What’s Hot 2025

Busan

Nestled along the southeastern coast of South Korea, Busan is a vibrant city that beautifully blends the old and the new. Known for its picturesque beaches, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage, Busan offers a unique charm that attracts travellers from all corners of the globe. Earlier this year I spent an action-packed 5 days here and I hope this will give you ideas and tips to make the most of a visit to Busan.

Transport

Using a transport card is the easiest way of getting around Busan by public transport. Busan transport cards are available in convenience stores – 7-Eleven, Ministop, GS25 – and from vending machines in metro stations. Using the card saves you time and money, as well as entitles you to discounts on subway and bus tickets.

Busan Trains

Busan has several railway stations – the ultramodern Busan Station is the the central hub and terminus of the Gyeongbu Line, connecting it to Seoul via the high-speed KTX. Bujeon Station also serves as a KTX station, offering another option for travellers using the high-speed line. 

Travelling on the subway in Busan

The subway is one of the most widely used for commuting within Busan. There are 5 lines, as follows:

  • Line 1 (orange): Dadaepo Beach–Nopo-dong
  • Line 2 (green): Yangsan–Jangsan
  • Line 3 (brown): Daejeo–Suyeong
  • Line 4 (blue): Minam–Anpyeong
  • Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit (purple): Sasang–Kaya University

They connect all the bus stations and major city hot spots. Most of the signages and public announcements are in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English, making it easy for foreigners to get around the city by subway.

There are automatic ticket vending machines, where you can buy your ticket. One-day passes are available if you foresee quite a lot of subway travel on that day and if you do not have a transport card.

Travelling by bus in Busan

Like the subway system, buses in Busan have information written in English at bus stops. Aboard the bus, the announcement of the next destination is also done in English and Korean. Fares can be paid in cash – the exact change required – or with a prepaid transport card. You exit the bus from the rear door.

Day 1 in Busan

If like me you arrive early at at Busan station and your check-in to your hotel/apartment is not until later in the afternoon then a good option is to take the

Busan City Tour Bus which departs from just outside the station. This service offers themed loop tours connecting major attractions like Haeundae Beach, Taejongdae, and Gamcheon Culture Village. You can hop on and off at different stops throughout the day. You can buy an all-day ticket from the information desk at Busan station and there is a commentary in English inside the bus. I spent about 3 hours and travelled on 2 or the 3 available loops. This tour gives an amazing introduction to the city so that you can plan attractions to visit during your stay. Later that afternoon I checked in to my modern apartment just across the road from Gwangalli beach.

Gwangalli Beach is a 1.4-kilometer-long sandy cove famous for its fine sand. This spot is not only one of Busan’s top beaches but also a hub for food, drinks, and fun in South Korea. It has a mix of traditional temples, waterfront parks, exciting festivals, and dazzling drone shows and its perfect for a swim in the sea.

Day 2

I had planned to book a tour to the Gyeongju World Heritage site for day 2 but I left it too late and all tours were full. I booked the tour for day 3 and the set off by bus to the Igidae coastal hiking trail. The bus journey to the trail start involved 2 buses and cost just under 1 dollar using my travel card.

I would not recommend this hike unless you are fairly fit. It took about 3 hours and hardly any of it was flat, there were hundreds of steps to go up and down!

Day 3

I booked any amazing tour with GetYourGuide to the Gyeongju World Heritage site. I took the local bus to Busan station to meet the guide (although there was an option to be picked up for an extra cost). The tour was less than $30 for a 12 hour guided tour. We visited the Bulguksa temple, the Yangdong folk village where we enjoyed a local lunch, the Woljeong bridge and the magnificent Donggung palace. This is an amazing tour and I highly recommend it.

Day 4

I decided to take another bus ride to the Songdo Marine Cable Car.  This offers a unique gondola ride experience connecting Songnim Park to the east of Songdo Beach with Amnam Park to the west. The ride provides scenic views of Songdo Beach, Yeongdo, Namhang Bridge, and the coastal walkway.  A round-trip ticket costs about $10.

Day 5

Time for another guided tour by GetYourGuide. This time staying in the city and visiting the Gamcheon Culture village as well as a trip in the Sky Capsule to view the Cheongsapo sky walk. The 4-seater retro-looking Haeundae Sky Capsule runs on a 2.3km elevated railway 7-10m above the ground alongside Haeundae Beach Train from Mipo Station direct to Cheongsapo Station along the coast.

Often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” Gamcheon Culture Village is a colorful hillside community known for its narrow alleys, vibrant murals, and art installations. Take a leisurely stroll and discover hidden artworks and charming cafes.

Conclusion

Busan is a city that captivates with its dynamic blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern attractions. Whether you’re exploring its scenic beaches, indulging in delectable seafood, or immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, Busan promises an unforgettable travel experience. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this enchanting South Korean city.

Most popular 2025 destination – London

Costa Rica

From the jungles around La Fortuna to the cloud forests atop Monteverde, the Northern Inlands region of Costa Rica (north-west of San José) is filled with not only lush escapes but plenty of chances for visitors to learn how to be ‘greener’.

The region is made up of humid rainforests, fertile plains and majestic mountains where big thrills and gentle escapes coalesce. Here you can experience just about every kind of activity on offer in Costa Rica, with the towns of La Fortuna and Monteverde operating as hubs for travellers seeking adventures. The area’s zip-line circuits, sky-scraping hanging bridges, gentle hot springs, and wild nature reserves consistently rank among the nation’s best.

La Fortuna, which lies less than 20km east of the Arenal stratovolcano, is often dubbed Costa Rica’s ‘epicentre of adventure’. This is a nod to the catalogue of guided – often adrenaline-fuelled – excursions that can be found here, particularly in Arenal Volcano National Park and its network of forested trails following old lava flows.

At the other end of the scale is Monteverde, which has a moniker (‘Green Mountain’) that speaks to its lushness. This sprawling, high-altitude community is swathed by misty forests and clouds close enough to touch, and it is very much the yin to La Fortuna’s yang, with guided trips that encourage a more gentle exploration of its nature.

Touring in India

Full of variety, uniqueness, and vibrant culture, India is well-known for its incredible cultural heritage and historic sites. From the marvelous and breathtaking Taj Mahal and ornate palaces to the serenity of Mughal-era gardens and mausoleums, India is a fascinating country that is packed full of incredible things to see and do.

India is now reopen for all international travellers. It is time to get ready for your trip to India follow the steps below to start planning your trip and check out some of the options above.

Ikos Resorts

Trending for 2023 is the luxury all-inclusive holiday.

Award-winning Ikos Resorts are reinventing the luxury all-inclusive beach holiday across the Mediterranean; from the Halkidiki Peninsula in Northern Greece, the islands of Corfu & Kos to Spain’s Costa Del Sol in Estepona, close to glamorous Marbella.

A unique Mediterranean experience, Ikos Resorts effortlessly combines five-star service with the ease and comfort of luxury all-inclusive.

The signature Infinite Lifestyle promises a peerless stay with distinctive touches such as Michelin-starred menus, signature cocktails by top mixologists, kids clubs and an awesome Local Drive Adventure around the surrounding area – all included.

IKOS RESORTS ARE SET IN THE MOST SPECTACULAR LOCATIONS
Stroll across the fine, white sands of our private beaches, stretching out along the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. We promise stylish, spacious accommodation and a choice of room sizes to meet all requirements. Whether you’re taking a break as a couple or on holiday with the whole family, the ambiance is intimate and the look is elegant.

Find Out More

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Tripadvisor’s most popular tour this year!

Get views of Chicago’s most famous buildings, as well as insider info from an expert guide, on this architecture-focused cruise. See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. View the skyline from the Chicago River while listening to live commentary. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more.