Busan Gimhae Layover Guide (PUS)

What are you looking for in PUS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Busan Airport (PUS) is an international airport located in Gangseo District, Busan, South Korea. It’s located about 22 km (13 miles) from downtown Busan. The airport first opened officially on August 1, 1976. It offers modern facilities and connections. Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea and is considered a dynamic metropolis with a major port. It’s also known for its stunning beaches, lively festivals, and rich seafood cuisine.

Can you leave Busan Airport (PUS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Depending on nationality, transit passengers at Busan Airport (PUS) can leave the terminal during layovers if they meet South Korean entry requirements. Citizens of visa-exempt countries enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free entry. Others must secure a transit or short-term visa before travel. Always verify requirements based on nationality. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Haeundae Beach Haeundae Beach offers a stunning stretch of golden sand perfect for relaxing strolls or sunbathing. Lively cafes, seafood stalls, and nearby Dongbaek Island add cultural and scenic charm and views. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Busan–Gimhae Light Rail to Sasang, transfer to Metro Line 2 to Haeundae Station, approx. 1 hour)
• Gamcheon Culture Village Gamcheon Culture Village dazzles with vibrant murals, mosaic staircases, and quirky art installations in a hillside neighborhood. Colourful alleys wind through galleries, local shops, and panoramic harbor views, culture, and scenery. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: LRT to Sasang, Metro Line 1 to Toseong Station, then local bus 2 to Gamcheon Village, approx. 1 h 10 m)
• Jagalchi Fish Market Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea’s largest seafood market, buzzing with vendors selling live fish, shellfish, and octopus. Sample grilled specialties or choose fresh catch for instant cooking at on-site stalls. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: LRT to Sasang, transfer to Metro Line 1 to Jagalchi Station, approx. 50 minutes)
• Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park Busan Tower crowns Yongdusan Park with a 120 m observation deck offering sweeping city and harbor panoramas. Surrounding gardens, cultural exhibits, art installations, history, vibrancy, and views enrich the experience. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: LRT to Sasang, Metro Line 1 to Nampo Station, then 5 min walk, approx. 55 minutes)
• Beomeosa Temple Beomeosa Temple, founded in 678 AD, offers tranquil courtyards, ornate pagodas, and mountain trails on Mt. Geumjeongsan. Monastic ceremonies, forest walks, serenity, culture, nature, exploration, heritage, and peace await. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: LRT to Sasang, Metro Line 2 to Seomyeon Station, then bus 90 to Beomeosa, approx. 1 h 5 m)
• Shinsegae Centum City Shinsegae Centum City, recognized by Guinness as the world’s largest department store, features luxury boutiques, an ice rink, spa, cinema, gourmet food court, entertainment, shopping, and dining under one roof. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: LRT directly to Centum City Station, approx. 25 minutes)
• Gwangalli Beach Gwangalli Beach offers soft sands and iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge views illuminated at night. Beachfront cafes, water sports, vibrancy, photography, relaxation, adventure, soundscape, and ambience await visitors. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: LRT to Sasang, Metro Line 2 to Gwangan Station, approx. 1 hour)
• Busan Cinema Center Busan Cinema Center, home of the Busan International Film Festival, boasts striking cantilevered roofs, open-air theaters, multimedia installations celebrating global cinema, architecture, culture, innovation, artistry, events, heritage, experience, and inspiration. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: LRT to Sasang, Metro Line 2 to Centum City Station, approx. 30 minutes)

Things to Do in Busan Airport (PUS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Busan Airport (PUS) hosts lounges including Air Busan Lounge, N Sky Hub Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Korean Air Lounge. Located in the international terminal, they offer reclining chairs, refreshments, Wi-Fi and shower facilities. Access is available via membership programs or pay-per-use passes, open daily from early morning until evening. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Gimhae International Airport itself has no on-site hotels, but nearby accommodations like the Best Western Premier and Air Park Hotel offer shuttle services. These properties provide comfortable rooms, 24-hour front desk, fitness facilities and free complimentary breakfast within a five-minute drive of the terminals, making them convenient for transit passengers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Gimhae Airport offers rest zones with reclining seats and pods beyond security in both domestic and international terminals. Quiet areas include padded benches near gates and designated sleeping rooms available for hourly rental. Lighting control and charging stations ensure travellers can recharge both themselves and their devices before connecting flights.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Gimhae International Airport provides complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. Simply select the ‘Airport_WiFi’ network, register via SMS or email, and enjoy free unlimited internet access on multiple devices. Numerous USB charging stations and power outlets are installed near seating areas to keep phones and laptops topped up between flights.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM and eSIM cards at the KT, SKT and LG U+ counters on the first floor of the arrivals hall between Gates 2 and 3. Operating from 06:00 to 22:00 daily, plans include voice, SMS and data packages ranging from one-day to one-week activated on collection. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis queue outside both international and domestic terminals, with standard cabs charging metered fares of about ₩25,000 to Busan city centre. Deluxe taxis offer fixed rates and extra luggage assistance. All vehicles accept cash and T-money cards; English-speaking drivers and app-based booking services like Kakao T are also readily available.

Train: Busan–Gimhae Light Rail Transit (BGL) serves Gimhae International Airport with direct connection to Sasang Station for transfers to Busan Metro Line 2. Operating from 05:00 to midnight every day, trains run every 6–10 minutes. A one-way fare is ₩1,600, and tickets are conveniently available at station kiosks and ticket machines. (more info)

Bus: Several airport limousine buses operate from both international and domestic terminals to central Busan destinations such as Busan Station, Haeundae and Seomyeon. Buses run every 30–40 minutes from 05:20 to 23:00 daily, with fares between ₩6,000 and ₩10,000. Tickets are purchased on board. Buses are air-conditioned and luggage-friendly, comfortable coaches. (more info)

Shuttle: Gimhae Airport operates a complimentary shuttle bus regularly linking the international and domestic terminals every 10 minutes from 05:00 to 22:50 daily. Buses depart from the ground transportation area outside each terminal, with journey time under five minutes. The service is free of charge and wheelchair accessible for all passengers.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Avis, Hertz, Lotte Rent-A-Car and SK Rent-A-Car operate desks on the first floor of the arrivals hall. Vehicles can be booked in advance or on arrival, offering compact to full-size cars, SUVs and vans. Pickup and drop-off are managed at airport counters with 24-hour availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Gimhae Airport offers secure short-term and long-term parking in multi-level lots adjacent to both terminals. Rates start at ₩1,000 per 30 minutes for short-stay and ₩10,000 per day for long-stay. Convenient automated payment machines support cash and cards, and barrier-free spaces are reserved near terminal entrances for drivers with disabilities.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage is available on the second floor of both domestic and international terminals, operated by Korea Airport Corporation. Coin-operated lockers and staffed bag counter services accept bags from small to large suitcases. Fees range from ₩5,000 to ₩10,000 per 24 hours. Items left beyond seven days may be disposed. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Busan Airport (PUS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks