Is Busan expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Busan is moderately priced: cheaper than Seoul for hotels and noticeably cheaper than Tokyo or Western Europe, with a mid-range day at about ₩195,000 per person. Seafood feasts and beachfront hotels in Haeundae are the main costs; transport and street food are cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | ₩35,000 | ₩85,000 | ₩200,000 |
| Food & drink | ₩30,000 | ₩60,000 | ₩120,000 |
| Sights & tickets | ₩10,000 | ₩35,000 | ₩60,000 |
| Local transport | ₩7,000 | ₩15,000 | ₩40,000 |
| Per person, per day | ₩82,000 | ₩195,000 | ₩420,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Busan day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Metro ride with T-money | about ₩1,500–1,800 |
| Ssiat hotteok (seed pancake) | about ₩2,000 |
| Dwaeji gukbap (pork soup with rice) | about ₩9,000–12,000 |
| Coffee in a café | about ₩4,500–6,500 |
| Busan Tower | about ₩12,000 |
| Songdo Bay Cable Car | about ₩17,000–22,000 |
| Blueline Park sky capsule (for two) | about ₩35,000–45,000 |
| Jagalchi seafood meal for two | from about ₩40,000 |
| Mid-range double room, Haeundae | about ₩120,000–220,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms take the biggest share, especially at Haeundae and Gwangalli in summer and during October festivals, when beachfront doubles go well above ₩200,000. Seafood is the other big cost: choosing live fish or king crab at Jagalchi or grilled clams at Cheongsapo easily reaches ₩40,000–60,000 for two, and king crab far more. Paid attractions such as Blueline Park, the Songdo cable car and Busan Tower add ₩10,000–45,000 each. In contrast, metro, buses and taxis are cheap, temples and beaches are free, and a bowl of dwaeji gukbap or market snacks costs a few thousand won.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are lowest from November to March, outside school holidays, and often 20–40% below the July–August beach peak. Prices jump during the Busan International Film Festival and the fireworks festival in October.
How to spend less
- Stay in Seomyeon, where metro lines 1 and 2 cross and hotels are much cheaper than in Haeundae.
- Use a T-money card for metro, buses and many taxis; transfers within a short time are discounted.
- Eat dwaeji gukbap, milmyeon and market snacks rather than seafood at every meal.
- Book Blueline Park capsules online a few days ahead and avoid sunset slots if price matters.
- Visit the free sights: Haedong Yonggungsa, Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches, Dongbaekseom and Taejongdae's paths.
- Take the airport light rail and metro instead of a ₩30,000 taxi.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Busan cost?
About ₩82,000 per person on a budget, ₩195,000 mid-range and ₩420,000 for comfort, sharing a double. There is no city tourist tax.
Is Busan cheaper than Seoul?
Usually yes for hotels, and food and transport cost about the same.
How much does a seafood meal at Jagalchi cost?
From about ₩40,000 for two for fish prepared upstairs; king crab costs much more.