Gimhae International Airport

Gimhae International Airport (PUS) serves Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and busiest port. Located 20 km west of Busan's city center, it's the gateway to Korea's southeastern coast, beaches, and seafood culture.

The airport has domestic and international terminals that are connected. PUS handles regional Asian routes; most long-haul international flights go through Incheon (ICN) in Seoul.

Key airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Jeju Air, Air Busan (local LCC), Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and various Asian carriers.

PUS is west of central Busan:

• To Seomyeon (city center): 20 km, 35-45 minutes
• To Haeundae Beach: 30 km, 45-60 minutes
• To Busan Station (KTX): 18 km, 30-40 minutes
• To Gamcheon Culture Village: 15 km, 30-40 minutes

Uber does not operate in Korea. Use Kakao T (Korean taxi app) or regular taxis.

Taxis available outside arrivals:

• To Seomyeon: KRW 20,000-30,000 (~$15-22 USD)
• To Haeundae: KRW 35,000-45,000
• To Busan Station: KRW 18,000-25,000

Tip: Download Kakao T app for easy taxi booking with fare estimates.

Busan Metro (Light Rail + Transfer)

Busan-Gimhae Light Rail connects to the Busan Metro system:

• Route: Airport → Sasang Station (transfer to Busan Metro Line 2)
• Journey time: 25 minutes to Sasang
• Cost: KRW 1,400 (single) or use T-money card
• Frequency: Every 6-8 minutes

To reach Seomyeon or Haeundae:

1. Take Light Rail to Sasang
2. Transfer to Line 2
3. Seomyeon: 10 more minutes / Haeundae: 30 more minutes

Airport Limousine Bus

Limousine buses connect to major areas:

• Haeundae: KRW 7,000, 60 minutes
• Seomyeon: KRW 6,000, 40 minutes
• Busan Station: KRW 6,000, 35 minutes

More comfortable than metro with luggage.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Underground	KRW 15,000/day	Terminal adjacent
Outdoor	KRW 10,000/day	Short shuttle

Affordable parking.

PUS has good dining options:

International Terminal:

• Korean restaurants (bibimbap, noodles)
• Cafés (Holly's, Starbucks)
• Convenience stores (CU, GS25)

Domestic Terminal:

• Similar options, food court

Try: Korean fried chicken or a hot bowl of milmyeon (Busan's cold noodle specialty) before you go.

Network: Gimhae Airport WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Good
• Easy connection

SIM cards available from:

• KT, SK Telecom, LG U+ counters in arrivals
• Prices: KRW 25,000-50,000 for tourist SIM with data

Korea has excellent 5G coverage.

ATMs available throughout:

• Shinhan, Hana, Woori banks
• 7-Eleven ATMs (accept foreign cards)

Currency: Korean Won (KRW). Approximately 1,320 KRW = 1 USD.

Note: Korea is very cashless; cards and mobile payment (KakaoPay) widely accepted.

Airside:

• Duty-free shops (cosmetics, fashion, Korean products)
• Korean snacks and souvenirs
• K-beauty products

Best buys: Korean cosmetics, K-pop merchandise, dried seaweed, Korean snacks.

Korean Air Lounge

• Location: International terminal
• Access: Korean Air Prestige, SkyTeam Elite Plus
• Amenities: Korean food, drinks

Asiana Lounge

• Location: International terminal
• Access: Asiana Business, Star Alliance Gold

Sky Hub Lounge

• Location: International terminal
• Access: Priority Pass, various cards, or KRW 35,000 walk-in
• Amenities: Korean food, drinks, WiFi

Hotels near PUS are limited; most visitors stay in Seomyeon or Haeundae.

Busan is Korea's beach city—famous for fresh seafood, vibrant markets, stunning temples, and a more relaxed vibe than Seoul:

Top attractions (with travel time from airport):

• Haeundae Beach: 60 min—Korea's most famous beach, high-rises, nightlife
• Gamcheon Culture Village: 40 min—colorful hillside village, street art
• Jagalchi Fish Market: 35 min—Korea's largest seafood market, eat fresh
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: 70 min—stunning seaside Buddhist temple
• Gwangalli Beach: 50 min—beautiful night views of Diamond Bridge
• Beomeosa Temple: 40 min—ancient temple in forested mountains

Markets and food:

• Jagalchi Market: Raw fish, seafood BBQ, authentic experience
• Gukje Market: Traditional market, street food, bargain shopping
• BIFF Square: Street food alley, hotteok (sweet pancakes)

Busan food specialties:

• Dwaeji gukbap: Pork soup with rice, Busan's signature dish
• Milmyeon: Cold wheat noodles, refreshing in summer
• Ssiat hotteok: Seed-filled sweet pancakes (Busan style)
• Raw fish (hoe): Jagalchi Market is the place
• Eomuk (fish cake): Busan is famous for it—try at Samjin Eomuk

Day trips:

• Gyeongju: 1 hour—ancient Silla capital, UNESCO temples, royal tombs
• Tongyeong: 1.5 hours—beautiful harbor town, cable car, seafood

Local tips:

• Busan International Film Festival (BIFF): October—Asia's largest film festival
• Summer: Crowded at beaches; Haeundae has music festivals
• KTX to Seoul: 2.5 hours—easy connection
• Busan dialect: Distinct from Seoul Korean; locals are proud of it
• Beach culture: Koreans love their beaches—expect crowds in summer
• Jjimjilbang: Korean spa/sauna culture—try Spa Land at Shinsegae
• T-money card: Essential for public transport
• Busan is generally more laid-back than Seoul
• Nightlife: Haeundae and Seomyeon are the main areas
• Ferry to Japan: Busan has ferries to Fukuoka (3 hours) and Osaka