Most first-time visitors to South Korea automatically think of flying into Seoul. But if your trip is focused on Busan and southern Korea, starting at Gimhae International Airport can save you a surprising amount of time.
Gimhae Airport gives international travelers direct access to Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do, making it possible to build an entire Korea itinerary without traveling through Seoul first.
You could spend a few days exploring Busan, continue to coastal cities such as Geoje and Tongyeong, visit historic Jinju, or travel farther into the southern part of Korea before returning to Gimhae Airport.
Here is how to plan a Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do trip via Gimhae International Airport in 2026.
Why Start Your Korea Trip at Gimhae Airport?
Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is the main international gateway for Busan and southeastern Korea.
For travelers whose main destinations are Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do, arriving here can be much more convenient than flying into Seoul and then traveling several hours south.
This route makes particular sense if you want to focus on:
- Busan
- Geoje
- Tongyeong
- Jinju
- other destinations in Gyeongsangnam-do
It can also work well for travelers returning home through Gimhae Airport, allowing you to create a southern Korea itinerary without backtracking to Seoul.
First Stop: Spend 2–4 Days in Busan
For most international travelers, Busan is the easiest place to begin.
After arriving at Gimhae Airport, head into the city and use Busan as your first base.
Popular areas to stay include:
Haeundae
Choose Haeundae if beaches, ocean views, cafes and coastal attractions are your priorities.
It works especially well for travelers who want to visit Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom, Cheongsapo and the eastern coastline.
Seomyeon
Seomyeon is a convenient choice if transportation and nightlife matter more than staying next to the beach.
Its central location makes it relatively easy to travel to different parts of Busan.
Busan Station
Staying near Busan Station can be useful if you plan to continue your trip by train.
It also gives you convenient access to areas such as Nampo, Jagalchi Market and the older downtown districts.
If you need detailed transportation instructions after landing, see our Gimhae Airport to Busan guide for ways to reach Haeundae, Seomyeon and Busan Station.
How Many Days Do You Need in Busan?
For a southern Korea itinerary, I would generally allow at least two full days in Busan, with three or four days being more comfortable.
A simple first visit could look like this:
Day 1: Haeundae and the eastern coastline
Day 2: Nampo, Jagalchi and Gamcheon
Day 3: Additional coastal attractions, temples, markets or neighborhoods
Instead of trying to see every famous attraction, group places geographically. Busan is a large city, and crossing from one side to the other can take longer than first-time visitors expect.
Where Should You Go After Busan?
This is where starting at Gimhae Airport becomes especially interesting.
Rather than returning north toward Seoul, you can continue into Gyeongsangnam-do, the province surrounding much of Busan.
Several destinations work particularly well.
Option 1: Geoje
Geoje is a good choice for travelers interested in dramatic coastal scenery and islands.
The area is known for its coastline, viewpoints and access to nearby islands.
Compared with Busan, Geoje feels less urban and gives your trip a more relaxed coastal character.
It can work well as a one- or two-night stop after Busan.
Who should choose Geoje?
Geoje is especially suitable if you prefer:
- coastal scenery
- island landscapes
- slower travel
- scenic drives
- nature rather than big-city attractions
Travelers who want a Busan trip with a quieter second half may find Geoje particularly appealing.
Option 2: Tongyeong
Tongyeong is another strong addition to a southern Korea itinerary.
It is a compact coastal city surrounded by islands and is known for harbor views, seafood and scenic landscapes.
For travelers who enjoy smaller cities, Tongyeong provides a very different atmosphere from Busan.
A typical itinerary might be:
Busan → Geoje → Tongyeong
or simply:
Busan → Tongyeong
if you have limited time.
Tongyeong is worth considering for at least one night rather than treating it only as a rushed day trip.
Option 3: Jinju
If you want to add history rather than another coastal destination, consider Jinju.
The city’s best-known historic landmark is Jinjuseong Fortress, which played an important role during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century.
Jinju provides a useful contrast to Busan, Geoje and Tongyeong because the focus shifts from beaches and coastal scenery toward history and local culture.
It can therefore fit nicely into a longer southern itinerary.
Busan + Gyeongsangnam-do: Sample 5-Day Itinerary
If you only have five days, keep the route simple.
Day 1 — Arrive at Gimhae Airport
Travel into Busan, check into your hotel and explore the neighborhood around your accommodation.
Avoid planning too much for arrival day, especially after a long international flight.
Day 2 — Explore Busan
Choose one side of the city rather than trying to cross Busan repeatedly.
For example, spend the day around Haeundae and the eastern coastline.
Day 3 — Explore More of Busan
Visit the Nampo and Jagalchi area or another part of the city you missed on Day 2.
Day 4 — Gyeongsangnam-do
Travel to either Geoje, Tongyeong or Jinju.
With only five days, choose one rather than trying to visit all three.
Stay overnight if possible.
Day 5 — Return Toward Gimhae Airport
Travel back toward Busan or Gimhae Airport depending on your flight time.
If you have an early international departure, returning to Busan the night before may make the final day less stressful.
A Better 7-Day Southern Korea Itinerary
Seven days gives you much more flexibility.
One possible route is:
Day 1: Arrive at Gimhae Airport → Busan
Day 2: Busan
Day 3: Busan
Day 4: Busan → Geoje
Day 5: Geoje → Tongyeong
Day 6: Tongyeong → Busan
Day 7: Busan → Gimhae Airport
Another option is:
Gimhae Airport → Busan → Tongyeong → Jinju → Busan → Gimhae Airport
The better route depends on whether you prefer coastal scenery or history and city exploration.
Do You Need a Rental Car?
Not necessarily.
Busan itself has an extensive public transportation network, so renting a car solely for sightseeing in Busan is usually unnecessary.
Intercity buses also connect Busan with many cities in Gyeongsangnam-do.
However, a rental car can become more useful once you leave Busan, particularly if you want to visit smaller coastal attractions or move between places that are inconvenient by public transportation.
Public transportation is better if:
- you mainly visit cities
- you do not want to drive in Korea
- your itinerary is Busan plus one or two major destinations
- you are comfortable using intercity buses
A rental car may be better if:
- you want to explore rural or coastal areas
- you have several countryside stops
- you are traveling with family or significant luggage
- flexibility matters more than minimizing costs
International visitors planning to drive should check Korea’s current license and International Driving Permit requirements before their trip.
Train or Bus for Gyeongsangnam-do?
One important planning mistake is assuming that trains are always the easiest way to travel around Korea.
South Korea has an excellent rail system, but intercity buses can be more practical for some destinations in Gyeongsangnam-do.
The best option depends on the exact city.
For destinations such as Tongyeong and Geoje, buses are often particularly useful because rail access is limited compared with major railway cities.
Always compare the complete journey rather than simply choosing the fastest-looking train.
Should You Visit Seoul on the Same Trip?
You certainly can, but you do not have to.
If this is your first trip to Korea and you have ten days or more, combining Seoul and Busan may still make sense.
But travelers with only five to seven days sometimes spend too much of their vacation moving between cities.
If beaches, seafood, coastal scenery and southern Korea are your priorities, a trip focused entirely on Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do can be a worthwhile alternative.
This is particularly true if you can fly directly to Gimhae Airport.
Who Is This Route Best For?
A Gimhae-based itinerary works particularly well for:
- travelers who have already visited Seoul
- repeat visitors looking for a different side of Korea
- travelers interested in Busan and the southern coast
- visitors with direct flights to Gimhae Airport
- people who prefer slower regional travel
- travelers who want to combine a major city with smaller coastal destinations
It may be less suitable if most of the attractions on your wish list are in Seoul, northern Korea or the Seoul metropolitan area.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Check your international flight options first
Direct international routes to Gimhae Airport vary depending on your departure city and travel date.
Check the actual flight schedule before building the rest of your itinerary.
Do not underestimate Busan travel times
Busan is geographically spread out.
Two attractions that both appear to be “in Busan” can still require a substantial journey between them.
Keep your final night flexible
If you have an early flight from Gimhae Airport, consider spending your final night in Busan rather than traveling from a distant city on departure morning.
Check bus schedules before changing cities
Intercity transportation frequencies can vary by destination and day.
Check current schedules close to your travel date rather than relying solely on an old itinerary online.
Travel lighter if possible
A regional trip involving buses and multiple hotels is much easier with manageable luggage.
FAQ
Can I travel to Korea without visiting Seoul?
Absolutely. Seoul is not required for every Korea itinerary. Travelers focused on southern Korea can arrive through Gimhae International Airport and build a trip around Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do.
Is Gimhae Airport actually in Busan?
Gimhae International Airport serves Busan and the surrounding region and is located on the western side of Busan, despite the “Gimhae” name.
How many days should I spend in Busan?
For a first visit, around three days is a useful starting point. Two days can work for a short trip, while four or more allows for a slower itinerary.
Can I visit Tongyeong from Busan?
Yes. Busan and Tongyeong are connected by intercity transportation, making Tongyeong a practical addition to a southern Korea itinerary.
Should I choose Geoje or Tongyeong?
Choose Geoje if island scenery and exploring the coastline are your priority. Tongyeong may suit travelers who prefer a compact coastal city with harbor views, food and easy access to scenic attractions.
Do I need a car to explore Gyeongsangnam-do?
No. Major cities can be reached by public transportation. A car becomes more useful if you want to explore rural areas, remote viewpoints or multiple smaller attractions.
Final Thoughts
For international visitors, Korea does not have to mean Seoul first, everywhere else second.
If your interests are concentrated in the south, Gimhae International Airport can become the starting point for an entirely different Korea itinerary.
Begin with a few days in Busan, then continue into Gyeongsangnam-do for coastal scenery, smaller cities and regional experiences before returning to Gimhae Airport.
For a short trip, keep it simple with Busan plus one additional destination.
With a full week, a route such as Busan → Geoje → Tongyeong → Busan gives you a mix of big-city energy and Korea’s southern coastline without spending a large part of your vacation traveling to and from Seoul.