2-Day Itinerary for Foodies in Busan, South Korea

  1. Day 1: Busan Fish Market
    30 minutes (9.5 kilometers) from Gimhae International Airport

    Start the day at the Busan fish market, the largest fish market in South Korea. It's a busy and vibrant place offering all kinds of fresh fish and seafood. You can see live fish auction and even have a breakfast of sashimi at one of the small restaurants. When you're done, you can take a stroll around the neighborhood where you can find some fabulous street food stalls.

  2. Day 1: Gamcheon Culture Village
    40 minutes (12.5 kilometers) from Busan Fish Market

    The next stop is the Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful hillside village surrounded by hills and adorned with murals and sculptures. It is a maze of narrow alleys and steps that offer stunning views of the city. If you're hungry, this area has some amazing street food vendors selling fish cakes, fried chicken, and snacks.

  3. Day 1: Haeundae Beach
    25 minutes (10 kilometers) from Gamcheon Culture Village

    End your day by relaxing at Haeundae Beach, one of the most popular beaches in South Korea. Apart from the beautiful coastline, there are plenty of restaurants and bars that offer delicious seafood dishes. Try some abalone porridge or sashimi made from fresh fish caught in the area.

  4. Day 2: Beomeosa Temple
    1 hour (21 kilometers) from Haeundae Beach

    Start day 2 with a visit to the Beomeosa Temple, one of the most stunning temples in South Korea. It is located on the slopes of Mount Geumjeongsan and surrounded by beautiful landscape. You can explore the temple, have a cup of tea, and relax in the serene atmosphere. You will find vendors selling fried tofu and other vegetarian dishes at the entrance and around the temple.

  5. Day 2: Gukje Market
    20 minutes (6.4 kilometers) from Beomeosa Temple

    Next, head to the Gukje Market, one of Busan's largest traditional markets. It has a wide range of products, from clothes and shoes to electronics and street food. Here, you will find some of Busan’s best bibimbap at the famous “Bibimbap Alley”. Satisfy your sweet tooth with yachae-hotteok, a sweet Korean pancake filled with sweet potato and syrup.

  6. Day 2: Songdo Skywalk
    30 minutes (7.5 kilometers) from Gukje Market

    End your two-day itinerary with a walk on the Songdo Skywalk, a 365-meter-long bridge that offers breathtaking views of the sea. You can walk along the transparent glass floor and admire the ocean below your feet. Afterward, enjoy some raw fish bibimbap, a local delicacy, at one of the nearby restaurants.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Busan Fish Market (2 hours, self-guided, free entry)
  • Gamcheon Culture Village (2 hours, self-guided, free entry)
  • Haeundae Beach (2 hours, self-guided, free entry)
  • Beomeosa Temple (2 hours, self-guided, free entry)
  • Gukje Market (2 hours, self-guided, free entry)
  • Songdo Skywalk (1 hour, self-guided, 2000 KRW)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 2000 KRW (around $2)

Useful Tips

If you have some extra time, consider adding a visit to the Busan Tower, a 118-meter-high tower in Yongdusan Park that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Another option is exploring the Chinatown, a lively area close to Gukje Market that is famous for its traditional Chinese architecture and amazing street food.

If you have less time, you can start day 2 by visiting the Jagalchi Market, another popular fish market in Busan. You can also take a tour of the Bulguk Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 8th century.

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