Before arriving in Busan, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. We’d spent time in Seoul and loved the energy of South Korea’s capital, but we wondered whether two weeks in Busan might be too long.
We couldn’t have been more wrong.
By the time we left, Busan had become one of our favourite places we’ve visited so far.
Location, Location, Location
One of the best decisions we made was staying near Haeundae Beach. Having the beach right across the road completely changed our experience of the city. Most mornings started with a walk along the sand or a coffee overlooking the water, while the evenings were spent wandering along the beachfront as families, couples, and groups of friends filled the area. As Australians, we’re fortunate to have some of the world’s best beaches on our doorstep, so we’re not easily impressed. But there was something about Haeundae that we loved. It wasn’t just the beach itself, it was the atmosphere that came with it.
The Weather
We arrived in late September, and honestly, the weather was just about perfect. The days were warm without being hot, the evenings were comfortable, and the ocean was still warm enough for swimming. We only experienced one rainy day during our two weeks in Busan, and even that cleared up after a few hours. After spending a month travelling through Vietnam, the cooler temperatures and lower humidity were something we appreciated very quickly.
Korean BBQ
Food was another highlight of our time in Busan. It felt like there was a Korean BBQ restaurant on every corner, which suited us perfectly because it quickly became one of our go-to dinner options. There was something we loved about cooking the food ourselves and sitting around the grill for an hour or two rather than rushing through a meal. If we had to name one thing we miss most about South Korea, Korean BBQ would be near the top of the list.
Nights in Busan
After the sun went down, Haeundae seemed to come alive. We’d spend our evenings wandering through the surrounding streets, exploring the night market, and sampling whatever street food caught our attention. With the lights, music, and constant buzz of people, there was always something happening. More often than not, we’d leave our accommodation with no real plan and end up having a great night anyway.
Daily Life in Busan
Busan felt incredibly family-friendly. There were plenty of dining options, including lots of Western food when the kids wanted something familiar, and we always felt comfortable using public transport or walking around, even at night.
Our biggest challenge was finding a proper grocery store. For two weeks, we survived almost entirely on convenience stores when we weren’t eating out. Whether we were looking in the wrong places or grocery stores were simply less obvious than we expected, we’re still not entirely sure. Either way, I don’t think we’ve ever bought so many snacks in our lives.
Our Final Thoughts
When we look back on our two weeks there, it won’t just be the attractions we remember. It will be the beach walks, Korean BBQ dinners, night markets, ocean views, and the simple routines that made everyday life enjoyable. Busan surprised us, not because of its famous sights, but because of how easy it was to settle in and feel comfortable.
One of the biggest compliments we can give Busan is that we could genuinely picture ourselves staying longer. The combination of beaches, great food, reliable public transport, and a relaxed atmosphere made it feel less like a destination and more like a place we could happily call home for a while.
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