Gimhae International Airport

Understand

Busan's International Gimhae Airport is both a military and civilian airport situated outside Busan, near the historic town of Gimhae. It is the fourth biggest airport in Korea by passenger numbers after Incheon, Jeju and Gimpo. There are separate Domestic and International terminals within walking distance, each with basic facilities and food outlets. Because it's a military airport, filming the runway, taxiway, or apron is prohibited.

Getting around

The airport is small, and you can even walk between the domestic and international terminals in a few minutes if you wanted.

Buy

Duty free There is a large duty-free shopping area air-side that closes at 21:00. There is a standard convenience store as well. Note that if you shop in the Paradise Hotel Duty Free mall next to Haeundae beach in Busan, they will arrange for you to pick up your duty-free items at Gimhae airport. (Also Incheon International Airport can be arranged)

Gifts There are no gift shops in the airport, although the cafes sell a boxed pastry made from chestnuts that can be given as gifts.

Telephone rental You can rent a Korean mobile phone on the ground level outside the 'Arrivals' gate in the International terminal. Note that South Korea requires that all phone numbers are registered, and there is no concept of a disposable pre-paid SIM card as in other countries.

Car rental You can rent a car on the ground level outside the 'Arrivals' gate in the International terminal. Note that driving in Busan, and South Korea in general, will be difficult if you are not used to the driving style in Korea (and the Busan area in particular). Unless your destination is in a really remote area you should take a look at the good public transport options first.

Sleep

There are only some lower end motels nearby to the airport itself. The frequent Limousine buses will take you directly to all the major international hotels in both Heaundae and central Busan. A quick 10 minute ride on the monorail to Sasang station will put you in an area with many budget hotels. The area is a major terminal for long-distance buses, and as such has many cheaper accommodation options.