Colorful rooftops and winding streets of Busan at dusk, with city lights beginning to shine and the harbor in the distance.

Busan, Japan

Cruises to Busan

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Things to do in Busan

Busan might be South Korea’s second-largest city, but it doesn’t play second fiddle when it comes to memorable experiences. This is a city that embraces opposites — and invites you to dive into the in-between. You’ll find ancient temples tucked into wooded hillsides, bold street markets humming with life and modern neighborhoods that seem to climb the sky. 

Whether you’re tracing history, tasting your way through town or catching sea breezes at every turn, a cruise to Busan reveals something new around every corner. Walkable and welcoming, the city pulls you in with its contrasts — and keeps you there with its warmth.

Explore things to do in Busan
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  • Hillside neighborhood filled with colorful houses and painted buildings, set against green forested hills and a bright blue sky.

    Explore the winding, mural-covered alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, often dubbed Korea’s most colorful neighborhood.

  • Colorful temple buildings perched on rocky cliffs beside the ocean, with a stone bridge leading to Haedong Yonggungsa in Busan.

    Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically perched along the coast — a rare seaside setting for a Buddhist sanctuary that’s as scenic as it is serene.

  • Large red “HAEUNDAE” letters on a sandy beach at sunset with tall buildings and colorful sky in the background.

    Join locals and travelers alike at Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most beloved shorelines, where walking paths, public art and ocean air create a perfect blend.

  • Pile of live sea snails displayed on a blue plastic tray at a seafood stall in Busan’s Jagalchi Market.

    Explore Jagalchi Fish Market, where seafood stalls brim with just-caught clams, octopus and more — and the energy is as authentic as the flavors.

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Shore excursions to explore Busan

Busan’s shore excursions cover the spectrum, from spiritual sanctuaries to modern cityscapes. Whether you're tracing the legacy of ancient dynasties or taking in views from the coastline, there’s no shortage of ways to see South Korea’s second city through a fresh lens.

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  • Traditional Korean temple with stone stairs and colorful wooden architecture framed by vivid red maple leaves in autumn.

    Best of Gyeong-Ju

    Spend a day exploring Gyeong-Ju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. Visit Tumuli Park to see royal tombs, browse treasures at the National Museum and enjoy a traditional Korean lunch. Then head to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked into Mt. Tohamsan. History, architecture and nature meet in this immersive full-day outing.

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  • Wide sandy beach curving along the shoreline with calm waves, city buildings and forested hills in the background.

    Best of Busan

    See the full spectrum of Busan life such as the sea-swept Haedong Yonggungsa Temple or city markets buzzing with color. This day tour includes photo stops at Haeundae Beach and a walk through Yongdusan Park, with shopping stops at Gukje Market and Jagalchi Fish Market. It's a deep dive into local culture with a flavorful buffet lunch.

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  • Colorful temple buildings perched on rocky cliffs beside the ocean, with a stone bridge leading to Haedong Yonggungsa in Busan.

    Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

    Soak up ocean views and spiritual calm at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, uniquely set along the rocky coast. After climbing 108 steps past statues and pagodas, take in this serene landmark. You'll also visit Dongbaekseom Island and the APEC House before heading to Gukje Market, with a glimpse of the 24,000-foot Gwangan Grand Bridge en route.

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  • Piles of fresh fish of various colors and sizes displayed on green trays at a seafood stall in Jagalchi Market.

    Ja-Gal-Ch’i Market & Beomeosa Temple

    Visit two of Busan’s cultural icons on this half-day outing. First stop: Beomeosa Temple, founded in 678 A.D. and home to a centuries-old three-stone pagoda. Then head downtown to Ja-Gal-Ch’i Market, a seafood haven founded by women vendors during the Korean War — and still buzzing with life, flavors and local color.

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  • Woman relaxing at the edge of a warm, steamy spa bath at Spa Land in Busan, wrapped in a towel with eyes closed.

    Korean Spa Experience & Market

    Slip into pure relaxation at Spa Land in Shinsegae Centum City, a public bathhouse with 13 themed spas and a traditional Finnish sauna. After your soak, head to Gukje Market to browse for gifts, try street food or just soak up the scene. It’s a blissful combo of pampering and people-watching.

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  • Aerial view of ancient tomb mounds surrounded by forest, set amid dense urban buildings and distant mountains in Busan, South Korea.

    Busan — Past & Present

    Explore Busan’s evolving story on this tour of culture, history and shopping. Begin at Bokcheon Museum, home to artifacts from the Three Kingdoms period and nearby ancient tombs. Then head to modern-day Busan with stops at Yongdusan Park and Lotte Department Store, one of Korea’s premier shopping destinations.

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  • Street in Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan, lined with colorful buildings, wall murals and whimsical street art under a bright blue sky.

    Gamcheon Culture Village & Markets

    Explore Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside neighborhood of color, murals and maze-like alleys that locals have lovingly transformed. Then stroll the Songdo Sky Walk for ocean views and dragon-like curves. End your outing at Jagalchi and Gukje Markets, where food, crafts and keepsakes bring Busan’s spirit to life.

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  • Panoramic cityscape of Busan seen from X the Sky observatory, featuring tall skyscrapers, Gwangan Bridge and surrounding mountains at sunset.

    Temple by the Sea & X the SKY Observatory

    From the crashing waves near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple to the clouds above X the SKY, this tour hits high notes. After exploring the seaside sanctuary, head 100 floors up for panoramic views of Busan. Cap off your journey in Gukje Market, where alleyways burst with local flavors and finds.

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Experience the Busan port on your next cruise

Cruises to Busan blend coastal beauty with vibrant city life, and arriving by sea lets you experience both from the moment you step off the ship. This bustling port is your jumping-off point to temples that hug the shore, markets alive with seafood and souvenirs and neighborhoods where tradition meets the modern edge. Cruise to South Korea on a Princess Japan cruise and discover a city that knows how to keep you curious.

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14-Day Grand Japan with Fall Foliage

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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19-Day Grand Japan with Okinawa & Taiwan

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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10-Day Japan Explorer

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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Enjoy the Ancient Sights and Modern Twists of Busan with Princess Cruises

Busan stands out with a rhythm all its own — part city pulse, part sea breeze. One moment you’re wandering ancient temple grounds, the next you're sampling street food steps from the waterfront. Cruising with Princess brings you closer to the contrast and character that make this port unforgettable.

Cruises to Busan
Aerial night view of Busan with illuminated skyscrapers, highways and the glowing Gwangandaegyo Bridge stretching over the water.

Soak in Busan’s electric skyline from above as Gwangandaegyo Bridge lights up the bay in dazzling style.

A cast iron pot containing a red spicy Korean stew with tofu slices, vegetables, and broth, accompanied by grilled meat and lettuce leaves on a dining table.

A bubbling hot pot of spicy Korean stew with tofu, vegetables, and red chili broth served alongside grilled meat and fresh greens.

Ships sailing to Busan

Step aboard and experience Asia’s captivating coastlines in comfort and style with Princess.

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Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess®

Stroll through the glass-roofed Piazza, dip into the Izumi Japanese Bath or take your seat for a live performance in the grand theater. Every detail is designed to keep you immersed, even between ports.

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Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess®

With wide decks and cozy lounges to enjoy ocean views, Sapphire Princess® sets the tone for exploring Busan’s mix of nature and heritage.

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Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

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  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

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  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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Cruise deals and promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

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Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

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