Busan
Live Out Your K-Dreams 🇰🇷
Known for its lengthy beaches, breathtaking mountains and one-of-a-kind temples, Busan has something for everyone to enjoy. Being a large port city in South Korea, it is rarely missed by local and international travellers. It is a great place to spend a few days in, exploring the dynamic beauty of city, nature, history and culture.
Haeundae Beach
Highly favourited by locals and tourists alike, Haeundae beach is a top beach destination in South Korea. Why? White sand, turquoise waters, stunning views of the city and mountains and the most delicious food just around the corner! The beach also holds numerous evens all year round, thus it’s worth checking the schedule before you arrive.
P.S. Visit Bay 101 for the stunning view of city lights across the water!
K-drama location: The King: Eternal Monarch
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan, this historical temple offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line with the stunning views. First built in 1376 it creates a marvellous spectacle as Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and the four lions (symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness) overlook the stunning ocean. Many people often come to this spot on New Year's Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up.
Oryukdo Skywalk
Let your fears go as you step onto the 15-meter glass bridge, with the iron columns set up over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff. Do not fret, as the bottom of the glass was specially coated with a thick bulletproof film making it safe and enjoyable attraction to everyone. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. This is a perfect photo spot as the sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, with the possibility to spot Daemado Island on sunny days.
Geumgang Park & Cable Car
Stretching over a 3 million-square meter plot of land Geumgang park is filled with lush forest and craggy cliffs. The site is popular for its’ historical and cultural importance, as it used to serve as a base of operations for the government during the Joseon dynasty. You can adore the contrast between nature and city from either one of the viewing platforms on the hiking trail or from an easier accessible cable car. In the nearby area you can also visit Busan Marine Natural History Museum and the Busan Botanical Garden.
BIFF square
Busan’s modern movie district was originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule over half a century ago. However, major renovations took place ahead of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and the newly transformed district was named BIFF Square on August 14, 1996.
BIFF Square has hugely contributed to Busan’s newfound status as an international cultural tourist city. The 428 meter-long street stretching from the Buyeong Theater in Nampo-dong to the overpass in Chungmu-dong was divided into “Star Street” and “Festival Street”.
Beomeosa Temple and Tea Ceremony
Located at the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain the temple holds impressive history insights and wonderful views of the nature. Built in 678, it remains as one of the three most famous temples in the Yeongnam region, along with Haeinsa and Tongdosa.
Although Beomeosa Temple was badly affected during the Imjin War (1592-1598) it was last restored in 1613 and has remained until now, housing Daeungjeon Hall- one of the finest architectures of the Joseon Dynasty.
Apart from its rich history and natural beauty all around, you can also try out the traditional Korean tea ceremony. It is an hour long ceremony where you will be shown how to brew and drink tea while embracing the oldest Korean traditions. It is an experience like none others.
Gamcheon Culture Village
It is strange to think that this popular tourist destination used to be a slum. Back in the days of Korean War, this was a refugee for people from the northern cities of Korea, where they would live in a slum-like conditions. However, as time passed, the neighbourhood was brightened by the local artists decorating the streets and houses, making it a nicer place to live and visit. Now it has become a must-visit destination, which attracts locals and tourists alike to admire this wonderful transformation.
Yongdusan Park & Busan Tower
Being one of the most famous mountains in Busan, it rewards its’ visitors with the beautiful views of the sea through the dense pine tree forest. It is said that its’ peak was shaped similar to a dragon's head, which protects the area against foreign invaders overseas. These days the mountain is home to a variety of monuments, including Cheokhwabi Monument, Chunghontap Pagoda, 4.19 Revolution Monument, and Busan Tower. During the Korean War, refugees built houses on the sides of the mountain all the way to the summit but these neighbourhoods were burned down twice, leaving the mountain bare. Since then, fierce efforts of planting trees have led to transforming the burnt mountain to a beautiful park.
Photo Credit: Martin Puyou
Gukje & Jagalchi Fish Market
The largest fish market in the whole of South Korea! Here you can buy fresh seafood and they will prepare it for you to eat straight away. If you are not faint hearted, walk around and take in the local atmosphere, you can see many types of sea creatures and some of it are very rare. Such markets are common around South Korea, as each one of the areas specializes in different kinds of foods.
Dongbaekseom Island
Right next to Haeundae Beach you can find a small island offering stunning views of Busan’s Haeundae beach itself and nearby island. If you enjoy walks along the beach, check out a 2.5 hour long, 4km Igidae Coastal trail, taking youfrom Haeundae Beach, via Gwangangdaegyo Bridge, to Donggbaekseom Island and ending at a glass-floored, Oryukdo giving one thrills of a lifetime seeing the ocean right under your feet!
K-Drama Location: Shopping King Louis (2016)
Taejongdae
Being called a perfect representation of Busan, Taejongdae overlooks the mountains, sea and the rocky beach. Its’ highest peak being 250 meters, the forests with a huge diversity of trees makes it a nature lovers haven. Did you know that Taejongdae was actually named after the 29th King of the Silla Kingdom, King Taejong Mu-Yeo, as this was his favorite place for shooting the arrows.
Geumjeongsanseong Fortress & Village
The 17km long and over 8km wide fortress stands as one of the largest fortresses in South Korea. However, together with its history it has preserved nothing else but its unbeatable makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) making tradition. The place is great as it gives visitors not only a chance to participate in makgeolli making program, but also try out their skills in fabric dyeing and pottery!
