Tours/Busan/Busan Day Trip from Seoul by KTX - Private Tour with Local Guide
Viator · Private tour

Busan Day Trip from Seoul by KTX - Private Tour with Local Guide

4.9(14)Busan1 hour
VIATOR5.0(5)TRIPADVISOR4.9(9)

Description

Explore the vibrant city of Busan in one day, starting with the peaceful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by the sea, followed by a relaxing break at a traditional Korean house café, Hanok, In mid-March, enjoy the breathtaking sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom at Samik Beach Apartment’s Cherry Blossom Road. Afterward, drive through the iconic Gwangan Bridge before stopping at Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market. Next, head to the lively BIFF Square, filled with street food and entertainment, and explore the bustling Gukje Market, a shopper’s paradise for traditional goods. Then, visit the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its vibrant murals and art installations. Finally, cap off the day with a scenic ride on the Songdo Marine Cable Car, offering panoramic views of Busan’s stunning coastline. Of course, the tour itinerary can be adjusted to suit your preferences, ensuring a personalized and flexible experience tailored specifically to your interests.

Tour Options

Busan Day Trip from Seoul by KTX - Private Tour with Local Guide

Itinerary

90 min

Haedong Yonggungsa is a breathtaking temple located on the coast of Busan, making it one of the most unique temples in South Korea. Founded in 1376, this temple stands out from others that are typically nestled in the mountains, as it is situated right by the sea, offering a completely different atmosphere. The temple's name, which translates to "East Sea Dragon Palace Temple," is rooted in a legend that a dragon ascended from the sea to bring divine energy to the area. One of the temple's most captivating features is the harmonious blend of the temple's architecture with the stunning coastal scenery. To reach the temple, visitors must descend 108 steps, and as they do, they are greeted by a breathtaking view of the sea. Haedong Yonggungsa is especially famous as a prime spot to watch the sunrise, with many visitors arriving early in the morning to witness the spectacular scene of the sun rising over the East Sea, casting its golden light over the temple.

40 min

This place is called 'Hanok,' the most beautiful traditional Korean house in Busan. Here, you can experience both the serene beauty of the traditional Hanok garden and the elegance of its interior. The building also functions as a café, where you can enjoy special blended teas, premium rice lattes, and black sesame lattes. In addition, the soothing melodies of the traditional Korean instrument, the Gayageum, harmonize with nature, allowing you to find peace and escape the stress of the modern world as time seems to slow down.

15 min

The Samik Beach Apartments in Busan are a breathtaking sight during cherry blossom season, typically from mid-March to early April. Imagine vibrant, rainbow-colored apartment buildings beautifully contrasted with vivid pink cherry blossoms. The cherry trees bloom so profusely that they create a canopy of flowers, almost completely obscuring the sky. As you stroll through the area, you’ll be immersed in a sea of delicate pink petals, with the bright, colorful buildings providing a stunning backdrop. This picturesque scene is a must-visit for tourists, offering an unforgettable experience and countless photo opportunities. Whether you're a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Samik Beach Apartments during cherry blossom season are sure to captivate your heart and leave you with lasting memories. (Cherry Blossom Season Visit Only / Gwangandaegyo Bridge Alternative During Non-Blooming Season)

Pass by

This amazing suspension bridge is a true gem of Busan, South Korea, stretching an impressive 7.4 kilometers. Although the bridge itself is only accessible by vehicle, it offers breathtaking views as you drive across it, allowing you to enjoy and photograph both Gwangan Bridge and the beautiful surrounding coastal scenery. Every Saturday evening at 8 PM and 10 PM, a spectacular drone show takes place above Gwangalli Beach, which can be seen together with the illuminated Gwangan Bridge in the background, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere. Additionally, in October, Gwangan Bridge becomes the centerpiece of Busan’s largest fireworks festival, with breathtaking displays reflecting over the water.

60 min

This market has a fascinating history, starting after the Korean War when women who had fled the conflict began selling fish to support their families. What began as a modest endeavor has since transformed into one of Korea's most iconic fish markets, famous for its incredible variety of seafood, impressive size, and spotless cleanliness. Visitors are in for a treat as they can handpick the freshest catch and have it prepared on the spot at local restaurants, savoring delicacies like sashimi or grilled fish in the most authentic and flavorful way. Adding to the market's charm is its lively slogan in the Busan dialect: "Oiso (come), Boiso (see), Saiso (buy)." This catchy phrase invites everyone to dive into the vibrant energy of the market, where the sights, sounds, and smells create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're here to indulge in local seafood or immerse yourself in the bustling maritime culture, this market is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Busan.

30 min

BIFF Square is one of Busan's top attractions, especially for movie lovers and tourists. It is the heart of the annual Busan International Film Festival, where films from around the world are showcased and various movie-related events take place. As you walk through the square, you'll find the handprints of famous directors and actors embedded in the pavement, giving you the feeling of walking through a movie star's hall of fame. In addition to its cinematic charm, BIFF Square is also a food lover’s paradise. The area is lined with food stalls offering some of Busan’s most famous street foods, including ssiat hotteok (seed-stuffed pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and odeng (fish cakes). Here, you can indulge in delicious Korean snacks while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. BIFF Square is a must-visit spot in Busan, where you can immerse yourself in both the world of cinema and the rich local food culture, making it a truly memorable experience for all visitors.

30 min

Gukje Market originated after the Korean War when refugees began selling goods to make a living, and it has since grown into one of the largest and most famous markets in Busan. Here, you can find a wide variety of items, including women's and men's clothing, electronics, household goods, cosmetics, and more. The market is especially known for its retro atmosphere, offering a mix of vintage and modern items that make it feel like time has stood still. Beyond shopping, Gukje Market offers a glimpse into Busan's rich history. The market is home to stores selling traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs, giving visitors the chance to explore local culture through the goods on display. Additionally, food stalls are scattered throughout the market, where you can sample a variety of street foods as you stroll through. Gukje Market is a vibrant space where the past and present come together, offering a great way to experience the diverse charm of Busan.

60 min

Gamcheon Culture Village is a place where the rich history of post-war refugees and vibrant modern culture come together. Originally built by those who fled to Busan during the Korean War, the village was once a collection of modest, makeshift houses on steep hillsides. Over time, it has evolved into a lively cultural destination while preserving the traces of its past. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways and maze-like streets, discovering the village’s unique architecture and gaining insight into the lives of its early inhabitants. The biggest charm of Gamcheon Culture Village is its visually striking beauty, with colorful houses that look like stacked LEGO blocks. Landmarks such as the "Little Prince and the Fox" statue overlooking the village, and murals of BTS members Jimin and Jungkook, are popular attractions for fans and tourists alike. Gamcheon Culture Village blends art, history, and vibrant culture, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

Admission not included90 min

This experience is a cable car that traverses the sea, providing you with the most spectacular adventure among all the activities in Busan where you can admire the ocean. With its transparent floor, you'll have the opportunity to gaze upon the mesmerizing sea below. Moreover, the breathtaking cliffs and numerous magnificent boats floating on the water will serve as thrilling points of interest. Get ready for an exhilarating and enjoyable experience!

Highlights

KTX Train Round-trip tickets for regular seats
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
A professionally qualified tour guide
Pick up and drop off(Busan)

What's included

Included
KTX Train Round-trip tickets for regular seats
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
A professionally qualified tour guide
Pick up and drop off(Busan)
Not included
Songdo Cable Car
Meals

Traveller Ratings

4.9
14 reviews
5
13
4
1
3
0
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1
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Round-trip KTX tickets between Seoul and Busan are included in the tour price.
  • We will reserve your KTX tickets and send the mobile tickets to you via WhatsApp as your tour date approaches.
  • Your guide will meet you directly in front of your train car at Busan Station, making it easy to find each other.
  • KTX tickets are typically booked on trains departing Seoul around 7:30 AM and arriving in Busan around 10:00 AM. The return train usually departs Busan around 7:00 PM and arrives in Seoul around 10:00 PM. Exact train times may vary depending on ticket availability.
  • After the tour, you will normally arrive back at Busan Station approximately one hour before your return KTX departs, allowing plenty of time to board your train.
  • This is a private tour, so you are welcome to discuss and adjust parts of the itinerary with your guide on the tour day.
  • The order of the itinerary may change depending on traffic conditions or weather.
  • KTX tickets often sell out quickly on weekends and public holidays. We recommend booking your tour as early as possible so we can secure the most suitable train tickets for you.

Reviews(14)

M
Mary_T
July 7, 2026
Beautiful Busan

We absolutely loved the tour Arthur was friendly, polite and we really enjoyed hearing about the history of Busan. He provided a lot of fun facts and some great viewpoints for picture taking. Will definitely recommend to others.

Operator response

Thank you so much for this lovely review! We're so glad Arthur made your day trip from Seoul to Busan so enjoyable. His warm personality, fun facts, and eye for the perfect photo spot are exactly what make his tours so special! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Busan someday!

F
Felicia_K
June 14, 2026
Perfect from start to finish

It was perfect from scheduling to the actual trip. Extremely communicative and quickly answered all questions leading up to the day. The day itself was wonderful and exceeded our expectations. The flexibility offered and choices made the day one that we will never forget. A must is the fish market. Both the guide, Shunwha and the driver were friendly, knowledgeable and went above and beyond . Ask for them!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your Busan trip exceeded your expectations. Shunwha and your driver will be very happy to know that their efforts helped make your day so memorable. Thank you for trusting us with your visit to Busan, and we're especially glad you enjoyed the flexibility of the tour and the fish market experience. We hope to welcome you back to Korea again someday! Warm regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

S
StellarBHE
June 12, 2026
Well worth the time for a Busan experience!

Fin was spectacular! We had sooo much fun on this trip to Busan. Fin picked us up at the station and proceeded to take us on a magical adventure that we will treasure forever. 10 stars on a five star scale. This was a great day trip from Seoul. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable day in Busan. Fin will be especially happy to know that his efforts helped create an experience that you will treasure forever. Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to us. It was our pleasure to be part of your journey, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back to Korea someday for another adventure! Warm regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

S
Swoneill
June 10, 2026
Amazing Day Trip!

Having the Busan Day Trip from Seoul by KTX fit perfectly into our trip to South Korea. Korea Go Tours handled the train booking and Tour perfectly, and our guide Jason, was waiting at the Station for us right where we departed. For the rest of the day, Jason provided great company and treated us to beautiful sites and staples of Busan. The Fish Market was a highlight of the tour. Thank you so much Jason for filling our day with laughter and amazing experiences. For anyone looking to fill their South Korea trip with activities, this tourwas 100% worth it.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day in Busan. Jason will be very happy to know that he helped make your visit both fun and memorable. The fish market is one of my favorite places in Busan as well, so I'm glad it was a highlight of your trip. Thank you for choosing Korea Go Tours, and we hope to welcome you back to Korea again someday! Warm regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

Q
Quintan W
May 11, 2026
Busan day trip do the cable car

The bullet train is a seamless but hotter than hell for a Minnesotan, dress appropriately or bring fan ; way to do a day trip to Busan .We explored many cool spots throughout the city. Traffic can be heavy, so try to pick a day with lighter congestion if you can.The cable car ride is absolutely worth the wait. Our guide Finn was fantastic — friendly, patient, and extremely accommodating. He’s willing to adjust the itinerary and take you wherever you want to go. It helps to come prepared with a couple of places you’d like to visit outside the standard schedule.Tip: The final markets felt similar to (or less interesting than) those in Seoul, so don’t hesitate to ask Finn for alternative recommendations instead.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and fun review. 😊 We are very happy to hear you enjoyed your day trip to Busan and especially the cable car experience. Finn will also be very glad to hear your kind words about his flexibility and care throughout the tour. And yes… Busan can definitely feel very hot for someone from Minnesota! 😄 Thank you again for choosing Korea Go Tours. Warmest regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

D
Daniel_C
December 26, 2025
Today we had a fantastic...

Today we had a fantastic time touring the beautiful city of Busan with Dylan as our tour guide. He coordinated everything from the start to the finish eg: giving instructions to the taxi driver and the KTX ticket counter person so that we did not have to struggle with translation and did not miss our train to and from Busan etc. Dylan is a great ambassador for Busan, sharing his insights of one born and bred there. He was flexible enough to tweak the schedule on the day to meet our needs. He bent over backwards to ensure to that we could see as much as we could of Busan. We also loved the Ha:nok Cafe experience in such a lovely setting. Dylan showed lots of care and attention to our family to ensure we were comfortable despite the cold weather. We highly recommend Dylan & Korea Go Tours to anyone visiting Busan. With Dylan's expertise, visiting Busan from Seoul in a day is definitely possible and highly worth it for those with limited time.

Operator response

Thank you so much for such a warm and thoughtful review. Reading your message honestly means a lot to me. I’m really happy to hear that your family enjoyed the day and that the trip from Seoul to Busan felt smooth and comfortable. Helping with the KTX, taxis, and all the little details is exactly so you don’t have to worry and can simply enjoy your time together. Busan is my hometown, and sharing it with guests like you is something I truly enjoy. I’m glad I could adjust the schedule to fit your needs and help you see as much as possible in one day. I’m especially happy that the Hanok café experience stood out for you — it’s a calm, beautiful place that I personally love as well. Thank you for noticing the care and attention, especially with the cold weather. Looking after your family’s comfort is always very important to me. I really appreciate your recommendation and your kind words. It was a genuine pleasure spending the day with you, and I hope Busan stays in your memories as a special part of your trip. Warm regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

J
Jet23948
November 16, 2025
The best

MIA was awesome and went out of her way to take me some of the places not on the tour ! And made me feel at ease .it was a fun tour ! Lunch was yummy! I had a blast ..the best tour on my trip Thanks Mia! She even made sure i had a window seat on the way back to Seoul It was worth the money!

Operator response

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m really glad to hear that your day in Busan turned into such a fun and memorable part of your trip. Mia will be so happy to know that she made you feel comfortable and went the extra mile to show you places beyond the planned itinerary. She truly enjoys taking care of her guests, so your words will mean a lot to her. And I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed lunch and even had a nice window seat on your way back to Seoul. Thank you for choosing Korea Go Tours, and I hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you again on your next visit to Korea. Warmest regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

J
jorge m
June 20, 2025
Family with American teenagers

Jenny was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating to what needed. Traveling with three American teenagers can be a little difficult, but she was great. Also Dylan was great. We missed our train from Seoul to Busan and they worked their entire schedule to give us the full 8 hours experience. The bent backwards to help us with this situation. Dylan spoke to the rail customer service since we do not speak Korean and he resolved everything for us. He also changed our returning tickets since he wanted for us to have the full experience and paid for the difference of changing our tickets so we can leave later and not miss out on anything. Jenny and Dylan did not removed anything from the excursion and they waited literally 3 hours for our train to arrive to Busan. Know the tour itself was great experience to. I highly recommend it specially with Dylan and Jenny. They could have said, well you kissed your train, see you next time but they did not do that. They helped us all the way even to the point of walking us to the train station and making sure we did not miss our train again.

Operator response

Thank you so much, Jorge 😊 Your heartfelt message truly touched me. Even after missing the train, your trust and patience meant a lot, and I was genuinely grateful for that. Both Jenny and I simply wanted to make sure your family could still enjoy a full and meaningful day in Busan. Jenny told me how much she enjoyed the tour with your family, and how your teenagers brought such great energy to the day. For me, being able to step in behind the scenes to help rearrange the train schedule was truly rewarding. Thank you again for your kind words — I hope that day remains a special part of your journey. If you ever return to Korea, we would be more than happy to welcome you again Warmest regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

T
Tim_B
May 28, 2025
This was a wonderfully...

This was a wonderfully planned trip from Seoul to Busan by train. The Tours company communicated with us through WhatsApp and sent us pictures on my phone to give to the cab driver (to take us to the train station) and to the ticket office at Seoul station for round trip tickets (pre-purchased by the tours company). The Tours company knew our preassigned seats, and was to arrange the guide to meet us when the train door opened from the train at Busan Station. However, there was no guide. I notified the Tour company, and they confessed they forgot to assign a guide and would have one there in an hour. Our guide, Jason, was there in less than an hour, and he was a wonderful guide of Busan. He had lived there his entire life and took us to many special spots. Busan is a special and beautiful city and there is a must see. Since some of these spots were of special interest to my daughter, I asked him to cater to her, and he certainly did. We dropped the first tour of the shrine / or temple (I forget) since we seen many already in Seoul, so that we would make the timeline without having to reschedule the train, not a problem. The Tours company wanted to make it up to us and paid for part of our lunch and had a gift set of chopsticks and spoons delivered to us on the train by the Busan police, (at first, I was very worried as they approached our seats in full gear, but then gave us a gift From the tour company). Mistakes sometimes do happen, but can be fixed. I highly recommend this Tours, ask for Jason. It is done seamlessly and on the same day, and our guide, Jason, was great!! (I wish the tour operator for a Kyoto tour in Japan did it the same way by train for a Kyoto tour from Tokyo, but they do not).

Operator response

Dear Tim Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review 😊 We’re truly sorry again for the delay at the beginning of your tour — it was entirely our oversight not assigning a guide in advance. We really appreciate your patience and understanding. We're so glad that Jason was able to join you quickly and make the rest of the day in Busan special and memorable 💙 He’s deeply passionate about his hometown, and it’s wonderful to hear that he could personalize the tour for your daughter too. And just to clarify — the person who delivered the gift to your train wasn’t the police 😅 It was a local delivery service rider in full gear, which we now realize may have looked a little intense at first! Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We’re so happy you enjoyed the experience, and we hope to see you again for another adventure in Korea 🇰🇷✈️ Warmest regards, Dylan Korea Go Tours

C
Carla_F
April 18, 2025
Busan Customized Private Tour via the KTX Train from Seoul

We had an absolutely fantastic private tour to Busan with Mina! From start to finish, she went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable and enjoyable day. Mina’s caring and attentive nature made us feel so well looked after, and her warmth and lovely personality truly set her apart. Her knowledge of Korea’s history was impeccable, and she enriched the experience by sharing fascinating insights, as well as her own personal stories. Every part of the day was thoughtfully planned, starting with the exciting bullet train ride. The temple visit was serene and enlightening, and exploring Gamcheon Village was an absolute highlight with its vibrant colors and unique charm. The cable car offered stunning views, and the fish market was a lively, authentic experience that we won’t forget. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an amazing day in Busan, guided by someone as fantastic as Mina, who adds a personal and meaningful touch to every moment.

Operator response

Dear Carla Thank you so much for your heartfelt and wonderful review of your Busan tour with Mina! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your day was filled with memorable moments, from the high-speed train ride to the colorful alleys of Gamcheon and the scenic views from the cable car. Mina will be truly touched to hear how much you appreciated her warm personality, thoughtful planning, and deep knowledge of Korean history and culture. She always strives to make every guest feel cared for and connected—and your kind words are the best reward she could receive. We’re so happy that your visit to Busan left such a lasting impression, and we sincerely hope to welcome you back again someday for more unforgettable experiences. Warmest regards, Dylan

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