Taiwanese Travelers Are Skipping Tokyo and Seoul — Now 370,000 Are Rushing to This One Destination: Delicious, Fun, Affordable, and Addictive

Busan has seen a surge in popularity among Taiwanese travelers, now officially becoming the city’s largest overseas visitor market. According to Busan city statistics, 1,936,572 foreign tourists visited from January to May 2024, a 40% increase from the same period last year — significantly outpacing South Korea’s overall foreign tourist growth of around 21%. Among them, 375,322 were from Taiwan, marking a 50% year-on-year increase and surpassing major markets like China and Japan to become Busan’s top overseas source.

Travel platform data further confirms rising Taiwanese interest in Busan. KKday reports that bookings for Busan-related travel products on its platform increased by over 17% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Travel patterns are also shifting: beyond traditional sightseeing tickets and transit passes, travelers are increasingly drawn to experiential activities such as marine sports, night yacht cruises, and day trips to nearby areas around Busan.

What makes Busan so appealing? Top experiences revealed

Based on KKday’s sales data, the three most popular products in Busan are the 'Busan Pass,' the 'Haeundae Blue Line Park Coastal Train & Sky Capsule Train,' and the 'Gwanganli Shared Yacht Experience.' First-time visitors are encouraged to include the Haeundae coastal train and Sky Capsule Train in their itinerary, offering scenic views along the coastline starting from NT$1,109 per person. For those who enjoy outdoor and water activities, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) or surfing experiences in Gwanganli start from NT$236 per person, ideal for travelers seeking a fresh way to explore Busan.

At night, Gwanganli remains a hotspot. In addition to admiring the Gwangan Bridge night view, visitors can catch drone light shows on weekends. For a unique perspective, nighttime yacht cruises offer stunning cityscapes from the water. Travelers aiming to visit multiple attractions efficiently may consider the Busan Pass, starting at NT$946, which grants access to theme parks, observation decks, jjimjilbangs, and other unique experiences based on personal itineraries.

Real visitor reviews from Taiwanese tourists highlight strong satisfaction. Many comment: 'Busan never gets old — my family of three traveled there in June for under NT$50,000,' 'The fastest and most cost-effective way is to buy the Busan Pass — just align your flight times with your must-visit spots, and planning your itinerary and accommodation becomes easy,' 'Using the Busan Pass made sightseeing fun — I highly recommend SkyLuge, my top pick, and the Songdo Sea Cable Car and capsule train were also great,' 'I fell in love with Busan on my first visit — it’s definitely a place I’d fly back to,' 'Compared to Seoul, I prefer Busan’s overall travel experience — especially Haeundae and Gwanganli, with their resort-like atmosphere, relaxed pace, and meaningful stories behind each site. The locals are friendly, and it’s more affordable than traveling to Japan — all reasons I want to return and explore more food and sights,' 'After a 5-day, 4-night independent trip, I truly understand why people say Busan is addictive. The open seascape and human warmth are something Seoul can’t offer,' and 'Busan is amazing — delicious, fun, and convenient! Perfect for families, friends, or couples.'

Busan isn’t just a summer destination. Each season offers unique experiences. In autumn, travelers can use Busan as a base to visit Gyeongju and explore historical sites, or extend their trip to other famous autumn foliage spots in Korea. One of the most anticipated events in the second half of 2024 is the Busan Fireworks Festival, scheduled for November 7, where large-scale fireworks will be synchronized with the Gwangan Bridge night view, attracting massive domestic and international crowds.

Source: KKday