We travelled to 6D5N to Busan in Jan 2025 during winter with our 2 year old. It was a fun and fuss free trip! Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your trip:
Read more about our 6D5N Family Friendly Busan trip here
Travel Insurance:
Always purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. For families, consider policies that include coverage for children and activities like theme parks or winter sports.
If, like us, you booked your flights using miles, check whether your insurance covers cancellations on reward bookings.
SIM Card:
Stay connected with a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device. You can purchase a SIM card at Incheon International Airport (if flying into Seoul) or Gimhae International Airport in Busan.
We bought our sim card from shopee and it was delivered to our home. If you prefer hassle-free connectivity, eSIMs are a game-changer! No physical SIM needed—just activate it online before you fly. Alternatively, you can purchase from here and collect at the airport
Money Exchange:
The local currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). Exchange money at Incheon Airport, Gimhae Airport, or major banks like KEB Hana Bank or Shinhan Bank in Busan. ATMs are widely available, and most accept international cards. Look for ATMs labeled "Global" for English instructions.
We change around $300 SGD in Singapore and had more than enough money left. I guess thats a reason to plan a trip to Seoul soon. We mostly charge to our credit card to earn miles.
Flights:
Busan is served by Gimhae International Airport (PUS), which has direct flights from major Asian cities like Singapore,Tokyo, Beijing, and Bangkok.
We flew in via direct from Singapore to Busan Via Singapore Airline. The airline has reinstate its flights to Busan from 2 June 2023 with four weekly service on boeing 737-8 . If you're flying in from Europe or the US, you’ll likely transit via Seoul and take a 3-hour KTX train from Seoul to Busan.
Read First Time Flying with a Baby? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Tips to Get Around in Busan:
Public Transportation: Busan’s subway system is efficient, affordable, and mostly stroller-friendly. Purchase a T-money card (available at convenience stores) for seamless travel on subways and buses.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. We use K-ride (international version of Kakao T) app (similar to Uber) to book rides easily. K.ride was introduced by Kakao Mobility to make payments and communication easier. The ride can also be made with credit or debit cards issued in countries outside of Korea.
This trip, we used taxi for our entire trip to get around in Busan with a 2 year old toddler. We downloaded K-ride on our apple phone and it was fuss-free. The app currently supports English, Chinese and Japanese, with translation services available for about 100 languages for searching destinations and texting with drivers. However, H have issues downloading it in his android phone.
We did a couple of road hailed at taxi stand and there was not much issue except one incident where the taxi driver couldn’t understand the address we gave so we alight and took another taxi.
Walking: Many attractions in Busan are within walking distance, especially in areas like Haeundae and Gamcheon Culture Village.
Car Rental: If you prefer driving, international licenses are accepted. However, parking can be challenging in busy areas.
Getting from Busan Airport to Haeundae Beach
Getting from Gimhae International Airport (PUS) to Haeundae Beach is straightforward, with several convenient options depending on your budget, group size, and preference for comfort or speed. Here are the best ways to make the journey:
1. Airport Limousine Bus (Most Convenient for Families)
- Route: Take the Airport Limousine Bus directly to Haeundae Beach.
- Duration: Approximately 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: ₩10,000 per person (around $6). Children under 6 ride free.
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes.
- Where to Board: Exit the airport and look for the bus stop outside the arrivals hall. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the ticket counter inside the airport.
- Drop-off Point: The bus stops at several locations in Haeundae, including major hotels like Paradise Hotel Busan and Haeundae Grand Hotel.
- Why It’s Great: Comfortable, spacious, and stroller-friendly. Perfect for families with luggage.
Note: Airport Limousine Bus Route may not operate during winter time. Do check with customer service counter when you arrive to confirm. Check out the time schedule and route
2. Subway (Most Budget-Friendly)
- Route: Take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail from the airport to Sasang Station, then transfer to Line 2 (Green Line) and ride to Haeundae Station.
- Duration: Approximately 60-70 minutes.
- Cost: Est ₩1,800 per person (around $1.50). Children under 6 ride free.
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes.
- Where to Board: The light rail station is connected to the airport terminal. Follow signs for "Busan-Gimhae Light Rail."
- Drop-off Point: Haeundae Station (Exit 5 or 7) is a 5-10 minute walk to Haeundae Beach.
- Why It’s Great: Affordable and efficient, but may be less convenient if you have heavy luggage or young children.
3. Taxi (Most Comfortable and Direct)
- Route: Take a taxi directly from the airport to Haeundae Beach.
- Duration: Approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: ₩35,000-₩40,000
- Where to Board: Taxi stands are located outside the arrivals hall.
- Drop-off Point: Your hotel or any specific location in Haeundae.
- Why It’s Great: Door-to-door service, ideal for families with kids and luggage. Use the Kakao T app (similar to Uber) to book a taxi easily.
4. Private Transfer (Most Luxurious)
- Route: Book a private car or van transfer in advance.
- Duration: Approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: ₩50,000-₩100,000 , depending on the vehicle size and service provider.
- Where to Board: Your driver will meet you at the arrivals hall with a sign.
- Drop-off Point: Your hotel or any specific location in Haeundae.
- Why It’s Great: Stress-free, comfortable, and tailored to your schedule. Great for large families or groups.
Option | Cost | Duration | Best For |
Airport Limousine Bus | ₩10,000/person | 50-60 mins | Families, budget travelers |
Subway | ₩1,800/person | 60-70 mins | Solo travelers, budget-conscious families |
Taxi | ₩35,000-₩40,000 | 40-50 mins | Families with kids, comfort seekers |
Private Transfer | ₩50,000-₩100,000 | 40-50 mins | Luxury travelers, large groups |
Initially, we planned to take the Airport Limousine Bus, but it was suspended for winter. Instead, we took a taxi (₩35,000, ~50 min), which fit our three suitcases (large, medium, and carry-on) and two backpacks comfortably. If traveling with a stroller or extra luggage, opt for a taxi or private transfer for a stress-free start to your trip.
7. Where to stay in Busan?
Choosing the right area to stay in Busan depends on your travel preferences, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Busan, along with recommendations for families, couples, solo travelers, and budget-conscious visitors:
1. Haeundae (Best for Families and First-Time Visitors)
Haeundae is Busan’s most popular beach area, offering a mix of luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and easy access to attractions like the Haeundae SEA LIFE Aquarium and Dongbaekseom Island. It’s perfect for families and first-time visitors.
2. Seomyeon (Best for Budget Travelers and Shoppers)
Seomyeon is Busan’s central business and shopping district, offering affordable accommodations, bustling markets, and easy access to public transportation. It’s a great base for exploring the city.
3. Nampo-dong (Best for Culture and History Lovers)
Nampo-dong is the heart of Busan’s cultural and historical scene, with easy access to markets, temples, and museums. It’s a great area for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture.
Highly recommend to stay at two different location if you are planning to visit more than 5 days as Busan is a pretty big city.Getting from Haueundae to Gamcheon by public transport actually takes up to 1.5 hour. We stayed in two different hotel during our trip. 1 Night in Haeundae and 4 nights in Seomyeon. The next trip, we will probably spend 2 night in Haeundae and 3 night in Seomyeon/Nampo-dong.
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