The best of Busan or what to do in the “second city” of South Korea. Busan is perhaps the best city in South Korea. Short video about Busan

Busan is a city that looks to the future and carefully preserves the treasures of the past. Tourists with any preferences will find a holiday to their liking: mountains, rivers, sea, some of the best beaches in the country, hot springs, amazing nature, ultra-modern skyscrapers and ancient temples, parks and bridges, museums and entertainment complexes.

A tourist traveling independently will not encounter any problems: everything is organized perfectly: transport links, accommodation, food, trade, excursion services, entertainment.

Busan is located on the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, washed by two straits of the Sea of ​​Japan: the Korean strait in the east and the Pusan ​​strait in the south. The city's landscape is unique: it is crossed by two rivers: Naktong and Suengan, and low mountains separate the metropolis areas from each other.

Busan on the map:

The history of today's multimillion-dollar Busan dates back to the first millennium. The names of the settlements changed, but the occupation of their inhabitants remained unchanged: fishing. And now the city is famous for its freshly caught seafood and fish markets.

It's hard to believe that in a short period of time Busan has become one of the most modern cities in the world, the second largest in South Korea, occupying a leading position in the country's economy. The International Financial Center is located here; important international events have taken place and are taking place here, including: in 2002 – the FIFA World Cup, in 2005 – the APEC summit.

The sea and summer capital of the country, as Busen is often called, has the best beaches, the largest port, the largest department store, the oldest huge market, and the highest office in South Korea.

Tourists give it the palm as the most beautiful city in this Asian state. There are many parks and reserves on its territory, the most famous is the Migratory Bird Sanctuary. It is no coincidence that the symbols of the city are the camellia and the seagull.

It is important to know: the operating schedule of city institutions, including museums and memorable places, is divided into summer (March-October) and winter (November-February).

Time difference from – 6 hours. Currency unit countries – South Korean won (KRW). At the exchange rate at the beginning of June 2020, 1 RUB = 18.16 KRW.

Climate

The humid subtropical climate, in which Busan is located, shapes the weather in the city: mild but sometimes windy winter with rare snowfalls, warm spring, hot rainy summer, warm dry autumn.

The metropolis is interesting at any time of the year, but it is most comfortable in the spring, when you can admire the blossoming of sakura and other trees. The beach season lasts from July to September - at this time there is a large influx of tourists to the summer capital of South Korea every year. Autumn is the time of bright colors of nature - ideal for excursions, walks in parks, mountains, admiring city blocks and seascapes from numerous observation platforms.

Nothing, not even the vagaries of the weather, can take away the pleasure and joy of participating in or observing the festivals and celebrations for which Busan is also famous.

How to get there

Gimhae International Airport is located 11 km from Busan, but it receives planes from only one Russian city -. You can get from the airport to the city by bus, light metro, or taxi.

From airports (, or) it is more convenient both in time and price to fly to the capital of South Korea -. Flight time direct flight It will take just over 8 hours, the ticket price starts from 20,000 rubles. A ticket for a connecting flight with 1 transfer in Vladivostok will cost less (from 14,000 rubles), but the journey with a transfer will take from 10 to 28 hours.

From Seoul airports to Busan

There are several options to get from the capital of the country to Busan: by plane, train, bus.

By plane

The cost of a ticket for a domestic flight is from 3,000 rubles without luggage, travel time is within 1 hour. The number of flights is more than 30, so the wait will not last long.

By train

From Gimpo Airport (the second airport after Incheon in the Capital), you can travel to Busan by high speed train KTX (300 km/h), without leaving the airport terminal: the station is located on floor B1, KTX signs lead to it, so you can get there on your own without much difficulty. Travel time is about 3 hours, ticket price is from 70,000 KRW.

For a less expensive but longer train journey, take the Airport Limousine bus (ticket price from 5,000 KRW) to railway station"Seoul Station" and take the train to Busan, choosing one of two options:

• train “Saemaul”: travel time – 4 hours 30 minutes, ticket price – from 45,000 KRW;
• train "Mugunghwa": travel time - about 6 hours, ticket price - from 30,000 KRW.

By bus

From stop No. 11B, which is located next to the airport terminal, you can get to Busan in 4 hours in a comfortable bus No. 6020, paying about 30,000 KRW.

Transport

Busan is divided into 16 districts. Of these, the most attractive for tourists are:

• Busanjingu - city center with many restaurants, shops, entertainment;
• Donnegu is a prestigious old district;
• Huendegu - the best beaches and entertainment;
• Geumjeong with the ancient Buddhist temple complex of Pomosa.

Transport links in Busan are perfectly organized and include subways, buses and taxis.

Metro

The city's metro, consisting of 4 main lines and 2 additional ones (interactive diagram: https://metroguides.info/city/busan?ln=ru#scheme/0/0), covers most of the city's attractions. Stops are announced in several languages, including English.

The fare starts from 1300 KRW, you can pay for it by purchasing a regular ticket, a one-day ticket for an unlimited number of trips (5000 KRW) or using the reloadable T-money and Genero Card transport cards, which provide significant discounts.

We offer two one-day itineraries for tourists traveling independently around Busan by subway.

1st line, stations:

• "Nampo" - Gukje Sizhang International Market with goods delivered from different countries by sea, Buppyeong Market, Busan Film Festival Square;
• "Chagalchhi" - the famous largest fish market of Chagalchhi;
• "Thoson" is the cultural village of Gamcheon, which has been compared to the Greek island of Santorini;
• "Busan Station" - Chinatown with buildings, lanterns, sculptures in national style, restaurants and cafes with popular Chinese cuisine.

2nd line, stations:

• “Gyeongseon and Pugyong Universities” - Sky Walk observation deck with a transparent glass bottom, picturesque Igide Park;
• "Centum City" - department store "Shinsegae Centum City", one of the largest in the world; a cinema where a traditional international film festival is held;
• "Dongbaek" - the international center "Nuri Maru" on the island of Tongbaek, the yacht center "The Bay 101", which is best visited in the evening to admire the sunset over the sea and the city at night;
• "Gwanan" is a popular Gwanalli beach overlooking the Gwanan Daegyo Bridge, which is decorated with incredible flares of ony during the annual autumn fireworks festival. On the beach along the coast there are many cafes where you can enjoy the lights of the bridge and the view of the city at night.

Buses

The bus network covers the entire city; you can pay for travel in cash (1200 KRW) or with a transport card, which is more convenient and profitable (1080 KRW), which gives you the right to a free transfer.

It is important to know: the transfer will be free if it takes no more than half an hour. You must scan your card on the bus you boarded.

Route maps on buses are only in Korean, but on stop signs the inscriptions are duplicated in English.

Tourist buses

Double-decker tourist buses run around the city, using the “hop on –” system. hop off“, that is, during the day, having purchased a ticket, get off at any stop and then get on another tourist bus following this route.

With advance booking, you can take excursion themed tours on these buses. Ticket prices: adult – 20,000 KRW, children and school (4-18 years old) – 10,000 KRW.

Buses run on five routes:

• Red Line (Busan Station - Haeundae): Start and end stop is Arirang Hotel at Busan Station Plaza. Route: Busanhan Daegyo Bridge, UN Memorial Park, Busan Museum, Yonghoman Bay Cruise Terminal, Gwanalli Beach, Dongbaekseom Island in Haeundae, Haeundae Beach, Shinsegyo Department Store, Busan Film Center, Art Museum, Gwannan Daegyo Bridge, Peace Park, Busanhan Daegyo Bridge , Gwangbon-no street. Buses run 15 times a day at intervals of 30 minutes.
• Night Tour (Busan Station - Haeundae): Start and end stop: Arirang Hotel at Busan Station Square. Route: Busan Daegyo Bridge, Busanhan Daegyo Bridge, Gwanalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, Gwannan Daegyo Bridge, Geumnyeonsan Mountain Youth Sports Center. The bus runs once a day at 19.00.
• Blue Line (Haeundae - Buddhist temple Haedong Yeongungsa: Start and end stop is Sealife Busan Aquarium on Haeundae Beach. Route: Haeundae Beach, Talmaji Road, Seonjeong Beach, Marine Science Center, Dongbusan Mountain Tourist Complex, Art Museum. Buses run 12 times a day at intervals of 30 minutes.
• Green Line (Oryukdo Island - Hwaryeongsan Mountains): Start and end stop at the main entrance of the Yonghoman Bay Cruise Terminal. Route: Hwannyeonsan Mountains, Oryukdo Islands. Buses run 12 times a day at intervals of 40 minutes.
• Jumbo Bus (Busan Station - Daejeongdae): Start and end stop is Arirang Hotel at Busan Station Square. Route: Yeongdo Daegyo Bridge, Observation Deck, Square 75, Taejongdae Holiday Park, National Maritime Museum, Oryukdo Islands, Cruise Terminal, Peace Park, Songdo Beach, Busan Film Festival Plaza, Jagalchi Fish Market.

Please note: when transferring from buses operating on the red, blue and green lines to the Jumbo bus and vice versa, an additional payment of 5,000 KRW is required.

Taxi

There are three types of taxis in the city: branded, luxury, multi-seat, all cars are equipped with meters. Before your trip, it is best to write or photograph the name of the desired place in Korean or show it on the map.

The average cost of travel around the city is from 2800 KRW. It consists of the landing price, distance, travel time and type of taxi.

Tourist ships

You can take a 90-minute excursion on the Chagalchhi Cruise ship. The boat trip starts from the Jagalchi fish market and goes along the coastal areas of Amnam and Taejeongdae parks. There are 4 cruises offered: at 11.00, 14.00, 16.00 and 18.00. Ticket prices: adults – 19,000 KRW, children – 10,000 KRW.

Note: during the cruise departing at 14:00 you can see the bridges being opened.

Exists a tourist route along the Suyongan River. The cruise begins from the Suyeonman Yacht Center, then the Mirakgyo, Suyongyo, Chwasuyongyo bridges, and the cinema center.

Important to know: cruises may not take place in inclement weather.

Where to stay

Korea is a very specific country. Here you will be offered accommodation in both classic hotels and inns, as well as in unusual places.

In this country you can find hotels of any level of comfort. At the same time, when choosing an overnight stay, it is best to book a hotel room, since other places may greatly amaze you with South Korean flavor or minimalism. Most popular hotels:

• “Angel Hotel” – 2*, located near the metro, – from 3800 rubles, breakfast included in the package;
• “Lotte Hotel Busan” – 5*, located in the center near the metro station, – from 13,000 rubles;
• “Shilla Stay Haeundae” – 4*, located near the metro, – from 17,000 rubles;
• “Le Idea Hotel Busan Station” – 4.6 km from the center, from 5,500 rubles;
• “17th hotel” – 3 km from the center, – from 5000 rubles.

In Busan you can also stay in:

• Hostels are intended for accommodation of young people, in particular students. In such establishments, beds are rented, but there are also family rooms and even options with breakfast. This method of accommodation is perfect for those who like to make new acquaintances.
• Hanok. In ancient times, this was the name of the house where aristocrats lived. Now, having settled in such an establishment, you can completely immerse yourself in the culture of Korea. Before entering the room you have to take off your shoes and you will be placed on a warm floor with a futon underneath. You will have to pay from $80 for an overnight stay.
• A guesthouse is an ordinary house, converted to receive guests. Spending a night here will cost you from $40.
• Condominium is a kind of hotel or apartment complex where the rooms are more like rented apartments and you need to cook your own food.
• Yogwan is a small hotel, which in most cases is occupied only by indigenous residents. There are no beds here and you have to sleep either on a mattress or just on the floor. At the same time, you need to take off your shoes on the street. Such premises are built near train stations, in the city center, on beaches, in parks.
• Motel. Such establishments in Korea serve as a place for love affairs or emergency overnight stays. Spending a night at a motel will cost $80.
• Temple stay is a settlement in a Buddhist temple, where you will also be offered food and translation services. In addition, you will be able to look at the life of the monks and take part in their rituals. You can settle here by arriving at the place and talking with the priest.
• Korean baths are an unexpected option for staying in Busan. These premises are open in the city around the clock and provide visitors with highly comfortable services. They resemble spas or even sanatoriums. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that you can stay here for the night. Here, in addition to an overnight stay, you will be offered treatments. You can also eat. And such a pleasure will cost you only $12. However, you should not expect to stay here longer than 1-2 nights.
• For those who plan to live in Busan for several weeks or months, it is best to rent a home. But remember: Korean residents take a significant deposit for housing. In this case, the monthly cost will be deducted from the amount you paid when renting the premises. You can stay in either an apartment or a villa. Cost of living is 60-70 $. An additional deposit will be requested.
• Minbak is a room in which there is no comfort for an overnight stay. Thus, the cost here is minimal.
• Couchsurfing. In this case, you become a guest of a Korean family and stay here for free. To do this, you just need to use a popular service.

What and where to eat

It is impossible to go hungry in any corner of Busan: covered trailers with street food, cafes and restaurants in markets, shopping centers, parks, beaches, and near attractions. Gourmets can appreciate dishes not only of Korean cuisine, but also of Chinese, Japanese, European, and Russian.

The seaside town, of course, abounds in fish restaurants, where you can taste national cuisine made from freshly caught seafood:

• hwe – raw minced fish;
• haemul jeongol - hodgepodge with seafood;
• chhuotan - soup with loach;
• pajeon - flatbreads with seafood;
• clams with citrus sauce.

Note: fish and seafood purchased at the market can be ordered and tasted at the jojip eateries located here.

Korean cuisine is very tasty and varied. Popular dishes worth appreciating and loving:

• samgyetang - soup with chicken stuffed with rice, dates, garlic, ginseng;
• chchistak – chicken soup with stewed vegetables and starchy noodles;
• japche – meat dish with vegetables and starchy noodles, where all ingredients are pre-boiled and fried separately, then mixed and cooked;
• bulgogi - a meat dish with vegetables marinated in soy sauce;
• naengmyeon - cold noodles made from buckwheat flour with meat, boiled eggs, vegetables, doused with meat broth or gochujang sauce;
• songpyeong - fragrant crescent-shaped rice flour cakes filled with sesame, beans, beans or chestnut;
• jeon – pancakes with different ingredients: anchovies, pumpkin or green onions;
• pinsu is a refreshing dessert with a variety of additives: red beans, mango and blueberries, pumpkin, sweet potato.

Local cuisine can be enjoyed in inexpensive restaurants:

• “Songjeong Samdae Gukbop” (next to Seomyeon subway station);
• "Bonjeon Dwaeji Gugbap" (next to the train station);
• "Jejuga" (near Yongdusan Park);
• "Geumsu Bokkuk Main" (near Haeundae Beach).

Fans of Japanese cuisine should check out the Sushi Berry restaurant (next to the Dongbaek metro station), Indian cuisine in Bollywood (near Gwanalli Beach), and Russian cuisine in the cafes and restaurants of Texas Street.

On Haeundae Beach you can use the system buffet taste a variety of dishes from different cuisines of the world at The Party Haeundae.

Of course, in many places of the huge metropolis you can find fast food establishments: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Lotteria.

There are several cafes in the city that are worthy of attention not only as objects to satisfy hunger and thirst, but also as interesting architectural solutions:

• the Brownhands Baekje coffee shop (next to Busan Station) is located in a converted former hospital building (early 20th century) and has retained many design elements: wooden ceiling, window frames;
• cafe-restaurant “Choryang 845” (near Busan station) is located in a former factory building;
• Teahouse "Munhwa Gonggam Sujeong" (near Busan Station) - located in a traditional Japanese house surrounded by a beautiful garden, often becomes the subject of filming in films and videos.

Shopping

Busan will captivate not only avid shopaholics with shopping centers, shops, boutiques, outlets, shops, kiosks, and markets. The most popular and famous: one of the largest department stores in the world, Shinsega Centum City, Lotte Department Store, Renecite, Hyundai Department Store, Seomyeon underground center, Lotte outlets and Busan Premium Outlets. .

The city's markets, large and small, can be considered its attractions. Most famous:

• Gukje Market in Gwangbok-dong: delicacies, cosmetics, clothing, souvenirs, household utensils;
• Bujeon Market: there is a huge range of goods - the freshest vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, household goods, clothing, appliances, vintage items;
• Gukje Sizhang (Gukje Market): a wide variety of goods, traditional souvenirs are especially popular;
• Jagalchi Market on the embankment of the Nampo-dong quarter is the largest fish market with rows of small pools and aquariums with live sea inhabitants;
• Gijang Market is famous for its large selection of crustaceans;
• Dried Seafood Market attracts lovers of dried and dried seafood delicacies.

What to bring from Busan

To remember your trip to Busan, you can choose interesting, inexpensive souvenirs that are popular among tourists from different countries:

• dry kim seaweed (price – from 1000 KRW);
• Korean sweets with different flavors (price - from 1000 KRW);
• spicy sauce for cooking chicken (price - from 2000 KRW for a 200-gram bottle);
• fabric face masks (price – from 1000 KRW).

Korean cosmetics, handmade fans, national dishes and drinks are not a complete list of souvenirs taken away from Busan. Everyone can find among the variety of goods a unique item that will be associated with this unique city.

Attractions

Busan, the same age as the new era, has absorbed the creations of human hands and the beauty of nature. There are countless attractions in the city. Let's focus on the main ones.

Buddhist temple complex of Pomos

The buildings of the city's main attraction at the foot of Mount Geumjong date back to the 7th century; they survived times of war and destruction, but have been restored. The complex consists of more than one and a half hundred buildings from different periods of construction. The most beautiful, decorated with elegant carvings, are the 3-story pagodas and Iljumun Gate.

Everything in Pomos is admirable: the architecture, the parks, and the gardens, especially the wisteria garden.

Note: Pomosa participates in the Templestay program, and you can spend the night here if you book your accommodation in advance.

Dragon Temple (Haedong Yeongunsa)

The Buddhist temple complex was erected in the 14th century on the picturesque seashore and forms a single whole with the surrounding nature.

There are legends about the temple. For example: if you pray in it, your wish will come true. One of the pagodas is more often visited by motorists: it is believed that prayer there protects against troubles on the roads. And if you climb the stairs to the Buddha statue on the rock, saying wishes on each of the 108 steps, then the purest and kindest ones will come true.

People often come here to watch the sunrise or see stunning sunsets, or enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Yongdusan Park

The name of the park is translated from Korean as dragon's head - due to the similarity of the outlines of the mountain located in the park.

The park is home to the 120-meter Busan Tower Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. From the observation deck at the top of the lighthouse there is a stunning panorama of the city and the sea, especially in the evening and at night (entrance - about 2500KRW).

The park is a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests of the city: in the spring - to admire the blooming trees and flowers, in the summer - to hide in the shade from the heat, in the fall - to absorb the bright colors of nature.

Gamcheon Cultural Village

Initially, refugees settled here during the Korean War. At the beginning of the 21st century, the authorities decided to turn this area into an art space, and creative people showed miracles of imagination, turning former slums into bright houses, decorated with interesting graffiti, unusual sculptures and collages. There are many cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and workshops.

Oryukdo Glass Bridge

An observation deck on a cliff in the shape of a 10-meter horseshoe goes into the sea at an altitude of 30 meters. The surface is made of 12mm glass covered with a bulletproof film - reliable safety.

Note: visitors to the bridge must wear fabric shoe covers on their shoes to protect its surface.

The site offers a stunning view of the sea and islands; the transparent bottom gives a feeling of some unreality. Not only the bridge, but also the path to it along a picturesque natural park — perfect place, where you can get incredibly beautiful photos and videos.

You can not only admire the islands, but also take a boat trip and climb to the lighthouse on one of them.

Concert cinema hall

The building, which houses three cinemas and a concert hall, is the venue for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The backlight of 120 thousand LEDs creates an incredibly beautiful night picture, visible from many corners of the city.

BIFF area

The Walk of Stars contains handprints of famous film actors and directors. This is the center of Nampo-dong district. Nearby is the Kkan Thon market, many shops, cafes, restaurants, beautiful places, which makes the square a popular tourist destination.

Talmaci Road

Busan Montmartre is 4.5 km long, winding along the hill, down to the sea and continues along Haeundae Beach. The unusual buildings house galleries, cafes, and restaurants. The road is incredibly beautiful in the spring - with clouds of cherry blossoms planted along it.

Museums

Busan is a city full of cultural life, in which many works of art, historical monuments, and natural attractions are concentrated in museums and galleries. There are a dozen and a half museums in the city. The most popular and interesting:

• Pokjeon Museum: Archaeological Museum priceless artifacts found during excavations trace the fascinating history of the city since ancient times;
• Maritime Museum of Natural History: its exhibitions are devoted to the development of life in the depths of the sea;
• Exhibition Hall of World Model Ships: Located in Busan Tower, it houses miniature but accurate wooden replicas of ships and boats of different categories;
• Fishery Museum: its exhibition is divided into several sections and is dedicated to the history of fishing, modern technologies, marine resources and much more.

Entertainment

The nightlife of Busan is no less lively than the daytime: many pubs, restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs are open until the morning, offering visitors not only drinks and food, but also live music, the best DJs, and unforgettable lights of the city at night.

Popular bars and pubs:

• pubs of the Galmegi Brewing chain (Gwanalli and Haeundae beaches, Nampo-dong quarter, Seomyeon) - craft beer, varied food, music;
• bars of the “Sharky’s Bar and Grill” chain (Gwanalli and Haeundae beaches) - large selection of beer, cocktails, food, live music;
• Irish pub “The Wolfhound” (Haeundae embankment) - in addition to tasting a foamy drink and food, here you can have fun in the games area;
• Living Room bar (31st floor of the Park Hyatt Busan hotel) - a large selection of delicious drinks, live music and vocals, a beautiful view of the Gwanan Bridge;
• bar “The Back Room” (Haeundae Beach) – respectable audience, the best whiskey and scotch.

Fans of nightclubs and discos will not be bored in Busan: they will have one difficult task: which club to choose. Top recommendations:

• club "GRID" (Budjeong-dong quarter) - the most modern light and sound system, excellent DJs, a large selection of cocktails;
• club "Revel" - parties in the style of hip-hop.

Vacation with children

A family holiday in Busan will not disappoint either adults or children: any attraction, museum, excursion or trip will bring pleasure and delight. Moreover, there is convenient transportation and many places where you can buy food and drinks for your child. There are no problems with public toilets in any area. Most restaurants and cafes have highchairs and children's favorite foods.

There are also children's entertainment complexes - Kid's Cafe, where children of any age will find something to their liking.

A few places you should definitely visit with children:

• Sea Life Aquarium (Haeundae Beach) is a themed aquarium with an area of ​​35 thousand square meters. m are home to 35 thousand representatives of marine fauna. You can see the inhabitants of the huge aquarium while walking through the 80-meter underwater tunnel. You can go on an almost real sea voyage in the Imitation Hall. Ticket prices: adults – 29,000 KRW, children – 23,000 KRW.
• Children's Grand Park (Busanjingu district) - you can spend the whole day here: a zoo, a large playground with a variety of slides, carousels, climbing frames and other children's delights. The park itself will delight you not only with its beautiful plantings and the imagination of landscape designers: there are mountains, a waterfall, and a surface of water.
• The Polynesian-style Gimhae Lotte Water Park is located not in Busan itself, but 23 km away in the city of Gimhae. There are 2 zones: open summer and closed, open all year round, except March. The children's area has many attractions and slides for children of all ages.
• Trick Eye Museum of Optical Illusions with over 80 3D exhibits, many based on famous works of art. Children enjoy participating in various master classes.
• The sandy beaches of Busan are ideal for families with children. Tadepo Beach is better for kids; older children will find it interesting on Haeundae and Gwanalli beaches.
• The Hippodrome is a great place for animal lovers. Here you can not only watch horse racing on weekends, but also see horses in the stables, visit a small zoo, ride a pony, play on the playgrounds, and watch an incredible illumination show in the evening.

Festivals

The city hosts many festivals and celebrations every year, and getting to them is a great success and a memorable event. The most impressive:

• The Lotus Lantern Festival takes place in all Buddhist temples and is dedicated to the birth of Buddha: the areas near them are decorated with multi-colored paper lanterns that glow in the dark.
• The Busan Port Festival takes place in March and is accompanied by a costume parade, music, dancing, a boat ride around the harbor, and the opportunity to board a naval ship or NCIS.
• The Hydrangea Festival takes place in early July on the grounds of Taejeongsa Temple, where you can admire the blooming flowers of different varieties of hydrangea.
• The International Sand Festival takes place on Haeundae Beach in late May and early June. Its program includes not only the production of sand sculptures on a given theme by craftsmen from different countries, which are illuminated at night, but also sporting events, performances, concerts with live music, and fireworks.
• The Sea Festival takes place in August on all city beaches. The program includes concerts, shows, water sports competitions, and various entertainment.
• The Busan International Film Festival takes place annually in October and showcases the best new films from filmmakers from Korea and other Asian countries.
• The fireworks festival takes place in October on the Gwanalli coast and every year amazes with laser-musical shows and incredible fireworks
• The International Magic Festival takes place at the end of June and brings together illusionists, magicians, and magicians from all over the world.
• The Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival lasts 10 days in early April and is accompanied by interesting events, but the centerpiece of the festival is the pink miracle of cherry blossoms.

Beaches

It’s not for nothing that the city is called the summer capital of the country: clean sandy beaches with comfortable infrastructure, recognized as the best in South Korea, attract residents of the northern regions and tourists from different countries. There are few beaches. But each has its own highlight:

• Haeundae is the most popular beach, which is not empty during the season even at night: the most fashionable hotels and resorts are located here, there is a yacht club, and various holidays and festivals are held;
• Kvanalli - stretches along the street with many shops, cafes, restaurants, bars. You can study here aquatic species sports - rowing, surfing, water skiing and jet skiing. From the beach you have the best view of the Gwannan Bridge, which is illuminated at night;
• Seongjong – remote and uncrowded, suitable for a relaxing family vacation. This beach is loved by surfers, especially beginners.
• Tadepo is ideal for families with children: a gentle entrance to the water, well-heated water, a picturesque area, next to a park with a fountain, one of the largest in the world: diameter - 60 m, height - 50 m.

Bird's eye view of the Busan coastline:

Mobile application "VisitKorea"

A very convenient application for those traveling independently, where you can find useful and, most importantly, reliable information about attractions, restaurants, cafes, shops, transport, shopping, hotels. You can create a tour route and a program for your trip. A nice bonus: discounts are provided (from 5 to 30 percent) when visiting various places - attractions, theaters, cafes, restaurants.

Busan is a city you don’t want to leave. He gives unexpected gifts in any weather: illumination of buildings, bridges, shop windows, corners of nature, smiles of people and flowers. No matter how much time you spend in it, it always remains a mystery. And mystery is always present in all photos and videos, as if calling to return.

Busan is a city in the Republic of Korea, located in the southeast of Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

Busan is the largest sea ​​port and the second largest city South Korea, with a population of 3.6 million people. Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and festivals, including the famous International Film Festival, held every fall. Busan is well suited for those looking for a quieter atmosphere than Seoul. Situated at the southern end of the Korean Peninsula, the port of Busan hosts sailors and tourists from all over the world, giving the city a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Districts

Busan is divided into 16 districts (구 gu).

Short video about Busan

How to get there

By plane

Busan International Airport: Gimhae Airport (IATA: PUS) is located in Gangso District (강서구), and is the third largest airport in Korea. Gimhae Airport will seem dated compared to glittering Incheon in Seoul. However, this is an active airport with big amount flights. There are separate domestic and international terminals, next to which are all the necessary amenities and power supplies.

Flights within the country operate from the following airports:

1. Seoul Gimpo (IATA: GMP)
2. Seoul Incheon Airport (IATA: ICN)
3. Jeju Island (IATA: CJU)

Most Seoul flights go to Gimpo, but if you're flying internationally, you'll need to choose from several flights from Incheon Airport to Gimhae with Korean Air or Asiana. They are a little more expensive, but much more convenient. (Please note that these flights are international only, meaning that customs and immigration are cleared in Busan at Gimhae Airport. If your international flight to Incheon is not on the same airline you bought your ticket from in Busan (or Gimhae ), then you need to make sure that this airline provides luggage transfer to Incheon, because you cannot leave the security area in Incheon without checking your luggage.

There are also low-cost airlines operating out of Gimhae, including Air Busan, Jeju Air and Air Asia, which fly to domestic and international destinations, sometimes at very low prices. (Although you will need to book a ticket in advance, for example)

Transfer from airports

Light Rail. This method of transportation has appeared relatively recently; the tram connects to the metro line on lines 2 (green) and 3 (brown). The journey to the city center takes approximately one hour and 90 minutes from Haeundae. If you arrive during rush hour (morning or early evening), this is the fastest way to get there

Comfortable bus. From the airport, buses depart from the international and domestic terminals to various locations in the city for ₩6,000. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, or at the ticket office in the domestic flight terminal. (Please note that it may be difficult for the bus driver to accept bills greater than ₩10,000)

A comfortable city bus departs every 20-30 minutes, stops: Gimhae Seomyeon Airport, Lotte Hotel Hyundai Department Store Busanjin Busan Station Chunan-Dong Station Nampo Dong Passenger Terminal Chunmu Dong (Seogu Office)

A comfortable bus to Haeundae departs every 20 minutes, stops: Gimhae Airport, Dyonam Crossing, Geumnyeonsan Station, Seonggu Interchange, BEXCO Olympic aquatic center Westin Joseon Hotel Haeundae(five star hotel) Novotel Hotel Paradise Hotel Yongsan Station Haeundae New City

Local city buses operate regularly from the business district. Tickets are quite cheap, around ₩1,000. English-speaking staff can help you at the information desk at the International Terminal (arrival area).

A taxi to the city center will cost you approximately ₩15,000 (daytime). A Haeundae taxi will cost ₩25,000 (without traffic).

Transport connections between Seoul airports

Incheon is a 4-hour train ride from Busan Station. Take the airport high-speed train (AREX) to Seoul Station and take the high-speed train (KTX) ticket directly to Busan Station. (Tickets to Busan can be purchased at Incheon Airport, in the arrivals area). If you are coming from America or Europe, then tickets to Incheon will cost you much less, and even with the cost of the high-speed train, the trip will be cheaper. The main airport for domestic flights in Seoul is Gimpo, where trains run less frequently, it is better to take flights from Incheon to Busan, as trains run there more often. Flights from Gimpo to Busan are usually cheaper (and departures are more frequent), but if you have a transfer, it is better to take train tickets, it will be faster.

Gimpo is just over 3 hours from Busan by high speed train. Go down to Seoul Subway Station and take the train. Unlike Incheon, tickets for Gimpo cannot be purchased; they will need to be purchased at Seoul Station.

By train

Busan has very good transport connections with a railway network and a major hub for high-speed trains.

High-speed trains connect Seoul with Busan via Daegui and Tijeon. Time spent on the road from 120 to 150 minutes (₩55,500). Tickets can be obtained both at the box office and in special machines with an English-language interface. Tickets can also be purchased online on the Korail website, the site serves international credit cards, the ticket can then be picked up at the station (This method can be very useful if you are going to travel during rush hour, tickets may be sold out at this time)

Train passengers must remain silent, although this is not essential. First class seats provide more comfortable travel. On the train, you can purchase snacks from food machines or buy them from the conductors. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but with low speed and a traffic limit of 30 MB.

The Saemaeul and Mugunghwa trains also provide services from Busan to other cities. They are cheaper to travel on, but they are slower than high-speed ones.

• Busan Station's appearance resembles a UFO that landed brightly with lights near Namphu Dong and Seomyeong. Behind it is Busan's Chinatown, where you can buy Chinese dishes such as jiaozi (dumplings). It’s quite easy to come here, or vice versa, to leave, using metro line 1, there are also many motels and cafes. There is a limited number of storage cells at the station; on weekdays they may all be occupied, so you should not count on them. Please note that by Busan standards this area is considered unsafe at night.
• Gupo station. Also located in Busan. Metro line 3 is within walking distance from the station. This station is smaller than Busan Station, but quite crowded. A ticket from Gupo to Seoul is a thousand won cheaper than from Busan Station to Seoul. Gupo Station is ideal if you are going to a station further from Busan, such as Hwamyeongdong. It is also the closest high-speed train station from Busan Airport.
• Haeundaegu Station is located in the new settlement of Haeundaegu. It is quite quiet and there are no high-speed trains, but there are transport links to other cities. There are connections via trains to the cities of Gyeongju, Pohang, Miryang, Seoul and others. You may be better off staying in Haeundaegu and traveling from here rather than from Busan and Gupo.
• Seongjeong Station is located east of Haeundaegu. Trains go to Pujeon Station and Pohang.

By bus

Almost all cities in South Korea have express buses to Busan.

There are 2 main bus stations in Busan.

Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal (동부시외버스터미널), Nop Station (Line 1). For trips to cities in the north and east (for example, Daegu, Gyeongju, Ulsan).

Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal (서부시외버스터미널), Sasang Station (Line 2). For trips to western cities (Jinju, Masane, Geoje Island). There are also regular buses from Seoul, although they are a little more expensive than buses from Nopo.

Busan Airport. Long-distance buses are available right outside in front of the Gimhae terminals, going to Hanwon, Masan, Yangyu, Geoje, Tongyeong, Gyeongju, Daegu, Gumi and Ulsan.

By car

Driving and parking in Busan can be difficult, so if you just want to explore the city, it's best to use public transportation. However, if you want to travel outside of Busan (such as Geoje), then you may prefer traveling by private vehicle.

Note that you can use your Hanero card to pay tax when entering the city.

There are 3 main highways connected to Busan:

• The Gyeongbuseong Expressway connects Busan with Seoul via Daejeon and Daegu
• Daegu-Busan Expressway alternative Daegu Expressway
• The Namhae Highway connects to Gwangju via Jinju and Sacheon.

By ferry

Busan has regular ferry services to Japan. Go to the International Ferry Terminal (Subway Line 1: Chunan-dong. To the right of the exit), there you can buy tickets to Japan (and also buy tickets for the Japanese tram)

Japan

• Tsushima Island is the only part of Japan that is visible (sometimes) from Busan. (Also known in Korea as Temado Island) Dae-a Express Shipping ferries ferry passengers from Busan to Hitakatsu in 1 hour 40 minutes, and from Busan to Izuhara in 2 hours 40 minutes.
• Fukuoka JR Kyushu's Beetle operates hydrofoils five times a day, the journey takes just under 3 hours. Ferries can be crowded on weekends, so reservations are recommended (there is also a discount for this). average price: 13,000 yen + 2,200 yen for fuel. Another option is a ferry ride, which takes 7 hours.
• Shimonoseki is an overnight ferry that takes 13 hours from Kanpu Ferry's.
• Osaka is even further away, travel time is 19 hours.. Panstar is a comfortable option like a cruise (food, drinks, entertainment, spa, bar provided) The price differs depending on where you buy the ticket, in Korea or Japan .

Korea

There is one ferry daily to/from Jeju, around 7:00 pm. Price: 51,550 won for floor space and 55,000-74,000 won for bed.

Clue:

Busan - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 6

Kazan − 6

Samara − 5

Ekaterinburg − 4

Novosibirsk − 2

Vladivostok 1

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Busan has a subtropical climate with high humidity, hot summers and autumns, and mild winters. It rarely snows in Busan. However, minimum winter temperatures vary between -11°C (inside the city) and -8°C during the Siberian low tide.

Orientation

Busan is about 450 km (280 miles) southeast of Seoul and about 150 km (93 miles) northwest of Japan's main islands.

In the south of Busan is Nampo-dong, a shopping and Entertainment Center city, and at the intersection of metro lines 1 and 2 is Seomyeon, the main business center. Between them there is a railway station and the terminals of the international ferry port. Beaches: Gwannali, Haeundae and Seongjeong are to the east, while the ruins of Gwannali Mountain Fortress are to the north. In the West is the city of Gimhae, where the airport is located.

You can book a hotel in the area you like on the website, and check if there are more places favorable price, Can . You can find your way around the prices for renting private apartments.

Busan - weather by month

Clue:

Busan - weather by month

Main attractions. What to see

40 Steps (40 Gyedan), (Line 1, Chun'an Subway Station)

Several streets in the area were "rebuilt" after the Korean War in the 1960s. Streets lined with wooden lampposts and bronze figures illustrate scenes of hard street life. It's close to Endusan Park. Exit through the Chunan metro gate 11 and turn right along the cafe.

Kamchen Village

The traditional village of Kamchen is called “East” or “Lego village”. During the Korean War, Kamchen was a haven for refugees and home to the city's poorest residents. But now Kamchen has received cultural recognition for outstanding achievements from the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Travel through the colorful and historical alleys of Kamchen, take your camera and photograph every corner. No entrance fee. You can buy a Kamchen card for 2,000 won.
Bring your kids to enjoy it cultural recreation in the village, but better not take older people - there are a lot of stairs here. Kamchen is open from 9am-5pm. To get there, you need to take Line 1 to Boseong Station, Gate 8. Walk straight to the bus stop in front of Togu Cancer Center and take minibus N. 2 or 2-2 k primary school Kamchen.

Dalmadji Hill

Haeundae (from Haeundae Train Station (Line 2) the easiest way is to take a taxi. Or walk to the East end of Haeundae Beach (Mipo) and climb up a small hill). The place is considered the "romantic road" of Busan, and leads up to a hill overlooking the sea . At the top there are many observation decks, as well as an amphitheater, cozy cafes and a spa. There are many galleries along this path. This perfect place for those who came to relax. Come on days when the skies are clear to view Japan's Toma Island from the observatory. Wear low heels, the hill is steep.

MoonTeng Road(문탠로드)

Hyundai (halfway to Dalmaji Hill (up the hill)). This is a large forest path along the sea. At night it is illuminated.

UN Memorial Cemetery

(Line 2, Gyeongseon University Station and Pugyong National University). Opening hours: 09:00 -18:00, last appointment 1 hour before closing. Free admission. This is the only United Nations cemetery in the world. Soldiers from many UN countries who contributed to the Korean War are buried here. To get there you need to take the bus opposite the memorial park after the metro exit. Please note that you need to dress appropriately to be allowed through by security. You will not be allowed in if you come in flip-flops, a miniskirt or shorts.

Naktong Bird Sanctuary (Eco Center)

(Line 1 – Hadan Station). Open 08:00 - 20:00. The place where the Nakdong River flows into the South Sea has been declared a natural monument since 1966. There, in the estuary formation, there are sand dunes and many small islands (including Lung Do). The bird sanctuary is for migratory birds that are in Busan between October and March. More than 150 live here various types birds (including rare birds such as white-naped cranes, spoonbills, and white-tailed eagles) that come here during migration. It is difficult to reach by land, so it is better to take a boat from Meyongdon Harbor. Come early in the day to see the birds before it gets hot.

Dongbaek Island (Dongbaeksom)

Haeundae Beach, next to the Westin Hotel (at Haeundae, turn right and walk towards the hotel). The walk around the island starts from there). Dongbaeksom is not a real island, but a parkland with camellias and pine trees of the Westin Hotel. You will enjoy a coastal walk in this place. You can visit the APEC Convention Center (with great views of Busan). Look for the mermaid statue. The nearest metro station is Dongbaek, Line 2, Gate 1

Daejeongde

Named after King Taejong Myul (654-661) of the Silla Dynasty, who practiced archery here after the unification of the Three Kingdoms. During the Joseon era, King Taejong (1400-1418) visited this place for recreation. Magistrate Dongne also came here during severe drought to pray for rain. Daejeongdae is a famous tourist attraction with a white lighthouse overlooking the green Busan sea.

Most people enjoy eating fresh fish here on the rocky shore, or taking boats to the Oluc Islands to see the famous Suicide Rock. In good weather you can see Japanese island Tsushima, from a distance of 56 km. From the observation deck, the sea and the white lighthouse look very exotic. Daejeongdae is a large area within walking distance of the white lighthouse. It's a long walk there, so you can take a tour or buy a ticket for the Danubi mini train (prices vary for adults, teenagers and children). This train can take you to many sites in Taejeongdae including the lighthouse. The entrance is free.

Busan Film Center

1467 Woo-Dong, Haeundae-Gu, Busan 612-020 (Line 2 - Centrum City Station (behind Shinsege Centrum City), Official, exclusive place holding the Busan International Film Festival (PIFF), where the opening and closing ceremonies take place. The Busan International Film Festival built this outdoor cinema in October 2011. It is the first international cultural complex, combining a cinema and theater in one building. The architecture is stunning and the large roof is the longest roof according to the Guinness Book of Records. Go there at night to see the light show, reflected on the ceiling.

Busan National University

(Line 1 – Busan National University Station). The area around the university is very lively. It is full of students, bars, cafes and fashion shops. You can try not only the favorite dishes of Korean students such as Don Katsu and Croquette (Goroke - 고로케), toast, rice cakes, but also try dishes from cheap bars and Korean barbecue restaurants. Nice place to spend an evening.

Aquatic show Lotte

(Lotte Department Store, Line 1, Nampo Station) The mall hosts a 10-minute musical cascading fountain show every hour (11 times a day). Water flows from the ceiling of the 4th floor, creating various images and words. The fountain is considered the largest cascading musical fountain in the world. There are also benches where you can relax on them after hours of shopping.

Beaches. Which ones are better

Busan is famous throughout Korea for its beaches. The water quality is excellent, and lifeguards armed with jet skis will closely monitor you, so the likelihood of drowning is reduced to zero. Please note that beaches usually have a tsunami monitoring system installed ( you can see it on the signs), but the chance of their occurrence is much lower than in neighboring Japan.

1. Haeundae Beach (해운대)

Tel: 051-749-7611 (address: 264, Haeundae Beach Road, Haeundae, Busan).

You can rent sun loungers and summer umbrellas for 10,000 won. The beach is located next to Haeundae Station. Tourists come here from all over the country, so in late July - early August it can be very crowded.

• There are many hotels, including famous ones, near the beach.
• The Busan Aquarium is nearby.
• On clear days you can see Tsushima Island ( Japan).
• In winter there are almost no people on the beach, although there are events held here public events, For example, Busan Film Festival or Polar bear swim.
• Not far from the beach, the Haeundae area has some great restaurants and plenty of shops, although most are pretty basic.
• Stroll the streets near the beach.
• The tourist information center is located right on the beach.
• You can go surfing or ride a scooter, although most people prefer yellow life preservers.

2. Seongjeong Beach (송정해수욕장)

Tel: 051-749-7611 (Address: Haeundae-gu, Busan, 712-2 Songjeong).

This small beach can be reached by taking a bus along the street near Haeundae Station ( Routes 100, 100-1, 139, 142, or 181 to Seongjeong Station, this bus goes directly to the beach), or from Jansan station by taxi. Near the beach there is the KORAIL train station ( not to be confused with Songjeong-ri Station). Even though the station is nearby, it is not visible from the beach.

Songjeong Beach at night is a place for dates and parties. Allowed on the beach alcoholic drinks and fireworks.

Songjong is a sandy beach located in a bay, coastline is approximately 1.2 km. You can reserve an umbrella for 10,000 won. The beach is open during the warmest months of the year, but is closed to swimming in the evenings (from 16:00 to 18:00). There are many large and small hotels right on or near the beach. Towels, sandals, ATMs and fireworks can be found near the hotels. In one corner of the beach there are stalls selling beer, soju and various food. In summer it is better to visit this beach rather than Haeundae - there are fewer people here.

3. Gwangalli Beach

Tel: 051.622.4251 (Address: 100, namcheondong road, Suyounggu, Busan, Korea)

Located next to Gwandan Station (accessible by subway line No. 2, exits 3 or 5) a 5-minute walk. From Busan Station you can take buses No. 41, 42, 140, 239, 240, 139, Gwangalli Beach stop. It's best to visit at night when the Gwangan Bridge is lit. Beach hike in Haeundae, but smaller. Interesting restaurants, bars and shops are nearby. Try visiting one of the hotels and find out which one has a good sauna.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Pomose Temple(line 1, Pomose Station). One of the great temples of Korea, this large complex is located in the mountains and appears remote from the city, but is in fact only a few kilometers away. The buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt many times since they were founded in 678, but they still convey the atmosphere. On weekends the temple is filled with believers and tourists.

Exit Gate 5 from the station, make a U-turn, turn left and take bus number 90, ride a few hundred meters up (₩1,300 every 15 minutes). Or take a taxi to the metro station and get off at the Temple of Pomos stop. It will cost around 2,800-3,500 won.
There is no entrance fee to the temple, but you will need to pay for parking if you bring your own car 3000 won. Pomose offers a templestey program for men and women if you like the monastic diet.
It's worth going up the valley to the fortifications, a wonderful walk, albeit in a hill. Be persistent! take water; spend some time there. When you reach the old fortifications (about 45 minutes), you can turn around, or you can go right and up the hill and walk (plus 20 minutes) to an observation deck with stunning views of the city. Worth the effort.

Temple of Sekpulsa, (Mandeokgogae-gil, Mandeok-Dong, Buk District), Busan. The nearest subway station is Mandok, line 3, exit 2. You will have to walk a lot to get to the temple. Perhaps the best option is to take a taxi from the metro exit. Behind the metro is the Mandeokgogae road. There is a parking lot with toilets and a restaurant a three-minute walk away. Admission is free, but the toilet is dirty, but you can buy water. Google maps and I-maps do not work here. The temple is not particularly popular among locals, but foreigners like it, perhaps because it is different from most Korean temples. Behind the temple there was a large niche in the hill in which the old temple was located. There were carvings and figurines left on the stone walls. From there you have an excellent view of Busan. Also nearby is a Buddhist temple of a venerable man with a tiger. You can even pray and walk up the quiet forests. Chengreolsa (temple) (Line 1, Miengnun Station) First, take the metro line 1 to the station. Miengnun, exit the subway, then take bus n. 29.29-1.89 or 129 and walk another five minutes. If you decide to travel with a transfer, you will need to pay a few extra won with your transport card (₩200 for adults, ₩100 for children) (remember that this rate is only available if you have a Hanaro card or T-money and a rail pass /d station). The temple is located in Jeongeup, Geolabuk-du, and was built to represent the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-shin “Jhumungon” (an honorary title in the military). He was a great hero of the nation who led the Korean Navy to victory in many naval battles using innovative 'turtle ships' against the Japanese during their invasion of Korea in the 25th year of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1592).

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

• Museum modern history Busan 42-2, 2Ga Choshondong Jung-gu, Busan, Korea, 600-092 (exit Line 1 - Chungan or Nampo), 051 253-3845. 09:00 - 20:00 The last tour starts one hour before closing. Closed during public holidays, There is no entrance fee. The Busan Museum of Modern History was a branch of the Eastern Development Company during the Japanese occupation, the museum focuses on the modern history of Busan during the Japanese occupation, Busan's role in the Korean War, and the history of relations between Korea and the United States. The museum provides a fascinating backdrop to modern Busan; you can stay here for two to three hours. Translation is available for foreigners in English, Chinese and Japanese.
• Busan Museum (Line 2 - Deion), 051-610-7111. Excursions 09:00 - 19:00, Open 09:00 - 20:00. Explore the history of Busan from prehistory to the present day. Visit a room where you can touch exhibits, frescoes, build a stone pagoda, and try your hand at folk crafts. You can also wear traditional Korean clothes, hanbok. The entrance is free.
• Busan Art Museum, 40 APEC Road, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Line 2, Busan Art Museum Station), 0517402602. Opening hours 10am to 8pm. The museum contains three art galleries contemporary art (one of which is for children). Works mainly by artists from Busan. Closed every Monday and January 1st. If it falls on Monday National holiday, then the museum closes the next day. The entrance is free.

Parks

There are several parks and restaurants and a tourist market where valuable souvenirs and food are sold. How to get there: by bus n. 181 from Centrum City or Haeundae Subway Station. From Haeundae, take the bus to Yeonggung, the temple is on the opposite side of the road, 19 stops from the subway and takes about 20 minutes. You will see a large stone sign before the stop.

Yongdusan Park - Busan Tower, (Line 1, Nampo Station). This pleasant little park is home to the 118-meter Busan Tower (₩4,000). It is the fourth tallest tower in South Korea, although 100 m shorter than the Namsan Tower in Seoul. The view is breathtaking even before entering the tower, you can buy some grain to feed the pigeons. The fences surrounding Busan Tower are decorated with padlocks, which can be purchased at the gift shop. If you go to Busan Tower you will see a stunning panorama of the entire city. You can walk down the slope or take the escalator.

What to see in the area

Hiking

The mountains around Busan are paved with roads for hikers. Please note that the roads are not very well marked, although Korean signs can be found. It's better to study the road in advance.

Hiking clothes are a must-have item in Korean fashion. You can buy it at local shopping centers at exorbitant prices, so it's best to buy it before you come to Korea.

Long Distance Travel

• Gyeongju - cultural capital Korea, just over an hour by bus
• Geoje - The island's second largest resort, directly accessible via bridge, just over an hour by express bus
• Jinju - quiet city, known for its strength, at 1.5
• hours by bus
• Miryang is a quiet town, the location of many Korean films,
• 1 hour by bus
• Tsushima Island (Japan) good conditions for a day trip
• travel from Busan. Travel ticket around ₩75,000 (October 2014).
• Fukuoka (Japan) is the closest major Japanese city, just
• three hours by boat. It will be cheaper to take a night ferry ticket. It departs at 10:30 pm, takes 9 hours and costs ₩90,000 one way (+ ₩15,200 tax) or ₩171,000 round trip.
• To Japan by train. You can sail to Fukuoka and Osaka and change to a Japanese train. You can also purchase your ticket at the International Ferry Terminal (1st floor)

Food. What to try

Busan, as a coastal city, is famous for its fresh seafood. Please note that restaurants in Korea open and close frequently, although if an establishment closes, you can probably find another one a good option. Korean restaurants usually serve different variations of the dish they specialize in. So choose with your friends in advance. Vegetarians must immediately choose a suitable restaurant, as changes to the order are not allowed.

Busan has dishes that are not available in other parts of Korea.

• Dong nae pajeon is a seafood dish with green onion flatbread. Cheap and popular dish in Busan.
• Daegu Tang (대구탕) – delicious cod soup with vegetables. Restaurants serving this dish are located in east side Haeundae Beach.

• Bokguk is a soup made from puffer fish, which are extremely poisonous.

There are many places in Busan that have a license to serve this fish. Usually the restaurant has a sign with a puffer fish painted on it.

Budget

• Valley End (Welly&), Pusa Railway Station, 3rd floor. This food court serves traditional Korean dishes and has an English menu. Dishes cost around ₩5,000.
• Kakkduggi, Nampo-dong. Specializes in beef soups with Kakduji side dish. Cost about ₩6,000.
• Amby's, Texas (city). Cuisine of Europe, America, Russia, and South Asian dishes; try borscht. The establishment is popular with sailors and their girlfriends, best time for a visit after midnight. There is a small shop nearby offering a limited selection of already dusty Western goods.
• Eva's next to Gyeongseon University (경성대) is a bar with excellent Western food and an excellent American breakfast served until noon. Outdoors. In-Jung, who works at the bar, is a great hostess.
• Gaya milmyoen, 051-747-9404. 10 minutes walk from Yongdong Station. The main dish is wheat noodles. Cost about ₩5,000. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. There is a large parking lot. 051-747-9404

Beverages

Busan has hundreds, if not thousands, of drinking establishments throughout the city. Popular establishments among foreigners:

• Kunsung University Area: This area has more bars than anywhere else in Busan.
• Ghetto. Perhaps the cheapest drinks in Busan. ₩1,000 per glass of your favorite liqueur. Very noisy dance club.
• Foxy.Foxy, Dance club with DJ. Local performers sometimes perform. You can spend up to ₩15,000 per night. If you want to rent a room, be prepared to pay a lot for it.
• Ol 55. Ol"55, Western style with free pool and darts. Performances every Wednesday and live music on the weekends. Very nice and clean.
• Club Realize. Club Realize. Directly from Kyusyun Station (Exit 1), after a few meters turn right, walk all the way and turn right towards the teahouse. go through 2 more bars and then past the king king). Open on Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes on Sundays. week (you can reserve seats). You can hear the music of metal/punk rock artists. The modest selection of beers is offset by the cocktails.
• Cinema ai. Kino-Eye, 051-628-4733. ₩12,000 entry fee (reservation: ₩10,000). Large bar with dance floor. Look for a sign with a strange rabbit with a red eye. Parties start at 01:00. Movies are shown every evening.
• Today Party. Thursday Party 051-612-6621. From Kyusyung Station Exit 3, on the road from KT Department Store, walk 2 blocks to the right. Very popular among tourists. Prices from ₩3,900.

Holidays

In such a large city as Busan, various public events are often held. Online magazine Busan Haps listed the latest developments.

Safety. What to watch out for

Busan is as safe as almost anywhere in South Korea.

Busan is generally safe to walk around at night, although women should exercise caution as there have been cases of harassment and/or rape. Be careful when most bars close by 3am. Some bars don't close until the customers leave, and often stay open until dawn. Also be careful in the Busan Station area. For female tourists, it is better to go in groups or with men so as not to attract attention.

On the subway late at night, you may encounter drunk men talking loudly. Most likely they do not pose a danger, just move to another subway car.

Beaches have tsunami warning systems and signs. Although tsunamis are rare. In the event that a tsunami is approaching and warning systems are activated, you need to climb to the top floors of high-rise buildings.

Sometimes sandy winds come from China. Especially in spring, from late March to early April, during this time many locals wear cotton masks. The effects of such winds are much less noticeable in Busan and Seoul. There, dust does not pose a serious health hazard, but people may experience allergy symptoms: nasal irritation, dry throat, mild coughing or sneezing, etc. If this is a problem for you, then buy a cheap cotton mask at your local pharmacy.

You should not assume that the driver will stop in front of you while driving. Better maintain eye contact, and wait until the driver actually stops. The biggest danger is posed by scooters, whose drivers rarely follow traffic rules, sometimes driving onto the sidewalk. Sometimes scooters can come quite close to you. Driving standards are quite low in Busan, even by Korean standards. Don't trust pedestrian crossings without traffic lights, as they are constantly ignored. Koreans holding phones to their ears while driving is a common sight, as is car TV.

IN last years police are hunting for men who discreetly take photographs of women in swimsuits on the beach. Keep in mind: if you are going to take photos of people on the beach, make sure you have permission to do so, otherwise you will get into trouble with the police.

Contacts

Emergency numbers

• Police: 112
• Fire department: 119
• Tourism Information Center: 051-253-8253 or 1330
• Gimhae International Airport: 051-463-9457
• Busan Station: 1544-7788
• High Speed ​​Train Reservation (KTX): 1544-8545
• Busan Ferry Port: 051-465-3471
• Busan Coastal Ferry Port: 051-400-3399
• Busan Express Bus Terminal: 051-508-9955

Things to do

Shopping and shops

You can exchange currency in Nampo-Dong and Haeundae at banks such as KB (Bank of Korea), Busan Bank and NH Bank. Withdrawing cash from an ATM from your external card can be quite simple, if your card is MasterCard or Visa, ATMs have an option to switch to English. AmericanExpress cards are more difficult to use.

Market

• Kang Market (깡통시장) is an old market next to Jagalchi Market in Nampo Dong. People often don't notice it because it's in a deep corner. Since Busan has a large port, many foreigners have visited here, so the citizens of Busan began to try exotic foods quite early. The Guangdong market is one proof of this. At the end of Guangdong, there is a narrow street that depicts the period of 1960-70. This is Bosudong Book Street, which sells a lot of used books.
• Gukye Market, Gwangbok-dong and Nampo-dong. The three main shopping areas that are connected to each other are very similar to Seoul's Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong Shopping District. The various stores cater to young and old people, with many brand name stores and lesser-known brand stores. You can bargain with the sellers.

Shopping centers

• Chhoryan foreign trade area, opposite Busan Station, (You can take the subway to Busan Train Station, Exit 3). It's a strange combination of China Town and a Russian town, with beautiful Chinese gates and Russian shops selling pickles and vodka. It is clearly felt that these are stores with low prices, women of different nationalities lure sailors and other clients on the streets. You may buy more than you bargained for; this area is notorious for theft and robberies at night.
• Shopping center Somen, (metro line 1 or 2 - Somen stop). The mall is located in Busan, in the busiest shopping and entertainment district. Ladies will especially enjoy the abundance of shops in the underground Daehyeon Primall, as well as the mini-malls up the street. This shopping area has become the largest, as there are many department stores, discount stores and traditional markets. Apart from this, you can enjoy various Korean cuisines.
• Busan University Mall, (Subway Line 1 - State University, Exit 3). This is one of the main entertainment areas located around the State University. You can go here to shop at different price points. There are not only many shops, but also thousands of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
• Gyeongsung University/Pugyong University Mall, (Subway Line 2 – Gyeongsong University/Pugyong State University Exit 3 or 5). There are bars and restaurants in the area around Gyeongseong and Pugyong. Add to that some nice boutiques, cheap vintage shops, amazing cafes, this is the place to be 7 nights a week. Also, you can taste foreign cuisine.

Department stores

• Shinsege Department Store, (Metro Line 2 - Centrum City), 1588-1234. Mon-Thu 10.30~20.00, Fri-Sun 10.30~21.00. Shinsege (신세계) is a department store built in Centrum City, with an interesting (if expensive) grocery section on the ground floor. Kyobo Bookstore has a large selection of Korean and foreign books. There are two cinemas, an ice skating rink and a large public spa. It is also the largest department store in the world according to the Guinness World Records.
• Hyundai Department Store, (metro line 1 - Beomil-Dong exit 7), (+82)51-667-2233. Mon-Thu 10.30~20.00, Fri-Sun 10.30~20.30. Hyundai Department Store provides you with an elegant shopping experience, offering luxurious international products, mixing modern and classic fashion, while providing high-quality service. There is one in the shopping center Cultural Center, lounge, restaurants and other amenities. Enjoy the breeze and the shade of green trees while relaxing at the Sky Park (하늘공원) on the roof of the building.

Grocery

Grocery shopping in Busan can be a bit of a shock at first. Everything is different here than in any other country, sellers call on people passing by to sell their goods, quite noisily. But, in the large stores listed below, shopping is as in Western countries. Basically, it is quite difficult to find imported goods in a Korean supermarket. Korean companies usually produce their own goods, which foreigners do not always trust. Sometimes, people themselves do not understand what they are looking for in a Korean supermarket. Calculate the time when you are going to go shopping in supermarkets. They close every 2nd and 4th week of the month due to government regulations. Below is a list sorted in order from stores with many imported goods to stores with few.

• Homeplace Haeundae (홈플러스 해운대점), (take subway line 2 to Dongbaek station (1st exit), walk straight for 3 minutes.), (+82)51-532-2080. 10:00 ~ 00:00
• Homeplace Sasang (홈플러스 서부산점), (take metro line 2 from Sasang station, transfer at Busan Gimhae to the tram to Gwaebop Renesite station (괘법르네시떼역 - exit 1), then turn right and walk about 12 meters.), (+82)51-319-8000. 8 AM~12 Am
• E-Marts Haeundae (Take subway line 2 to Chung-Dong Station (Exit 7 or 9), you will find it right in front of you.) 10 AM~ 12 AM.
• Megamart Munhyeon, (take subway line 2 to Jigegol station (exit 4), go straight, then right.). 10 AM~12 AM.
• Lotte Mart Busan, (Take subway line 2 to St. Buam (Exit 6), go straight towards Jinyang Saegori for about 8 minutes.) 10 AM~ midnight.
• Asian Marts (take metro line 2 to Sasang station (exit 3). Go straight towards the river and e-Mart and Homeplus stores. Turn right at the first street. The desired store is on the left before the turn.). 10.30am~11:30pm every day. Sasang is the perfect place to find oriental products. There are about 5 shops that sell East Asian and Indian traditional spices that are not usually found in local supermarkets.

Other

• Artbox. Artbox can be found all over Korea, in Busan it is in Seomyeon (subway exit 2, then go straight to Dongbo Plaza and turn left, behind the TGI restaurant and near the Siribugeong library), Nampodong, Haundaegu, etc. you can find everything from from toiletries, bags and furniture with a unique style.
• Daiso (다이소). Daiso is a Japanese large chain of stores where the fixed price is $1. Stores are scattered throughout Korea and are known for a wide variety of products (in major cities). They mainly sell household items for 1,000-5,000 won, but also sell many useful things for tourists, such as electronic adapters/chargers, sewing kits, notebooks, plastic protectors, bags, etc. They sell sets of small things that are necessary for travel( for example soap). They also sell snacks, another reason why such a store can be useful. You can stock up for a long train ride or for a trip to one of the mountain temples. If you are coming from the west, this is a good place to buy cheap (and unique) souvenir items.

Sport

• K-League: In Busan I"Park football (soccer) team is located in the main Asiad stadium.
• Asiad Main Stadium +82-51-500-2121 (1299 Geoje2-dong, Yeonje-gu, Busan Metropolitan City),
• K-League: The football team is based at Gudeok Stadium in Dongdaesin.
• Gudeok Stadium +82-51-602-2201(211-1 Geoje2-dong, Yeonje-gu, Busan Metropolitan City)
• Busan Sailing Haeundae has the largest cruise ship in Korea, about 10 minutes from the beach, walking towards Chosun Beach Hotel.
• Chicago Fitness Club is a great place to work out. There is a wide range of cardio equipment and dumbbells up to 100 pounds, as well as a golf practice course. It is located on the 5th floor of Milligore Mall in Seomyeon.

Studies

Korean language (university courses):

• Busan Foreign Studies University
• Dong-Yu University
• Dong Busan College
• Dons is an international university with a decent annual program and reasonable prices.
• Koshin University
• Gyeongsong University
• Bukyon State University
• Busan National University is the most popular and highly ranked university. Their Korean language programs are known to be the most difficult and expensive.
• Silla University
• Dongmyeong University

Other

KLIFF provides Korean lessons in Huengdae (near the beach) and in the Busan National University area. (in the north of the city).

Job

English teaching positions are available in Busan. For more details, see the main section South Korea.

In Busan, in early 2012, the Municipal Government decided to phase out foreign English teachers from public schools. This means that your opportunities to teach English in schools will be limited to private hagwon.

There are advertisements for such work in the online magazine Busan Haps. Most of the positions are in the Haeundae area in the east, where you can see many English teachers.

How to get around the city

Hanaro Busan Map (하나로카드) convenient system payment by card used in:

1. Metro
2. Tram (including at the airport)
3. Taxi
4. Local stores
5. When paying road taxes (For example, on the Gwali Bridge)

The card itself costs ₩6,000, after which you can put money on the card through any kiosk.

You can also buy a special sticker for your phone, which uses the same technology as the card and can be used in the same way. Such accessories vary in price and are sold in different colors.

By using the card you can save some money. The minimum metro fare will drop from ₩1,100 to ₩990 (you will still have to pay ₩200 for additional km). The bus fare will decrease from ₩1,200 to ₩1,080.

When exiting the bus, you can scan your card for a discounted ride, and when boarding the next bus, within 20 minutes.

If you then scan when boarding another bus within 20 minutes, your fare will become ₩250.

T-money cards (Seoul T-money cards) can also be used in the subway and on the bus, but you cannot top them up on the street. Many stores have card refill machines such as GS25 and C4U or Shinhan bank ATMs, so the card can be topped up in various areas of Korea.

Taxi. What features exist

Many taxis drive through the streets of Busan. The average fare for the first 2 km is ₩2,800, then ₩100 for every 143 m or every 34 seconds if the taxi is traveling slower than 15 km/h. Lux taxis "mobeom" (black and red) charge ₩4500 for the first 3 km and then ₩200 for every 160 m or 38 seconds. The fee increases by 20% from midnight to 4 am.

You can also use the Hanero card, but there will be no discount.

Most taxi drivers don't speak English (although some do speak Japanese). If you can show the driver the name in Korean, it will help. In Busan, most drivers are friendly towards foreigners, but they usually assume that you have a long drive (for example to the airport).

It is very easy to find and hail a taxi in good weather, but in bad weather you will have to wait a long time.

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may try to charge you a higher fare (up to ₩20,000) in some places, such as Busan Port. Insist on paying at the meter or take another taxi.

Trams

In Busan, the Gimhae trams (purple line) meet the brown (3) and green (2) subway lines. The tram is a convenient way to transit to Gimhae International Airport. However, besides the airport and the city of Gimhae, there is nothing else interesting on this line. Please note that tram tickets are not combined with the metro and therefore require a separate ticket in case of transit. (use Hanaro map)

Metro

Busan's 4 subway lines -- Red (1), Green (2), Brown (3), and Blue (4) can take you to most areas of Busan. Fare ₩1,300 or ₩1,500 depending on distance (keep your ticket until you exit), All signs and announcements are translated into English. A day trip costs ₩4,500.

Additionally, there is a purple line (Gimhae trams) that goes to the airport and to the west of Busan via the subway line. Rates are not combined.

Check carefully which direction you want to go, once you pass through the gate, there may not be the right platform elsewhere. For example, traffic on the Green Line (2) goes between Changsan and Yangsan, which is already confusing.

The metro car has specially designated seats for elderly, disabled and pregnant passengers. You can sit on them until you have to give up your seat to someone who needs it. If you are visiting for a long time, purchase a Hanaro Card (하나로카드).

Please note that T-cards (T-money) for other cities will also work in Busan. However, such cards can only be topped up at Busan High Speed ​​Train Station (KTX).

Also, please note that travel time will be longer. For example, a taxi ride from Haeungndae to Busan will take less than 30 minutes, and more than an hour by subway.

Buses

Busan has a good and comprehensive bus system. Use the hanero card, you can also use it when transferring (just scan the card when you exit the bus).

Please note that the bus ride through the hills of Busan may not be pleasant. During rush hour, you can ride standing on the bus, constantly swaying.

Also note that the front seats on the bus have yellow seat covers to indicate they are for older people. You are allowed to sit on them until another person needs the space. The board at the front of the bus displays the destination in Korean, English and Japanese, although the bus itself will not route maps in English. Bus fare ₩1,200 (1,080 with Hanero card) for local buses (blue or green), and ₩1,800 (1,700 with card) for chwaseok ( seat place) or express buses.

Bicycles

Biking is possible in Busan, although it is somewhat dangerous in most of the city due to the driving style here. The area has dedicated bike lanes on many sidewalks (used primarily for scooters) that are relatively safe.

Haeundae Beach ( tourist office and the Seacloud Hotel) for foreigners there is free bicycle rental between 09:00 and 18:00 (with the provision of a passport and a voucher for hotel accommodation). If you do not have insurance, 2,000 won will be charged.

Haeundae New Town (in the Changsan area) has a new bike circuit that's cheap, but you'll need to read Korean to use it. 500 won for 30 minutes or 3,000 won for a monthly subscription. The subscription is electronic, you can take and leave your bike in different designated places. This is a good residential area, although there are no notable tourist attractions. (but you can go to the beach)

On foot

Because of the mountains and valleys, walking around the city is impractical. However, some attractions and monuments are grouped together so that you can walk between them.

• Haeundae: Start at the beach, turn right and go around Dongbaek Island and then explore the city.
• Romantic Road: Start from Haeundae Beach, turn left to the beginning of Dalmai Hill, and then walk along Moontan Road.
• Chungan: Walk through the 40 Steps Old Town and then walk to Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower.
• Centrum City: Exhibition Center BEXCO, Shinsigae Shopping Mall, Cinema Center and Busan Contemporary Art Museum are located in Centrum City along the Green Line Subway Station (Line 2)

Busan (Busan, 부산) is the second largest city in Korea, 3.5 million inhabitants. The largest Korean port. It is located on the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula in the valleys between the Naktong and Suyeon rivers. The city is surrounded on all sides picturesque mountains. Despite his big size and, despite its status as the country's main port, Busan is, first and foremost, a seaside resort. Accordingly, there will be no problems with entertainment in Busan.

Buddhist Haedong Yeongungsa Temple(Haedong Yonggung-sa) is located on an unusually shaped stone cliff above the seashore. The temple offers a wonderful view of the sea and mountains, and the temple itself is very harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape. Temple website (in English).

In Busan, not only Buddhist temples have been preserved, but also. The most famous among them is Chungnyeolsa Temple(Chungnyeol-sa), dedicated to the fallen Korean soldiers. The temple is located in the Dongnae-gu area in northern Busan. Temple website (in English). Not far from the temple there are ancient mounds And museum ancient history Pokjeon(Bokcheon Museum).

You can take a break from the oppressive atmosphere of a multimillion-dollar metropolis in numerous parks, which are located both in the center of Busan and on its outskirts and even in the sea. More details about Busan parks read .

Busan deserves special mention bridges. There are many of them, and they are big and beautiful. Thus, in Busan there is the longest sea bridge in the world - a two-story 7-kilometer bridge Kwannan(Gwang-an, 광안대교) was opened in 2003 and connected the shores of the bay. At night, it has a beautifully shimmering backlight. The best view of the bridge is from Gwannali. Located next to the bridge Amusement park "ME World" with a large Ferris wheel that can be seen from afar.

Port of Busan largest in Korea. I think many will be interested in seeing the coordinated work of dockers and sailors on huge ships.

Busan has great shopping. There are many in the city shopping centers, markets and shops. You can easily spend the whole day in the shopping districts - there are plenty of cafes and restaurants, and take a break from exhausting shopping :) The most popular places for shopping are the International Market, which is a huge quarter of shops, shops and shopping centers. Without a doubt, you can buy almost everything at the International Market. It is impossible not to visit the largest department store in the world - Shinsegae Centum City, as well as the Lotte Super Tower shopping center, located in the tallest skyscraper in Korea (110 floors, height - 510 m).

The Busan International Film Festival attracts many film lovers. He passes Huende.

Climate in Busan soft, thanks to the seaside location. Even in winter the temperature rarely drops below zero degrees. There is practically no snow, but in winter it blows strong winds. Hot and humid weather occurs from June to September, but at the same time it also falls most of precipitation, although it is difficult to call it a rainy season. Typhoons occur in August and September. Most comfortable weather in Busan stands in October and November, but at this time the sea is already cool.

Official website of Busan for tourists (in English)

The main tourist boom occurs in May-August, but there is also something to do in other seasons

From May, tourists from neighboring countries are expected in South Korea, including from Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Sakhalin and Kamchatka. In Busan, Far Eastern tourists are called the first signs of the high tourist season, ENV reports with reference to the Compatriots Community consulting center.

However, if you try, you can find something you like in South Korea all year round, even now. Below are valuable tips for each season.

Winter: Eastern New Year

Winter in Busan is quite long and cold due to the winds. It is coldest in January (the Epiphany and Chinese frosts, famous in Primorye, do not bypass Korea). There is practically no snow in Busan, so there is no flow of tourists during the ski season.

During the winter months, Busan participates in the Korea Grand Sale shopping, culture and tourism festival. In 2019, the period is 43 days – from January 17 to February 28.

However, the tourist surge, when Koreans occupy almost all available housing, occurs during the Eastern New Year. In 2019 this is the period from February 1-5. For those who want to profitably fly to Busan in February, it is better to arrive immediately after the holiday - this is the time of the lowest season.

Spring: economical tourism

Despite the sharp warming in March-April, the Korean tourism industry at this time is just preparing to receive its first travelers. However, you can come here already at this time, when renting a house is not yet a problem, and prices are not high.

At this time in Busan it is comfortable to walk around the city. The time is ideal for all types of cultural and recreational leisure, active rest, shopping tours. In early April, during cherry blossoms, there will be a little more tourists. And closer to May, it becomes very warm in Busan, and city guests begin to occupy hotels near the beaches.

Summer: beach season

The high season in Busan begins in June. The air in the city warms up to +24°C, and in the sea – up to +16°C. In summer it is hot and humid.

Officially, the beach season lasts from mid-June to the end of August, the sea warms up to +23-24.3°C. At this time, on the city beaches there are stalls with food and drinks, there are covered gazebos and umbrellas, boats and inflatable rings are offered for rent, lifeguards are on duty, and the rules apply: do not swim after 18:00 in the evening. But the swimming season itself, when the water is warm enough, runs from May to September. At this time, the average water temperature is +19.9°C.

In July-August, at the height of beach holidays, all short-term rental apartments and most hotels are occupied not only in the beach area, but also within the city. The most experienced tourists who fly to Busan on summer holidays, they book apartments in advance, from winter. During this period, renting a furnished apartment with everything you need for a vacation is almost impossible. And for Russian families it is very important to have a kitchen, the ability to prepare their own breakfast and home-cooked food. In addition, when you relax in one place for a long time, eating in restaurants and on the street is quite tiring.

The rainy season in Busan is the end of June and a week in August. But the rains do not interfere with rest. The city has well-established storm systems; there are no puddles or mud in tourist areas. There are many shopping centers with cafes and restaurants, exhibitions and other performances - there is always a place where you can usefully wait out the rain.

Autumn: ecological and event tourism

Autumn in Korea is the time for ecotourism, the time for hiking in the mountains. Anyone, young and old, can climb to the heights along special trails.

September is still high season in Busan, at this time the heat has already subsided and you can take a long walk around the sights, but it is still warm for a beach holiday. But during Chuseok, the Harvest Festival, when all Koreans meet with families and many leave the city, a tourist may encounter empty streets, closed cafes and restaurants. Public holiday for Chuseok in 2019 is from September 12 to 15. But the period of complete calm lasts only 1-2 days - on the day of the full moon, when the largest moon of the year rises over Korea (this year - September 13).

In October and November, tourists focus on excursion programs, event tourism, shopping tours. October is the time of festivals. Busan hosts a fireworks festival on Gwannali Beach (Busan Fireworks Festival), the Korean wave music festival Busan One Asia Festival (concerts of famous K-POP performers are held on Haeundae Beach), the Busan International Film Festival and others.

At the end of October and November, it’s time for tanphung (that’s what they call the autumn appearance of colorful leaves in Korea - editor’s note). A walk in a park or forest is an integral part of autumn holidays for Koreans. This is a time for those who want a calm and comfortable pastime and immersion in Korean culture. At this time in Busan there is no large quantities foreign tourists, as well as sold-out hotels.

It is difficult for most Korean cities to distinguish their own “face” that is different from others. Everyone was leveled by the war - the terrible civil conflict of 1950-1953. Everywhere there are areas of low-rise private development - a sort of “old Shanghai”, areas of the same type of multi-storey buildings, ultra-modern business buildings made of glass and concrete. Busan was not affected by the war, and the city has its own “trick”.

Past and thoughts

You can get acquainted with the history in the historical museum - it is small, with a well-selected exhibition and free (by the way, do not miss the hall where you can take part in a tea ceremony, try on a traditional Korean robe - hanbok and test yourself in some traditional Korean craft). The city arose at the beginning of the new era and changed its name several times until it received its modern name around the 10th century. Since the 15th century, Busan has served as the main commercial port countries. Trade was carried out mainly with Japan - initially a Japanese trading post was located here, since during times of strict self-isolation, subjects of the Emperor of the Land of the Rising Sun were prohibited from traveling to Seoul. And after the conquest of the peninsula by the Japanese and until 1883, Korea traded only with Japan. During the Korean War of 1950-1953, Busan became the temporary capital of the Republic of Korea, as it was the farthest point from the DPRK border and the main military base of the United States and its allies. Anyone interested in the history of the Korean War should visit the UN Memorial Cemetery. Until 1963, Busan remained the center of the province, then it became a directly subordinate city, and from January 1995 - a metropolis.

Asian beauty

Without a doubt, Busan is one of the most beautiful cities Korea, although you have to understand that this is Asian beauty. It is smaller than Seoul, with “only” 3.5 million inhabitants. Located in a mountainous area, on the sea coast. There are many bridges in Busan. One of them, Gwan'an, is the longest sea suspension bridge in the country. The people of Busan are extremely proud of him. It is two-story, traffic in one direction is organized along the first floor, in the other - along the second. The Gwan'an Bridge is not only an important object in the city's infrastructure, but also its decoration. It is equipped with special lighting that changes color depending on the time of year and day of the week, thereby creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
A hurried tourist will have about five days to explore Busan. In order to see everything at once, you need to climb the observation tower with a 360-degree view - the view will be stunning if the fog does not interfere. And you will be surprised to discover that the seaport is very beautiful, especially when viewed from above. The port is the heart of Busan. It is truly huge, and the figures for the annual increase in cargo turnover are hard to believe - now it is almost 20 million containers per year.
By the way, about the sea. There are many magnificent beaches on the Sea of ​​Japan around the city. Therefore, Busan is sometimes called the “summer capital of Korea.” However, due to the short vacations of vacationers, it’s not that dark even at the height of the season. The most luxurious beach is Haeundae Beach, one and a half kilometers of clean sand. Moreover, 20 meters from the sea, the tallest skyscrapers in Korea were built on an artificial embankment. This union of sand, water and concrete looks very unusual.

Antiquity and innovation

In Busan, hoary antiquity and high-tech are in amazing harmony with each other. Tourists do not ignore the “old city”, which in fact has not existed for a long time - only memories in the form of monuments. Where City Hall stood many years ago, Lotte World Tower now stands, completed and opened to the public as recently as April 2017. It is the eighth tallest skyscraper in the world. The main attraction of the area today is the Chagalchi fish market. The market is two five-story buildings and all the streets around it. Live fish, shells, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea squirts, octopuses, squid, cuttlefish - you've never had so much food staring at you at once! True, meeting an English-speaking merchant on Chagalchi is a great success. On the floor above or in the next stall your “catch” will be prepared. There are also restaurants here where you can enjoy all this splendor at a more than reasonable price. In October, a fish festival is held where artisans compete in cleaning and preparing conger eels, shellfish and raw fish.

In general, if you are planning to try traditional Korean or Japanese food, then there is no problem with this in Busan. With European cooking, the situation is much worse. At the same time, the Busan administration is trying to make its city convenient for travelers from countries where they cannot read hieroglyphs. There are many information desks, stands and signs explaining how many kilometers have been traveled to this or that object and how many are still left.
It's funny that Busan has its own "Chinatown", a sort of enclave of alien culture - Texas Street. This name is unofficial; it recalls the times when American sailors indulged in forbidden pleasures with local beauties. Now this is a Russian-speaking quarter, where Koreans who have repatriated from Russia like to settle.
Haeundae - new area cities. There are few Korean specifics here, but to take a break from the “traditional” neighborhoods, you can go here and breathe in a little Western life. In addition, it is in this part of the city that almost all the best hotels are located.

Buddhist antiquities

As a rule, after visiting a dozen Buddhist monasteries and temples, interest in this type of attractions cools down - they are very similar. However, you still need to visit the Pomos Monastery. It is located in the mountains, almost above the city. Getting here on foot is not easy, especially in the heat, it is better to drive up, especially since the views of the sea and the city from the car window will be very impressive. The atmosphere of the temple complex, which includes 160 buildings, is very different from the monasteries in Seoul. Less pomp and circumstance, less restoration and bright colors - everything is quite modest. Well, as usual, many legends are associated with the monastery. The name “Pomosa” is formed from the words “nirvana”, “fish” and “temple” - respectively, translated as “Temple where fish from Nirvana play”, although in European reference books it appears as “Monastery of the Heavenly Fish”. And the whole point is that at the top of the mountain on which the monastery stands, there is a rock, and in it there is a well. According to legend, one day a goldfish descended from the sky and has lived there ever since. And the fact that no one saw it does not mean that there are no fish in the well. From the monastery you can no longer see the sea or the city - only forested mountains.

Night vigils

You can while away the evening in the theater at some show or classical concert. And if curiosity is stronger than fatigue, go hang out in the area of ​​Gwangbok Street and Napho-dong Square - a local hybrid of Arbat and Sunset Boulevard. Here you will find delicious food, abundant shopping and signs with handprints of Asian and world cinema stars, as well as great amount places for recreation and entertainment for every taste.
Busan is a paradise for shopaholics: duty-free shops, outlets, giant markets, developed handicraft production. The largest department store in the world, Shinsega Centum City, is located here. Tourists take home traditional crafts and cutlery.
You can come to Busan with meaning - to the international film festival in October, to the fireworks festival in the summer or to the cherry blossoms in the spring. But in winter it’s better not to: cold, wind, dampness.

Katerina Smirnova