Busan Pass: The Difference Between the 24-Hour and BIG3 Options

The deciding factor is “how many places you’ll visit in one day.” If you plan to visit three or more places intensively in a single day, the time-based pass (₩55,000 for 24 hours) is better. If you prefer to take your time and spread your sightseeing over two days, the BIG option (BIG3・₩45,000) is more advantageous. Once you understand this point, your choices quickly narrow down to two.

Visit Busan Pass（비지트 부산 패스）comes in four plans. The time-based options are ₩55,000 for 24 hours and ₩85,000 for 48 hours, while the choice-based options are BIG3・₩45,000 and BIG5・₩65,000. Although they are all called the “Busan Pass,” they actually combine two different types: one that expires based on time and one that is purchased based on the number of facilities.

It’s natural to feel unsure because the deciding factor is not the “price” but “how you travel.” The best approach is to read through this while keeping your itinerary in mind.

Compare all four plans at a glance

Let’s start with the overall picture. The time-based options offer unlimited visits to more than 40 popular attractions, while the choice-based options let you select only the facilities you want to visit and use them within 180 days of purchase.

Plan	Price	Validity	Contents
Time-based 24 hours	₩55,000	24 hours	Unlimited visits to more than 40 attractions
Time-based 48 hours	₩85,000	48 hours	Unlimited visits to more than 40 attractions
BIG3	₩45,000	Within 180 days of purchase	Three facilities from the eligible facilities
BIG5	₩65,000	Within 180 days of purchase	Five facilities from the eligible facilities

Looking at the numbers, the difference between the 24-hour option (₩55,000) and BIG3 (₩45,000) is ₩10,000. The choice is whether to spend that extra ₩10,000 to get “unlimited access” or buy “three passes without being bound by a time limit.” The prices and plan details are based on the information on Trip.com’s Busan Pass guide page.

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These four attractions are the main highlights

The eligible facilities include the must-visit attractions of any Busan trip.

• Lotte World Adventure Busan（부산 롯데월드）— A large theme park in the Gijang area
• Songdo Marine Cable Car（송도해상케이블카）— A cable car that crosses over the sea
• Haeundae Blueline Park Beach Train（해운대 블루라인파크 해변열차）— A coastal train running along the former Donghae Nambu Line
• Busan X the Sky（부산 엑스 더 스카이）— A high-rise observation deck in Haeundae

In addition, you can get shopping and dining benefits at more than 160 establishments. However, the way to get your money's worth from the pass is to use it at facilities with high admission fees. You'll avoid miscalculating if you think of the benefits as a bonus.

Who the Time-Based Pass Is For

People who get moving first thing in the morning and can stay out in Busan until nighttime. Since the Time-Based Pass has no limit on the number of uses, the more you pack in—three or more places in a day—the lower the cost per attraction becomes. If your schedule allows you to enter Haeundae in the morning, take the train and visit the observatory, then head straight to Lotte World, even 55,000 won will give you plenty of value.

Who the BIG Pass Is For

Conversely, the Time-Based Pass is less advantageous for a spread-out itinerary, such as visiting markets and cafés on day one, then taking the cable car and visiting an observatory on day two. The moment you go beyond the 24-hour window, whatever you haven't used becomes a loss. BIG3 and BIG5 can be used within 180 days of purchase, so there is no problem using them across different days. You can even save them for your next trip to Korea.

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You May Not Be Able to Ride the Haeundae Blueline Park Even with a Pass

This is the biggest stumbling block. The coastal train tends to fill up from the morning, and some user reviews report being unable to board without an advance reservation. Having a pass and securing a seat are two separate issues.

Editor's note: This is especially important for people choosing the Time-Based Pass. If you have to spend time waiting for an available train slot within the 24-hour window, that reduces the number of attractions you can visit. If the train is the centerpiece of your itinerary, the safest approach is to secure a train slot first and arrange other attractions before and after it.

With BIG3, on the other hand, you have 180 days of flexibility, so even if the train is fully booked that day, you can go the next day. Whether your itinerary involves reservations that are difficult to predict is also something to consider when choosing between the Time-Based Pass and the BIG Pass.

The T-money Function on the Physical Card Is Quietly Useful

The physical card comes with T-money functionality. In other words, even after the pass expires, you can continue using it as a transportation card for subways and buses. You can load it with credit in Busan and take it with you on your next trip to Seoul.

This does not change the decision of whether to buy the pass itself, but it is a welcome feature for people who do not want to add another card. If you buy a new transportation card every time you travel, the physical card is worth considering.

Summary

If you plan to visit three or more attractions in one day, choose the Time Pass (24 hours: 55,000 won / 48 hours: 85,000 won). If you plan to split your visits over two days, choose the BIG Pass (BIG3: 45,000 won / BIG5: 65,000 won). The correct order for deciding is: ① Make a list of the facilities you want to visit → ② Check whether they fit into one day → ③ Choose your plan 🎡

And finally, there’s the Haeundae Blue Line Park Beach Train. If you want to include it in your itinerary, check whether reservations are available before deciding on the type of pass. The plan you choose will depend on whether you have a backup option in case you can’t board ✨

Frequently Asked Questions

Which should I choose: the Busan Pass 24-hour or 48-hour plan?

As a general rule, decide based on how many days you can pack with activities. If you plan to spend one full day exploring, choose the 24-hour plan for 55,000 won. If you can spend two consecutive days visiting attractions from morning to night, choose the 48-hour plan for 85,000 won. If you only have half a day on the second day, the 24-hour plan plus individual admissions is less likely to result in wasted money than the 48-hour plan.

How long do I have to use BIG3 and BIG5?

Within 180 days of purchase. You can use them across different days or split your visits during your stay, so they are suitable for people whose itineraries are not finalized or who visit one or two attractions per day. BIG3 costs 45,000 won, and BIG5 costs 65,000 won.

What happens to the card after the pass expires?

The physical card has a T-money function, so you can continue using it as a transportation card for subways and buses. You can top up the balance and use it in cities outside Busan as well, so it’s best not to throw it away.