Busan Grand Tour: Iconic Sights, Hidden Gems & Coastal Views

Nice Tour to some Highlights of Busan. Our guide Naon was super nice! She took good care of us. There was enough time to explore the sights on our own and it definitely makes sense to get a tour to avoid long times on public transportation in between the sights.

We saw a lot in this day but the group was really big and our guide by her own admission did not speak great English. She was reading from her phone when she did the English ‘bit’ which doesn’t make for what I would call a guide, but someone getting us on and off a bus at the right time with not much extra info. The tour was also conducted in Korean and Japanese (by a second guide). She managed to keep everyone under control and in the right place at the right time (even with some of the group being 5 to 10 minutes late at some locations) which is an achievement with about 40 people of varying nationalities. In my opinion it should be made clear that the lunch option is a fish restaurant. On all other group trips I’ve been the meal is usually a set priced buffet or prechosen low cost meal and although I didn’t go in the restaurant and found somewhere else, I don’t think this was the case here.

Fantastic tour and well worth the money. Catriona is very knowledgeable and engaging. There was a good amount of information and free time. Highly recommend.

The tour itself brought us to 4 amazing places, which I will discuss in a moment. But our host - Naon - made the experience special. Her friendly personality, extensive knowledge of history and background, advice how to maximize our time, and enthusiasm for her country and showing it to all of us was wonderful! She also speaks 3 languages fluently and, therefore, was able to accommodate others on the tour who did not understand English. This tour took us to a sea temple (Haedong Yonggungsa), sky bridge in Cheongsapo, Gamcheon culture village nestled in the mountains, and a seaside culture village, Huinnyeoul, which we all referred to as “Santorini” style. For lunch, we ate in Cheongsapo after the sky bridge. At Naomi’s recommended seafood restaurant, we ordered the grilled clams (3 types and abalone) and rock fish grilled at our table. There and a beachside restaurant in Koh Samui are the two freshest and delicious seafood meals I’ve ever had (and I live in Miami). We had plenty of time to enjoy each spot - never rushed. Comfy bus. Three drop off points to end the tour including Haeundae beach where we stayed. In sum, book this tour or else you will miss the jewels of Busan!

Naon was a great guide. She was super enthusiastic! I had a lovely day trip with her, went to some of the most beautiful and must see attractions. I recommend this tour a must do thing in Busan!

A very well organized trip. Katrina shared a lot of details before and after every experience. Including food suggestions and short cuts to avoid climbing stairs. She was very enthusiastic and peppy throughout. Highly recommended trip.

Temple stop was fantastic with unbelievable statues and stone figures. Ocean views were breath taking.

Everything I expected the trip to be. The views were breathtaking. Kayla had the best angles in taking out photos. I would 100% recommend this tour and Kayla to be your tour guide.

Kayla was a wonderful, captivating and funny tour guide! She was very informative about the history and significance of the temple and villages we went too. Wonderful way to see Busan and its sights all in one day!

Definitely recommend as Busan is a vast city and this tour covers most of the main sights. Varied and fun with good guides. My only criticism is the fact that after the last rather boring cafe stop it took exactly two hours to get to the drop off point. Could easily have skipped the last stop so called 'Santorini' of Busan ...it isn't. Could then have missed the rush hour. However enjoyed it and met some nice people in the tour.