Monthly Breakdown for Digital Nomads, Solo Travellers, and Reset Seekers

I never really got the appeal of Busan. My cousin once said it was the one place in Korea he’d go back to, so I was intrigued. I always thought I was more of a city girl — but Busan proved me wrong.

This coastal city surprised me. Beautiful sea views, incredible seafood, and an energy that’s way more relaxed than Seoul — but never boring.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD1,600
→ Stayed near Haeundae Beach — worth every cent. Close to the beach and local markets. Morning runs with ocean views? Yes please.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD50/day
→ Street food was super affordable, but I splurged on BBQ and crab. No regrets.
🚇 Transport: SGD300
→ Higher than expected. Even a basic bus ride can cost more than a few dollars — sometimes more than Singapore. But they’re reliable and on time.
🎡 Activities: SGD250
→ Took some rides, explored a few attractions. Enough to stay entertained without burning out.
💄 Grooming: SGD300
→ It’s Korea. Beauty products were bought. We move.

Total: ~SGD4,000

📌 You could do it for less — but this balance worked for me.

🏡 Where to Stay in Busan

✔️ Haeundae Beach — I stayed here and loved it. Beach, markets, shopping streets, and I even got fireworks views from my apartment (close to Christmas). Walkable to Blue Line Park and cafes too.
✔️ Gwangalli Beach — Visited during a firework fest and the crowd was intense. Good for energy, but Haeundae feels better if you want a quieter stay with similar views.

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Airbnb pros: Great for short stays (1–3 months), and usually includes WiFi and utilities.
✅ Long-term rentals save 20–30%: If you’re staying 3+ months, going local is way more budget-friendly.

📌 If convenience matters more than cost — and especially in winter — Airbnb is still a solid, hassle-free choice.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Busan (SGD50/day)

✔️ Gaemijip (Main Branch) — I had this almost every day. Caveat: most Korean spots require at least two diners. They let me dine solo if I ordered two portions. Some places wouldn’t — even if I could pay and finish it (tragic).
✔️ Toppoki at Haeundae Market — Generous portions and super comforting.
✔️ Honeycomb Ice Cream — Yes, I had this in winter. Yes, it was still worth it.

📌 If you’re solo, always check if they’ll let you dine in — some spots are strict.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD300 for the Month)

✔️ Public transport is great but unexpectedly pricey.
✔️ Buses and metros are frequent and on time — but cost can add up.

📌 Consider getting a local transport card and topping up in bulk.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ WiFi in my accommodation was decent.
✔️ Cafes had mixed results — some better than others.

📌 Overall, okay for digital nomads if you’re not on video calls all day.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Busan

✔️ Skyline Luge Ride – Fun and a bit touristy — worth it for the views.

✔️ Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Gorgeous coastal views, lots of stairs, and lots of tourists.
✔️ Blue Line Sky Park – Scenic and iconic. Great photos, but can get crowded.

✔️ Spa Land Centum City – Must-go. Clean, relaxing, and the body scrub? Life-changing.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD4,000 Worth It?

✔️ A soft coastal reset with good food and even better skincare finds? Absolutely.
✔️ Not the cheapest in Korea, but not overwhelming either.
✔️ Best for solo travellers who want a mix of nature, food, and a little sparkle.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Solo travellers who need peace and seafood
• Beauty shoppers on a mission
• People who thought they were city-only types (but maybe aren’t)