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Probably the biggest challenge when planning your first trip to South Korea is deciding where to go. Now, this becomes a real dilemma if you’re short on time and decide to visit one destination. This usually boils down to one question: do you pick Seoul or Busan to visit?
The answer depends on each person and their circumstances, but understanding each city’s strengths can help you choose. Here’s why you should visit each city and my advice if you’re stuck deciding.
Why visit Seoul?
Typically, Seoul is where many people start exploring South Korea.
It’s the easiest city to reach from abroad, especially if you’re coming from outside Asia with flights from many major cities. It’s also a destination where you’re unlikely to run out of things to do and places to explore.
The country’s capital is large and full of neighbourhoods offering different experiences, so you can go spend one day downtown, the next somewhere upmarket like Gangnam, and another in a youthful area like Hongdae.
As for things to do in Seoul, it’s up to you. Seoul has many historic palaces to visit, where people often dress in traditional hanbok. Other attractions that reflect the city’s historical side include Seoul’s many temples and hanok villages.
But it’s also the city to visit for culture, whether that’s checking out its countless museums or exploring pop culture through its K-Pop and K-Drama connections.
Food is also a great reason to visit Seoul, from going to its various markets to visiting the latest trending cafes, bakeries, and more. And there’s plenty to do outdoors here, whether it’s close to the city at the nearby mountain of Bukhansan or off on day trips to Nami Island or Seoraksan National Park.
- Easiest place in South Korea to reach from overseas
- Huge city with distinct neighborhoods, and lots of cultural attractions, both traditional and modern
- Great choice for foodies and people who enjoy the outdoors
Why visit Busan?
Although considerably smaller, Busan is South Korea’s second-biggest city after Seoul.
Busan sits on the far side of the country from the capital, down on the peninsula’s southeast coast. As such, it’s known for offering a hot and humid alternative to Seoul’s seasonal climate.
You can reach Busan directly with flights from major East Asian cities, but from farther away, you’ll likely need to connect somewhere in the region.
Busan’s coastal layout is the most obvious difference from riverside Seoul. You can enjoy its city beaches, including Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, and along the coastline you’ll find parks, cliffs, and many great viewpoints.
The scenery isn’t just limited to the coast, thanks to the hills that crowd its downtown area. Spots such as the Nuribaragi Observatory and Hwangnyeongsan Beacon offer great views down over Busan.
Busan is another sprawling city, with many neighbourhoods benefiting from their own distinct vibe. Gamcheon Culture Village is the most famous neighbourhood, thanks to its colorful houses, but areas like Songdo also quickly lure you away from downtown.
With its walking trails, cable cars, and Sky Capsule train, the city can feel outdoorsy and aesthetic. But it also has culture to share, from Haedong Yonggungsa Temple to the Maritime Museum.
- Best place to go for coastal scenery and pleasant weather
- Lots of outdoor activities and photogenic tourist attractions
- Greater focus on modern culture and the benefits of the seaside, especially food-wise
Why not both?
I understand that if you only have a few days, choosing one city makes sense.
But if you can fit both in, I think that’s the best option. Both of these big cities are well worth visiting, and seeing both highlights the different experiences they offer.
It’s not like getting between Seoul and Busan is difficult either. Trains, buses, and flights all take you from one to the other in a matter of hours, although flying feels a little extreme.
You’re also not stuck in the cities themselves. Staying in Seoul and Busan, you could plan a whole first trip to South Korea with day trips to visit places such as Gyeongju and the Korean DMZ.
So, yes, both are definitely worth visiting if you have the time.
Which should you pick, Seoul or Busan?
By now, you should have a little bit of an idea of what the two cities offer. That should make it easier to decide which works best for you.
But if you’re still stuck weighing up the choice of Seoul or Busan, I have to suggest just going to Seoul.
It ticks so many boxes that spending a few days there is never a waste. And whether you love it or hate it, you can always try Busan next time, preferably on a longer trip to explore other parts of South Korea too.
Because, yes, while we’re talking about Busan and Seoul, there’s an awful lot more of South Korea to see.
