Things to Do in Busan Cruise Port If You Only Have a Day
- Maria DiCicco
- Aug 29, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: May 1
I'm recently obsessed with South Korea. I've watched too many k-dramas, gotten my kid into too many KPop karaoke matches, and my fridge is full of Korean street foods from my local Lotte market.
I can't stop thinking about Korea.
I've been a few times over the years, but most recently got to enjoy the bustling Busan Cruise Port on a Japan cruise itinerary.
Located in the southeastern tip of the country, Busan Port is accessible from Japan by ferry or on a leisurely cruise vacation, and only just a few short hours from Seoul by train.
For first time visitors or cruisers looking to soak up as much as they can in Busan in one or two days, I've rounded up the best of what Busan is known for - shopping, eating, history and great sites.
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Short on Time?While this article focuses on things to do in Busan for a day, some cruise passengers may find themselves in Busan for 2 or 3 as a port of transit, or part of a pre-cruise stay. Below I share the top sites and best attractions in Busan, and how to break down the itinerary. Here are some top picks for shopping and things to do in Busan:
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In this article:
Busan Itineraries
Whether you are visiting Busan on a cruise ship like I did, or overland from Seoul, there is plenty to do for a few days in the seaside city.
Things to Do in Busan for a Day
Stick to what you love most. Many cruise passengers opt into excursions to see the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Busan's most impressive temples due to its stunning seaside location.
For me, shopping and dining were top priorities. We started at BIFF square in Nampodong and spent the whole day on foot wandering local area markets.
You'll learn all about the markets and Busan food experiences I had later on below.
Optionally, you may want to head to Haeundae Beach to experience the Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blueline Park.
With 2 Days in Busan
Some ships dock overnight in the biggest cities. If I had more time, I'd have tacked on Gamcheon Culture Village and some Busan Temples. In fact, my itinerary for two days in Busan would have been:
Day one: shop and eat
Day two: take this tour, which covers the Gamcheon Culture Village, the Haedong Yonggunsa Temple, AND the cute cable car at Haeundae Blueline Park. It seems like the best way to spend a full day, before a KBBQ dinner later that evening.
With 3 Days in Busan
Many travelers suggest buying the Visit Busan Pass, which includes admission to countless attractions for one low fee starting at $36.
Travel to Busan with Kids
For itinerary ideas that keep the kiddos in mind, be sure to include stops at places like the Busan Sea Life Aquarium, Lotte World Busan Theme Park, and Busan beaches like Haeundae Beach. Take a ride on the Songdo cable car, and make time to browse the Gukje market for clothing and souvenirs.
Getting to Busan
From Japan
Take the ferry from Japan to Busan along the Fukuoka - Busan route. There are six sailings weekly and it takes only six hours!
From Seoul
The fastest way from Seoul to Busan is to take the train, which is about 3 hours. Take the KTX Train with unlimited rides for 2-5 days depending on the Korail pass that you choose.
From the Cruise Port to Downtown Busan
Most ships will bus passengers into town for free on giant charter buses. In my experience, the bus will drop you off in a busy shopping area called Nampodong, full of Daiso stores (Japanese 100 Yen Shops but in Korea they are 1000 Won shops) and other modern shopping opportunities.
Where to Shop in Busan: Markets in Busan Worth Visiting
Literally my favorite pastime whenever I travel, seeking out local markets is the most essential thing to do in Busan if you want to immerse yourself in the culture.
Expect to find a lot of Korean street food vendors (much more on that below), and don't be shy about stopping when you see something that looks good.
Gukje Market
For housewares and clothing, seek out Gukje Market. I spent a couple of hours roaming the market and the adjacent indoor and outdoor lanes with my mother, both of us so crazed for bargains that we had to split up and meet later.
For rummagers, seek out 1000 Won piles, where you sift through used clothing marked as $1 per item. I found some really unique Asian style blouses this way!
Nampo Underground Shopping Center
There is an underground shopping center called Nampo Underground Shopping Center, accessible by where the bus drops you off, near the Daiso store. Head down there for some good bargains on man bags and pajamas.
Pajamas are everywhere in Busan (I purchased some of my favorite PJs here) so be sure to bring some home.
Jagalchi Market
For the local seafood market, seek out Jagalchi Market and Sindunga Fish Market. These are adjacent to one another down by the waterfront (just a few minutes added walk from the Nampodong area).
Jagalchi is South Korea's largest seafood market and very active, so don't expect to shop but moreso browse and gawk. Take photos, pop into some of the local shops nearby, and move on.
Tips for Shopping in Busan
I recommend getting Korean cash from your home bank before arriving in Korea.
The malls and established storefronts will take credit cards, but you will need to hit the ATM if you plan to shop in the markets, which typically only take cash. Optionally, here is some advice on getting currency in advance of your trip.
I recall having to make quite the trek to find an ATM in Busan, perhaps because not all ATMs accept foreign cards. Look for a bank ATM and godspeed.
Dining in Busan
Busan Food
Bibimbap (rice and meat dish often served in a hot pot)
Ramyeon (Korean Ramen Noodles)
Busan Gukbap (pork and rice soup with a milk/transparent broth)
Gimbap (A sushi-like seaweed wrapped treat, often found as street food)
Gimmari (japchae noodles wrapped in seaweed and deep fried)
Korean Corn Dog (street food favorite with mystery sausage or fish inside)
Korean BBQÂ (bulgogi and kalbi are favorites standbys)
Makgeolli (a delicious milky fermented drink - if you've had pulque in Mexico, it's similar)
Book a private street food and market tour to sample things I may not have listed!
Adventurous eaters will also want to seek out some stranger, more local to Busan flavors:
Jjukkumi (Baby Octopus) and Brisket
My parents were in Busan more recently than me and humorously thought they were getting traditional, familiar Korean Barbecue, but then out came this plate of octopus. It squirmed on the griddle as it cooked!
Thankfully, they report that it ended up being amazing, much like our beloved pulpo from Spain, done up with crispy bits from vegetables on the hot griddle. I'd try it!
I believe Nampo Jjukkumi is the name of the restaurant they found it at.
Kongbul
While I was in Busan, we discovered a dish called Kongbul. It also starts with a tabletop griddle, but comes out with all sorts of bean sprouts and meats. We opted in for a spicier, kimchi flavored profile, but you can also choose milder more basic options.
If you like the crunchy socarrat that is the crispy rice at the bottom of paella pans, then you'll love how kongbul solidifies into a crispy, yummy fried rice before you finish your meal.
Look for this at "Kongbul" restaurant, located on a bustling stretch of restaurants on Nampo-gil street. It's just kitschy enough to make your day in Busan Port perfect! I mean, check those amazing orange aprons we got to wear.
Make time for BIFF Square, A Korean Street Food Mecca
Foodies will want to start where they are dropped off, around BIFF Square, and follow their nose through kiosks and vendors leading towards nearby Changseon-dong Food Alley (Changseon-dong Meogjja-golmok).
The colorful vendors all display prices and even English translations, so it's easy to stop and sample as you wish!
We saw all sorts of great options from skewered meats, candied fruits to even roasted marshmallow ice cream!
Changseon-dong Food Alley
Throughout your walk through BIFF square and beyond, you'll notice lots of lanes full of great options from kimbap to dumplings.
Look how cute my mom is here, she couldn't get enough dumplings - and Korean dumplings are REALLY good!
Be sure to stop and grab a stool at any of these places to enjoy some local flavors.
There will be plenty of street food to choose from, or follow your nose and you'll likely find a winner for lunch before returning to the ship.
Busan Tours
Take a Beomeosa Temple tour, including bibimbap at the temple
Visit Haeundae Blue Line Park, which has an adorable mini train to take passengers along waterfront rails. Great for nature enthusiasts seeking a bit of outdoor time without fuss.
Spend a day living out your South Korean Theme Park fantasies at Lotte World Busan. Get your tickets here - they're only about $25!
Me in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul about 15 years ago A Private Tour includes visiting the best beaches in Busan like Gwangalli Beach, scenic sites like Seunghak Mountain, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and even the markets mentioned in this article. Typically private tours can be customized to your preferences.
Another Private Tour, this one includes Songdo cable car, Gamcheon Culture Village and many other previously mentioned Busan attractions. Pro tip for Instaworthy pics: Check out Gamcheon Culture Village for its colorful hillside houses, great for photographers!
If you like to play it safe and stick close to Nampoyong, you can also visit the Busan Sky Tower for great views of the city and the water. Get your tickets online here.
There is also a bamboo forest near Busan called Ahopsan Forest, where you can take a nice drive out to experience some tranquility.
If you are looking for day trips and tours near Busan, I think these out of town tours offer the most authentic South Korean history, fused with some truly amazing culinary treats, too.
Day Trips from Busan
Outside of town, visit the Seokbulsa Temple and Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, along with the Songdo cable car ride and traditional Korean lunch with this tour. There is a bit of hiking involved, so be aware!
An hour from Busan, discover the ancient and very off-the-beaten-path Tongdosa Temple. This tour will take you there, and as part of it you will experience a unique bulgogi lunch like you've never had it before!
Not for the faint of heart (or of stomach, I guess) - there is a traditional oyster farming village near Busan, and this tour will not only take you there, but your guide will help you to try some of the freshest and best oyster dishes that Busan offers.
I recently visited Leucate Oyster Village in France, and I was in seventh heaven. Undoubtedly, this unique experience near Busan will measure up. Try for yourself on this tour.
Pro tip: if you like seafood, locals and tourists flock to Haeundae Beach for not only the sandy beach, but for its great waterfront seafood joints. Worth a visit if you can't make it out to the oyster village!
Other South Korea Cruise Ports
Jeju Island is where the Koreans go for vacation, so it's great for tourist activities featuring UNESCO recognized volcanic landscapes and intricate lava tube systems. Learn more about the tour offerings on Jeju Island here.
If you go - be sure to make time for Jeju black pork BBQ. It's like the wagyu beef of Korea - griddled overall hot table top grill.
Incheon (Seoul) Cruise Port is another obvious port that I have visited twice many years ago for longer stays. You can see just how young I look in the photos above!
Sokcho and Yeosu are two other popular cruise ports, but not as commonly on Japanese itineraries.
For More Information
For more information, check out my Japan content if your trip extends further.
