The May Day holiday is approaching. Are you still struggling to decide where to go? To be honest, if you haven’t been to Busan yet, this May Day is the perfect time to go! Busan has beaches, mountains, delicious food, and cultural villages. Moreover, the prices there are much lower than those in Seoul. It’s truly the best value for money.
My last visit to Busan was last autumn. I still remember the feeling of the sea breeze hitting my face the moment I stepped out of Gimhae Airport. This travel guide compiles all the experiences I had and the pitfalls I encountered along the way, in the hope that it can be helpful to those of you who are planning to travel there around May Day.
I. Basic Information on Busan
Let’s start with a table that outlines the most important information:
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | Korean language (with a strong Busan dialect accent, but Chinese/English is commonly understood in tourist areas) |
| Currency | South Korean won (₩): 1 Chinese yuan is approximately equal to 190 South Korean won. |
| time zone difference | 1 hour ahead of Beijing time |
| Voltage | 220V, Korean-style double-hole plug (different from those used in China; a converter is required) |
| transport card | T-money or Cashbee can be used on subways and buses. |
| Temperatures on May Day | Around 15-24°C; slightly cooler in the morning and evening, and comfortable during the day. |
| Recommended number of days | 4 to 5 days is the ideal period. |
| Daily budget | ₩70,000 to 250,000 (approximately RMB 370 to 1,300) |
II. How to get to Busan? A comprehensive guide to transportation
✈️ Direct flight to Busan
Busan is home to Gimhae International Airport, and there are direct flights from many cities across China.
- Beijing → Busan: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Shanghai → Busan: approximately 2 hours
- Guangzhou → Busan: Approximately 3 hours
- Shenzhen → Busan: Approximately 3 hours
During the peak season of May Day, tickets need to be reserved in advance; it is recommended to book at least one month in advance.
🚄 Take the KTX from Seoul (first fly to Seoul and then transfer to another train).
If the flight time for a direct flight to Busan is not convenient, you can first fly to Seoul and then take the KTX high-speed train.
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Seoul Station → Busan Station |
| time | Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Ticket prices | ₩59,800 (approximately 315 RMB) |
| Purchase tickets | letskorail.com or the Korail Talk APP |
💡 Money-saving tip: The SRT train departs from Shuixi Station, with a ticket price of ⩾952,600 – it’s not only cheaper but also features more modern vehicles.
🚌 Jinhae Airport → City Center
- Airport Light Rail: Gimhae Airport → Sasang Station (transfer to Line 2 of the subway), approximately 5 minutes.
- Airport bus: Multiple routes cover Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Nampo-dong, with fares ranging from ₩1,500 to ₩6,000.
- Taxis: The fare is approximately ¥91,500 – 20,000 to Seomyeon, and ¥92,500 – 30,000 to Haeundae.
III. Where to stay? A comparison of the three main accommodation areas
Busan is a long and narrow coastal city; it takes 40 to 50 minutes to travel from one end to the other. Therefore, choosing the right location for your accommodation is extremely important!
| region | Features | Suitable for | Nightly price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Seomyeon | It is a transportation hub, with the intersection of Subway Lines 1 and 2, making it very convenient for shopping. | My first independent trip – seeking convenient transportation options. | ₩30,000 to 120,000 |
| 🏖️ Haeundae Beach | The sea view is absolutely stunning, and the atmosphere is perfect for a vacation. There are also many cafes in the area. | Couples, close friends going on a trip – wanting to see the sea | ₩40,000 to 250,000 |
| 🛍️ Nampo-dong | Located near the market and the food street, it is a true paradise for shopping. | Food lovers who enjoy browsing traditional markets | ₩35,000 to 130,000 |
👉 My suggestion: If visiting Busan for the first time, it’s safer to stay in Seomyeon. With two subway lines intersecting in this area, it’s very convenient to get anywhere. If you have a sufficient budget and want to enjoy the sea view, the Park Hyatt in Haeundae is truly excellent.
IV. Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Busan
1. Ganchon-dong Cultural Village – The South Korean version of Santorini 🎨
This is probably the most picturesque spot in Busan! The colorful little houses are arranged in layers along the hillside, and taking a photo with the statue of that little prince is a must.
- Admission: Free (stamp map: ₩20,000)
- Transportation: Exit 6 of Tucheng Station on Line 1 of the subway → Take Community Bus 1-1 or 2-2.
- Visiting time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- 💡 Tip: It’s recommended to go in the morning to avoid tourist groups. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stairs – it will be easier to descend from the top of the mountain.
2. Haeundae Blue Line Park – Sky Capsule Train 🚃
This is one of the most romantic experiences in Busan! Sitting inside a small capsule vehicle that can accommodate four people, you drift along the coastline, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other – so beautiful that you don’t want to blink an eye.
- Fares: Coast Train – ¥7,000–9,000 per day; Sky Capsule – ¥15,000–22,000 per day
- ⚠️ Important: Capsule trains must be reserved in advance; it is very difficult to purchase them on-site.
- Route: Haeundae → Cheongsapu or Cheongsapu → Oipu
3. Haidong Longgong Temple – An ocean-going Buddhist temple 🛕
The only temple in South Korea that is located by the sea was built in 1376. Watching the waves crash against the rocks beneath the temple is an experience of immense solemnity and awe that one must witness for themselves.
- Admission: Free of charge
- Transportation: Take the subway Line 2 to Osiria Station, and then transfer to bus No. 181.
- Visiting time: 1 to 1.5 hours
4. Guang’an Li Beach – the most beautiful night view 🌉
Bask in the sun on the beach during the day, watch the light show on the Guang’an Bridge at night, and then enjoy some fried chicken with beer (chimach) – it’s perfect!
- Transportation: Guang’an Station on Line 2 of the subway
- Recommendations: Cafe Roof Top for sunset viewing, Waveon Coffee (with its cliff-side glass walls)
5. Jagachi Market – South Korea’s largest seafood market 🦐
Pointing at the fresh seafood in the tank, negotiating the price, and preparing it for you on the spot – this is what true Busan experience is all about.
- Sashimi Platter (for 2 people): ¥330,000 – ¥50,000
- Outdoor charcoal-grilled shellfish: ¥91,000 – ¥20,000
- 💡 Tip: The freshest products are available from 8 to 10 am. When asking for a discount, you can say “좀 깎아주세요” (Please give me a better price).
6. Matsushima Sea Cable Car – A cross-sea aerial stroll 🚡
Next to Busan’s earliest beach, a cable car spans the Songdo Bay. We recommend the “Crystal Carriage” with its transparent floor – you can literally see the ocean right beneath your feet; it’s both thrilling and incredibly enjoyable!
- Fare: Regular carriage – ¥12,000; Crystal carriage – ¥16,000 (round-trip).
7. Baekyeon Beach Cultural Village — Busan’s Santorini 🏘️
A smaller village that is even quieter and more artistic than Bigangchon. Colorful little houses are built along the coastal cliffs, and every corner holds a surprise.
- Admission: Free of charge
- Transportation: It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk from Nanchuan Station on Line 2 of the subway.
8. Busan X the Sky – South Korea’s second tallest observation deck 🌆
Located in the 100th floor of the Haeundae LCT Building, this observation deck offers a panoramic view of the entire Haeundae Beach. It also houses the world’s tallest Starbucks, where you can enjoy coffee while enjoying the sea view – truly a win-win situation!
- Ticket price: ¥927,000
9. BIFF Plaza — Movies + Food 🎬
Busan is the birthplace of the International Film Festival, and the ground here bears the handprints of BYULs. But to be honest, I came here mainly for that dark sugar and nut candy!
- Must-try: Seed Tteok, priced between ₩1,500 and ₂,000. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with nuts and brown sugar.
10. Fanyu Temple – An ancient temple that has stood in the mountains for thousands of years 🌿
The Zen temple, built in 678, is hidden in the forests of Jinjing Mountain. The environment here is so tranquil that it seems like another world. If you have time, you can consider staying at the temple (price range: ¥500,000–¥700,000) and experience the morning prayers and the temple’s meals.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Fanyu Temple Station, and then transfer to Bus No. 90.
V. Must-try Delicacies in Busan 🍜
| delicious food | Description | Price | Recommended locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork broth rice | Milk-white pork bone soup served with rice – the soul food of Busan | ₩8,000 – 9,000 | Double Pig Stew in Seomyeon |
| Cold noodles (wheat noodles) | Cold soup or mixed noodles – a specialty of Busan | ₩7,000 – 8,000 | Gaegum Mill麺 |
| Seed sugar cakes | Flattened sweet pancakes, containing a variety of seeds | ₩1,500 – 2,000 | BIFF Square |
| Roasted large intestine | Roasted beef small intestine over charcoal, served with sesame oil and salt | ₩25,000 to 35,000 | Seomyeon Gopchang Alley |
| Sashimi | Just caught out of the water tank | ₩30,000 to 50,000 | Zagachi Market |
| Fish fillet | Busan fish fillets with a high fish meat content | ₩1,000 – 1,500 | Samjin Fish Gelatin |
| Spicy stir-fried octopus + tripe + shrimp | The three-in-one spicy pot is unique to Busan. | ₩12,000 to 15,000 | Seomyeon |
VI. Recommended itinerary for a 4-day, 3-night trip during May Day 🗓️
📅 Day 1: Arrival + Seomyeon entertainment district
| time | Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| afternoon | Arrive at Gimhae International Airport → Check-in at the hotel in Seomyeon | To the Seomyeon lies a major transportation hub. |
| evening | Shopping at the underground streets in Seomyeon & Lotte Department Store | Busan: a shopping paradise |
| dinner | Taste classic delicacies at the Pork Soup Rice Street restaurant chain | Twin pork rib soup |
| in the evening | Spa Land Steam Screen | Inside the New World Department Store |
📅 Day 2: Coastline Scenery (Haeundae & Gwangan-ri)
| time | Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| morning | Haeundae Blue Line Park Sky Capsule Train | Reservations must be made in advance! |
| noon | Haidong Longgong Temple | Take the bus or a taxi |
| afternoon | Strolling along Haeundae Beach & The Bay 101 | Yacht Harbor Coffee |
| evening | Watching the sunset at Guang’an Li Beach | Cafe Roof Top |
| in the evening | Night view of Guang’an Bridge + fried chicken and beer | You must experience Chi Mac. |
📅 Day 3: Art and the Old Town Areas (Nampo-dong & Yeongdo)
| time | Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| morning | Ganchuan Cave Cultural Village | There are fewer people in the morning, so it’s better to go earlier. |
| noon | Zha Gaqi Market Seafood Feast | Select and perform immediately |
| afternoon | Shopping at BIFF Plaza and Guangfu Road | Must-try sugar cakes |
| evening | Night view of Longtoushan Park & Busan Tower | Busan landmarks |
📅 Day 4: Sea view + Dermatology experience + All expenses covered
| time | Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| morning | Matsumoto Sea Cable Car + Sky Walkway | I recommend the Crystal Coach. |
| noon | Baiqian Beach Cultural Village | Coastal Cliff Cultural and Creative Village |
| afternoon | 🌸 Busan Dermatology Hydrofiller Treatment Experience | When coming to South Korea, how could one not take the opportunity to undergo some cosmetic procedures? |
| evening | Purchase of souvenirs → Kimhae Airport | Buying bulk goods in the international market |
VII. 🌸 When visiting Busan, why not take the opportunity to get a hyaluronic acid injection treatment too?
When it comes to traveling to South Korea, many people only think of the Dermatology services in Seoul. However, the medical beauty treatments in Busan are also extremely excellent! Especially hydrofiller injections – even local South Koreans get them done, and the prices are much cheaper than in China, with great results too. Why not take a trip during the May Day holiday and let your skin “travel” along with you? It’s a win-win situation!
There are many high-quality Dermatology clinics near Busan Seomyeon Station. The transportation is convenient, and you can easily visit the shops in the Seomyeon area right after the hyaluronic acid injection treatment, without delaying your schedule at all. The recovery period for hyaluronic acid injections is short – you can return to your normal activities just 1-2 days after the procedure, making it perfect for those traveling.
Renovo is an extremely popular Dermatology clinic located at the Busan Seomyeon station. It enjoys an excellent reputation in the local area, and its signature treatments include Hyaluronic Acid injections, Potenza, and Pico laser treatments. Moreover, the clinic is situated right next to the Seomyeon shopping district, so it’s extremely convenient to go shopping or dining immediately after treatment!
👉 How to make a reservation: It is highly recommended to reserve your place in advance on BeautsGO before your trip. During the peak season around May Day, even local South Koreans are competing to get tickets, so waiting in line on-site can take a very long time. BeautsGO offers Chinese-language consultation services, ensuring smooth communication. The prices are transparent, and there are also exclusive discounts available!
VIII. Practical Tips 💡
- 📱 Essential apps: Kakao Map (navigation), Naver Map (public transportation), Papago (translation), Kakao Taxi (ride-hailing service)
- 💳 T-money Card: Available at convenience stores, can be used on subways and buses, and offers discounts when transferring between modes of transport
- 🧴 Sun protection: The ultraviolet radiation in Busan during the May Day holiday is already quite strong, so be sure to take proper sun protection measures!
- 👔 Dressing: Given the large temperature difference between morning and evening, it’s advisable to bring a light jacket. Considering the strong sea breeze, skirts might not be the most convenient choice.
- 🚕 Taxis: The starting rate is ₩4,800; for most trips within the city, the fare ranges from ₩7,000 to ₩15,000. Sharing a taxi with 3-4 people is usually more cost-effective than using the subway.
- 🏪 Convenience stores: CU, GS25, and 7-11 can be found everywhere, and it’s very convenient to get change in cash.
- 🛍️ Tax Refund: Tax refunds are available for purchases totaling over ¥330,000. Both Lotte and Shinsegae Department Stores have tax refund counters.
IX. Busan Weather & Dress Code for May Day
| Date | Estimated temperature | Wearing and constructing proposals |
|---|---|---|
| May 1st | 15-22°C | Thin knitted sweater + long pants + light jacket |
| May 2nd | 16-23°C | Jeans jacket + jeans + canvas shoes |
| May 3rd | 17-24°C | T-shirt + wide-leg pants + thin trench coat |
| May 4th | 16-23°C | Dress + Knit Sweater |
During the May Day holiday, the climate in Busan is extremely pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot. Walking by the sea while enjoying the gentle breeze makes this one of the most ideal seasons of the year for traveling.
X. Budget reference 💰
| Project | Budget travel version | Comfort Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night stay | ₩30,000 – 50,000 (homestays/youth hostels) | ₩100,000 – 200,000 (for hotels) |
| Food and drinks/day | ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 | ₩50,000 to 80,000 |
| Transportation/Weather | ₩5,000 to 10,000 | ₩15,000 to ₩30,000 |
| Attractions/day | ₩10,000 to 20,000 | ₩30,000 to 50,000 |
| Total cost for 4 days (excluding airfare) | Approximately ¥1,500–2,500 | Approximately ¥4,000 to ¥7,000 |
The cost of living in Busan is much lower than that in Seoul, so with the same budget, you can have a more enjoyable time in Busan. If you also consider getting a hyaluronic acid injection (the price in South Korea is approximately 50-70% of the domestic rate), the cost-performance ratio is even better!
Written at the end
Busan is truly an ideal destination for a trip during the May Day holiday period – the climate is perfect, the crowds are fewer than during the summer vacation, the sea views are breathtaking, and there is an endless supply of delicious food. A 4-day/3-night stay is just right, while a 5-day/4-night itinerary provides even more flexibility. If you can also take the opportunity to get a hyaluronic acid injection treatment in Seomyeon, returning home with improved skin, then this trip will be absolutely perfect!
Before you set off, remember to book a appointment with the Dermatology department on BeautsGO in advance. During the peak season of May Day, the number of available slots is limited, so the earlier you book, the more at ease you will be. Wishing you a happy and beautiful trip to Busan during May Day! 🌺
