From Busan Gimhae International Airport, take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail (BGLRT) to Sasang Station, then Busan Metro Line 2eastbound to Gwangalli Station: about 45 to 50 minutes and approximately 2,800 won. Gwangalli is slightly closer to the airport than Haeundae.
Quick Answer: BGLRT from Gimhae Airport to Sasang, then Line 2 to Gwangalli Station: 45 to 50 minutes, approximately 2,800 won, one transfer. Exit 3 at Gwangalli Station is a 5-minute walk from the beach and the famous Gwangan Bridge night view.
Best Route
BGLRT + Line 2 (recommended): Busan-Gimhae Light Rail from Gimhae Airport to Sasang Station (about 30 minutes). Transfer to Busan Metro Line 2 eastbound toward Haeundae/Jangsan direction. Ride to Gwangalli Station (210). About 15 minutes from Sasang.
Taxi: About 30 to 45 minutes, 25,000 to 40,000 won. More comfortable with luggage but significantly more expensive.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: At Gimhae Airport, follow signs for the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail (BGLRT). Take the BGLRT toward Sasang. About 30 minutes to Sasang Station.
Step 2: At Sasang Station, transfer to Busan Metro Line 2 (green line) eastbound toward Jangsan or Haeundae direction. Ride to Gwangalli Station (210)—about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Exit Gwangalli Station from Exit 3. Walk 5 minutes south to Gwangalli Beach. The Gwangan Bridge is visible ahead.
Cost
BGLRT + Line 2: Approximately 2,800 won.
Taxi: 25,000 to 40,000 won.
Travel Time
BGLRT + Line 2: 45 to 50 minutes.
Taxi: 30 to 45 minutes.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Gimhae Airport to Gwangalli Beach costs approximately 25,000 to 40,000 won and takes 30 to 45 minutes. Gwangalli is slightly closer to the airport than Haeundae, making the taxi fare slightly lower. For groups of 3 or 4 with luggage, splitting the fare makes the taxi very practical.
Best Option with Luggage
A taxi from the airport is the most comfortable option for those arriving at Gimhae with large luggage and heading to Gwangalli. The BGLRT plus subway is manageable with standard bags but involves a transfer at Sasang Station.
Best Option Late at Night
Busan Metro Line 2 from Gwangalli runs until approximately midnight. For late-night arrivals at Gimhae Airport, check if the last BGLRT still connects to the last Haeundae-bound Line 2 train. If timing is tight, a taxi from the airport is more reliable.
Nearby Guides
- Gwangalli Beach Guide
- Haeundae Beach Guide
- Haeundae to Gwangalli
- Busan Station to Gwangalli Beach
- Busan Travel Guide
- Busan Planning Guide
FAQ
Is Gwangalli a good first stop from Gimhae Airport?
Yes. Gwangalli has excellent cafes, seafood restaurants, and the famous night view of the Gwangan Bridge. If arriving in the evening, the Gwangan Bridge illumination makes Gwangalli a spectacular first impression of Busan.
Is Gwangalli or Haeundae better for accommodation?
Haeundae has more international hotels and a larger beach. Gwangalli has more independent guesthouses and a stronger local cafe and bar scene. Gwangalli is also marginally closer to the airport. See the
From Gwangalli, how do I reach other Busan attractions?
From Gwangalli, you can reach Haeundae in 8 minutes on Line 2 (see Gwangalli Beach, which is a favourite among Busan residents and more local-feeling than Haeundae. The beach has a strong cafe culture, with roasters and specialty coffee shops along the promenade. Evening at Gwangalli is particularly atmospheric as the Gwangan Bridge illuminates and the beachfront bars fill up. It is one of the best places in Busan to spend an evening.
From Gimhae Airport, Gwangalli is slightly closer than Haeundae. The BGLRT to Sasan,d then Line 2 to Gwangall, takes about 45 to 50 minutes. For visitors who plan to spend most of their time in Busan near the beaches, Gwangalli is a slightly more convenient and more interesting base than Haeundae for most travel styles.
The Gwangan Bridge (Diamond Bridge) is the most recognized Busan landmark. It is a suspension bridge connecting the Suyeong district and the Haeundae district, and it is illuminated every night. The view from Gwangalli Beach is the most famous perspective on the bridge.
