Where city meets sea

South Korea’s coastal gem, Busan blends beach life with big-city buzz. Spend your days between temple trails, seafood markets and stretches of golden sand. From surf spots to sky-high spas, this is seaside living with an edge.

Get there in style from March 2026 with daily, year-round Virgin Atlantic flights between London and Seoul, and onward flights to Busan with our partner airlines.

We fly to South Korea daily

We'll fly direct from London Heathrow to Incheon International Airport from 29th March 2026. You can fly between Seoul and Busan with our partner airline, Korean Air.

11-12 hour flight time

Explore Busan

Essential information for Busan

  1. Time zone

    UK + 8/9hrs

  2. Language

    Korean

  3. Currency

    South Korean Won (KRW)

  4. Flight time

    11h 30m flight to Seoul, plus a 1 hour flight from Seoul to Busan

  1. Getting there

    Fly direct from London Heathrow to Seoul with Virgin Atlantic. Daily flights start 29th March 2026, and will operate year-round. Our partner airline Korean Air operates flights between Seoul and Busan, which take approximately 1 hour.

  2. Do I need a visa?

    If you’re travelling on a British Citizen passport, you can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. You’ll just need to apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) online before you travel.

Need more travel tips or holiday help?

Busan is South Korea’s laid-back coastal city, known for its beaches, fresh seafood and vibrant markets. It blends modern energy with natural beauty, from the sands of Haeundae Beach to the colourful hillside houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. With its buzzing harbourfront and scenic temples, Busan is the perfect escape for travellers looking to unwind while still soaking up local culture.

The best time to visit Busan is spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) - expect mild weather, blue skies, and colourful cherry blossoms or foliage. Summer brings beach buzz and lively festivals, while winter is quieter but still scenic.

Travelling from Seoul to Busan is quick and easy. Fly with our partners Korean Air between the two cities, or take the train (the KTX high-speed train takes just 2.5–3 hours, running regularly throughout the day). Long-distance buses are also available, but the train is often the most convenient.

Busan offers a mix of coast, culture and cuisine. Whether you’re exploring local life or relaxing by the water, Busan is full of memorable moments. Don’t miss:

  • Haeundae Beach for sea views and cafés

  • Gamcheon Culture Village for street art and photo stops

  • Jagalchi Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market

  • Beomeosa Temple, nestled in the hills

  • A visit to Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest department store

Yes, Busan is an ideal introduction to South Korea, especially if you’re drawn to the coast. It’s less intense than Seoul, but still full of energy, culture and great food. English signage is common, the metro system is easy to use, and the city has a friendly, relaxed pace.

Busan is a seafood lover’s paradise - don’t leave without trying sannakji (fresh octopus), grilled clams, or hot fishcake soup from a market stall. For something heartier, try milmyun (Busan-style cold noodles) or pajeon (savory seafood pancake). Whether it’s casual street food or sit-down dining, Busan’s flavours are bold, fresh and unforgettable.

Why you'll love flying with Virgin Atlantic

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