Busan, Korea

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Busan, Korea

Introduction

Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, stunning natural beauty, and exciting attractions. Located on the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, Busan is a popular tourist destination, especially among Koreans. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay, and other essential information to make your trip to Busan an unforgettable experience.

Places to Visit

Beaches

  • Haeundae Beach: One of Korea’s most popular beaches, Haeundae is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Gwangalli Beach: A quieter alternative to Haeundae, Gwangalli offers stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge and a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Ilgwang Beach: Located on the eastern coast, Ilgwang is famous for its scenic sunrises and tranquil ambiance.

Temples and Shrines

  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A unique temple situated on the coast, offering breathtaking ocean views and stunning architecture.
  • Busan Tower: A 120-meter-tall observation tower with panoramic views of the city.
  • Samgwangsa Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains, famous for its vibrant festivals.

Museums

  • Busan Museum: Explore the city’s history and culture through exhibits on archaeology, art, and industry.
  • Busan Modern History Museum: Learn about Busan’s modernization and industrialization efforts.
  • Korea National Maritime Museum: Discover Korea’s rich maritime history and explore interactive exhibits.

Markets

  • Busan International Market: A bustling marketplace offering a wide range of goods, from souvenirs to clothing.
  • Gukje Market: One of the oldest traditional markets in Busan, selling everything from fresh seafood to handmade crafts.
  • Jagalchi Fish Market: Korea’s largest seafood market, where you can sample fresh seafood and watch fishermen unloading their daily catch.

Other Attractions

  • Yongdusan Park: A scenic park with stunning ocean views, walking trails, and a lighthouse.
  • Busan Cinema Center: A state-of-the-art cinema complex featuring a range of films and events.
  • Shinsegae Centum City: One of the largest shopping malls in the world, offering luxury brands, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Activities

Water Sports

  • Surfing: Take lessons or rent boards to catch some waves at Haeundae or Gwangalli Beach.
  • Snorkeling/Diving: Explore Busan’s vibrant marine life and coral reefs with guided tours.
  • Kayaking: Paddle around the coastline and enjoy the city’s scenic views from a different perspective.

Cultural Experiences

  • Temple Stay: Spend a night at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, participating in meditation sessions and learning about Buddhist culture.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional Korean dishes with local chefs.
  • Korean Martial Arts: Take a lesson in Taekwondo or other martial arts disciplines.

Nightlife

  • Haeundae Beach Party: Dance the night away at one of Korea’s most famous beach parties.
  • Seomyeon Night Market: Explore this bustling night market, offering street food, souvenirs, and games.
  • Busan International Film Festival: Attend this prestigious film festival, showcasing a range of international and Korean films.

Where to Eat

Seafood

  • Jagalchi Fish Market: Sample fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants within the market.
  • Haeundae Beach: Enjoy seafood BBQ or try some raw skate at one of the many beachside eateries.
  • Gukje Market: Savor traditional Korean dishes, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and bungeo-ppang (fish-shaped pastry).

Traditional Korean Cuisine

  • Bupyeong Gwangjang: Try authentic Busan-style dishes like dwaeji guk bap (pork soup with rice).
  • Halmae Jaecheop: Savor traditional Korean-Chinese fusion cuisine.
  • Gupo Market: Explore this bustling market, offering a range of traditional Korean snacks and meals.

International Cuisine

  • Seomyeon: This trendy district is home to a variety of international restaurants, from Italian to Indian.
  • Busan International Market: Find global flavors, including Chinese, Japanese, and Western options.
  • Haeundae Beach: Enjoy beachside cafes serving everything from coffee to cocktails.

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • Park Hyatt Busan: Upscale accommodations with stunning ocean views.
  • Grand Park Busan: A luxurious hotel offering modern amenities and easy access to Haeundae Beach.
  • Westin Chosun Busan: Unwind in style at this 5-star hotel, featuring a rooftop pool and fitness center.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hostels: Find affordable, social hostels like Busan Backpackers or Pobi Hostel.
  • Guesthouses: Experience traditional Korean hospitality at guesthouses like Sarangbang or J House.
  • Airbnb: Rent apartments or rooms in popular areas like Haeundae or Seomyeon.

Things to Know

Language

  • While many Busan residents speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Korean phrases and characters.
  • Download the Naver Translate app for easy communication.

Currency

  • The Korean won (KRW) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas.

Weather

  • Busan has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
  • Be prepared for crowds and heat during peak summer months (July-August).

Safety

  • Busan is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night and keep an eye on your drinks.

Transportation

By Air

  • Gimhae International Airport: The nearest airport to Busan, with connections to major Korean cities and international destinations.
  • Take the Light Rail or bus ( approx. 30-40 minutes) from the airport to the city center.

By Train

  • Busan Station: A major train hub, offering connections to Seoul, Daegu, and other Korean cities.
  • Take a taxi or bus (approx. 10-20 minutes) from the station to your destination.

By Bus

  • Busan Express Bus Terminal: Connects to major Korean cities, including Seoul, Daegu, and Gwangju.
  • Take a taxi or subway (approx. 10-20 minutes) from the terminal to your destination.

Getting Around

  • Subway: An efficient and affordable way to explore Busan’s main attractions.
  • Bus: A convenient option for shorter journeys or reaching less touristy areas.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but may not speak English. Use a translation app or have your destination written in Korean.

Tips

Learn Some Korean

  • Greet locals with "" (annyeonghaseyo) and show respect for the culture.

Respect Local Customs

  • Remove your shoes before entering temples or traditional homes.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples or attending cultural events.

Be Prepared

  • Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes and layers for changing weather conditions.

Explore Beyond Haeundae

  • Venture into less touristy areas like Dongnae-gu or Buk-gu to discover authentic Busan experiences.

Other Things of Interest

Festivals and Events

  • Busan International Film Festival: A prestigious film festival, showcasing a range of international and Korean films.
  • Busan Jazz Festival: Enjoy live jazz performances by local and international artists.
  • Haeundae Beach Festival: A vibrant celebration of music, dance, and beach culture.

Nature Escapes

  • Geumjeong Fortress: Hike up to this historic fortress, offering stunning views of the city.
  • Dongnae-gu: Explore this scenic district, featuring mountains, temples, and traditional markets.
  • Yeonji Park: Unwind in this peaceful park, boasting walking trails, lakes, and gardens.

Day Trips

  • Gyeongju: Visit this ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring historic ruins and artifacts. (approx. 1 hour by train)
  • Pohang: Explore this charming coastal city, known for its scenic beaches, seafood, and steel industry heritage. (approx. 2 hours by car)

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Busan, Korea!