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Busan is the second largest city of South Korea. It was known as the only escape from the communists during the Korean War. It has a small Russian and other expat population of English teachers and entertainers. It has also become a port for the Japanese to have cheap plastic surgery. Traveling to Busan can be done by plane or railway from Seoul and other parts north and west. It very is helpful to know some of the dialect as it is much different from the dialect spoken in Seoul. In addition, if you want to find some fresh seafood the restaurants on the seaside of this area are the places to stop for a treat.
Touristy areas:
Beomeosa Temple--
Beomeosa Temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. It was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year of King Munmu of the Silla Kingdom..).
The original Beomeosa Temple building was lost during Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 but was renovated in 1713. There is Iljumun, the three-story pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and eleven hermitages.
Hours:
9:30am ~ 5:00pm (Tickets sold until 4:30p.m.)
Admission:
- Adults (Age 19 and over): 1,000 won
- Child, Teenager & Soldier: 500 won
*(Groups of 30 or more- Adult 700 won, Child, Teenager & Soldier 300 won)
Closed: Every Tuesday, Lunar New Year's Day, Chuseok
Chagalch’I Fish Market---
This is Busan’s biggest fish market where catches are unloaded from boats and prices are haggled between the fishermen and their buyers. Every year in October the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival is held. The Jagalchi Market is where you can see the lifestyle of the indigenous Busan natives.
Haeundae Beach---
Haeundae Beach is probably the most famous beach in the country. Haeundae is 1.5km long, 30~50m wide, and spans an area of 58,400㎡. 14km north-east of downtown Busan, this is one of the biggest beach resorts found on the coast. It is regarded as the most popular beach so its good to get there early to claim a spot. It is open from June to early September with sightseeing boats and every amneties you’d look for when going to the beach. It is also the only one that boast hot springs which are a popular site during the winter season. It is also famous for various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. There is also the Beach Culture Center and the Beach Library.
Fun things to do in Busan---
Just like Seoul, there are many fun things to do as the Koreans do in Busan. While some of them are also found in Seoul, it also worthy to note them here because no matter if you are in the city or the country, there is always some fun, drinking, dancing and shopping to do in South Korea.
Pubs and Bars---
There are two bars in Busan frequented by the English teaching crowd called Monk and Guru. They are located by Busan University Subway station. Monk is known to be a jazz bar while Guru the rock bar. West of the Busan railway station is an area known as the “Russian sector” infamously known as places for prostitution by Russian women not Korean women?
Hof ---
These are restaurant/pub-type places that serve draft beer and different food options. They are influenced from the German word of the same name meaning drinking rooms. Each HOF has a theme like a pub/bar, but they are bigger and usually have a relaxed atmosphere. They can be reasonably cheap but depending on the area of the city you are visiting, they can get pricey.
Pojang Macha---
These are literally 'covered wagon', lovingly called 'Soju Tent' by foreigners. These are great places to hang out when the weather is nice, especially out at the beach. In winter, they zip down the flaps and turn on the space heater. While some of them can be cheap, these unique places offer food that can be a bit on the exotic. These can be found singly around the city, usually on the main street or near alleyways as a fun way to people watch while at the same time enjoying company with your friends and other locals.
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