Busan Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city and major port, is served by one international airport, Gimhae International Airport (PUS). As the primary gateway to the dynamic southeastern region of Korea, it offers extensive domestic connections and a growing network of international flights, particularly to other Asian countries. Understanding its two-terminal layout and transport links is key for a smooth visit.

Gimhae International Airport (PUS)

Overview: Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is the main airport serving Busan and the surrounding Gyeongsangnam-do region. Located in the city of Gimhae, approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) west of central Busan (Seomyeon district), it is a hub for Air Busan and a focus city for Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and several low-cost carriers (Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way Air).

Terminals: The airport operates two separate terminals.

• International Terminal: Handles all flights to and from destinations outside South Korea. It is the older of the two main terminals.
• Domestic Terminal: Handles all flights within South Korea. It is located adjacent to the International Terminal.
• New Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Terminal: In 2023, a brand-new, dedicated LCC Terminal (also called the “Budget Terminal”) opened to handle flights from low-cost airlines. This terminal is located about 2 km from the main terminals and is connected by a free, frequent shuttle bus. Always confirm which terminal your airline uses.

The terminals are functional but can become crowded. Clear signage is in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Getting to and from PUS:

• Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit (BGL):
  The most convenient and affordable rail link. The light rail station is connected to the Domestic/International terminals. It provides direct service to:
  
  – Sasang Station: Transfer to Busan Metro Line 2 (Green Line). This is the key interchange for reaching Seomyeon, Haeundae, and other parts of Busan.
  
  – Gadeok Airport Station: Transfer point for the LCC Terminal shuttle bus.
  
  Travel time to Sasang is about 15 minutes. A very cost-effective way to reach the metro network.
• Metro + Bus Combination:
  You can take a local bus from the airport to Deokcheon Station (Metro Line 2) or Daejeo Station (Metro Line 3).
• Airport Limousine Bus:
  Comfortable, direct buses to major areas in Busan. Useful if your hotel is near a bus stop.
  
  – Route 307: To Haeundae Beach.
  
  – Route 201: To Busan Station (via Seomyeon).
  
  – Route 310: To Gwangalli Beach (via Seomyeon).
  
  Purchase tickets from machines or pay with a T-money card. Journey times vary from 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
• Taxi:
  Available outside both main terminals and the LCC Terminal. Fares are metered. A trip to Seomyeon or Busan Station costs approximately ₩25,000-₩35,000 KRW ($19-$27 USD) and takes 40-70 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic. “International Taxis” (with English-speaking drivers) are also available at a premium.
• Car Rental:
  Counters for major agencies are located in the arrivals halls of the International and Domestic terminals.

Best for: All international and domestic travel to Busan.

Other Airfields

Gadeokdo New Airport (Future): A massive new international airport is under construction on Gadeokdo Island, slated to replace Gimhae Airport as Busan’s main gateway in the late 2020s/early 2030s. It is not yet operational.

Busan Air Base: A Republic of Korea Air Force facility located near the civilian airport. Not accessible to the public.

Which Busan Airport Should You Choose?

For all commercial airline passengers, Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is the only choice. The critical step is confirming which of its three terminals your flight uses: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal, or the new LCC Terminal.

Essential Travel Information for Gimhae Airport (PUS)

Terminal Strategy:

• Full-Service Airlines (Korean Air, Asiana): Use the main International or Domestic terminals.
• Low-Cost Carriers (Air Busan, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way, etc.): Likely use the new LCC Terminal. Check your itinerary carefully.
• Transfer Between Terminals: Free shuttle buses run between the main terminals and the LCC Terminal every 10-15 minutes (journey time ~5-10 mins). Allow at least 60-90 minutes for a landside transfer if you need to check-in at a different terminal.
• Facilities: The main terminals have a good range of shops and restaurants. The LCC Terminal is new and functional but may have fewer amenities.

Arrival Process at PUS (International Terminal):

1. Disembark & Follow Signs: Follow signs for “Arrival” (도착) and “Immigration” (입국심사).
2. Quarantine/Health: May be required depending on current regulations.
3. Immigration: Present passport and completed arrival card (often distributed on the plane). Have your Korean address ready.
4. Baggage Claim: Collect luggage.
5. Customs: Submit your customs declaration form and walk through. Bags may be X-rayed.
6. Arrivals Hall: Proceed to ground transport: light rail station (inside), taxi ranks, bus stops, and shuttle bus to LCC Terminal.

Departure Process at PUS:

1. Arrive Early: For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. For domestic flights, 2 hours early. Gimhae Airport can be very busy, especially during Korean holidays and summer weekends. Security and check-in lines for LCCs can be long.
2. Go to Correct Terminal: This is the most important step. Verify International, Domestic, or LCC Terminal.
3. Check-in: Find your airline counter. Self-service kiosks are widely available.
4. Security & Immigration:
   • Domestic: Pass through security to the gate area.
   • International: Pass through security, then clear Korean exit immigration.
5. Gate Area: Boarding often involves a bus transfer to a remote aircraft stand, even from the main terminals.

Ground Transport in Detail:

• Best for Most Travelers / Connecting to Metro: Busan-Gimhae Light Rail (BGL) to Sasang Station. Cheap, easy, and connects you to the heart of Busan’s subway system.
• Best for Direct to Hotel Area (Haeundae, Seomyeon): Airport Limousine Bus if your stop is convenient.
• Best for Door-to-Door / Groups: Taxi.
• To Haeundae Beach: Limousine Bus 307 (80+ mins) or Light Rail to Sasang + Metro Line 2 to Haeundae (60+ mins total).
• To Seomyeon (city center): Limousine Bus 201 or 310 (50-70 mins) or Light Rail to Sasang + one Metro stop (20 mins total).

Money & Connectivity:

• Currency: South Korean Won (KRW). ATMs and currency exchange are available in the International Terminal arrivals hall. Consider withdrawing cash or using a foreign-card-friendly ATM.
• SIM Cards / WiFi: Booths for major carriers (SKT, KT, LG U+) are in the International arrivals hall, selling prepaid SIMs and portable WiFi (pocket egg) rentals. Free WiFi is available at the airport.
• T-money Card: Purchase and top up this rechargeable transit card at convenience stores (CU, GS25) in the airport. It works on the light rail, metro, and buses, offering discounted fares.

Local Tip:

• If you have a long layover and your luggage is checked through, you can take the light rail to Sasang for a quick meal or explore the nearby districts.

Bottom Line: Gimhae Airport is a busy but manageable gateway. Your top priority is confirming your terminal (International, Domestic, or LCC). For transport, the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail is the standout choice for value and connection to the metro. Allow ample time for airport processes, especially during peak travel periods. With good planning, PUS provides efficient access to the vibrant coastal city of Busan.