Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?

Is Busan (Pusan) expensive to visit?

Busan (Pusan) is a frequently visited and budget-friendly place to visit. With a daily average travel cost of $99, it's somewhat less expensive than most other destinations in the world. When compared to the rest of Asia, it is a moderately priced destination. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Beijing and Manila.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the Haeundae Sea in Busan, South Korea.

How expensive is Busan (Pusan)?

On average, visitors spend about $99 per day when visiting Busan (Pusan) (U.S. Dollars). Two travelers together would spend an average of $198 per day. Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Busan (Pusan) here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Busan (Pusan)?

A weekend trip to Busan (Pusan) costs about $297 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $594.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Busan (Pusan)?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Busan (Pusan) costs around $693 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,385.

Is it expensive to backpack in Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) is a popular backpacker destination with more than 10 hostels. Dorm beds in hostels cost, on average, $17 per night. (See hostel prices in Busan (Pusan) here.) You'll find quite a range in prices here, too. The most expensive beds are priced around $26 and the cheapest around $4 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Busan (Pusan).

• $17 for a dorm bed at Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse
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• $14 for a dorm bed at Blue Backpackers Hostel
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• $12 for a dorm bed at Guest House Dear Moon
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Are hotels expensive in Busan (Pusan)?

Considering our analysis of hotel prices in Busan (Pusan), it becomes apparent that they are very affordable in comparison to hotels in other cities. On average, you can expect to spend around $38 per night for a hotel room. The city is home to approximately 4 five-star hotels, presenting an average rate of $165 per night. For a balanced choice catering to both comfort and cost-effectiveness, three-star hotels provide an average rate of $36 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more budget-friendly alternative at $35 per night.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Busan (Pusan)?

Activities and things to do in Busan (Pusan) can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $19 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is less than the country's average of $24.

• Busan Group Tour for Cruise ship passengers (Max 12 Guests): $85
• Gyeongju Historic Areas Day Tour with Sky Capsule from Busan: $89
• Busan private tour in English or Mandarin: $210
• Busan Food Market Tour Seafoods and Street Foods: $52
• Small Group Busan Must-see Tour Opt. Songdo Ocean Cable Car: $74
• Korean Pottery Town Tour with the pottery class from Busan: $153
• [Hotel Pick-up] Busan Private UNESCO Tongdosa & Gourmet Day Tour: $212
• Happy^^ Busan Night Yacht Tour: $78

Is food expensive in Busan (Pusan)?

Food in Busan (Pusan) can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $42 on food per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $43. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

• Busan Market Tour Cooking Class and Games: $70
• Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104
• Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $104
• Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $90
• Busan Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
• Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88

Is transportation expensive in Busan (Pusan)?

The prices of local transportation in Busan (Pusan) can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $19 on local transportation per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $15. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Busan (Pusan)

If you're planning a trip to Busan (Pusan), South Korea, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.