Busan is South Korea’s second largest and second most popular city both for domestic and foreign travelers. A bustling port city located in the southern part of the peninsula in Gyeongdangnam-do, Busan is known for its beaches, fish market, cultural village, a seaside temple, and of course as the location for the epic car chase in Black Panther. I visited Busan three times while I was living in Korea and still feel that it has so much more to explore.
What to see and do
Sea Life Aquarium
I’m a big fan of aquariums and Busan’s Sea Life Aquarium has to be one of my favorites. Located in Haeundae Beach, the aquarium shows off 250 species and around 35,000 marine animals including; sea turtles, sharks, sea horses and stingrays. The aquarium’s main attraction is the 3,000,000 liter-tank that includes an 80-meter underwater tunnel for a total underwater feel. Several shows are offered at the Sea Life Aquarium, such as penguin, otter and shark feedings and the Mermaid Princess Story, which is the story of Princess Hwangok (there is also a statue of her nearby HaeundaeBeach) who came from the mythical sea kingdom of Naranda. A VR zone where you can experience the sea through the eyes of a fish and a transparent boat ride are also on offer.
Gamcheon Cultural Village
Located in the Saha District, Gamcheon
Cultural Village is comprised of steep streets, twisting alleys, and colorfully painted houses. Originally built in the 1920s and 30s for the purpose of re-housing the poor in an area close enough to the port to provide labor, but also out of sight. Through regeneration projects the village was re-painted in bright colors and multiple art projects were completed to transform the village into the attraction it is today. Loved by both photographers and those seeking great snaps for Instagram, Gamcheon Cultural Village is a must on a trip to Busan.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Arguably one of the most popular temples in Korea, the sea-side temple of Haedong Yonggunsa is situated about an hour bus ride from central Busan. Originally known as BomunTemple, it was built in 1376 by the teacher known as Naongduring the Goryeo Dynasty. The temple was destroyed by the Japanese during the invasions of 1592-1593 and was re-built in the 1930s and given the name Haedong Yonggunsa in 1974. The temple boasts a large complex and sweeping ocean views, visitors can venture onto the rock formations surrounding the temple to snap photos and picnic at the food stalls that are set-up there during the day. Due to its east facing location the temple is a popular location for photographers looking to capture the sunrise.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Located in Nampo-dong on shoreside road
and one of the shooting locations for Black Panther, Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea’s largest fish market. It’s one of my favorite locations for shooting street photography in Busan, as the market is crammed full of stalls selling fish and various sea creatures, you can also try many of the sea creatures on offer, practically fresh out of the ocean. I recommend Sea Urchin, particularly the Sea Urchin bibimbap, Sea Cucumber on the other hand….
Hike
As hiking is one of my favorite hobbies, I’ve been able to explore a different mountain on each of my trips to Busan.The city is surrounded by mountains on one side and the ocean on the coast, and any hike around the city will provide sweeping views of Busan, the ocean and surrounding scenery.
Geumjeongsan & Seokbulsa Temple
This is my favorite hike in the Busan area, Geumjeongsan is one of the most popular hiking destinations due in part to the cable car that makes access to the top of the mountain quite easy if you’re not into hiking. While some people call this the tallest mountain in Busan, the honor actually goes to nearby Godang-bong, Geumjeonsan is also sometimes confused with Geumseam, all these mountains are fairly close together and easily accessible from Busan.
Although quite small, Seokbulsa is a unique temple carved into the sides of the sandstone cliffs and worth the additional hike from the cable car park. The temple is rather secluded and less visited except by the locals from Sanseongmaeul, which is a small rural community that you pass by on your hike, I was invited into a game of foot volleyball and treated to a meal on my excursion through the area. Seokbulsa is famous for the carvings in the sandstone cliffs that make the temple unique. You’re also treated to sweeping views of the mountain sides and Busan.
Godang-bong & Beomesoa Temple
Sitting at 801.5-meters, Godang-bong peak is the highest peak of Geumjeongsan and while it can be accessed from several areas, I chose to start my hike from Beomesoa Temple. Beomeosa Temple or Temple of the Nirvana of Fish is a head temple of the Jogye Order. The temple is said to have been built in 678 as one of ten major temples of the AvatamaskaSchool, it gets its name from a legend where a golden fish descended from heaven and danced on the mountain. The temple is home to a number of cultural treasures including a three-story pagoda that dates back to the unified Shilla era. The area around the temple is also known for its wisteria and is quite a popular destination in the spring. The hike from Beomesoa to Godang-Bong is fairly short and takes you the North Gate of Geumjeongsandeong Fortress, which is part of the remains of the largest mountain fortress in Korea and to Gomdang Shrine. It’s easy to link this hike with the hike to Seokbulsa and take the cable car down the mountain if you run out of energy.
Taejongdae
More of a leisurely walk through the pine forests and along the cliffside road than a hike, Taejongdae offers spectacular views of the ocean and the cliffs for which it’s famous. An easy bus ride around the harbor from Haeundae Beach, Taejongdae was named after the 29th king of the Silla kingdom King Taejong Mu-Yeol and it’s said that this was his favorite place to shoot arrows. There is a lighthouse with a restaurant, and you can walk down the cliffs to the pebble beaches or to see Sinseon Rock. On this rock there is a figure called Mangbuseol, who stood on the rock and waited for her husband who had been taken to Japan.
Relax
Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is an urban beach, so if you’re imagining a beach like in Thailand, re-imagine. Popular year-round for festivals such as; the Busan International Film Festival and Sand Art Festival, hanging out with friends and beach volleyball, it is considered Korea’s most famous and popular beach. The street that runs along the beach is lined with restaurants, trendy cafes and hotels. There are umbrellas and chairs available to rent for the day and some water sports are offered. Going to the beach in Korea is seen more as a chance to hangout and picnic with friends instead of getting tan and enjoying the water.
Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge
As with Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach is also an urban beach on a smaller scale, but arguably with a better view. Cafes and restaurants that line the beach offer up beautiful views of the beach and bridge, which is especially popular at night when the bridge is lit up. Gwangan Bridge connects Haeundae-gu to Suyeong-gu on the other side of the bay and is featured in the movie Black Panther during the car chase. A variety of water sports are offered at Gwangalli Beach including one of my favorites, paddleboarding, and depending on the wind you can paddle all the way out to the bridge, which makes for some awesome photos.
Spa Land
When in Korea, do as the Koreans do and hit up a jjimjilbang, or sauna for some rest and relaxation. Spa Land is located in Centum City in the Shinsege shopping center, so you can also fit in some duty-free shopping; and is spread over two floors. There are 22 bathtubs and two types of thermal water. One type of water contains bicarbonate sodium mixed with all-natural spring water and is often referred to “beauty bathtubs” for its purported beauty effects on skin and hair. The second type of water contains sodium chloride to mimic sea water and is called the “hot bathtub” as they are heated, this type of water is said to help improve circulation and relieve pain from ailments such as arthritis. Spa Land also has 13 themed hot steam rooms such as the Wave Dream Room and Roman Room. In addition, there is an entertainment zone with beauty treatments, restaurant, DVD room and café. Like most jjimjilbangs, the areas are divided up into male, female, and mixed areas. Generally, the gender segregated areas are the bathing areas, soaking tubs etc. as full nudity is required.
These sights are only a handful of what Busan has to offer up and is a great second stop on any Korea itinerary!
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