Busan, also known as Pusan, is the second largest city in South Korea. Located in the south Gyeongsang region, 150 km northwest of Japan, Busan is an important coastal city and the main port city of South Korea. Nestled among numerous mountains and bordered by the Sea of Japan, Busan has many advantages that make it a must-visit destination for any trip to South Korea.
History
From the 10th to the 14th century, during the Goryeo dynasty, Busan was called Busanpo. In the 15th century, it became the exclusive port for trade with Japan and retained this status even after the Japanese invasions of 1592. The city opened to other countries only in 1883, marking the beginning of modernity in Busan.
Busan played a strategic role during the Korean War when South Korean forces attacked a North Korean warship carrying hundreds of soldiers, allowing the city to remain one of the few places under South Korean control.
Its thriving commerce and significant traffic continue to stimulate its port activities to this day. This is why the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) named Busan Port the third busiest port in the world.
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Discovering Busan
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea after its capital, Seoul, and has a population of over 3.6 million residents. The diversity of its landscapes and the beauty of its historical buildings make it a prime destination when visiting South Korea.
Beaches of Busan
Busan’s sandy beaches invite relaxation. Gwangalli Beach, popular for its view of the Gwangan Bridge, is a perfect stop for sipping cocktails on the terrace and enjoying the best fresh fish and seafood dishes. At sunset, the bridge lights up, providing an impressive spectacle. The entire coastline becomes adorned with lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
Haeundae Beach, very crowded during the day, especially in summer due to its status as the most famous beach in the country, stretches for nearly 1.5 km. You can stroll along the beach to Dongbaekseom Island, home to the APEC house where major heads of state have met, or relax on the beach and engage in various water activities. The beachfront is lively, with numerous artists, singers, musicians, and magicians performing late into the night. On the shore, the entrance to the Busan Aquarium invites you to discover the richness of marine life from around the world.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Another must-see in Busan is the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest of its kind in the country. Visit early in the morning to watch fishermen unpack their overnight catch and observe the bustling negotiations. You can discover surprising species and taste the best fresh fish in the country. For those who find the smell of fish in the morning unappealing, you can visit at any time of day without issues.
Temples of Busan
Next, you can change scenery by visiting the magnificent Beomeosa Temple. Built in 678, it is one of the most beautiful and largest temples in Korea. Situated at the base of Mount Geumjeongsan, it serves as a true haven of peace where nature lovers can stroll and admire the splendor and diversity of the landscapes. You can even participate in a “temple stay,” where you spend a few days experiencing life as a monk. To continue exploring Busan’s Buddhist architecture, head to Yonggungsa Temple. Built on a cliff along the northeastern coast of Busan, this site is equally magical and unique as Beomeosa. The open view of the sea from the temple, accompanied by moving Buddhist chants, is truly worth the visit.
Cultural Experiences
To conclude your discovery of Busan beautifully, don’t miss a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village. Art and street art enthusiasts will love the unique charm of this small village nestled in the mountains. Its multicolored houses and narrow alleys filled with artistic cafes will surely captivate you. Numerous literary references appear around the corners, and you might even cross paths with The Little Prince and his friend the Fox, admiring the panoramic view of the village and the distant sea.
Busan, a large city with a still provincial feel, remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, ensuring a stay full of surprises.
Climate
Busan enjoys a humid subtropical climate (Cwa according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification). This very sunny coastal city records significantly higher temperatures than the rest of the Korean peninsula; however, precipitation is quite heavy in summer, averaging 1,472 mm annually. Summers can be very hot and humid while winters are rather cold and dry. The average temperature is 14.1°C.
When to Visit Busan?
Busan can be visited year-round. However, autumn and spring are two very pleasant seasons for traveling in the city. Indeed, these seasons feature mild temperatures, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and the changing colors of the leaves in autumn.
How to Get There?
Gimhae International Airport allows for quick access to Busan via a special metro line or by limousine, local bus, or taxi. The airport is serviced by many international flights.
Busan also has a train station served by the KTX. Expect about a 3-hour journey on the KTX (Korean high-speed train) from Seoul.
Numerous buses connect Busan with most cities in the country.
Busan regularly connects by sea with Japan through its international ferry services. From Fukuoka on Kyushu Island, you can reach Busan in about 6 hours.
Getting Around Busan?
Several options are available to reach the city, such as taking a train, bus, airplane, or boat.
From Seoul, you can take the KTX train for a journey lasting about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The city is also accessible by bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Gyeongbu Express Bus Terminal, estimated at about 4 hours and 15 minutes of travel. Finally, Gimpo International Airport offers flights of about 1 hour to Gimhae International Airport.
Taxis can be a viable option but should be avoided during peak hours.
What to Do in Busan?
- Relax on the beaches of Haeundae and Gwangalli
- Visit the Beomeosa and Yonggungsa temples
- Photograph the Gwangan Bridge at sunset
- Stroll through Jagalchi Market and taste the best fresh fish in the country
- Let yourself be charmed by the artistic curiosities of Gamcheon Culture Village
Haeundae Beach
Located in the heart of downtown Busan, Haeundae Beach is one of the most famous beaches in South Korea. This white sand beach stretches for 1.5 km and is surrounded by skyscrapers, some of which are large hotels.
It’s a pleasant beach to relax and enjoy the sea. Swimming is accessible for everyone, as the water is shallow, and the waves are gentle. Note that swimming is only permitted during the summer months of July and August.
During this time, tourists flock to the beach, and a remarkable spectacle is created with colorful umbrellas dotting the white sand. Umbrellas, beach mats, and folding chairs for lounging are available for rent.
For those wishing to swim, inflatables and life jackets can be rented. Paid lockers and showers are also available, and the beach is well-maintained. Thus, it is very well equipped and comfortable.
Throughout the year, the beach hosts several festivals. From May to July, the Haeundae Sand Festival is held, during which artists from around the world create stunning sand sculptures. It’s a unique spectacle to see at the beach. The Busan Sea Festival is a must-attend event in July, featuring a Night Pool Party, hip-hop concerts, and dance competitions.
In October, the city hosts the Busan International Film Festival, where you can discover South Korean cinema and films from around the world. Part of the festival takes place in Haeundae.
As night falls, the beach transforms during the Haeundae Lighting Festival. Organized in November, thousands of lights illuminate the beach throughout the festival. It’s a magical spectacle not to miss.
To wrap up the year beautifully and celebrate the New Year, the city of Busan organizes the Haeundae Countdown & New Year Festival. The event features a “countdown,” a grand fireworks display, and the sunrise over the sea. In January, hundreds of brave souls defy the cold and plunge into the icy sea during the Haeundae Polar Bear Festival.
Lastly, the Haeundae Dalmaji Hot Spring Festival takes place on the beach each year. This event celebrates Jeongwol-daeboreum, the first full moon of the new year according to the lunar calendar.
Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan
Built on the side of a mountain, Gamcheon Culture Village is a unique place to discover in the city of Busan. In the past, it was a shantytown. The village formed during the Korean War (1950-1953) when refugees settled there.
In 2009, to revitalize the village while preserving it, a rehabilitation project began with the involvement of local artists and residents.
Often dubbed the “Machu Picchu of Korea” or “Santorini of Korea,” the homes are now famous for their pastel-colored facades. The place has become a true artistic and cultural space.
The visit usually starts at the Information Center, where you can purchase a village map for 2,000 won. Wandering the village lanes can quickly turn into a labyrinth, so the map is very helpful to navigate and not miss anything. There are also stamps from various hidden spots throughout the Gamcheon Culture Village that you can collect, making the visit even more enjoyable!
Gamnae Eoulteo Center is the community center of the village, located in an old public bath. An exhibition on this topic is available there. It also has a café and, if you head to the roof, you’ll get a nice view of the area.
Gamcheon Culture Village is an open-air museum, showcasing various murals and artworks scattered throughout its streets. For example, you might come across the statue of The Little Prince and the Fox. This spot is the most popular in the village, often resulting in long waiting lines for photos! This spot provides a fantastic view of Gamcheon Culture Village.
The Deungdae photo zone is another popular place. Located in a lighthouse, you can take pictures of the village through its window. Don’t forget the Haneul Maru observatory, which offers a panoramic view of the village and beyond to Busan Port. For the more adventurous, feel free to climb the stairway with 148 steps in one of the lanes, which also provides a pretty view of the homes.
If you’re a fan of the group BTS, note that there’s a mural featuring Jimin and Jungkook, both originally from Busan.
Museum and Shops
Gamcheon Culture Village houses the “Little Museum.” Through old items from the residents, visitors can learn more about their lives in the village. Moreover, it traces the village’s evolution over the decades.
It’s also enjoyable to shop at one of the village’s shops. For example, Asteroid B612 is a souvenir shop, while Mini Shop sells various local crafts. The Gamcheon Culture Station offers workshops to decorate handmade jewelry.
For a unique experience, don’t hesitate to visit the rental shop “Chulsoo and Younghee” to rent a school uniform or Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). It’s a fun activity to do for taking photos at one of the many spots in the village.
Cafés with a Beautiful View of the Village
There are plenty of places to eat or drink in the area. You can find spots offering street food or bakeries. For example, Gamcheon Bakery provides delicious pastries and bread.
Some cafés are renowned for their beautiful views of the village, such as Faro Coffee and Avant-Garde café. The Plate also offers brunch options. At Voda Vom, you can enjoy ice cream on the rooftop while looking out over the village.
Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli is a beach in Busan stretching 1.4 km in a crescent shape. Its white sand is of very high quality.
Gwangalli Beach faces the Gwangan Bridge and is surrounded by cafés and restaurants. It is located to the west of Haeundae Beach and tends to have fewer tourists than the latter.
The beach is suitable for swimming for all ages, but note that swimming at Gwangalli is only possible during the summer season.
On site, Gwangalli Beach is equipped with showers and restrooms. Rental of umbrellas and beach mats is also available.
In addition to swimming, Gwangalli Beach is an ideal destination for various water sports. The Gwangalli Ocean Leports Center offers numerous activities to enjoy the sea, such as Jet Boats, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Banana Boat rides!
At nightfall, the beach is particularly beautiful. It’s an ideal time to admire the lights of the Gwangan Bridge reflecting on the water. Gwangan is a large suspension bridge measuring 7.42 km in length.
Festivals at Gwangalli Beach
Various festivals and events are held at Gwangalli Beach. If you’re looking to enjoy music, concerts take place all year round on the beach’s various stages.
Every Saturday, the “Gwangalli M Drone Show” lights up the beach at night. In November, the Busan Fireworks Festival also takes place. This is a well-known festival in South Korea, featuring a grand fireworks display and a laser show!
On the occasion of Jeongwol-daeboreum, the first full moon of the lunar new year (generally in February), the main event involves burning the daljib (a large pile of pine branches) on the beach.
Gwangalli Eobang Festival usually takes place in April. The festival is themed around traditional fishing villages, featuring cultural experiences and performances. “Eobang” was a fishing cooperative during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
From July to August, the street near the beach becomes pedestrian from 9 PM to midnight. Numerous entertainment activities and street concerts are organized during this time. The Busan Sea Festival is another summer event not to miss, featuring various festive activities like dance and concerts organized at several beaches in Busan, including Gwangalli.
Lastly, during the summer, every Saturday and Sunday from 4 PM to 10 PM, the Gwangalli Art Market takes place, where artists showcase and sell their handmade creations.
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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was built by the Buddhist monk Naong (1320-1376), advisor to King Gongmin (1330-1374), during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) in Busan. In a dream, a sea god instructed him to erect a temple to end the drought plaguing the country. The legend recounts that Monk Naong traveled to what is now the site of Haedong Yonggungsa and built a temple, naming it “Bomun” in 1376.
The temple was largely destroyed by a fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598). Monk Ungang decided to rebuild it in the early 1930s, and it was renamed Haedong Yonggungsa in 1974.
The uniqueness of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple lies in its facing the sea to the east, unlike other temples typically located in the mountains. The walk is especially enjoyable due to this beautiful natural setting.
Upon arriving at the site, you’ll find various food stalls at the entrance of the temple where you can taste some snacks like “hotteok,” “eomuk,” and more.
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs
Next, the visit continues with the discovery of stone statues representing the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, which protect against evil spirits and bring good fortune. Many people can be seen taking photos with their Chinese zodiac sign.
The 108 Steps
After viewing a pagoda and crossing the Iljumun gate, you’ll descend 108 steps. It is said that by walking down these steps, you can free yourself from all worries and attain a state of spiritual awakening.
Along this tree-lined path, stone lanterns are erected on the sides. You will also encounter a statue of Buddha for academic success and a statue known as Deuknambul. According to legend, if you touch its nose and belly, you’ll give birth to a son.
A Spot with a Magnificent View of the Temple and the Sea
Before reaching the temple’s main sanctuary, you can take another left path that leads to a large golden statue called Jijangbosal. The view of the temple and the sea is stunning here.
Note: This is one of the most famous spots to take a photo of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
A Bridge for Making Wishes
Next, by following the stairs, the visit leads to Yongmunseokgyo Bridge, where you can toss a coin to make a wish.
Different Shrines and Statues to Discover
After crossing the bridge, you finally enter the temple’s heart. Here, you’ll discover several buildings, including the temple’s main sanctuary Daeungjeon, which was built in 2007. To its right, you’ll notice the golden statue of “Podaehwasang.” A little further, a shrine houses a beautiful reclining Buddha statue.
The Haesu Gwaneum Daebul Statue
You’ll also find another staircase leading to the large statue of Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, the Buddhist goddess of the sea. Here, you can also enjoy stunning views of the sea and temple.
Lotus Lantern Festival
Every year, on the occasion of Buddha’s birthday (the date varies yearly according to the lunar calendar), the temple organizes the Lotus Lantern Festival. It is beautifully decorated with lanterns. Visiting the temple in the late afternoon or evening is particularly recommended to admire the lanterns illuminating the temple.
The Best Time to Visit Haedong Yonggungsa
The temple can be visited in any season. However, in spring, you can observe beautiful cherry blossoms at its entrance. Additionally, the temple is also magnificent when viewed at sunrise.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village
Originally, this village served as a refuge for those fleeing the Korean War (1950-1953). Over time, many houses were abandoned.
However, in 2011, a breath of renewal swept through the village thanks to a renovation project. Abandoned homes were transformed into artistic spaces, attracting painters, artisans, and other artists. Moreover, murals have been added to the walls of the old alleys.
Today, the village, nicknamed “Santorini of Korea,” has become a major tourist attraction in Busan, drawing numerous visitors.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village offers many activities to discover.
First, the Jeoryeong coastal walk, stretching 3 km, offers breathtaking views of the sea and the village. The pathway is lined with benches, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a break.
As you wander through the village, you’ll encounter various workshops and small bookstores. You’ll also find souvenirs and local crafts. Don’t forget the charming cafés and restaurants for a delightful pause. At the Hyunnyeul Jeomppang restaurant, you can enjoy ramyeon (instant noodles) while taking in a beautiful view of the sea. The Huinyeoul Beach café and Sonmokseoda also offer superb views.
The village features numerous photo zones, particularly the coastal tunnel in the village, which is popular for capturing stunning photos of the sea from within.
If you venture a little outside the heart of the village, the Yeongdo Haneul Observation Deck is present on-site with a unique feature: a partially transparent floor. The view of the sea from the observation deck is magnificent!
Note that some people still reside in certain houses, so it is important to respect their tranquility.
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Article updated on 22 October 2024
