City, South Korea
Busan
Korea's beach city: seafood markets, hillside villages, temples by the sea and a lively, less formal vibe than Seoul. Good for cheaper long stays; coworking is thinner and English less common.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,710–2,600Comfortable, one person · ₩2.3M–3.5MDetails
- Value for money46/100Better value than 45% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 27°CDetails
- Air quality21 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · PollutedDetails
- Internet251 MbpsFixed broadband, South Korea medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilBusan tap water is treated to drinking standards, though many residents prefer filters; restaurants serve free filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$11–37Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundKakao TWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work nearly everywhere; carry some cash for Jagalchi market stalls, street food and older shops.Details
Where to stay in Busan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Haeundae | Beach stays, hotels, restaurants and international visitors |
| Gwangalli | Nomads and long stays: cafés, bridge views, bars |
| Seomyeon | Central hub: subway interchange, shopping and nightlife |
| Nampo–Jagalchi | Old port, seafood market, markets and guesthouses |
| Jeonpo Cafe Street | Cafés, local feel and cheaper rents |
Apps that work in Busan
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Baemin | Widest restaurant choice; Korean-language |
| Coupang Eats | Quick delivery in main districts |
- Maps: Naver Map or Kakao Map (Google Maps is limited)
- Messaging: KakaoTalk
- Papago: Translation, including photos of menus
- T-money: Subway, buses and convenience stores
- Korail Talk: KTX and intercity train tickets
- Taxis: Hail metered taxis on the street or use Kakao T; avoid unlicensed drivers at stations and the cruise terminal.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in South Korea.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere; carry some cash for Jagalchi market stalls, street food and older shops.
- Currency: Won (KRW). US$1 ≈ ₩1,347.39 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 'Global ATM' machines at banks, airports and convenience stores; fees of a few thousand won per withdrawal are common.
- Tipping: Not expected anywhere; upscale hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge.
- Paying by phone: Foreign chip cards work widely; Apple Pay only at NFC terminals; Alipay+ wallets at many shops; WOWPASS card for visitors.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt visitors need a K-ETA (about KRW 10,000), but many nationalities are excused until 31 Dec 2026.
- Without a K-ETA, file the free e-Arrival Card online from 3 days before landing.
- Apply only on k-eta.go.kr; look-alike sites charge extra fees.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 1330
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Carrier counters at Incheon and Gimpo airports sell prepaid data SIMs and eSIMs; passport required; convenience stores sell some too. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in South Korea
Going to Busan solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Busan meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Visit Busan
- Busan Transportation Corporation
- Gimhae International Airport (Korea Airports Corporation)
- Korail (KTX)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.