How to Get to Busan: Travel Options & Korean Entry Requirements

Planning a trip to South Korea and wondering how to get to Busan? This coastal city is one of the most exciting destinations in the country, known for its beaches, seafood markets, colorful neighborhoods, and laid-back vibe that feels totally different from Seoul.

Whether you’re flying in from abroad, arriving from another Korean city, or even coming by ferry, there are several easy ways to reach Busan.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get to Busan no matter where you’re coming from, along with visa details and other helpful travel tips.

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How to Get to Busan, South Korea: Location & Nearest Airports

Before diving into the logistics of how to get to Busan, let’s talk about where the city is located and why it’s worth the journey.

⭐️ Why Visit Busan?

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and its main port, offering a unique mix of beaches, mountains, temples, and cosmipolitan energy. It’s best known for Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, Gamcheon Culture Village, and coastal temples like Haedong Yonggungsa.

Compared to Seoul, Busan feels more relaxed and outdoorsy, with ocean views, coastal hikes, and some of the best seafood in the country. Whether you’re visiting for beaches, food, festivals, or scenic viewpoints, Busan is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

If you’re wondering how to get to Busan, this guide will walk you through the best options from abroad, from other Korean cities, and from nearby countries.

📍 Where is Busan Located?

Busan is located on the southeastern coast of South Korea, facing the Sea of Japan. Its coastal location makes it a major transportation hub for ferries, cruises, and international trade.

The city is served by Gimhae International Airport, which is located about 30 to 40 minutes from central Busan, making it very accessible for both international and domestic travelers.

🤔 How Do I Get to Busan, South Korea?

Even though Busan is located at the southern end of the Korean Peninsula, it’s extremely well connected and easy to reach, with plenty of options to get there from abroad and within the country.

Here are the different ways to get to Busan:

• Flying to Busan
• Taking a train to Busan
• Traveling by bus
• Going on a ferry to Busan
• Stopping on a cruise ship in Busan
• Driving to Busan
• Hiring a private driver or guide

How to Get to Busan: Transportation Options

Ready to learn how to get to Busan from anywhere in South Korea or abroad? Here are all your options, broken down by travel style and budget.

✈️ How to Get to Busan by Flight

For most travelers, flying is the easiest way to get to Busan, especially if you're visiting from outside of South Korea. 

Busan is served by Gimhae International Airport (PUS), which handles both international and domestic flights. While it’s smaller than Incheon Airport in Seoul, it offers plenty of direct routes across Asia and convenient connections from other regions.

Direct international flights to Busan are available from cities in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. If you’re flying from Europe or the Americas, you’ll usually connect through Seoul, Tokyo, or another major Asian hub.

🌃 Cities that Fly Direct to Busan, South Korea

Cities from outside Korea that fly direct to Busan include Angeles City, Bangkok, Beijing, Cebu, Chiang Mai, Da Nang, Denpasar (Bali), Fukuoka, Guam, Guilin, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kota Kinabalu, Kumamoto, Manila, Matsuyama, Nagoya, Nha Trang, Okinawa, Osaka, Panglao, Phu Quoc, Qingdao, Sapporo, Shanghai, Shenyang, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and Vientiane. 

These international routes make Busan one of South Korea’s most accessible cities for travelers coming from across Asia and the Pacific.

Other Korean cities that fly to Busan direct include Jeju and Seoul, with flights operating from both Gimpo and Incheon airports. Jeju is one of the busiest domestic routes in the country, with frequent daily flights, while Seoul to Busan flights offer a fast alternative for travelers who prefer flying over trains.

Search for a flight to Busan or other cities in South Korea:

🛬 How to Get to Busan City from the Airport

Once you land at Gimhae Airport, you can reach downtown Busan in a number of ways, including:

• Metro: 

  The Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit connects Gimhae Airport directly to Busan’s metro system. The ride to central areas like Seomyeon takes about 35 to 40 minutes, costs roughly ₩1,700–2,000, and is the most budget friendly and reliable option for most travelers.

• Bus:
  Several airport buses run from Gimhae Airport to popular neighborhoods such as Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Busan Station. Travel time ranges from 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically between ₩6,000 and ₩9,000.
• Taxi or Rideshare:
  Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal and are convenient if you have luggage or are traveling late at night. A ride to downtown Busan usually takes 30 to 50 minutes and costs around ₩25,000–40,000 depending on traffic and destination.
• Private transfer:
  Private transfers can be booked in advance and offer a door to door service directly to your hotel. This is the most comfortable option for families or groups, with prices generally starting around ₩60,000 depending on distance and vehicle type.

🌊 How to Get to Busan by Sea

If you are traveling from nearby countries or visiting as part of a cruise itinerary, arriving by sea is another scenic way to reach South Korea’s second largest city. Busan is one of Asia’s busiest ports and has excellent ferry and cruise connections, making it an underrated option when planning how to get to Busan.

🚢 Ferries to Busan from Japan

Japan is the most common country for ferry travel to Busan, with regular and reliable routes operating year round. Here are the different routes you can take:

• Fukuoka (Hakata) to Busan:
  This is the most popular ferry route. High speed ferries take about 3 to 3.5 hours, while overnight ferries take around 6 to 7 hours. Prices typically range from ₩60,000 to ₩150,000 depending on the ferry type and seat class.
• Shimonoseki to Busan:
  Overnight ferries operate on this route and take approximately 12 hours. This option is popular for travelers who want a relaxed crossing with private cabins.
• Osaka area (via seasonal or indirect routes):
  Some ferry services operate seasonally or via nearby ports, but these routes change frequently, so it is best to check schedules in advance.

All international ferries arrive at Busan International Passenger Terminal, which is close to Busan Station and well connected by metro and taxis.

🌏 Ferries from China and Russia

Busan also has ferry connections to parts of China and Russia, though these routes operate less frequently and may be seasonal.

• China: Ferries connect Busan with cities such as Qingdao and other ports in eastern China, with travel times typically between 14 and 24 hours.
• Russia: There have historically been ferry routes between Busan and Vladivostok, though now it looks like the only one is from Donghae - you can connect there from Busan by train in just a few hours.

These routes are best suited for slow travelers or those combining multiple destinations in East Asia.

🛳 Visiting Busan on a Cruise

Busan is a major cruise port in Northeast Asia and is frequently included on itineraries through South Korea, Japan, and China. Major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises regularly dock here, and although we never got the chance to dock here while working on cruise ships, we had friends frequently dock there.

Cruise ships arrive at Busan Port International Cruise Terminal, which is about 15 to 20 minutes from central areas like Nampo-dong and Busan Station by taxi. From the port, it is easy to explore the city independently or join organized shore excursions.

🤔 Is Arriving by Sea to Busan a Good Option?

Traveling by sea is not the fastest way when considering how to get to Busan, but it can be a memorable experience. Ferries from Japan are especially popular, offering a relaxed and scenic alternative to flying, while cruises provide a stress free way to sample Busan as part of a larger trip.

For travelers already in Japan or nearby regions, getting to Busan by ferry is both practical and enjoyable.

🚆 How to Get to Busan by Land

The only land border that South Korea has is with North Korea, so that's clearly not something you need to considering when wondering how to get to Busan. 

If you’re already in South Korea though, getting to Busan is incredibly easy. Other than flying, there are also various options for getting to Busan from other cities across the country including trains, buses, private transfers, and tour guides.

🌃 How to Get to Busan from Seoul

This is the most common route in the country, and the exact one we took during our South Korea trip. Here are the different options for getting from one city to the other.

• KTX high-speed train: ₩59,800–65,000, ~2.5–3 hours, departs Seoul Station → Busan Station.
• Mugunghwa train: ₩28,600, 5 1/2-6 hours, departs Seoul Station → Busan Station.
• SRT train: similar to KTX, ~2.5 hours, departs Seoul → Busan Station, slightly cheaper.
• Express bus: ₩23,000–40,000, ~4–5 hours, departs Seoul Express Bus Terminal  → Busan Central Bus Terminal.
• Flight: ~1 hour (plus transfer time), departs Gimpo/Incheon (Seoul)→ .Gimhae Airport (Busan).

We'd honestly recommend the train over flying to Busan, since it's not worth the hassle, and you'd need to factor in getting there early on top of travel time. We took the Mugunghwa train since we had to work and the train was comfortable with Wifi. If you're going to Busan for just a short stay, then it makes sense to opt for the high-speed train.

🏝 How to Get to Busan from Jeju

Since Jeju is an island, flying is the easiest option, but you can also opt to take a ferry from Jeju. There used to be direct ferries, but now you'll have to take a ferry from Jeju to Mokpo, Wando, or Yeosu, and then travel to Busan from there by train or bus.

Flights from Jeju to Busan are around 1 hour. There are multiple daily departures, and prices typically range from ₩30,000 to ₩100,000. This is the option we chose when looking for how to get to Busan from Jeju, and found it to be really easy and stress-free compared to what the ferry journey looked like.

👀 The views on the flight from Jeju to Busan are really beautiful! Try to get a seat on the left side of the plane, as this is the side that gives you more scenic panoramas.

🏯 How to Get to Busan from Gyeongju

Busan is very close to Gyeongju, making it a popular choice for pairing cities on your South Korea itinerary. Here are the options for how to get to Busan from Gyeongju:

• 🚆 Train (KTX high-speed): About 30–35 minutes travel time, ≈ 12,000–15,000 KRW (about $9–$12 USD) for a standard ticket. Note: The station (Singyeongju) is outside the Gyeongju center, so you may need a local bus or taxi to reach downtown.
• 🚌 Bus: Around 50 min–1 hour travel time, ≈ 6,000–12,000 KRW (about $5–$9 USD). Buses arrive directly at the Busan intercity terminal, which is very convenient.

• 🚗 Taxi: About 1 hour drive, ≈ 100,000–130,000 KRW (about $75–$100 USD) for a one-way taxi between Gyeongju and Busan.

This is one of the easiest intercity routes in South Korea, and can even be done as a day trip.

Planning on coming from elsewhere in Korea but still want to visit Gyeongju as well? Here are a few organized day trips from Busan to Gyeongju that you can sign up for:

🚗 How to Get to Busan by Car

Driving to Busan is possible, especially if you’re on a South Korea road trip, although it’s not necessary for most travelers.

Traffic within the city can be heavy, and parking can be limited in popular areas. If you do plan to drive, make sure you have a physical International Driving Permit, as South Korea is strict about this requirement.

Also note that Google Maps does not work properly in South Korea, so you’ll need Naver Map or Kakao Map for navigation. Other than that, roads are smooth, and rental companies are reliable - making it a viable option if you're doing a longer trip around the country.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

🚐 Visiting Busan on a Guided Tour

If you're planning a trip to South Korea, the transportation can get a bit confusing. Joining a guided tour to the major cities is one of the most seamless ways to travel around the country, and allows you to save time on planning and trying to translate and figure everything out on your own.

Tours are also a fun way to meet other like-minded travelers, and we've listed a few cool trips you can sign up for that include Busan in the itinerary.

Want to go on your own but still need help? Let us plan your trip for you! It'll save you a ton of time and the headache of doing everything on your own.

How to Get to Busan: Entry Requirements

Now that you know how to get to Busan, here’s what you need to know about entering South Korea.

🛂 Visa Requirements

The first time I visited South Korea I was just on a layover, and I needed the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). It's pretty much a version of an E-visa, and gives short term visiting allowance to tourists.

Back then, the K-ETA was a huge pain to get, and also costed around $70. Now, Americans (and nationalities, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe) are exempt from the K-ETA, and can stay from 30-90 days without a visa.

Even those that do need a K-ETA only have to pay ₩10,000 (~$7 USD). Not all countries are eligible for the K-ETA, so you'll have to make sure which list your nationality is on before traveling. Tourist visas are required for travelers not eligible for visa-free entry or K-ETA, and they can take time, so make sure to apply for it in advance.

💉 Vaccine Requirements

South Korea does not currently require proof of vaccination for entry.

How to Get to Busan, South Korea: FAQ

Still have questions about how to get to Busan or South Korea in general? Here are some frequently asked questions we've rounded up and answered so that you can get all of your doubts or concerns taken care of!

How to Get to Busan: Final Thoughts & What’s Next

There are plenty of easy ways to get to Busan, whether you’re arriving from abroad, traveling from Seoul, or exploring other parts of South Korea. With its international airport, high-speed trains, and ferry connections, Busan is one of the most accessible cities in the country.

Now that you know how to get to Busan, here are a few tips to help you plan the rest of your trip:

🚇 Getting Around: Busan has an excellent metro system, along with buses and affordable taxis
🛌 Where to Stay: Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Nampo-dong are great areas for first-time visitors
🗣 Language: Korean is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas
💵 Currency: South Korean Won
👮🏻‍♀️ Safety: Busan is very safe and and the people are very welcoming.
☀️ Weather: Hot, humid summers and mild winters, with beach season peaking in July and August.

👀 What's Next?

Now that you know how to get to Busan, you probably want to know more about visiting! We have more articles about Busan coming up, but in the meantime, you can check out out the other South Korea travel guides that we have for you.

Here are a few other travel guides we have about South Korea:

✈️ How to get to Jeju Island

🚗 How to get around Jeju

🤩 The best things to do in Jeju

☕️ The best cafes in Jeju

📖 Jeju travel guide

🚆 How to get to Seoul

🚌 Seoul transportation guide

🛍 Things to do and see in Seoul

💆🏻‍♀️ Korean scalp massage review

🍴 Seoul food guide

📖 Seoul complete travel guide

We're going to also be having new articles each Thursday, so stay tuned!

We hope you found our guide about how to get to Busan helpful! Have questions still? Feel free to drop them below in the comments.

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