Solo Trip to Busan: Enjoying Gourmet Delights Alone!
🗺️🗺️【Travel Itinerary】
Day 1: Stay in Haeundae
Day 2: Join a tour
Day 3: Relax around Haeundae and return home
A 2-night, 3-day solo trip to Busan.
In Korea, the culture of dining alone is still developing, and I was initially worried about whether I could fully enjoy solo dining in Busan. However, I had no issues and thoroughly enjoyed Busan's gourmet offerings!
The main goals of this trip were "chilling out," "gourmet food," and "spontaneity."
【Day 1】
After arriving at Gimhae Airport before noon, I stopped at Seomyeon Station on the way to my accommodation in Haeundae for a lunch of Korean BBQ.
Seomyeon is a lively area popular among young people, with many cafes and restaurants. It’s a convenient place to stay if you want to explore Busan thoroughly.
To enjoy "solo BBQ," I visited "Meat Grilling Guys," a restaurant recommended by a friend. True to its name, the friendly male staff grill the meat for you.
Although I was dining alone, I was allowed to enter as long as I ordered three servings of meat. I chose the lean shoulder loin, which was delicious, along with the accompanying side dishes and seafood soup!
If I had companions, I would have ordered noodles or rice as well, but the meat alone was satisfying enough.
Afterward, I headed to Haeundae, checked into my hotel, "Toyoko Inn Haeundae 2." Toyoko Inn hotels often have staff who speak Japanese, making them a reliable choice, especially for first-time visitors.
The hotel lobby offers free lockers for guests, allowing you to store your luggage even before check-in time—a reassuring feature.
To unwind from the travel fatigue, I visited "Shinsegae Spa Land" near Centum City Station. The 4-hour stay felt too short because the place was so comfortable! I sweated it out, took a nap, and enjoyed instant ramen when I got hungry—absolute bliss 🙌.
I purchased the ticket via trip.com, which was convenient as I only needed to show the QR code.
Nearby is the venue for the "Busan International Film Festival," a great spot to experience some culture. (I was inspired and decided to visit again during the festival period!)
I returned to the hotel to end the first day.
【Day 2】
I joined a tour booked through trip.com, which included visits to Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and the Sky Capsule.
Being a solo participant allowed me to make friends with other tour members. I had lunch with a Filipino girl I met that day, enjoying ramen, hot pot, and pancakes—dishes I couldn’t have ordered alone. Another day of satisfying meals!
The tour itself was excellent! Our guide Sena was fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean, making her very reliable.
After returning to Haeundae, I strolled around Haeundae Beach and the traditional market. Dinner was takeout chicken, which I enjoyed with beer while gazing at the sea—a perfect moment of freedom unique to solo travel.
【Day 3】
Departure day. Since my flight was in the evening, I decided to take it easy.
I spent time at Haeundae Beach, which I had visited multiple times since Day 1. The beach was so beautiful that I couldn’t resist spending more time there.
While the night atmosphere was lively and fun, the early morning air was refreshing, so I woke up early for a seaside walk.
Breakfast was abalone porridge from a restaurant that opens at 6:30 AM. The porridge had a gentle flavor, and I recommend adjusting the taste with the side dishes and salt provided.
I visited "X the Sky," a Busan landmark with a viewing deck, and relaxed at the world’s highest Starbucks. I also did some last-minute shopping at Olive Young nearby, spending the day without any specific plans.
Reluctantly, I headed back to Gimhae Airport.
On the way, I stopped by "ZMILLENNIAL," a cafe near Mokkol Station converted from a warehouse. It’s run by BTS member Jimin’s father and features a lot of purple, Jimin’s signature color.
The cafe offers a variety of bread and sweets, and fans seemed to enjoy the exhibits.
This trip was a chill-out and gourmet adventure without a specific agenda. Trip.com was incredibly convenient for browsing travel experiences and purchasing various tickets on the spot.
I hope this post serves as inspiration for your travels.
📍📍【Recommended Spots】
1. Busan X the Sky
2. Haeundae Beach
3. Gamcheon Culture Village
4. Shinsegae Spa Land
5. Busan International Film Festival
🥘🥘【Recommended Gourmet】
Seomyeon: "Meat Grilling Guys"
Mokkol: "ZMILLENNIAL"
Haeundae: "ahc Chicken," "Original Abalone Porridge Main Store"
🏠🏠【Recommended Hotels】
1. Toyoko Inn Busan Haeundae 2
📷📷【Instagram-Worthy Spots】
Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach, X the Sky, ZMILLENNIAL
📣📣【Other Highlights】
Haeundae Traditional Market