Busan
Busan, South Korea, is a city of dynamic energy and a rich cultural heritage. As the country's second-largest city and a major port, it offers a fascinating blend of urban life and serene coastal beauty. For a cruiser, Busan is an excellent destination for those who want to experience a unique slice of South Korea, with a variety of attractions that are both historic and modern. The city's efficient public transportation system and friendly atmosphere make it easy to explore on your own.
⛵ Port Introduction
Busan's port system has five terminals, with the most common being the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal. This five-story terminal is where most of the action happens. Your ship will dock directly at the pier, so no tender is required. For health and safety reasons, you will likely take a free shuttle bus from the ship to the terminal building. From there, you are a short walk to the main attractions of the city.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Busan Port International Passenger Terminal is a modern, spacious, and well-equipped facility. It is a large, permanent building that sees a high volume of travelers. The walk from the ship to the terminal is on a flat surface, and a shuttle bus is provided to take you there.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has restrooms, a baggage check-in counter, and a departure gate. You will also find a few eateries and shops, including a duty-free shop. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. A free shuttle bus is available to take you to the closest metro station (Choryang, line 1, right next to Busan central station) or to the city center (Nampo-dong), which makes getting around very easy.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Korean. While you will find that English is spoken in the main tourist areas and at the cruise terminal, it is not as universally spoken as in some other countries. It is highly recommended to have a few basic Korean phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Annyeonghaseyo (ahn-nyuhng-ha-seh-yoh) - Hello
Gamsahamnida (gam-sa-ham-nee-dah) - Thank you
Jwesonghamnida (chway-song-ham-nee-dah) - Excuse me
Eolmayeyo? (uhl-ma-yeh-yoh) - How much is it?
Eoneu jeonggeo-jang-e seo naerigo sip-eunji aseyo? (oh-nuh juhng-guh-jahng-eh soh neh-ree-goh ship-eun-jee ah-seh-yoh?) - Where is the station?
💰 Money
The official currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases at traditional markets or for street food. Tipping is not part of the culture in South Korea, so don't worry about tipping your taxi driver, tour guide, or waitstaff at a restaurant while you're there.
🚗 Transportation
Busan's public transportation system is excellent, and it is the best way to get around the city.
Shuttle Bus: The port provides a complimentary shuttle bus that takes you to a central location like Busan Station or the city center (Nampo-dong).
Subway: The subway is a fast and efficient way to get around the city. The subway station is a short walk from the cruise terminal, and you can buy a one-day commuter pass for unlimited travel.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal and are a good option for a group. The ride to the city center will cost between $5-$15 (USD). Taxis are regulated and use a meter.
♿ Accessibility
Busan has an accessibility rating of 5 out of 10. While the main cruise terminal is accessible, getting around the city can be a challenge. Some of the main attractions are located on hills, and the city's streets and sidewalks can be uneven.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town from the cruise port is to take the complimentary shuttle bus provided by the port. It's a short and easy ride that will take you directly to a central location, where you can then explore on foot or get public transportation to other parts of the city.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms are generally available and clean in Busan, especially at major tourist attractions, train stations, and shopping centers. They are free to use.
💊 Drugstore
Jagalchi Market: There are many small drugstores and pharmacies in the area around Jagalchi Market, which is a short walk from the cruise port.
International Market: There are also many small drugstores in the International Market, which is a short walk from the cruise port.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk the Jagalchi Fish Market: For a truly unique and authentic experience, take a walk through the Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. It's a sensory overload, with the sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Korean market. You can see a variety of live seafood, and you can even have your fish cooked and served to you on the second floor of the market.
Explore the Gamcheon Culture Village: For a taste of the city's unique charm, take a taxi or a subway to the Gamcheon Culture Village. This is a community of brightly colored houses built on a hillside, often called the "Machu Picchu of Korea." It's a great place to wander, take photos, and find unique boutiques and art galleries.
Dine on Local Street Food: For a delicious and affordable meal, try some of Busan's famous street food. You can find a variety of vendors selling local delicacies like ssiat hotteok, a deep-fried pancake filled with nuts and seeds, or eomuk, a local fish cake on a skewer.
Download Port Guide
To get a downloadable Essential Port Guide for Busan, click on the button below:
