoma.org (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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* Taejongdae Tour: Taejongdae Resort Park & Jagalchi Market


* Bus itinerary
Travel time: 1hr, 40min / First bus: 09:20 / Last bus: 16:40 / Bus every 40min

Busan Station → Passenger Ferry Terminal → 75 Square → Taejongdae → International Cruise Terminal → Namhangdaegyo Bridge → Songdo Beach → BIFF Square, Jagalchi Market → Busan Station

 
Taejongdae Resort Park (태종대)
Located in the southernmost region of Busan, Taejongdae Resort Park stretches for 9.1 kilometers along the Yeongdo Coast and boasts an area of 440 acres. The top of the highest cliff (250 meters above sea level) is home to about 120 species of trees and plants. On clear days, you can see as far as Tsushima Island in Japan, almost 56 kilometers away! Often frequented by poets and artists (not to mention throngs of tourists), the striking landscape of the park is rife with sharp cliffs and gnarled rock formations.

Songdo Beach (송도해수욕장)
Named after the colony of pine trees on nearby Geobukseom Island (Turtle Island), Songdo Beach ('song' meaning 'pine trees' in Korean) was redeveloped into a coastal park that is now open year-round. Here, you will find a number of sculptures rising proudly out of the water, including that of a whale that looks as if it's ready to breach. The underground breakwater, fountain, and sculptures give this whimsical coastal park a beauty all its own. For an even more open view of the ocean—and a whiff of the fresh sea breeze—make sure to visit Songnim Park.

BIFF Square
The Theater District in Nampo-dong has been the venue for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) since 1996. Following the festival's initial success, the theater area was refurbished and renamed the BIFF Square. The 428-meter-long street that runs from the old Buyeong Theater in Nampo-dong to the Chungmu-dong Bridge is divided into the Street of Stars and the Street of Festival. Every year handprints of the stars are added to the walkway as the BIFF gets underway with an opening gala packed with special events and films. Not just a prime location during the festival period, BIFF Square bursts with youthful energy and glamour all year round, offering a veritable smorgasbord of theaters, shopping centers, and nightclubs.
☞ Go to BIFF Square
☞ Homepage: bsjunggu.go.kr (Korean)

Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장)
The Jagalchi Market is the largest fish market in Korea. Every day, load after load of fresh fish and shellfish are brought into the market and the voices of shoppers and vendors mix to create a pleasant cacophony. The Jagalchi Market is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Busan and is a must-see for international travelers. Come and hear the buzz of "oiso, boiso, saiso!" (come, see, buy!) and get a glimpse into the lives of the Busan people. In mid-October of every year, the Busan Jagalchi Festival is held with an array of hands-on programs and cultural performances that celebrate the colorful market and its unique place in history.
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History & Culture Tour: Where History & Nature Meet



* Bus itinerary
Travel time: 1hr, 30min
October-April: 09:40-15:40 / every 2hr
May-September: 09:00-16:20 / every 1hr, 50min

Busan Station (Departure 09:20) → Gold Theme Street → Seomyeon → Bokcheon Museum (30min stopover) → Geumgang Park (60min stopover) → Beomeosa Temple (40min stopover) → Beonyeong-ro → Busan Station (Arrival 13:30)
* Bus does not stop at sites unless otherwise stated.
 
Seomyeon (서면)
A major shopping district in Busan, Seomyeon is always bustling with young people who have come to check out the latest fashions and visit the street's many shops, restaurants, bars, theaters, and nightclubs. In the spring and fall there's even more to see, as a special stage opens with concerts, performances, and programs geared towards the younger set.
☞ Go to Seomyeon
☞ Homepage: etour.busan.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Geumgang Park (금강공원)
Located at the foot of Geumjeong Mountain, Geumgang Park is a picture-perfect retreat full of dense forests, craggy cliffs, and clear valley streams. The park, which was once the headquarters of the old local government, is now a popular tourist destination all year round thanks to its many historical and cultural sites. The Busan Folk Art Museum, Busan Marine Natural History Museum, and Geumgang Botanical Garden are among the park's main sites, but there's also plenty of draws for children and more active visitors. In addition to cable cars that run to and from the mountain summit there are also an array of sports facilities and even a mini theme park with about a dozen different carnival rides.

Beomeosa Temple (범어사)
Located halfway up the eastside of Geumjeongsan Mountain, Beomeosa Temple was originally built during the reign of King Munmu, the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD). The temple is nestled deep in the mountain almost hidden among the rocks and trees. Once inside the temple, you'll find an abundance of cultural assets like the Daeungjeon (main building) and three-story stone pagoda. While at the temple don't forget to visit the monks' college and the onsite museum full of Buddhist scriptures, paintings, and other valuable artifacts.
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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Tour: A Temple Perched on Coastal Cliffs


* Bus itinerary 

Travel time: 3hr, 40min / First bus: 09:30 / Second bus: 14:00 / 2 departures a day



Busan Station (Departure 14:00) → Gwangalli Beach → Haeundae Beach → Dalmaji-gil Road → Songjeong Beach (30min stopover) → Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (50min stopover) → Gwangandaegyo Bridge → Busan Station (Arrival 17:50)
* Bus does not stop at sites unless otherwise stated.
 
Songjeong Beach (송정해수욕장)
With its inviting white sand, shallow waters, and gentle waves, Songjeong Beach is the perfect vacation spot for families. This large, peaceful beach (2km by 50m) runs alongside clean, blue ocean waters and provides vacationers with plenty of space to stretch out and relax. Right in front of the beach, you'll find a park with a lighthouse that gives you a wide-open view of the ocean and the neighboring pine tree forest.
☞ Go to Songjeong Beach
☞ Homepage: http://tour.haeundae.go.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동용궁사)
Haedong Yonggungsa (meaning "the palace of the dragon of the East Sea") was built in 1376 by Naonghwasang, an advisor to the king. It is widely believed that the temple has special powers and that at least one of every visitor's heartfelt prayers will be answered. As you walk along the coastal path to the seaside temple and watch the dark blue sea churn below the rocks, you'll feel as if you've been transported to an underwater palace. Highlights of the temple include Daeungjeon (the main sanctuary), a three-story stone pagoda, the staircase with 108 steps, a 10 meter-high Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seaside Goddess Buddha statue), and a mineral spring.
☞ Go to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
☞ Homepage: www.yongkungsa.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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** Eulsukdo Eco Tour: Beautiful Scenery & Natural Ecology of West Busan


* Bus itinerary 

Travel time: 3hr, 40min / First bus: 09:40 / Second bus: 14:10 / 2 departures a day

Busan Station (Departures 09:40, 14:10) → Yeongdongdaegyo Bridge → Namhyangdaegyo Bridge → Songdo Beach → Amnam Park (20min stopover) → Dadaepo Beachㆍ Morundae → Amisan Mountain Observatory (20min stopover) → Eulsukdo Eco Center (60min stopover) → BIFF Square, Jagalchi Market → Busan Station (Arrivals 13:20, 17:50)
* Bus does not stop at sites unless otherwise stated.
 
Amnam Park (암남공원)
Amnam Park sprawls across Mount Jinjeongsan in Amnam-dong and offers a spectacular view of the sea out past groves of thick trees. For a closer look at the ocean, walk along the high coastal path or stop by the observatory to get a panoramic view of the sea. While at the observatory, don't forget to look for Dudo (a small island that seems just an arm's-length away) and its picture-perfect, white lighthouse. The regal combination of the park's mountains and seascapes, not to mention the free admission, make this park a highly recommended travel destination.

Dadaepo Beach (다대포해수욕장)
Dadaepo (meaning "large, wide, port" in Korean) is a beach to the southwest of Busan. Here, fresh water from Nakdonggang River flows out into the sea, resulting in warm and relatively shallow waters right off the coast. As a result of the dam built upstream, the river and the adjacent area is ever-evolving into a wetland that serves as a habitat for a multitude of plants and animals. Thanks to the diversity of species, the area is popular as a place to learn about and experience nature. The beach is also host to the Busan International Rock Festival each August and the Daedaepo Sunset Festival on December 31 of every year. The unique topography of Morundae, a name given to areas where fresh water meets saltwater, boasts an abundance of strangely-shaped rocks, a thick forest, and a beautiful sandy beach.
☞ Go to Dadaepo Beach
☞ Homepage: english.saha.go.kr (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)

Eulsukdo Eco Center (Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center)
Located in Hadan-dong, Saha-gu, the Eco Center is a museum offering a variety of exhibitions and short films that celebrate the Nakdonggang Estuary and its ecology. The estuary is a habitat of migratory birds and is of such high environmental merit that it has even officially been designated Natural Monument No. 179. Among the exhibit are numerous materials showing the evolution of the estuary and the types of migratory birds that live there. One side of the building is made of glass and boasts a bird's-eye view of the estuary. In addition to exhibits, the center offers interactive programs such as a plant observation program, a field investigation tour of the estuary, and an activity in which participants can build a shack of reeds for bird observation.
☞ Go to Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center
☞ Homepage: wetland.busan.go.kr (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese))
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* Night Views Tour: Romantic Nightview of the City & Sea



* Bus itinerary
Travel time: 2hr, 30min / October-April: 19:00-21:30 / May-Sept: 19:30-22:00

Busan Station → Gwangalli Beach → Haeundae Beach → Dalmagi-gil Road → Gwangandaegyo Bridge → Geumnyeonsan Mountain Youth Training Center → Busan Station
* Bus does not stop at the sites.
 
Gwangalli Beach (광안리 해수욕장)
Gwangalli Beach is located in Suyeong-gu. It is 1.4 kilometers long and has a width of 25 to 110 meters. The beach is curved in a half-moon shape and has fine sand. Adjacent to the beach are alleys of over 300 restaurants selling raw fish, Eonyan bulgogi, and bean sprout haejangguk, as well as coffee shops. At night, the beach is more beautiful with lights, attracting many young visitors. It becomes more lively in the late hours.

Dalmaji Hill (Haeundae Dalmaji-gil Road, 달맞이길)
Affectionately called the Montmartre of Busan, Dalmaji-gil is a road that stretches from Haeundae Beach to Dalmaji Hill. Dalmaji-gil gets its name from the romantic view of the moon that seems to rise over the hill as you reach the end of the street ('dal' meaning 'moon' in Korean and 'maji' meaning 'greeting'). All along the road you will find clusters of galleries, unique coffee shops, and restaurants beckoning to you as you stroll past. The area is a popular filming location.
☞ Go to Haeundae Dalmaji-gil Road
☞ Homepage: eng.haeundae.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Geumnyeonsan Mountain (금련산)
Located in Suyeong-gu standing proudly at 415 meters above sea level, Mount Geumnyeonsan is home to the remains of the Banyaam Hermitage and Baramilda Temple. The view of the Busan Port and Gwangalli Beach from atop the mountain at night is so beautiful that many people visit the mountain for this view alone. On the mountain you will also find the Youth Training Center, a well, and a hiking trail.
☞ Go to Geumnyeonsan Mountain
☞ Homepage: www.suyeong.go.kr/ (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
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Last updated in March, 2012
   

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