Is Busan (Pusan) expensive to visit?
Busan (Pusan) is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Busan (Pusan) has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $43 (₩59,470) per day, mid-range travelers spend $106 (₩144,676) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $249 (₩340,685) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Busan (Pusan).
Within Asia, Busan (Pusan) is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Guangzhou or Chongqing.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Busan (Pusan)?
The average Busan (Pusan) trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Busan (Pusan) travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Busan (Pusan) cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Busan (Pusan), it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $43 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Busan (Pusan) is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse, Guest House Dear Moon, and Dynamic Guesthouse. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Busan (Pusan) to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $106 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Busan (Pusan). If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Aventree Hotel Busan is a great choice for kids, and Best Louis Hamilton Haeundae is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Busan (Pusan) hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $249 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Customized Busan Tour with Certified Guide and Vehicle - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Busan (Pusan)
The price of hotels in Busan (Pusan) can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $38, while peak season averages can reach $71. Prices range from $23 to $157, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Busan (Pusan) for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $78 (₩108,604). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $39 (₩54,302) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Busan (Pusan) include:
- Uniqstay Hostel and Suite starting at $57
- LaLa Vianco Hotel starting at $35
- Hotel Comma starting at $30
- Aventree Hotel Busan starting at $46
- Homers Hotel starting at $47
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Busan (Pusan)
In Busan (Pusan), the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $20 (₩28,046) per person, per day, on local transportation in Busan (Pusan). The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Busan (Pusan) is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
₩28,046
If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer for $117 details
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer for $117 details
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port for $70 details
How much does it cost to go to Busan (Pusan)? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Busan (Pusan) will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Busan (Pusan)
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Busan (Pusan) can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Busan (Pusan) is $44 (₩61,187) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$44
₩61,187
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Busan (Pusan) is around $45 (₩61187) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $108. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $31
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Being a coastal city, Busan is well known for its seafood. Some dishes native to Busan in particular include a seafood and green onion pancake called dong-nae pajeon (get it here), a flaky cod soup with vegetables called daegu tang, and a soup called bokguk which is made with a very poisonous pufferfish that can be dangerous to eat if not prepared correctly. Check if the place is licensed to serve it before you indulge in the delicacy. Restaurants, bars, and cafes can be found all throughout the city, though street food is a very popular way to grab quick and tasty bites on the go. Typical to Korea, most dishes are served with rice and a staple side dish called kimchi. Though it is known to be spicy, most people, locals and visitors alike, tend to develop a taste for it. Since Busan is a major city, the selection of food is diverse from traditional Korean cuisine, fast food, and Western fare to other international selections. Tipping is not customary in Korea.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you want to experience the culture in Busan (Pusan), a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class for $70 details
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan for $100 details
- Busan Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner for $50 details
Food and meal prices in Busan (Pusan), based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
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McDonald's
₩6,185
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Carp Bread
₩1,000
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Busan (Pusan)
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Busan (Pusan) typically cost an average of $20 (₩27,277) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
₩27,277
While it is a bustling modern city, Busan is also home to some amazing temple complexes that are worth the visit. Beomeosa Temple is located up in the nearby mountains, and though it is only a short drive, the aura of the place feels a world away. The temple gets very busy with worshippers, hikers, and tourists on the weekend. There is also a trail that leads to a beautiful view overlooking the city. Yonggungsa Temple is another Buddhist complex that spreads along the shoreline. It is well known for its Buddhist statues and sculptures, and has a unique feel with beautiful architecture and the sound of the ocean always in the air.
Other landmarks include Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Busan Tower at Yongdusan Park, Haeundae Beach, and Gamcheon Cultural Village. A picturesque setting with colorful and historic alleyways, Gamcheon is sometimes called "the Santorini of the East." As far as museums go, a few located within the city include the Busan Modern History Museum, Busan Museum, Busan Museum of Art, and the Radium Art Center. Each has much to offer in local art and history. For even more ideas and places to visit, check out this 3 day itinerary for Busan.
Beyond sight-seeing, shopping, and wandering the city streets, Busan has an aquarium at Haeundae Beach, the Jagalchi Fish Market where you can buy and sample fresh seafood, the Spaland Centum City where you can enjoy a variety of spa facilities and hot rooms, as well as Hur Shim Chung Spa which claims to be one of the largest hot spring complexes in Asia. It contains hot, tepid, cold and strawberry milk-filled baths, saunas, pools, and an outdoor section too. Of course, one could hike along the grounds of the temple complexes mentioned earlier, taking in the decorative architecture and serenity of the environment. Beomeosa even offers temple stay for men and women who don't mind a monks' diet.
Being located right on the water, there are also opportunities to hop on a boat tour or cruise of the area, as well as relaxing beaches. Some of the best are Haeundae Beach where surfing and jet-skiing is available, Songjeong Beach which is smaller but less crowded, and Gwangalli Beach where you can catch great views of the Gwangan Grand Bridge lit up at night.
A nice way to explore destinations in Busan (Pusan) is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Busan Private Tour with a licensed tour guide for $220 details
- Happy^^ Busan tour for Private Group(Family,couple,friends,alone) for $79 details
- Korean Pottery Town Tour with the pottery class from Busan for $160 details
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the Haeundae Sea in Busan, South Korea.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.