A One-Day Trip to Busan from Seoul – A KTX Journey to Haeundae Beach
Busan is a stunning coastal city that can be reached from Seoul in just a few hours by KTX. Even within a single day, you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience a refreshing getaway. In this post, I’ll share a perfect itinerary for a one-day trip from Seoul to Busan, focusing on the city's most famous beach – Haeundae.
🚄 From Seoul to Busan – Fast & Easy with KTX!
With the KTX high-speed train, you can reach Busan Station in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Departing early in the morning allows you to make the most of your day in Busan.
⏰ Updated Timetable for a 7 AM Departure
- 07:00 – Depart from Seoul Station (KTX)
- 09:30 – Arrive at Busan Station
- 09:40 – Transfer to Haeundae (Subway Line 1 → Transfer to Line 2)
- 10:20 – Arrive at Haeundae Station & walk to the beach
KTX Fare: Round trip - approx. 120,000 KRW (~$90)
Travel Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Busan Station → Haeundae Transfer: Subway fare 1,500 KRW (~$1.10), 40–45 minutes
After arriving at Busan Station, take Subway Line 1, transfer at Seomyeon Station to Line 2, and get off at Haeundae Station. A short walk from the station will bring you to the famous Haeundae Beach.
🌊 Haeundae Beach – Relax by the Ocean
Haeundae Beach is one of the most iconic coastal spots in South Korea. Whether you take a stroll along the sandy shoreline or simply sit and take in the view, this place offers the perfect setting for a relaxing and scenic morning.
📍 Recommended Activities
✅ Walk around Dongbaekseom Island
Dongbaekseom (Dongbaek Island) is connected to Haeundae Beach and offers a scenic walking trail along the coastline. The lush pine trees and deep blue sea create a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. Make sure to visit Nurimaru APEC House, where you’ll get an amazing panoramic view of Haeundae Beach—a great photo spot!
✅ Stroll Along the Beach & Try the Barefoot Experience
Take off your shoes and feel the soft sand between your toes. If you're up for it, step into the shallow waves and experience the cool touch of the ocean—it's a refreshing way to connect with nature.
📸 Best Photo Spots
📍 Capture the Gwangan Bridge view from the middle of Haeundae Beach
📍 Take a seaside barefoot shot with the waves
📍 Enjoy the panoramic Haeundae Beach view from Dongbaekseom Island
(해운대 해수욕장, 가족이나 연인과 함께 평생 추억을 만들 수 있는 곳
☕ Enjoy Coffee with an Ocean View
Busan is famous for its stunning ocean-view cafés. Sipping coffee while gazing at the waves is a must-do experience in Haeundae.
Recommended Cafés
- The Bay 101 Lounge – A famous marina café with fantastic sea views
- Rooftop Cafés in Marine City – Amazing ocean skyline views
- Haeundae Starbucks Reserve – A stylish coffee shop with beachfront seating
🍜 Must-Try Local Food in Busan
No trip to Busan is complete without trying its signature dishes! Haeundae has plenty of amazing restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and unique local flavors.
Top Food Picks
🍜 Milmyeon – A refreshing cold noodle dish, unique to Busan
🍲 Dwaeji Gukbap – A pork soup with rice, loved by locals
🐟 Sashimi & Fresh Seafood – Visit Haeundae Market for a fresh seafood experience
*Jagalchi Market—a place to enjoy the freshest seafood in Busan.*)
🚆 Returning to Seoul by KTX
After a fulfilling day in Busan, you can catch a late afternoon KTX train back to Seoul, making this the perfect day trip.
⏰ Suggested Return Schedule
- 15:30 – Depart from Haeundae Station (Subway)
- 16:15 – Arrive at Busan Station
- 16:30 – Depart from Busan Station (KTX)
- 19:00 – Arrive back at Seoul Station
Though it's a short trip, spending a day in Haeundae Beach, enjoying its scenic beauty and delicious food, will leave you with lasting memories.
📌 Looking for a quick coastal getaway? Take a one-day trip to Busan and experience the magic of Haeundae Beach!
