Comparison · Busan vs Fukuoka · South Korea / Japan
Busan vs Fukuoka
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Brit in Seoul, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Busan for Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and free sights; choose Fukuoka for Hakata tonkotsu ramen and Yatai food stalls. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 215 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 215 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Busan
- April–May and September–November
- Best time for Fukuoka
- March–May and October–November
Side by side
| Busan | Fukuoka | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | Japan |
| Known for | Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village | Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls and Mentaiko |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–November | March–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$200 | $110–$220 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | August, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 8°C (46°F) | January, 10°C (50°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Beaches | Haeundae Beach | Momochi Seaside Park beach |
| Airports | PUS | FUK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Busan for…
Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and free sights. Korea's second city and largest port wraps around a mountainous coastline on the country's southeastern tip, about 2.5 hours from Seoul by KTX. Visitors split their time between the beaches of Haeundae and Gwangalli, the markets and hillside villages of the…
Choose Fukuoka for…
Hakata tonkotsu ramen and Yatai food stalls. Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest city, with about 1.6 million people, and one of Japan's easiest to visit: the airport is two subway stops from Hakata Station and about 11 minutes from the Tenjin shopping district. The city has two centres — Hakata, the old…
Top sights compared
| # | Busan | Fukuoka |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haeundae Beach | Yatai food stalls |
| 2 | Gamcheon Culture Village | Ohori Park |
| 3 | Haedong Yonggungsa | Fukuoka Castle ruins |
| 4 | Jagalchi Fish Market | Kushida Shrine |
| 5 | Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge | Tocho-ji |
Food compared
| Busan | Fukuoka |
|---|---|
| Pork and rice soup | Hakata ramen |
| Wheat cold noodles | Mentaiko |
| Fish cake | Motsunabe |
| Seed-filled pancake | Mizutaki |
Which is cheaper?
Busan and Fukuoka cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $110–$200 in Busan and $110–$220 in Fukuoka (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Busan on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Busan and Fukuoka are about 215 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Busan and 4 in Fukuoka.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Busan or Fukuoka cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $110–$200 in Busan and $110–$220 in Fukuoka (estimates).
+Is Busan or Fukuoka better for a first trip?
Pick Busan for Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and free sights, or Fukuoka for Hakata tonkotsu ramen and Yatai food stalls.
+How far is Busan from Fukuoka?
About 215 km in a straight line.