South Korea's primary port city, known for beaches, hot springs, and seafood. Home to ancient temples, modern amusement parks, and the vibrant Jagalchi Fish Market.
Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, sits on the coast with long sandy beaches and a significant film industry. You can walk through the alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, eat fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market, or watch movies at the annual Busan International Film Festival. The city has modern structures like the Busan Cinema Center and historical sites such as Beomeosa Temple.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Haeundae Beach is a 1.5-kilometer stretch of sand that many people visit. In summer, the beach fills up quickly, and you can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs. For a calmer atmosphere, try Gwangalli Beach. This crescent-shaped beach lets you see the illuminated Gwangan Bridge at night. You'll find many cafes and restaurants along the beachfront promenade.
Exploring Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is a hillside neighborhood that has become an open-air art gallery. The area now contains brightly painted houses, murals, and sculptures. As you walk through the narrow alleys, you'll encounter small galleries, cafes, and shops. From the village, you can see much of the city and harbor. To fully explore Gamcheon, set aside 2-3 hours for your visit.
Seafood and Markets
Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea. Here, you can see many types of fresh seafood and try local specialties. Many restaurants in the market will cook the fish you purchase. For more variety in shopping, visit Gukje Market. This large market sells clothes, electronics, traditional crafts, and street food. Try local dishes like eomuk (fish cakes) or ssiat hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds).
Modern Busan
Busan's skyline includes several interesting modern structures. The Busan Cinema Center, home to the annual Busan International Film Festival, has the world's largest cantilevered roof. For panoramic views of the city, visit the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park or the observation deck at the top of the Lotte Department Store in Nampo-dong. The Busan Museum of Art displays contemporary Korean and international art in a striking modernist building.
Getting Around
Busan has a well-developed public transportation system. The metro is the easiest way to get around, with signs in English and Korean. Buses are also available but can be more challenging for non-Korean speakers. Taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable. You can take the Busan Air Cruise cable car from Songdo Beach to Amnam Park, which gives you coastal views during the ride.
