Firstly, why travel Busan instead of Seoul.
Busan is not as busy and crowded as Seoul.
I find there is more variety of food here and fresh seafood especially, which come from the port.
For shopping wise, it has almost everything you can get in Seoul.
Transport, subway is all connected.
I'm sharing here my experience and tips during my travel. So you can plan your trip more easily.
Preparation
Flight
My port of departure is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia via AirAsia.
Apart from choosing this budget airline, another reason is AirAsia has good timing.
The flight is at 1:30am and when you woke up, you already in Busan at 9am without wasting your day.
Tips:
Do apply BigPay debit card to avoid paying process fees when purchase AirAsia
BigPay debit card
I highly suggest you to apply this and only use this card when oversea.
Usually, banks charge you a mark-up fee on top of the currency exchange rate when travel.
Using BigPay in oversea, you only pay the actual exchange rate (same or even better than XE). Plus, you save money on AirAsia flights and earn BIG Points.
Sign up now - it's completely free. Please use my referral code and we'll both get RM10 when you sign up!
My referral code: HZCUCOQD8L
Tips:
Do top up some credit first before departure.
This will save you some trouble and no worry, the extra balance you may withdraw from ATM back in Malaysia (RM6 fees per withdrawal).
Pocket WiFi/Internet in Busan/Seoul
Nobody can survive without WiFi for a second now. Forget about roaming or signup local telco on arrival. The best option is order from Klook, as low as RM9 per day.
Collection and return, both done in same airport or even in Seoul if you extend your trip.
It's just so convenient.
You will get RM 15.0 OFF for your first activity on Klook.
Tips:
Bring along a bigger power bank to charge pocket WiFi. It can't last whole day for sure.
Accommodation
So far, I'm happy with Airbnb. In fact, all my Korea trips is staying Airbnb.
If you travel in groups, Airbnb is much more suitable.
If you new to Busan, I would suggest stay near two area: Nampo or Seomyeon
Nampo is the shopping area. There is a big Lotte mart.
So, if you plan for shopping, this area is the best choice.
All tourist place is within walking distance like BIFF, Jagalchi, Gukje market, and Yongdusan Park. Though the stay here is slightly expensive.
Or you may try near Busan Station which just 2 stop away from Nampo.
Seomyeon is the interchange of 2 common metro lines.
For me, I'm staying here for few reasons.
First, is the metro and next is food. There are more food choices and prices are slightly cheaper in Seomyeon.
The famous Dwaeji Gukbap is just walking distance from the station, I will write more about this in next blog.
You may not know that Seomyeon has a food street opens till late night. Usually, we travel till late and dine there.
Tips:
My favourite stay in Seomyeon is Hansol Polaris apartment. Very near to Seomyeon station and food street. Can fit 5 person. Look for similar photo here while search Airbnb, to confirm with owner. But not so convenient for elder people due to lot walking up and down.
Public Transport
No worry about transport in Busan. All tourist place and beach is connected with metro.
As long you have enough credit in T-money or cash bee.
The airport metro station is located outside from main building. Look for the sign or join the crowd. You may need to walk some distance.
At station, you may get your transport card from vending machine.
Tips:
Download KakaoMetro app. You will thankful for that.
I am not stopping here yet, stay tune for Busan food review..
