How Much Does Busan Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Busan offers a vibrant coastal alternative to the capital, where the cost of living reflects its status as a premier maritime hub. While it is generally more affordable than Seoul, daily budgets can fluctuate significantly based on proximity to the ocean. A solo traveler can manage on $44 / ₩63,105 per day by utilizing hostels and street food, while those seeking the luxury of beachfront resorts should expect daily costs to reach $418 / ₩606,466. The city’s financial appeal lies in its tiered structure: exceptionally cheap public transit and hearty local meals contrast with high-end seaside developments. Overall, it is a moderate-budget destination that rewards those who balance resort splurges with authentic local experiences.
Is Busan expensive to visit?
Busan is a moderately priced coastal city where travelers should expect to spend between $44 / ₩63,105 and $418 / ₩606,466 per day depending on their preference for city-center convenience or beachfront luxury.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Busan
$44
per person /day
$148
per person /day
$418
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $131 | $445 | $1,255 |
| 5-Day Trip | $218 | $742 | $2,092 |
| 7-Day Trip | $305 | $1,038 | $2,928 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to maintain a 15% buffer to cover incidental costs such as the mandatory $6.8 / ₩9,861 K-ETA application fee and the non-refundable purchase price of a T-money transit card. This extra cushion also helps with small fees like the temple parking at Haedong Yonggungsa or the optional $2.72 / ₩3,941 Taejongdae train.
How Does It Compare?
See how Busan stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Busan
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical for a bowl of Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup) or Bibimbap. | $6.8 ₩9,861 |
| Street Food Snack (BIFF Square) Must-try Ssiat Hotteok (seed-stuffed pancake) costs ~$2.04 / ₩2,951. | $2.04 ₩2,951 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local Metro / Bus (Flat Fare) Standard adult fare. Using a T-money or Cashbee card saves ~$0.12 / ₩171 per ride. | $1.02 ₩1,484 |
| Taxi Initial Fare (Standard) The base rate covers the first 2km. Midnight surcharge of 20% applies. | $3.26 ₩4,726 |
| Airport Limousine Bus (Airport to City) Most convenient way to reach Haeundae beach hotels from the airport. | $6.8 ₩9,861 |
| Haeundae Beach Train (Blue Line Park) Price for a 2-ride ticket allowing one return trip or two stops. A single ride is ~$4.77 / ₩6,909. | $8.17 ₩11,840 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in City Centre (Blue Backpackers) Calculated from verified $13 / ₩19,141 rate. Budget dorms typically cost ~$13–$18 / ₩18,766–₩25,590 per night. | $13 ₩19,141 |
| Mid-range Hotel Room (Cozy Tree Hotel) Centrally located in the Seomyeon district. | $78 ₩112,596 |
| Luxury Beach Resort (Grand Josun Busan) High-end beachfront property in Haeundae. | $238 ₩344,612 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Busan X the Sky Admission Highest standard adult price for the 100th-floor observatory. | $18 ₩26,631 |
| Visit Busan Pass (24H Card) Includes free entry to 34+ attractions and a rechargeable transit function. | $37 ₩54,234 |
| Taejongdae Danubi Circular Train The park itself is free to enter, but the train is recommended for the steep cliffs. | $2.72 ₩3,941 |
| Lotte World Busan 1-Day Pass Full day access. Reduced afternoon pass available for ~$22 / ₩32,550 after 16:00. | $32 ₩46,352 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Data eSIM (per day) Discounted rate for online pre-booking. Includes 20Mbps max speed. | $2.25 ₩3,258 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| K-ETA Application Fee Mandatory for visa-free entry. Valid for multiple entries over 3 years. | $6.8 ₩9,861 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is dominated by fresh seafood and local specialties like Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup), with a filling meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $6.8 / ₩9,861. Street food culture is thriving in areas like BIFF Square, where iconic snacks like seed-stuffed pancakes are available for just $2.04 / ₩2,951. While high-end seafood platters at Gwangalli Beach can be expensive, traditional markets provide a budget-friendly way to enjoy the local catch.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Jagalchi Market Street Food
$3.4–$10 / ₩4,930–₩14,791Nampo-dong · Street market
Head to the 'Tent' stalls for cheaper fried fish than the main market building.
Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap
$6.12–$8.17 / ₩8,871–₩11,840Busan Station Area · Local chain
A Busan staple; perfect for a filling, cheap meal right after arriving by train.
Shin-chang Toast
$2.38–$4.08 / ₩3,446–₩5,920Gukje Market · Bakery
Legendary breakfast spot; try the special toast with a cup of fresh soybean milk.
Millak Raw Fish Market
$10–$20 / ₩14,791–₩29,582Gwangalli Beach · Food court
Buy fresh fish on the ground floor and take it to the beach for a DIY picnic.
BIFF Square Seed Hotteok
$1.37–$3.4 / ₩1,979–₩4,930Nampo-dong · Street food area
The queues move fast; it is the most famous snack in Busan for ~$1.37 / ₩1,979.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the coastline is highly efficient thanks to a flat-fare metro and bus system that costs only $1.02 / ₩1,484 per ride. For those arriving with luggage, the Airport Limousine Bus provides a convenient $6.8 / ₩9,861 connection to major beach hotels, while the Haeundae Beach Train offers a scenic coastal transit option at $8.17 / ₩11,840 for a 2-ride ticket. Taxis are also accessible, with a standard initial fare of $3.26 / ₩4,726 covering the first 2km.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging prices vary by district, with city-center dorm beds like those at Blue Backpackers starting at $13 / ₩19,141. Mid-range hotels in the central Seomyeon district, such as Cozy Tree Hotel, offer a balance of comfort and value at approximately $78 / ₩112,596 per night. For travelers prioritizing the beach, luxury resorts like Grand Josun Busan command a premium of around $238 / ₩344,612 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Busan
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase a T-money or Cashbee card to save ~$0.12 / ₩171 on every bus and metro ride compared to cash fares.
- 2 Utilize the Visit Busan Pass (24H Card) for $37 / ₩54,234 to gain free entry to over 34 major attractions, including Busan X the Sky.
- 3 Visit Lotte World Busan after 16:00 to take advantage of the reduced afternoon pass for ~$22 / ₩32,550 instead of the $32 / ₩46,352 full-day price.
- 4 Eat at the Millak Raw Fish Market by purchasing fish on the ground floor and taking it to a second-floor restaurant to save on standard restaurant markups.
- 5 Pre-book an unlimited data eSIM online to secure a discounted rate of $2.25 / ₩3,258 per day for connectivity.
- 6 Walk the free coastal trails, such as the Igidae Coastal Walk, instead of paying for expensive private boat tours of the cliffs.
- 7 Look for the 'Dwaeji Gukbap' alleys near Busan Station for authentic meals that rarely exceed $7.06 / ₩10,236.
- 8 Take the public bus to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple for $1.02 / ₩1,484 instead of a taxi which can cost over $18 / ₩25,590 from Haeundae.
- 9 Refill water bottles at purified dispensers found in most metro stations and major tourist information centers to avoid buying bottled water.
- 10 Browse the Gukje Market for souvenirs and snacks where prices are generally lower than in the upscale malls of Centum City.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Oct, Nov
+30–50%
Jan, Feb, Dec
-20–30%
Apr, May, Sep
Winter is cold (~0–8°C (32–46°F)) but offers the lowest rates. Avoid the summer holidays in August when beaches are extremely crowded and prices peak.
Events to Watch
- ● Busan International Film Festival (Oct): +100% hotel prices in Haeundae
- ● Busan Fireworks Festival (Nov): +150% for Gwangalli beach-view rooms
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Explore this rare seaside Buddhist temple without an entry fee.
- 2 Haeundae Beach: Relax on South Korea's most famous beach for $0.
- 3 Gamcheon Culture Village: Wander through the colorful, steep alleys of this hillside community for free.
- 4 Gwangalli M Drone Light Show: Watch the spectacular drone display every Saturday night at Gwangalli Beach.
- 5 Beomeosa Temple: Visit this historic mountain temple located on the slopes of Geumjeongsan.
- 6 Jagalchi Market: Walk through the largest seafood market in Korea to witness the morning auctions and vibrant stalls.
- 7 Huinnyeoul Culture Village: Trek along the coastal cliffs and colorful houses of Yeongdo Island.
- 8 Mount Geumjeongsan Hiking: Hike to the Geumjeongsanseong Fortress for panoramic views of the city.
- 9 Busan Museum: Access the permanent galleries detailing the city's history at no cost.
- 10 Taejongdae Resort Park: Entry to the park is free, though the scenic circular train costs extra.
- 11 Gwangalli Beach Night Lights: View the light show on the Diamond Bridge (Gwangan Bridge) every evening.
- 12 UN Memorial Cemetery: Visit the beautifully maintained grounds honoring international soldiers.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Haeundae Private Yacht Tour
Stunning views of the Diamond Bridge and Marine City skyline, especially at sunset. Costs ~$27 / ₩39,443 for 1 hour.
Spa Land Centum City
The most luxurious Jjimjilbang (sauna) in Korea with 18 themed rooms and outdoor foot baths. Costs ~$16 / ₩22,673.
Haeundae Sky Capsule (Private)
Private, slow-moving capsules offer the best coastal photos without the crowds of the Beach Train. Costs ~$24 / ₩34,512.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Busan
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Busan and what they cost
Gyeongju (Historical Capital)
$15 / ₩21,700 by KTX Train (30 mins)
$10 / ₩14,791
$44 / ₩64,094
Geoje Island (Oedo Botania)
$24 / ₩34,512 by Bus + Ferry
$20 / ₩29,582
$65 / ₩93,676
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
South Korean Won (KRW)
1 $ ≈ 1,449 ₩
Yes
Excellent—cards work at almost all shops, cafes, and restaurants, including many street food stalls.
Not practiced. Tipping in Busan is not expected and may even be politely declined. Service charge is typically included in the menu price.
Use ATMs marked 'Global' at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) for foreign cards. Withdrawal fees are ~$2.71–$4.71 / ₩3,924–₩6,824.
Only expected in traditional markets like Jagalchi or Gukje Market. Smile and ask for a small discount ('Kkakka-juseyo') if buying multiple items.
Connectivity
eSIM: $2.24–$3.53 per day (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $29–$41 / ₩42,650–₩59,710 for a 30-day unlimited plan
WiFi: Excellent. Available in almost every cafe, mall, and public transport station.
Pre-book a daily unlimited data eSIM online for the best rates and instant activation upon landing.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Busan.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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