Busan City Guide

Busan is the second largest city within Korea and the number one trading port. The connections to Asia, Europe and North America mean that Busan is an international metropolis with an energetic and vibrant atmosphere. Tourists are drawn to all areas of the city, from the abundance of sights on the shoreline and the inner city’s historical and cultural resonance.

Busan Cuisine

Foodway Mokjangwon in Yeongdo-gu mixes both urban and traditional Korean culture within its interior decor, and serves authentic Korean meals. This is the largest restaurant within Busan, and also the most popular. It is definitely worth visiting as you can stroll around the walking trails and observatory once you finish your meal. Kangchon Garden in Daha-gu also specialises in traditional foods. This restaurant teems with history and culture as this 39 year old business is situated as the foot of Eden Park within the heart of the city.

A great restaurant for the family is Bennigan’s in both Haeundae and Seomyeon. These establishments serve both Western and Eastern food for all ages and tastes. This is also a great place for entertainment as there are movies, concerts and musicals taking place throughout the evenings.  The food is also great quality and the service is top class.

Festivals in Busan

There are a number of annual festivals within Busan which draw many visitors to the city. The Busan Sea Festival takes place in the first week of August on various beaches. There are quality art performances to watch as well as water sports to join in with. During this time, you can take lessons in such activities as canoeing, kayaking and scuba diving. The Busan International Rock Festival takes place simultaneously where audiences of over 10,000 people flock to the beaches to dance and sing to their favourite bands.

Another festival which centres on Busan’s shore line is the Haeundae Sand Festival that takes place between the 3^rd and 6^th June. This is situated on the very popular Haeundae beach so always draws in many spectators. The highlight of the festival is when people are buried in the sand from head to toe; this is for the health and beauty benefits of a ‘sand bath’. During the evening, there are fireworks and live music which carry on till the early hours of the morning.

Busan Attractions

Busan is famous for its beaches which people can recline and relax upon. Dadaepo Beach is perfect for those looking for exotic surroundings as there is greenery and forests all around the white sands. This is a great place for families as the waters are quite shallow and also has many water sports on offer. One of the most famous beaches is Gwangalli Beach as it is extremely close to the central hotels. The waters have undergone a water cleaning program meaning that is it perfect for fishing. You may also wish to try the water-skiing and windsurfing which are on offer to tourists.

You may wish to view the temples within Busan in order to make you visit more cultural and historical. The Beomeosa Temple is located near the famous Geumjeongsan Mountain and was originally built in 1592. However it was renovated in 1713 and still contains the delicate and intricate architecture from this period. The Iljumun, a three story poganda, is adjacent to this temple and has an exquisitely regal exterior. The Headong Yonggungsa Temple is a unique place to visit as it is situated on the shore line whilst most temples are positioned within the mountains. The main temple was rebuilt in 1970 yet resemblances to the traditional Korean architecture of the 1300s. As you descend the 108 steps to the temples, you will find its destination to be exquisite as it is surrounded by sands and crashing waves.

 

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