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Essential travel tips for a Busan adventure　　

 

The Haeundae Beach Train and Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blueline Park glide along Busan's stunning east coast. The attraction welcomed nearly 1.2 million foreign riders in 2024.

　　　 Currency Exchange, Roaming and Luggage Services

　Arriving in Busan is easy and convenient. Travelers can exchange foreign currency for Korean won at Busan Bank branches inside Gimhae International Airport and the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal. The airport branch, located on the 2nd floor of the international terminal, is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The port terminal branch operates from 7:40 a.m. to 7:40 p.m., with hours adjusted to cruise schedules.

　On the same floor, visitors will also find roaming centers operated by Korea's three major mobile carriers, KT, SKT and LG. These centers provide professional support for mobile services, ensuring smooth connectivity throughout your stay.

　For those who prefer to travel hands-free, Zim Carry offers convenient luggage delivery straight to your accommodation, along with secure storage options. Counters are located between gates 3 and 4 on the 3rd floor of Gimhae Airport's international terminal and near Gate 4 on the 2nd floor of Busan Port International Passenger Terminal.

　　　 Getting Around: Urban Transportation

　Busan's transportation network makes exploring the city effortless. The Busan Metro comprises four subway lines, the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit (BGL), and the Donghae Line, which cover key areas across Busan, Gimhae and Yangsan. Trains generally operate from 5 a.m. until midnight, with first and last train times varying by station. Travelers can choose between QR tickets, mobile passes, commuter passes or reloadable transit cards. 

　Public transit tickets and passes can be purchased at stations or convenience stores throughout the city.

　Buses are another convenient way to get around. Due to Busan's mountainous terrain, routes often wind up and down hills, offering scenic city views along the way. Options include regular buses that travel across districts, express buses that travel across the city, village buses that stay within a particular neighborhood, city tour buses that travel between Busan landmarks and shuttle services.

　Transfer discounts are available when switching between buses and subways within a 30-minute period. Up to two transfers are permitted per journey, making it an affordable way to explore multiple neighborhoods on a single trip.

　　　  Emergency Medical Services

　Safety is a priority when visiting Busan. In the event of an accident or emergency, travelers can dial 112 for police assistance or 119 for ambulance services. Calls in English are supported, and your location is automatically detected.

　For everyday needs, pharmacies are easily accessible and offer a range of prescription drugs, as well as over-the-counter essentials such as fever reducers, pain relievers, digestive aids and cold medicine. Convenience stores also stock basic medication.

　Busan is home to 15 international medical centers that welcome foreign patients. These facilities cover a wide range of specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology and obstetrics and gynecology. Services vary by hospital, ensuring visitors can access the care they need.

　　　 Must-Have Travel Companion: The Visit Busan Pass

　The Visit Busan Pass is an essential tool for international visitors. Cost-effective and convenient, it offers free entry to top attractions, access to public transportation and exclusive discounts on shopping, dining and accommodation.

　Four types of passes are available to match different travel styles. The 24-hour and 48-hour passes are ideal for quick visits, offering unlimited access to attractions within the chosen timeframe. The Big 3 and Big 5 passes allow travelers to pick and choose from Busan's highlights at a more relaxed pace.

　The pass can be downloaded directly to your smartphone, granting instant access to major attractions such as Haeundae Blue Line Park, Lotte World Adventure Busan and the Arte Museum. Additionally, it unlocks discounts at more than 120 establishments across the city, ranging from Michelin-rated restaurants to stylish rooftop lounges.

　The official Visit Busan Pass app offers suggested itineraries, maps and real-time updates to enhance your trip. It also integrates with Busan Pay, a local payment system for international visitors, enabling seamless transactions throughout the city.

　Passes can be purchased online via the official website, mobile app, Klook and Trip.com, or in person at Gimhae International Airport, Busan Station and selected hotels. With one in hand, travelers can go beyond Busan's famous beaches and discover the city's full range of experiences.