Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₩25,000–45,000 | ₩70,000–120,000 |
| Food | ₩15,000–25,000 | ₩40,000–60,000 |
| Transport | ₩5,000–10,000 | ₩15,000–25,000 |
| Activities | ₩5,000–15,000 | ₩30,000–60,000 |
| Drinks | ₩5,000–10,000 | ₩15,000–30,000 |
| Daily Total | ₩55,000–105,000 | ₩170,000–295,000 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities need a K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization, $10 USD) — apply online 24–72 hours before travel
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. You may need proof of onward travel
- Busan's Gimhae Airport (PUS) connects to the city via metro Line 2 in 30 minutes
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is technically safe but most Koreans drink filtered — bottled water is ₩800–1,000
- Busan is extremely safe — walk anywhere at any time. Petty crime is very rare
- Summer (Jul–Aug) is hot and humid (30°C+) with monsoon rains. Typhoon season: Aug–Sep
Getting Around
- Busan Metro: 6 lines covering all major tourist areas. Get a Cashbee transport card (₩2,500 + top-up) at any convenience store
- City buses are excellent and reach areas the metro doesn't (Gamcheon, Haedong Yonggungsa). Use Naver Map app for real-time routes
- Kakao Taxi app works like Uber — essential for late nights. Base fare ₩4,800
Connectivity
- Rent a pocket WiFi at Gimhae Airport (₩5,000/day) or buy a prepaid SIM (KT or SK Telecom, ₩33,000 for 5 days unlimited data)
- Free WiFi is everywhere — metro, cafes, convenience stores, and public areas
- Essential apps: Naver Map (Google Maps is poor in Korea), Kakao Taxi, Papago (translation), KakaoTalk (messaging)
Money
- Cards accepted almost everywhere — even street food stalls often take Samsung/Apple Pay via tap
- ATMs at convenience stores (CU, GS25) accept foreign cards — use Global ATM option. Fees ₩3,000–4,000
- Tipping is NOT practiced in Korea — it can actually cause confusion. Service charge is included
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes essential — Busan is hilly. Bring layers for coastal winds even in summer
- Pack a small towel for jjimjilbang visits (or rent one there for ₩1,000)
- Sunscreen, hat, and umbrella — Busan gets both strong sun and sudden rain depending on season
Cultural tips
Drinking Culture
Pour drinks for others, never for yourself. Hold your glass with two hands when someone older pours. Turn your head away from elders when drinking. Soju is the social glue — refusing may seem rude, so accept at least the first glass.
Shoes Off
Remove shoes when entering homes, guesthouses, some restaurants (look for a raised platform or shoe rack), and all temple buildings. Wear socks you're not embarrassed by.
Bowing & Respect
A slight head bow is a greeting, thank you, and goodbye. Use two hands when giving or receiving anything — money, business cards, drinks. Age hierarchy is deeply important in Korean culture.
Metro Etiquette
Priority seats are sacred — never sit in them even if the car is empty. Keep voices low. No phone calls on the metro. Queuing is orderly — wait on the side for people to exit first.
Temple Visits
Dress modestly at temples (no shorts or tank tops). Remove shoes before entering any building. Photography is usually allowed outside but not inside prayer halls. Walk quietly and keep voices low.
Photo Culture
Koreans are very photo-conscious. Don't photograph strangers without asking. Selfie culture is huge — don't be surprised by ring lights and tripods at scenic spots. Photo booths are everywhere and make great souvenirs (₩4,000).
