Getting to Busan and Around by KTX Train, Airport Rail and Metro

Whether you travel south down the Korean Peninsula from Seoul by high-speed train or fly straight into southern Korea from across Asia, arriving in Busan is fast and well signposted in English. Better still, the exact same rechargeable T-money card (or Cashbee / EZL card) you use in Seoul works across all of Busan's subways, buses, light rail and taxis.

Arriving by KTX or SRT high-speed train at Busan Station

High-speed KTX trains (from Seoul Station and Yongsan) and SRT trains (from Suseo Station in southern Seoul) depart every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day, covering the 400-kilometre diagonal route across Korea in roughly 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes. High-speed trains terminate at central Busan Station, which sits right beside the port and connects underground directly to Busan Station on Metro Line 1 (Orange Line), two stops north of Nampo-dong and six stops south of the central Seomyeon interchange. Book KTX tickets online up to a month before travel on the official Korail (Let's Korail) website or app; there are no ticket barriers at Korean train platforms, so simply walk straight onto your reserved carriage.

From Gimhae International Airport (PUS) to the city

Gimhae International Airport (PUS) lies on the western edge of Busan along the Nakdong River. To reach your hotel in Seomyeon, Nampo-dong, Gwangalli or Haeundae:

• Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit (Purple Line, easiest and cheapest): walk out of the international or domestic arrivals hall to the elevated Light Rail station and ride three stops (about 6 minutes) to Sasang Station, where you transfer directly onto Busan Metro Line 2 (Green Line). Line 2 runs straight east through Seomyeon (20 minutes), Gwangan (40 minutes) and Haeundae (50 minutes) without another change. Note that the Light Rail charges a small separate fare when transferring to the Metro with your T-money card.
• Airport buses and metered taxis: direct express buses and taxis wait outside the arrivals kerb and take 30 to 60 minutes depending on whether you are heading to West or East Busan.

Using the Busan Metro and green Maeul hill buses

Busan's urban rail network has four main numbered Metro lines (Lines 1 to 4), the Donghae commuter rail line (useful for reaching OSIRIA Station near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple) and the Gimhae Light Rail. For steep hillside destinations like Gamcheon Culture Village (from Toseong Station, Line 1), hop on a small green neighbourhood maeul bus outside the subway exit, tapping your T-money card on and off for a free transfer.