Seoul vs. Busan — Which Korean City Should You Visit First?

When I was planning my first trip to Korea, one big question kept popping up: Should I go to Seoul or Busan?

Both cities are amazing, no doubt. Seoul is the capital—a buzzing, ultra-modern city packed with culture and history. Busan? A laid-back coastal gem with beaches, seafood markets, and ocean views that make you forget you’re in one of Korea’s largest cities.

If you're stuck between the two, here’s my honest breakdown—based on my time in both cities—and some suggestions to help you pick the one that fits your travel style best.

✨ Vibe Check: What’s the Overall Feel?

Seoul is fast-paced, stylish, and full of things to do. Think neon-lit streets in Hongdae, endless shopping in Myeongdong, and late-night food stalls in Gwangjang Market. It feels global, dynamic, and always in motion.

Busan, on the other hand, moves at a different rhythm. It’s a coastal city, so there’s more breeze, more space, and a relaxed attitude. You can walk barefoot on Haeundae Beach in the morning, hike coastal cliffs in the afternoon, and eat grilled clams by night.

📸 Personal moment: I loved waking up to a mountain view in Busan and taking slow train rides by the sea. In Seoul, I loved the feeling of riding the subway at 1 AM with cafés still open.

🛏️ Where Should You Stay?

📍 In Seoul:

• Myeongdong – for shopping & walkable streets (Hotels in Myeongdong)

• Hongdae – young vibe, nightlife, art

• Insadong – traditional hanok vibes, temples nearby

✅ Bonus: Many Seoul hotels offer airport shuttle or are close to AREX stations.

📍 In Busan:

• Haeundae Beach – oceanfront hotels, beach bars (Top-rated stays in Busan)

• Seomyeon – urban center feel with night food alleys

• Gwangalli – quieter coastal stay with bridge views

🚇 Getting There and Around

✈️ From Incheon Airport to Seoul is easy with the AREX train (43 minutes to Seoul Station). 🚄 To Busan from Seoul takes ~2.5 hours by KTX high-speed rail.

🚌 In both cities, subways are clean, cheap, and reliable. Seoul’s network is larger and more complex, while Busan’s is smaller and easier to navigate.

✅ Buy a Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) for KTX trips →

🍜 Food Culture

Seoul: Trendy cafés, street food, Michelin restaurants. A true mix of old and new. Busan: Fresh seafood, raw fish markets, grilled clams by the water. Try spicy pork soup (돼지국밥)!

Tip: I felt Busan’s food scene was more local and less commercialized—it felt like eating in someone’s neighborhood.

🧳 What Kind of Traveler Are You?

Travel Style	Pick Seoul If...	Pick Busan If...
1st-time in Korea	You want the full capital experience	You want something quieter & coastal
Into shopping & cafes	Endless options in Seoul	Fewer options but more laid-back
Beach & nature lover	Limited to Han River or nearby mountains	Beaches, coastal hikes, open skies
Solo traveler vibes	Great for busy city adventures	Great for peaceful solo moments
Traveling with family	Kids will love Seoul’s museums & parks	Family beach days and fish markets

📌 Still unsure? Why not both? It’s super easy to take a 2-night trip from Seoul to Busan. Many travelers do it!

🎒 My Honest Suggestion

If you want to feel Korea’s heartbeat, go to Seoul. If you want to breathe with Korea’s ocean and mountains, go to Busan.

Better yet—start in one, and finish in the other.

💬 Let me know in the comments: Which city calls to you more?

🧭 Useful Buttons Before You Go: