Starting on Friday, December 15, Visit Busan Pass sales are temporarily on hold. If you have already purchased it for your trip or are planning to do so for your next trip, here’s what you need to know.
Temporary Suspension of VISIT BUSAN PASS Sales – Know Before You Go
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has designated Busan as one of South Korea’s five tourism hubs. This coastal city, located in southeastern South Korea, is famous for its mouthwatering seafood and burgeoning specialty coffee culture. To support its tourism development, Busan has received backing from the Korea Tourism Organization for the period of 2020 to 2025.
To help independent foreign travelers explore the city’s hidden gems, Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Tourism Organization launched the Visit Busan Pass in February 2023. This pass offers a curated itinerary of lesser-known restaurants and attractions across Busan.
Notice of VISIT BUSAN PASS Temporary Sales Suspension
Due to provide better service, the Visit Busan Pass is not available for purchases from December 15, 2023 (Friday) to January 31, 2024 (Wednesday). Visit Busan Pass will return with improved service on February 01, 2024. However, if you have already purchased the pass, you can exchange and use it during the suspension period. If you have yet to use any pass benefits or open the package, you can get a refund within 180 days from the date of purchase.
The refund policy for the Visit Busan Pass will vary. If you purchase from a seller other than the official page of Visit Busan Pass, the refund conditions shall be in accordance with the seller’s refund policy.
For online purchases, review the refund policy specified by the vendor. For offline purchases, inquire about the refund policy at the vendor or the tourist information center where you obtained the pass.
Please note that once you enter a tourist attraction multiple times or use it as a transportation card, it will be considered activated. As a result, refunds will not be possible.
Lost passes are also non-refundable and non-re-issued. It’s important to be aware that the sites accessible through the pass may change without prior notice, so checking the official website before and after purchasing the pass is advisable.
What is the Visit Busan Pass?
The Visit Busan Pass is a free pass that grants access to over 30 popular tourist attractions in Busan. With the pass, you can enjoy free entry to must-see sites in Busan, from Busan Tower, where visitors can see the panoramic view of Busan, to “Busan Aquarium,” where you can meet various marine creatures. But that’s not all – the pass also comes with special discounts for shopping, dining, and other attractions in the city.
Not only can you enjoy these incredible perks, but the pass also includes the added benefit of free usage of the city tour bus and pre-paid subway. Whether you’re exploring the city’s famous landmarks or hopping between attractions, you won’t have to worry about transportation costs. On top of that, the pass offers discounts at over 120 establishments across Busan. From restaurants to shopping centers and even other tourist attractions, you can enjoy additional savings while you explore.
The Visit Busan Pass is available in both card and mobile app forms. The physical card, obtained through a rechargeable transportation card, showcases the unique charm of Busan. Meanwhile, the Visit Busan Pass mobile app conveniently provides all the necessary information. With the Busan free pass and the app on your phone, you can efficiently navigate the city and enjoy cost savings as you explore its beauty.
Types of Visit Busan Pass
The Visit Busan Pass offers various options to suit your needs and durations. You can select from different variants, including the 24-hour pass, 48-hour pass, Big 3 pass, and Big 5 pass. Prices range from KRW 45,000 to KRW 69,000.
For long-stay MICE visitors, like medical tourists and overseas students, the Big 3 and Big 5 passes are ideal choices. You can enjoy the flexibility of these passes, which provide benefits for up to six months at three or five affiliate stores of your choice. One of the key advantages is the absence of time restrictions, allowing you to utilize the benefits at your convenience.
When you purchase the Big 3 pass, you can choose three attractions from over 30 options in Busan. Similarly, with the Big 5 pass, you can select five attractions from the same list. You can get a 50% discount on both the Big 3 and Big 5 passes when you purchase them through Visit Busan Pass’s official website. These passes offer an excellent opportunity to explore and experience the best of Busan at a discounted price.
How to Buy Visit Busan Pass?
You have two options for purchasing the Visit Busan Pass:
1. Online: You can conveniently purchase the pass online by visiting www.visitbusanpass.com. After signing up or logging in, navigate to the “BUY PASS” section and select the pass that suits your needs.
2. Offline: If you prefer an in-person experience, you can purchase the pass at various locations. These include tourist information centers, major hotels in the Busan area, and critical transportation facilities like Busan Station.
How to Explore Busan Without Using the Visit Busan Pass
If you are already planning your trip during the temporary suspension of Visit Busan Pass, you can still enjoy a fulfilling and immersive experience exploring the vibrant city of Busan. One option is to utilize public transportation. Another is to join walking tours. Lastly, you can embark on bicycle tours.
Public Transportation
Busan offers an extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, subways, and taxis. You can easily purchase a T-Money Card at convenience stores or subway stations. This card allows you to pay for your transportation conveniently. Recharging the card is also possible at convenience stores or subway stations. The subway fares vary depending on the distance, ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 won. On the other hand, bus fares are fixed at 1,300 won. If you prefer a guided experience, you can also opt for the Busan City Tour Bus, which takes you to major tourist attractions in the city.
Walking Tours
Explore Busan on foot by taking advantage of walking tours. There are various walking tours available that cover different parts of the city. Some popular options include the Gamcheon Culture Village Walking Tour, the Taejongdae Walking Tour, and the Haeundae Beach Walking Tour. These tours allow you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.
Bicycle Tours
Experience Busan’s beauty on a bicycle tour. There are several bicycle tours available that cover different areas of the city. Some popular options include the Gwangan Bridge Night View Bicycle Tour, Haeundae Beach Bicycle Tour, and Songdo Beach Bicycle Tour. Cycling around Busan offers a unique perspective and allows for flexibility and exploration at your own pace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even during the temporary suspension of Visit Busan Pass sales, there are ample opportunities to explore the vibrant city of Busan through alternative means. Whether utilizing public transportation, joining walking tours, or embarking on bicycle tours, travelers can still enjoy the rich cultural and scenic offerings of Busan. For those planning to purchase the Visit Busan Pass, the upcoming improvements promise an enhanced experience for exploring the city’s attractions.
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