Busan has South Korea’s largest seaport, which provides a more international flavor to the region with sailors from all over the world paying regular visits to the country’s second-largest city. However, Busan offers a far more easy-going lifestyle that lends itself to travelers and tourists looking to enjoy Korean culture and nature without the more hectic atmosphere of Seoul.
If you’re new to Busan and would like some recommendations of must-not-miss places to visit, here are my top picks:
Haeundae Beach
Generally known as South Korea’s most famous beach and certainly one of the country’s top tourist destinations, Haeundae Beach has something to offer for everyone – white sands, seawater hot springs, water sports, fresh seafood, and high-end hotels and shopping for those who want it. Of course, it would be remiss if the area didn’t have casinos, aquariums, and art galleries as well. A visit to Haeundae Beach is certainly a must for those going to Busan.
Gwangandaegyo Bridge
This multi-layered bridge is the longest and largest one of its kind in all of Korea, with more than 7.4 kilometers of the eight-lane structure spanning the gap between Namcheon-dong to Centum City. This bridge was also designed to host an amazing light show with over 100,000 lighting effects, which changes depending on the time, day, and season. Incidentally, Gwangandaegyo Bridge provides a wonderful view of nearby attractions such as Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, Dongbaekseom Island, and Gwangalli Beach, among others.
Gamcheon Culture Village
This was once a dirty shantytown built in staircase fashion onto the sides of the coastal mountain and totally devoid of any cultural significance, but Gamcheon Culture Village gained a new artistic transformation back in 2009 when students and residents teamed up to adorn and enliven the neighborhood with colorful murals and quirky sculptures. It is now a fascinating community of fancifully-decorated alleyways and picturesque residences and shops, worthy of being dubbed as “the Machu Picchu of Busan”.
Beomeosa Temple
Located on the Geumjeongsan mountain, Beomeosa Temple is the main Seon temple and one of the three great temples in the whole Southeastern region of South Korea and should be on anyone’s bucket list when visiting Busan. The temple is actually built on three elevations on the sides of the mountain and is a must for those who need a place to enjoy some solace and calmness and reinvigorate a sense of well-being.
Jagalchi Market
The Jagalchi Market is located on the waterside roads of Busan’s Jung district. It is the country’s biggest seafood market, selling a diverse selection of both live and dried fish to interested customers. If you love seafood, you will find this place amazing. At the very least, a visitor to Busan should not miss a visit to Jagalchi Market, even just to say you’ve experienced the lively, animated atmosphere of the market. Take note: if you’re in Busan in October, don’t miss the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival, which features fireworks, parades, and seafood-related events.
Park
This is one of the three most famous mountains in Busan, with numerous historical shrines built to commemorate different significant events and personages of past wars. During the Korean War, a community of displaced refugees built makeshift houses on the mountain, which was later razed by huge fires along with the mountaintop trees and greenery. An extensive renovation project was undertaken by the Busan government to restore the location’s natural beauty, resulting in a gorgeous, scenic park enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
The best aquarium in Busan and one of the country’s finest, the SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium boasts a collection of more than 35,000 species of fish, algae, amphibians, and reptiles, all housed inside a state-of-the-art facility covering 36,000 square meters. The aquarium is spread out over three levels and even features an outdoor park for those who want to take a breather from all the undersea wildlife. Souvenir shops and dining establishments can be found aplenty, with the main attraction being the 80-meter seabed tunnel on the third underground level.
