Your First 30 Days in Busan: What to Do, and in What Order
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You landed. Now what? Most new students try to do everything at once and get stuck, because one step often needs another. Here is the order that works.
Getting from the airport to Busan
Most long-haul flights arrive at Incheon Airport near Seoul. (Some flights from nearby Asian cities land directly at Gimhae Airport in Busan.) From Incheon you have three main options:
- Train: AREX airport train to Seoul Station, then KTX to Busan Station. About 3 to 4 hours in total.
- Bus: a direct airport bus from Incheon to Busan. About 5 hours, and you do not need to change with heavy luggage.
- Domestic flight: Incheon (or Gimpo) to Gimhae Airport in Busan. About 1 hour of flying.
If you land at Gimhae Airport (PUS), take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail and change to the subway at Sasang (Line 2) or Daejeo (Line 3). This is the cheapest way into the city.
Staying in Seoul for your first night?
Many students land late, visit friends, or rest a night in Seoul before heading south. The easiest way into the city with heavy suitcases is the airport limousine bus: your bags go under the bus, you sit down, and you get off near your hotel. No stairs, no subway transfers.
Easiest with heavy luggage · 4.7★ · 100K+ booked
Incheon Airport Limousine Bus
- 16 routes to Myeongdong, City Hall, Dongdaemun and more
- One-way from about USD 13, or round trip
- Ticket valid for 30 days, swap it at the airport counter
Affiliate link. Show your QR code at the counter near Exits 5–6 at the airport.
Week 1: phone and a place to live
- Buy a prepaid SIM or eSIM at the airport. You only need your passport. How to get a phone number in Korea →
- Move into your dorm or room and get a document that shows your address (dorm check-in confirmation or lease). Types of housing in Korea →
- Get a transport card (T-money or Cashbee) for buses and the subway. How to use buses and the subway →
Weeks 1–2: book your ARC
Your ARC (Alien Registration Card) unlocks almost everything else: a full bank account, a monthly phone plan, and part-time work permission. You must apply within 90 days of arrival, but do it early.
- Ask your university's international office first. Many Busan universities help with group applications.
- If you apply on your own, book a visit on HiKorea.
Read our step-by-step guide: How to get your ARC.
Weeks 2–3: open a bank account
You can open an account with your passport and proof of address before your ARC arrives, but it usually comes with low daily limits. Once you have your ARC, go back to the bank to lift the limits. Rules differ between banks and branches, so bring every document you have.
After your ARC arrives
- Switch to a monthly phone plan if you want (budget carriers are much cheaper). See our phone guide.
- Upgrade your bank account.
- Sign up for the Dongbaek Pass, Busan's transit refund program (see our transport guide).
Want all of this in one checklist? Get the free Korea Arrival Checklist.
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