This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we've been to ourselves.
Everything we wish we'd known before our 6-day Busan trip with a 2-year-old: entry rules for Singaporeans in 2026, SIM cards and eSIMs, money, flights, getting from Gimhae Airport to Haeundae, getting around by taxi with the K.Ride app, and which area to stay in.
We spent 6 days and 5 nights in Busan in January 2025 with our 2-year-old, and it was a fun, fuss-free trip. For our day-by-day plan, read our 6-day Busan itinerary with a toddler.
Busan essentials at a glance (2026)
| Entry | Singapore passport: visa-free; no K-ETA needed until 31 December 2026. Fill in the free Korea e-Arrival Card online before you land. |
|---|---|
| Flights | Singapore Airlines flies Singapore–Busan (Gimhae, PUS) daily from February 2026 |
| Airport to Haeundae | Taxi about ₩35,000–40,000 and 40–50 minutes; airport limousine bus back since July 2025 |
| Getting around | Subway with a T-money card, or taxis via the K.Ride app (takes foreign cards) |
| Data | Korea eSIM or a SIM card for airport pickup |
| Where to stay | Haeundae for the beach and families, Seomyeon for food, shopping and transport |
Entry Rules for Singaporeans
Singapore passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free. The K-ETA requirement is waived for Singaporeans until 31 December 2026, according to the Korean Embassy in Singapore. Without a K-ETA, fill in the free Korea e-Arrival Card online before you land. If you're travelling in 2027, check whether the exemption has been extended.
Travel Insurance
Always buy travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage. For families, look for policies that cover children and activities like theme parks or winter sports. If, like us, you booked your flights with miles, check whether the policy covers cancellations on award bookings.
SIM Cards and eSIMs
You can buy a SIM card at Incheon Airport (if you fly into Seoul) or at Gimhae Airport in Busan. We bought our SIM card on Shopee and had it delivered to our home before the trip.
For the least hassle, an eSIM is a game-changer: no physical SIM, just activate it before you fly. Get a Korea eSIM on Klook, or pre-book a 4G SIM card to collect at the airport.
Money
The currency is the South Korean won (KRW). You can change money at Incheon or Gimhae Airport, or at major banks like KEB Hana and Shinhan in Busan. ATMs are everywhere, and most accept international cards; look for ATMs marked "Global" for English instructions.
We changed about S$300 in Singapore and had plenty left over (a good reason to plan a Seoul trip soon!). We paid by credit card for most things to earn miles. Read about the credit cards we use overseas.
Flights to Busan
Busan is served by Gimhae International Airport (PUS), with direct flights from cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Beijing and Bangkok. We flew direct from Singapore on Singapore Airlines, which resumed Busan flights in June 2023 on the Boeing 737-8 and now flies daily (from February 2026). From Europe or the US, you'll probably transit in Seoul and take the KTX train to Busan, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Flying with a little one? Read First Time Flying with a Baby? Here's What You Need to Know.
Getting Around Busan
- Subway and buses: efficient, cheap and mostly stroller-friendly. Buy a T-money card at a convenience store, or get a T-money card on Klook before you go.
- Taxis: plentiful and fairly cheap. We used taxis for the whole trip with our 2-year-old, booked on K.Ride, the international version of Kakao T. It takes credit and debit cards issued outside Korea and works in English, Chinese and Japanese, with translation for messaging drivers. It worked well on my iPhone, but H had trouble downloading it on his Android phone.
- Hailing a taxi: we also took taxis from taxi stands with no problems, except once when the driver couldn't understand our address, so we got out and took another one. Have the address in Korean ready.
- Walking: many sights within Haeundae, Nampo-dong or Gamcheon are walkable, but the areas themselves are far apart.
- Driving: international driving permits are accepted, but parking is hard in busy areas.
Gimhae Airport to Haeundae Beach
There are four ways from Gimhae International Airport (PUS) to Haeundae, depending on your budget, luggage and kids.
| Option | Cost · time · best for |
|---|---|
| Taxi | ₩35,000–40,000 · 40–50 min · families with luggage (what we did) |
| Airport limousine bus | Check the current fare · 50–60 min · families travelling light |
| Light rail + subway | About ₩1,800 · 60–70 min · budget travellers without much luggage |
| Private transfer | About ₩50,000–100,000 · 40–50 min · big families and groups |
1. Taxi (what we did)
Taxi stands are outside the arrivals hall, or book on K.Ride. Our taxi to Haeundae cost ₩35,000 and took about 50 minutes, and it fitted our three suitcases (large, medium and carry-on) and two backpacks. With a stroller or lots of luggage, a taxi or private transfer is the stress-free choice.
2. Airport limousine bus
We planned to take the airport limousine bus, but it was suspended when we visited. The Gimhae airport limousines stopped in 2020 and restarted on 31 July 2025 with a new operator: Limousine 1 runs to Haeundae and Gijang, and Limousine 2 to Seomyeon. Check the latest timetable and fare on the Gimhae Airport website or at the information counter when you land.
3. Light rail and subway
Take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail from the airport (the station is connected to the terminal) to Sasang, then subway Line 2 to Haeundae Station. It takes 60 to 70 minutes and costs about ₩1,800. Haeundae Station (exits 5 and 7) is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the beach. It's cheap, but tiring with young kids and heavy bags.
4. Private transfer
A driver meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you to your hotel: the most comfortable option for big families or groups. Book a Gimhae Airport private transfer on Klook.
Where to Stay in Busan
- Haeundae (best for families and first-timers): Busan's most famous beach, with resorts and family-friendly hotels close to SEA LIFE Aquarium, Dongbaekseom and Blueline Park. We stayed at Paradise Hotel Busan (read our review).
- Seomyeon (best for food, shopping and budget): the central business and shopping district, with affordable hotels, lots of restaurants and easy subway links.
- Nampo-dong (best for culture and markets): close to Jagalchi, Gukje Market, BIFF Square and Gamcheon Culture Village.
If you're staying more than 5 days, split your stay between two areas: Busan is big, and getting from Haeundae to Gamcheon by public transport can take up to 1.5 hours. We stayed 1 night in Haeundae and 4 in Seomyeon; next time we'd do 2 nights in Haeundae and 3 in Seomyeon or Nampo-dong. Compare Busan hotels on Agoda.
Read about our full trip: 6-day Busan itinerary with a toddler in winter.
FAQ
Do Singaporeans need a K-ETA to visit Busan in 2026?
No. Singapore passport holders are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Fill in the free Korea e-Arrival Card online before you land.
How do I get from Gimhae Airport to Haeundae?
By taxi (about 35,000 to 40,000 won, 40 to 50 minutes), by airport limousine bus (running again since July 2025), by light rail and subway via Sasang (about 1,800 won, 60 to 70 minutes), or by private transfer.
Can tourists use Kakao T taxis in Busan?
Yes, through K.Ride, the international version of Kakao T, which accepts foreign credit and debit cards and works in English.
Which area is best to stay in Busan with kids?
Haeundae, for the beach, SEA LIFE Aquarium and family hotels. For a longer trip, add a few nights in Seomyeon or Nampo-dong to be closer to the markets and Gamcheon.
Is there a direct flight from Singapore to Busan?
Yes. Singapore Airlines flies direct to Busan Gimhae daily from February 2026.
Planning a trip to Korea? Read our other Korea guides: