If you plan to visit Korea, you must take a solo trip to Busan. It has scenic shorelines, seafood markets, and seaside temples. It is quieter than Seoul and has more stunning scenery.
Busan is also a great place for social solo travelers. The sprawling city is located on the southern tip of Korea and is seen as one of the greatest emerging cities in the world. It was a finalist candidate city for the World Expo 2030.
Although Saudi Arabia’s capital was selected to hold the World Expo, Busan is still a winner for every solo traveler. A solo trip to Busan is exciting, inexpensive, and safe. There are plenty of things to do during a solo trip to Busan. Here are 8 things you should do during a solo trip to Busan.
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Is It Safe To Travel to Busan?
It is safe to take a solo trip to Busan. South Korea frequently ranks as one of the safest places in the world, and Busan has less nightlife than Seoul, so it sees less crime than Korea’s capital.
When solo traveling, you should remain vigilant and share your itinerary with others. However, solo travelers can have peace of mind when traveling to Busan. It is a large city, but its innovative urban design and proximity to nature make it an ideal city to visit.
Where Should You Stay During Your Seoul Solo Trip?
You will want to find a place to stay during your solo trip to Busan. You could easily spend three days or more in this city without getting bored. Some people even stay here for weeks.
Booking.comIf you are traveling solo, you should stay in a hostel. This is a great way to save money so you can spend more time traveling. Hostels are also some of the best places to make friends and to hear helpful travel advice.
Read: Why Should I Stay in a Hostel for My Solo Trip?
If you want a hostel within walking distance of Busan Station, stay at Sohostel Korea. Its convenient location near Busan Station makes it easy to take the train to Busan from Seoul. Sohostel Korea is also near plenty of attractions like the 168 stairs and Chinatown, so it is an ideal place to stay in Busan.
1. Wander the Colorful Gamcheon Culture Village
Nicknamed the Machu Picchu of Busan, this vibrant composition of stacked houses is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Busan.
During the Korean War, refugees settled in this village and built their houses nearly on top of each other with few resources. In 2009, the village was restored, and its magical alleyways have been attracting tourists ever since.
The Gamcheon Culture Village is a popular spot but is still a great place to visit during a solo trip. You can easily find your own space down the village’s many rows of painted murals. Climb to Haneul Maru, a hidden observation deck many tourists mistakenly pass.
You could spend hours wandering the streets of this historic district and floating through its specialty stores. If you take a solo trip to Busan, see where life takes you in the Gamcheon Culture Village.
2. Take in the View at Gwangalli Beach
Many people go to Busan for its beaches. I recommend you take a trip to the beach during your solo trip to Busan, but you will want to avoid some of the more “touristy” beaches.
Gwangalli Beach is a perfect beach to visit for a nice solo picnic. It is located near a subway station, so it is easy to reach by public transportation. Plus, it is a little less popular than Haeundae Beach, so you can enjoy some more space here.
However, the true highlight of Gwangalli Beach is not the calm shores but rather the insane city views. The Gwangan Bridge cuts across the bay, enhancing any photo you take of the sandy coastline.
3. Hike the Igidae Coastal Walk
After hitting Gwangalli Beach, you can quickly reach a 3-mile trail with unforgettable city views. This trail begins in Igidae and is only a few miles from the scenic beach.
Although the trail begins in a convenient location, that is not the sole reason to take this trip across rocky cliffs and up wooden steps. The views along the Igidae Coastal Walk are amazing and worth every step. There are plenty of exciting rock formations along the trail as well.
You can capture photos of fishermen standing on stone cliffs while sparkling high-rises dot the horizon. This trail is unforgettable but can get busy, especially on weekends. For the best solo experience, start this trail early. It is not a wide trail, so you will need to yield to other hikers.
4. Walk on Glass at the Oryukdo Skywalk
At the end of the Igidae Coastal Walk, you will find another tourist hotspot, the Oryukdo Skywalk, giving you another reason to take this epic trail.
The Oryukdo Skywalk is not your normal ocean-side lookout. It is a free, glass walkway on the edge of a cliff. To add to the experience, you will need to slip booties over your shoes to prevent damage to the glass.
You can peer down the glass floor to watch waves crashing below you. In the distance, the Oryukdo Islets dot the coastline. It is a beautiful spot worth visiting during your solo trip to Busan.
5. Visit the Most Beautiful Temple in Korea
Another one of Busan’s most famous attractions is the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. At the entrance of the temple, you will read a sign that says, “The most beautiful temple in Korea.” After visiting the temple myself, I think it deserves that title.
The most unique feature of the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is that it sits on the edge of the Sea of Japan. Most (almost all) temples are built in the mountains.
You can walk down 108 steps to reach a shrine near the water’s edge at this sacred space. Here, you can snap an iconic photo of the waves crashing near the temple’s main hall.
This place can get crowded and make for a less enjoyable solo experience. Luckily, I visited here on a rainy day and felt the power of being in such a sacred space. Try coming here early (before 9 a.m.) or late (near sunset) to avoid some of the crowds.
6. Shop at Lotte Premium Outlets
After you visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you should also stop at the Lotte Premium Outlets. It only takes 20 minutes by bus to reach this shopping mecca or 10 minutes by car.
The outlet mall is extensive and full of name-brand stores. You might be lucky and find some discounts. However, the most exciting thing about this mall is its many pop-up stores.
On weekends, you can get insane deals on famous brands at a fraction of the price by visiting a pop-up shop. Some pop-up stores might be open on weekdays, but there will be a wider selection on weekends.
7. Climb to an Iconic View
Within walking distance of Busan Station and Sohostel is a series of 168 steps. Although the stairs were designed as a shortcut to get from the Sanbok Road to Busan Port, they now also function as a tourist destination.
You will start your climb near the Choryang Church. If you would rather take a monorail to the top, you will need to wait till the summer of 2024, when the monorail is set to reopen.
Climbing up the stairs may seem like a daunting task, but it is very enjoyable. You will encounter cute murals and cozy cafes. After conquering the 168 steps, you will reach a small observation deck with an expansive view of Busan.
This is a great place to visit during a solo trip to Busan. You will feel so alive as you exert yourself up this historic passageway. Come here at night if you want the place to yourself!
8. Eat at Jagalchi Fish Market
Because of Busan’s proximity to the ocean, it should be no surprise that this city is known for its amazing seafood. If you want a delicious meal and an immersive cultural experience, make your way to the Jagalchi Fish Market.
This multi-level shopping center is home to (you guessed it) fish! However, this is not an average fish market (it is the largest in Korea). On the bottom floor are rows of large tanks of eels, crabs, and all manner of alive fish. It is a happening place.
Up a few stairs is a more traditional dining experience. There is a large hall filled with vendors eager to seat hungry visitors. Most menus are on display here, so you can easily find the perfect meal.
At the market, most restaurants close by 10 p.m. The market is also closed on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Since eating at the Jagalchi Fish Market is a less formal experience, it is a great place to dine during your solo trip to Busan.
Take a Solo Trip to Busan
Busan has a reputation as one of the best places to visit in Korea. After visiting the seaside city myself, I can say that it lives up to its high reputation.
The city is modern, with an exciting mixture of history and culture. The food here is wild and interesting. The people here are friendly and caring. The scenery makes you never want to put your camera down.
My solo trip to Busan was unforgettable. I now challenge you to travel solo to Korea and make your way to Busan. You will not regret doing so!