Busan, Korea

Busan (also spelled Pusan) is Korea’s largest port city. Only gigantic Seoul has a larger population. Busan has grown along with the Korean economy, and is now an international city that has a lot for tourists to see and do. Many Chinese and Japanese tourists make weekend trips to Busan.

Haeundae Beach is a great place to visit if you are coming to Korea in the summer. Earlier in the summer is generally better, as the beach gets crowded in August. There is lots to do around the beach including eating seafood, visiting the local aquarium or simply people watching.

Since Busan is a port, fishing is, and always has been, an important local industry. Jagalchi Fish Market is a must-visit place near the seaside. Here, fish are displayed after just being caught and brought to shore. Many are still alive. This bustling venue is a good place to get a taste of local life as well as see some exotic sea creatures.

In the mountains just outside the city sits Beomeo Temple, a large complex that has a distinctly Korean air and is quite quiet and peaceful despite its proximity to the city. Because the temple is still in use, it gets uncomfortably crowded on weekends, as people come to make offerings and worship. The week is the best time to appreciate the peacefulness of the surroundings in this 1500 year old place of worship.

Gukje Market is the place to shop, unless you prefer the over-the-top Lotte Mall and its gaudy retail spaces. The best deals are found on the street near Gukje Market, or in the basement area underneath the market.

The streets near Kyungsung University are a great place to spend an evening, with things often going on until the wee hours. The atmosphere is pretty laid back and there are lots of friendly college students. Most guidebooks also tout the Haeundae area (near Haeundae Beach), though many places here are more trendy and pricey.

Dining in some of Business busy local eateries is often all the entertainment one needs in an evening. Beware, many local places do not have english menus, so bring a phrase book or know your food vocabulary before heading out. Many beer halls also serve good grub. The seafood in Busan is purportedly the best in Korea. That is what the locals will tell you anyway.

Busan is growing as a tourist destination. Its proximity to the sea makes for great seafood and an international flair.