Decided to make a trip down to Busan [ 부산 ] since I'm staying for a longer period this time round.
Busan [ 부산 ] -
Also known as the second largest city and the number 1 trading port in South Korea. It is situated on the most south-eastern part of the Korea peninsula.
Busan [ 부산 ] is well-known for the beaches, hot spring, nature reserves and also events held in the city, such as the international film festival.
There are many ways to get to Busan [ 부산 ] from Seoul [ 서울 ]. And I'm gonna list out the different mode of transport so as to help you in your planning if you decide to make a trip down to Busan [ 부산 ].
By plane
It takes about 1 hour via plane if you are traveling to Busan [ 부산 ] from Seoul [ 서울 ]. There are several domestic flights that you can take to Gimhae International Airport [ 김해국제공항 ]. But do note that most of the domestic flight to Busan [ 부산 ] are from Seoul - Gimpo International Airport [ 김포국제공항 ].
Air Busan - Round Trip for 3 days 2 nights cost about 137 700won ( ~SG$167 ).
Korean Air - Round Trip for 3 days 2 nights cost about 165 600won ( ~SG$201).
You can also use search engines such as Skyscanner, Expedia etc to search and compare prices between the different airlines before you book your tickets.
* Do note that the prices stated here is just a guideline as the prices of the tickets may varies according to conditions such as peak hour and off peak hours, currency change rate, etc.
From Gimhae International Airport [ 김해국제공항 ], you can take the airport limousine bus or the airport light rail to the city.
By train
Busan [ 부산 ] is very well connected to on the Korean railway network and is a main hub for the KTX train.
There are 3 kinds of train that you can take to Busan [ 부산 ] but of course, the prices and the speed of the train varies.
KTX train - Express Train, Fast speed, Expensive and moderate comfortable.
Samaeul Train [ 새마을 ] - Moderate price, travel time from moderate to long, but very comfortable.
Mugunghwa [ 무궁화 ] - Low price, Long travel time, moderate comfortable.
KTX - Direct, Standard class costs about 58 800won ( ~SG$71.30 ) - Takes about 2hour 45mins,
ITX Samaeul - Direct, Standard class costs about 42 600won ( ~SG$51.60 ) - Takes about 4hours 40mins.
Mugunghwa - Direct, Standard class costs about 28 600won ( ~SG34.70 ) - Takes about 5hours 30mins
For foreigners visiting Korea, you can also consider getting the KR Pass ( Korea Rail Pass ). This pass provides you with unlimited access to Standard class seats for KTX, ITX Samaeul, Samaeul, Mugunghwa and Nuriro trains for a fixed period of time. They have different periods for you to choose from such as a 1 day pass, 3 days pass, 5 days pass, 7 days pass and 10 days pass.
1 day pass - 66 900won ( ~SG$81 )
3 days pass - 93 100won ( ~SG$113 )
5 days pass - 139 700won ( ~SG$170 )
7 days pass - 168 400won ( ~SG$204 )
10 days pass - 194 400won ( ~SG$237 )
Major Train Stations In Seoul
- Seoul Station [ 서울역 ] , Line 1/4 [ 1/4 호선 ]
- Yeongdeungpo Station [ 영등포역 ] Line 1 [ 1 호선 ]
* Prices of the train might varies as if you are lucky, there might be promotion for the KTX tickets. Tickets can be purchase at the stations itself but you can also make online booking through http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfIndex.do and collect the tickets at the station on the day that you travel.
By Bus
You can also choose to take bus to Busan [ 부산 ]. It is normally the cheapest way to travel but the travel time can be rather long. It takes about 4 hours 20mins but there will be a 15min break after about 2 hours so that you can go to the toilet or grab some food at the rest area.
Buses from DongSeoul Bus Terminal [ 동서울종합터미널 ]
3 different kinds of buses to choose from - General, Excellent and M/Excellent. The differences between these buses are of course the ticket price and also the number of seats on the bus.
General - Can take up to 45 people and it costs about 23 100won ( ~SG$28 )
Excellent - Can take up to 28 people and it costs about 34 300won ( ~SG$42 )
M/Excellent - Can take up to 26 people and it costs about 37 700won ( ~SG$46 )
You can go to the website http://www.kobus.co.kr/web/eng/02_service/service01.jsp to check on the schedule of the bus before your trip.
To go to DongSeoul Bus Terminal [ 동서울종합터미널 ], you have to take the subway to Gangbyeong Station [ 강변역 ], Line 2 [ 2 호선 ] and go to exit 4. After you come out from the exit, cross the road and the building of DongSeoul Bus Terminal [ 동서울종합터미널 ] is just there after you cross the road.
Go straight up to the second level if you want to get the tickets to Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal [ 동부시외버스터미널 ], Nopodong Station which is also known as Busan Central Bus Terminal [ 부산종합버스터미널 ].
After you have arrived at Busan Central Bus Terminal [ 부산종합버스터미널 ], you can take subway from the Nopodong Station to other parts of Busan [ 부산 ].
* Note that the travel time by bus can vary depending on the traffic.
** Do note that the prices of the different tickets served only as a guideline as the prices are subject to change on different conditions.
Hope that this article helps you in planning your trip to Busan.
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