How to Rent a Car in Busan – Best Busan Car Rental Guide & Driving Tips (2025)

Busan is a city with convenient public transportation, but renting a car in Busan is often the best option for travelers who want flexibility. While areas like Haeundae and Gwangalli are easily accessible by subway and bus, a rental car is essential for those planning a Busan road trip to explore outer regions such as Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gijang, and Geoje Island. However, driving in Busan can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. This Busan car rental guide will help you understand everything you need to know about renting a car, navigating local roads, and following driving safety tips for tourists visiting the city.

1. Why Renting a Car in Busan is the Best Choice for Travelers

• Public transportation is efficient, but it may not be ideal for visiting remote locations like Haedong Yonggungsa, Gijang, Tongyeong, or Geoje Island.
• Renting a car saves time and allows you to explore more places within a short trip.
• Ideal for family travel, road trips, and carrying luggage with ease.
• However, Busan has some of the most aggressive drivers in Korea, and certain roads can be difficult to navigate for beginners.

2. How to Rent a Car in Busan – A Complete 2025 Guide

🚗 Best Places to Rent a Car in Busan & Online Booking Tips

You can rent a car in Busan at several convenient locations:

• Gimhae International Airport: Major rental companies like AVIS, Hertz, and Lotte Rent-a-Car have offices here.
• Busan Station Area: Ideal for travelers arriving by KTX train.
• Haeundae & Gwangalli: Rental options available after enjoying the beachside attractions.
• Online Rental Platforms: Pre-booking via Rentalcars.com, Klook, or Skyscanner is recommended for better rates.

🏢 Top Busan Car Rental Companies You Can Trust in 2025

• Lotte Rent-a-Car (Available at Gimhae Airport, Haeundae, Busan Station)
• SK Rent-a-Car (Locations in Haeundae, Busan Station)
• International Brands: Hertz, AVIS, Sixt (Available at Gimhae Airport)

💻 Best Websites for Busan Car Rental – Get the Lowest Price!

• Rentalcars.com – International car rental comparison.
• Skyscanner Car Rental – Find competitive prices across different agencies.
• Klook & KKday – Offers discounts for travelers booking in advance.
• Naver & Kakao Car Rental – Useful for those who can navigate in Korean.

📋 Required Documents for Renting a Car

• For Korean Residents: Valid Korean driver’s license and a credit card.
• For Foreign Visitors:
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) – Must be issued from your home country before arrival.
  • Passport.
  • Credit card for payment and security deposit.

Learn how to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the U.S. from the DMV.“

Check official information on International Driving Permits for Korea at Visit Korea.”

3. Busan Car Rental Costs & Best Insurance Options for Tourists

(1) Busan Car Rental Price Guide – How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

• Compact Cars (Hyundai Avante, Kia K3, etc.): $40–$60 per day
• Midsize Cars (Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, etc.): $60–$90 per day
• SUVs (Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, etc.): $80–$120 per day
• Electric Vehicles (Hyundai Ioniq, Tesla, etc.): $70–$100 per day

Search for Busan car rentals on Klook and find the best deals.

(2) Insurance Options

• Basic insurance: Covers partial damages, but you may still need to pay for some repairs.
• Full coverage insurance: Covers all accident-related costs; recommended for international travelers.
• Insurance is not mandatory in Korea, but foreign visitors are highly advised to opt for full coverage.

4. Essential Driving Tips for Busan Car Rental Users

(1) Traffic Conditions

• Peak hours: Avoid driving between 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM due to heavy traffic.
• Tourist-heavy areas like Haeundae, Nampo-dong, and Gwangalli can be congested during weekends and holidays.
• Busan drivers are known for being aggressive, so defensive driving is a must.

(2) Where to Park Your Rental Car in Busan – Best Parking Tips

• Limited parking space in popular tourist areas (Haeundae, Nampo-dong, Gwangalli).
• Use public parking lots, or park at shopping malls and hotels that offer free parking.
• Busan has a public parking app to find available spaces.

“If driving on Busan’s roads feels overwhelming, taking a bus tour is a safe and convenient alternative for exploring the city. For more details, check here.”

5. Final Thoughts: When Should You Rent a Car in Busan?

🚗 When Renting a Car is Useful

• If you’re planning a trip to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gijang, Ilgwang, or other remote areas with fewer public transport options.
• If you have a packed travel schedule and want to maximize your time.
• If you’re traveling with family or a group and need extra luggage space.
• If you plan to explore outside of Busan, such as Tongyeong or Geoje.

🚕 When Renting a Car is Not Necessary

• If you’re mainly exploring tourist-friendly areas like Haeundae, Gwangalli, Nampo-dong, and Seomyeon—these places are well-connected by public transport and taxis.
• If you want to avoid parking hassles—finding parking in Busan can be difficult and expensive.
• If you’re a beginner driver—Busan traffic can be aggressive, and some roads are challenging.
• If you prefer stress-free travel—taxis are affordable and can take you anywhere within the city without worrying about navigation or parking.

Busan isn’t a huge city, and even if you travel from one end to the other, it usually takes less than an hour by car. While public transportation is reliable, renting a car can provide more flexibility for those venturing beyond the city limits, where public transport options are limited.

🚖 How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Busan?

• Taxis in Busan are relatively affordable compared to Western countries.
• Base fare: ~$3 (4,800 KRW) for the first 1.6 km
• Additional fare: ~$0.80 (1,000 KRW) per km
• From Busan Station to Haeundae: Around $12-15 (~15,000-20,000 KRW)
• From Haeundae to Gwangalli: Around $7-10 (~9,000-13,000 KRW)
• Late-night surcharge (midnight – 4 AM): 20% extra charge
• For the most accurate estimate, use Kakao T (Kakao Taxi) app, which also provides fare estimates before booking.

🚉 Best Tourist Areas with Good Public Transportation

• Haeundae Beach – Easily accessible via Subway Line 2 (Haeundae Station), as well as frequent buses and taxis.
• Gwangalli Beach – Subway Line 2 (Geumnyeonsan or Gwangan Station) with plenty of buses and taxis.
• Nampo-dong & Jagalchi Market – Subway Line 1 (Nampo Station) with bus connections.
• Seomyeon – The central hub with Subway Lines 1 & 2, making it one of the most connected areas.
• Busan Station – Subway Line 1 and the main KTX hub for travelers coming from Seoul or other cities.

6.Driving Tips for Busan

(1) Traffic Conditions

• Peak hours: Avoid driving between 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM due to heavy traffic.
• Tourist-heavy areas like Haeundae, Nampo-dong, and Gwangalli can be congested during weekends and holidays.
• Busan drivers are known for being aggressive, so defensive driving is a must.

(2) Parking in Busan

• Limited parking space in popular tourist areas (Haeundae, Nampo-dong, Gwangalli).
• Use public parking lots, or park at shopping malls and hotels that offer free parking.
• Busan has a public parking app to find available spaces.

(3) Dangerous Roads in Busan – What Car Rental Users Should Know

Driving in Busan isn’t for the faint of heart, and some roads are best avoided, even by experienced drivers. If you’re a beginner, trust me, skip these roads!

Busan Harbor Bridge (Busan Hangdaegyo):

This isn’t just a high bridge—it’s a full-blown rollercoaster ride in a car. The bridge sits at a dizzying height with steep inclines, sharp turns, and terrifyingly low guardrails. Many rookie drivers have panicked midway and stopped their cars, unable to continue. Even seasoned locals avoid this route whenever possible. If your GPS suggests this road, just ignore it and find another way!

Yeonsan Intersection (6-Way Junction):

Imagine six different roads in a battle royale, all fighting for dominance, with no clear winner. When I first started driving, I was so nervous that I plastered “New Driver, Sorry!!” stickers all over my car—rear window, side windows, anywhere people could see. My family? Mortified. Pedestrians at bus stops? Gawking like I was an escaped zoo animal.

In Korea, new drivers often place a 초보운전 (“Beginner Driver”) sticker on their car to warn others. It’s meant to help, but let’s be honest—it just makes you an easier target.

One fateful day, I rolled down my window and desperately called out to a taxi driver next to me, “Excuse me! Am I in the right lane to go straight?” He took one look at me, sighed like a disappointed parent, and shouted back, “No! You’re in the wrong lane!”

Panic mode activated. “Sir, please! Just let me in!” I begged. He glanced at his rearview mirror, then hit me with the worst possible news: “No way! You see that? The cops are literally right behind me!”

In Korea, police cars are commonly called 백차 (“Baekcha”), meaning ‘white car’, because they are usually white. At that moment, my brain had no room for cultural insights—I was too busy accepting my fate.

“And just like that, I took the wrong exit and ended up in a completely different part of Busan. Lesson learned: Yeonsan Intersection isn’t just a road—it’s a force of nature. You don’t navigate it. It navigates you.” 

(4) Driving a Rental Car on Busan’s Expressways – Toll System Explained

• If traveling outside Busan (e.g., to Geoje or Tongyeong), you’ll need to use toll roads.
• Highway tolls can be paid with Hi-Pass (Korea’s automated toll system) or cash/card.
• Ask your rental company about Hi-Pass options for convenience.

“Travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Whether you’re driving along the coast or strolling through the streets, I hope Busan leaves you with wonderful stories to tell.”

✅ “I hope this guide makes your trip a bit easier and helps you create wonderful memories in Busan.”