Busan is a city looking to the future and carefully preserving the treasures of the past. Tourists with any preferences will find a vacation to their liking: mountains, rivers, the 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.

An independent tourist will not face problems: everything is organized perfectly: transport connection, accommodation, meals, trade, excursion services, entertainment.

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

Busan on the map:

The history of the multimillion-dollar Busan today 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 freshly caught seafood, fish markets.

It is 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, which occupies a leading position in the country's economy. The International Financial Center is located here, and important international events have taken place and are taking place, including: in 2002 - the World Cup, in 2005 - the APEC summit.

In the sea and summer capital of the country, as Pusen is often called, there are the best beaches, the largest port, the largest department store, the oldest huge market, the highest office in South Korea.

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

It is important to know: the schedule of the city's institutions, including museums and memorial sites, is divided into summer (March-October) and winter (November-February).

Time difference from - 6 hours. The country's currency is the 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, forms the weather in the city: mild, but sometimes windy winters with rare snowfalls, warm springs, hot rainy summers, warm dry autumns.

The metropolis is interesting at any time of the year, but it is most comfortable in spring, when you can admire the cherry blossoms and other trees. The beach season lasts from July to September - at this time, a large influx of tourists is annually observed in the summer capital of South Korea. Autumn is the time of bright colors of nature and is 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 that Busan is also famous for.

How to get there

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

From airports (, or) it is more convenient both in time and in price to fly to the capital of South Korea -. The flight time on a direct flight will take just over 8 hours, the ticket price is from 20,000 rubles. Cheaper (from 14,000 rubles) will cost a ticket for a connecting flight with 1 change in Vladivostok, but the journey with a change 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, the 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 get to Busan by high-speed KTX train (300 km / h) without leaving the 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, you can take the Airport Limousine bus (ticket price from 5,000 KRW) to Seoul Station and take the train to Busan, choosing one of two options:

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

By bus

From stop number 11B, which is located next to the airport terminal, you can get to Busan in 4 hours in a comfortable bus number 6020, paying about 30,000 KRW.

Transport

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

• Busanjingu - the city center with many restaurants, shops, entertainment;
• Donnegu - a prestigious old district;
• Huendagu - the best beaches and entertainment;
• Geumjong with the ancient Buddhist temple complex of Pomos.

Transportation in Busan is organized perfectly and is represented by subways, buses and taxis.

Metro

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

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

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

1st line stations:

• "Nampo" - the international market of Kukje Sichzhan with goods delivered from different countries by sea, Bupyeong Market, Busan Film Festival Square;
• "Jagalchi" - the famous largest fish market of Jagalchi;
• Thoseong is Gamcheon Cultural Village, which has been compared to Greek island Santorini;
• Busan Station is Chinatown with buildings, lanterns, sculptures in the national style, restaurants and cafes with popular Chinese dishes.

2nd line stations:

• Gyeongsong and Pugyong Universities - Sky Walk observation deck with a transparent glass bottom, picturesque Igide Park;
• Centum City - Shinsegae Centum City department store, one of the largest in the world; a cinema where a traditional international film festival is held;
• Dongbaek - Nuri Maru International Center on Dongbaek Island, The Bay 101 Yacht Center, which is best visited in the evening to enjoy the sunset over the sea and the city at night;
• "Gwanan" is a popular Gwanalli Beach overlooking the Gwanan Daegyo Bridge, which is adorned with incredible flashes of oni during the annual autumn festival fireworks. There are many cafes on the beach along the coast, from 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 the journey in cash (1200 KRW) or with a transport card, which is more convenient and profitable (1080 KRW), which entitles you to a free transfer.

Important to know: the transfer will be free if it takes no more than half an hour. Be sure to scan the card on the bus you boarded.

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

Tourist buses

2-story tourist buses run around the city, where the “hop on - hop off” system is used, that is, you can get off at any stop during the day by purchasing a ticket and then enter another tourist bus following this route.

If you book in advance, you can make sightseeing thematic tours on these buses. Ticket price: 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 at Arirang Hotel in Busan Station Square. Itinerary: Busanhan Daegyo Bridge, UN Memorial Park, Busan Museum, Yongho Man Bay Cruise Terminal, Gwanally Beach, Haeundae Dongbaeksom Island, Haeundae Beach, Shinsegye Department Store, Busan Film Center, Art Museum, Gwannan Daegyo Bridge, Peace Park, Busanhan Daegyo Bridge , Gwangbong-no street. Buses run 15 times a day with an interval of 30 minutes.
• Night Tour (Busan Station - Haeundae): Start and end stop at Arirang Hotel in Busan Station Square. Itinerary: Busan Daegyo Bridge, Busanhan Daegyo Bridge, Gwanalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, Gwannan Daegyo Bridge, Geumnyeong Mountain Youth Sports Center. The bus runs once a day at 19.00.
• Blue Line (Haeundae - Haedong Yonggunsa Buddhist Temple): Start and end stop at Sealife Busan Aquarium on Haeundae Beach. Route: Haeundae Beach, Talmaji Road, Songjeong Beach, Marine Science Center, Dongbusan Mountain Tourist Complex, Art Museum. Buses run 12 times a day with an interval of 30 minutes.
• Green Line (Oryukdo Island - Hwaryeongsan Mountains): Starting and ending stop is the main entrance of the Cruise Terminal in Yeonghoman Bay area. Route: Hwangnyeongsan Mountains, Oryukdo Islands. Buses run 12 times a day with an interval of 40 minutes.
• Jumbo bus (Busan Station - Daejeongdae): Starting and ending stop is Arirang Hotel in Busan Station Square. Route: Yeongdo Daegyo Bridge, Viewpoint, 75 Square, Taejeongdae Recreation Park, National Maritime Museum, Oryuk Islands, Cruise Terminal, Peace Park, Songdo Beach, Busan Film Festival Square, Jagalchi Fish Market.

Note: when transferring from buses plying on the red, blue and green lines to the Jumbo bus and vice versa, an additional charge is made - 5000 KRW.

Taxi

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

The average fare in 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 ship "Jagalchi Cruise". The boat trip starts from the Jagalchi fish market and runs along the coastal areas of Amnam and Taejeongdae parks. 4 cruises are offered: at 11.00, 14.00, 16.00 and 18.00. Ticket price: adult - 19000 KRW, children - 10000 KRW.

Note: During the 14:00 cruise, you can see the bridges being raised.

There is a tourist route along the Suyongan River. The cruise starts from the Suyonman Yacht Center, then the Mirakgyo, Suyonggyo, Chwasuyongyo Bridges, and the cinema center.

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

Where to stay

Korea is a very specific country. Here you will be offered to stay in 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, as other places can amaze you with South Korean flavor or minimalism. The most popular hotels:

• "Angel Hotel" - 2 *, located near the metro, - from 3800 rubles, breakfast is included in the service 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 settle in:

• Hostels - intended for the settlement of young people, in particular students. Beds are rented in such establishments, but there are also family rooms, and even options with breakfast. This way of settling is perfect for those who like to make new acquaintances.
• Hanok. In ancient times, this was the name of the house where the aristocrats lived. Now, having settled in such an institution, you can fully immerse yourself in the culture of Korea. Before entering the room, you have to take off your shoes and you will be put to sleep on a warm floor, spreading a futon. For an overnight stay you will have to pay from $ 80.
• The guesthouse is an ordinary house, converted to receive guests. To spend the night here will cost you from $40.
• A condominium is a kind of hotel or apartment complex, where the rooms are more like rented apartments and you have to cook your own food.
• Yeogwang is a small inn, where only indigenous people stay in most cases. There are no beds 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 railway stations, in the city center, on beaches, in parks.
• Motel. Similar establishments in Korea serve as a place for love meetings or emergency overnight stays. Spending the night at the 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 can look at the life of the monks, 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 a settlement in Busan. These premises are open around the clock in the city 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 spending the night, you will be offered procedures. You can also eat. And such a pleasure will cost you only $ 12. However, you should not count on staying here longer than 1-2 nights.
• For those who plan to live in Busan for several weeks or months, it is best to rent an apartment. But be aware: Korean residents take a significant deposit for housing. In this case, the monthly cost will be deducted from the amount that you paid by renting the premises. You can stay both in an apartment and in a villa. The cost of living is 60-70 $. This will require an additional deposit.
• Minbak is a room in which there is no comfort for a rooming house. 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 stay hungry in any corner of Busan: covered wagons with street food, cafes and restaurants in markets, shopping centers, parks, beaches, close to places of interest. Gourmets can appreciate not only Korean cuisine, but also Chinese, Japanese, European, Russian.

The seaside town, of course, is replete with fish restaurants where you can taste national dishes from freshly caught seafood:

• hwe - raw chopped fish;
• hemul jeongol - hodgepodge with seafood;
• chhuotan - soup with loach;
• pajon - cakes with seafood;
• shellfish with citrus sauce.

Note: fish and seafood purchased at the market can be ordered and tasted at 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;
• jchistak - chicken soup with stewed vegetables and starched noodles;
• japchae - a meat dish with vegetables and starched noodles, where all the ingredients are pre-boiled and fried separately, then mixed and brought to readiness;
• bulgogi - a meat dish with vegetables marinated in soy sauce;
• naengmyeon - cold noodles made from buckwheat flour with meat, boiled eggs, vegetables, filled with meat broth or gochujang sauce;
• songpyeong - fragrant crescent-shaped rice flour cakes stuffed with sesame, beans, beans or chestnuts;
• jeon - pancakes with different ingredients: anchovies, pumpkin or green onions;
• bingsu - a refreshing dessert with a variety of additives: red beans, mango and blueberries, pumpkin, sweet potato.

Local cuisine can be tasted in inexpensive restaurants:

• Songjeong Samdae Gukbop (next to Seomyeon subway station);
• "Bonjeon Dwaeji Gugbap" (near the train station);
• "Jejuga" (in the Yeongdusan park area);
• Geumsu Bokkuk Main (near Haeundae Beach).

Fans of Japanese cuisine should look into the Sushi Berry restaurant (near the Dongbaek metro station), Indian - in Bollywood (near Kwanalli beach), Russian - in the cafes and restaurants of Texas Street.

On Haeundae Beach, you can enjoy a variety of dishes from different cuisines of the world in the "The Party Haeundae" buffet system.

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 worthy of attention not only as objects of satisfying hunger and thirst, but also as interesting architectural solutions:

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

shopping

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

The markets of the city, large and small, can be considered its sights. Most famous:

• Gukje (Gukje Market) in the Gwangbok-dong quarter: delicacies, cosmetics, clothes, 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 Sichzhan (Gukje Market): a wide variety of goods, traditional souvenirs are especially popular;
• Jagalchi Market on the waterfront of the Nampo-dong quarter - the largest fish market with rows of small pools and aquariums with living inhabitants of the seas;
• 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

In memory of a trip to Busan, you can pick up more interesting inexpensive souvenirs that are popular with tourists from different countries:

• dry seaweed kim (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);
• cloth face masks (price - from 1000 KRW).

Korean cosmetics, handmade fans, national dishes and drinks are by no means a complete list of souvenirs taken from Busan. Everyone can find among the variety of goods a unique thing 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. The sights of the city are innumerable. Let's focus on the main ones.

Pomos Buddhist temple complex

The constructions of the main attraction of the city at the foot of Mount Geumjon date back to the 7th century, survived the times of wars and destruction, but have been restored. The complex consists of more than one and a half hundred buildings of different periods of construction. The most beautiful, decorated with exquisite carvings, are the 3-storey pagodas and the Ilchumun gate.

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

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

Dragon Temple (Haedon Yonggungsa)

Buddhist temple complex built in the XIV century on the picturesque seashore and is one with the surrounding nature.

There are legends about the temple. For example: if you pray in it, then the desire will come true. Motorists visit one of the pagodas more often: it is believed that prayer in it protects from troubles on the roads. And if you climb the stairs to the Buddha statue on the rock, pronouncing wishes on each of the 108 steps, then the purest and kindest ones will be fulfilled.

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

yongdusan park

The name of the park is translated from Korean as the head of a dragon - according 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. So observation deck at the top of the lighthouse, a breathtaking panorama of the city and the sea opens up, especially in the evening and at night (entry is about 2500KRW).

The park is a favorite resting place for residents and guests of the city: in spring - to admire the flowering of trees and flowers, in summer - to hide in the shade from the heat, in autumn - 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 the former slums into bright houses decorated with interesting graffiti, unusual sculptures and collages. There are many cafes, restaurants, art galleries, workshops.

Oryukdo glass bridge

An observation deck on a cliff in the form of a 10-meter horseshoe goes into the sea at a height of 30 meters. The surface is made of 12mm glass coated with a bulletproof film - reliable security.

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

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

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

Concert cinema hall

The building with three cinemas and a concert hall is the venue for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The backlight of 120,000 LEDs creates an incredibly beautiful night scene that can be seen from many parts of the city.

BIFF area

On the Avenue of Stars, handprints of famous film actors and directors are collected. It is the center of the Nampo-dong district. Nearby is the Kkanthon market, many shops, cafes, restaurants, beautiful places which makes the area a popular tourist destination.

Talmaczhi Road

Busan's Montmartre, 4.5 km long, winds along the hill, descends to the sea and continues along Haeundae Beach. Galleries, cafes, restaurants are located in unusual buildings. The road is incredibly beautiful in spring - in the clouds of cherry blossoms planted along it.

Museums

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

• Pokchon Museum: An archaeological museum that traces the city's fascinating history from ancient times through priceless artifacts found during excavations;
• Maritime Museum of Natural History: its expositions are devoted to the development of life in the depths of the sea;
• Exhibition Hall of World Ship Models: located in the Busan Tower, miniature but accurate wooden copies of ships and boats of various categories are placed here;
• Fisheries Museum: Divided into several sections, the museum focuses on the history of fishing, modern technology, marine resources and more.

Entertainment

Nightlife in Busan is no less lively than daytime: many pubs, restaurants, cafes, 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 network (Gwanalli and Haeundae beaches, Nampo-dong quarter, Seomyeon) - craft beer, a variety of food, music;
• bars of the Sharky's Bar and Grill network (Kwanalli and Haeundae beaches) - a large selection of beer, cocktails, food, live music;
• Irish pub "The Wolfhound" (Haundae embankment) - in addition to tasting a foamy drink and food, you can have fun in the gaming area;
• Living Room bar (31st floor of the Park Hyatt Busan hotel) - a large selection of gourmet drinks, live music and vocals, a beautiful view of the Gwanan Bridge;
• bar "The Back Room" (Haeundae Beach) - a respectable audience, the best whiskey and scotch.

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

• club "GRID" (Pudzhon-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 vacation in Busan will not disappoint adults or children: any attraction, museum, excursion or trip will bring pleasure and delight. Moreover, there is convenient transport, many places where you can buy food and drinks for the child. There are no problems with public toilets in any area. Most restaurants and cafes have high chairs and baby favorite foods.

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

Some places you should definitely visit with your kids:

• Aquarium "Sea Life" (Haeundae Beach) is a themed aquarium, where on an area of ​​35 thousand square meters. m inhabited by 35 thousand representatives of marine fauna. You can see the inhabitants of the huge aquarium while walking along the 80-meter underwater tunnel. You can go on an almost real sea voyage in the Imitation Hall. Ticket price: adults - 29,000 KRW, children - 23,000 KRW.
• Children's Grand Park (Pusanjingu 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 joys. The park itself will delight not only with beautiful plantings and fantasies of landscape designers: there are mountains, a waterfall, and a water surface.
• Gimhae Lotte Water Park, decorated in Polynesian style, is not located in Busan itself, but 23 km from it in the city of Gimhae. There are 2 zones here: open summer and closed, open all year round, excluding March. The children's area has many rides and slides for children of all ages.
• Museum of Optical Illusions "Trick Eye" with more than 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. For kids, Tadepo Beach is better, older children will be interested in Haeundae and Gwanalli beaches.
• Hippodrome - beautiful place for animal lovers. Here you can not only watch races on weekends, but also see horses in the stables, visit a small zoo, ride a pony, play playgrounds, and in the evening watch an incredible show of illuminations.

Festivals

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

• The lotus lantern festival takes place in all Buddhist temples and is dedicated to the birth of the 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 costumed parade, music, dancing, a boat trip along the harbor, the opportunity to get on a military ship or the Marine Police.
• The Hydrangea Festival takes place in early July at Taejeongsa Temple, where you can admire the blooming flowers of different varieties of hydrangeas.
• The International Sand Festival takes place on Haeundae Beach in late May - early June. Its program includes not only the production of sand sculptures on a given theme by craftsmen from different countries, which are highlighted at night, but also sporting events, performances, concerts with live music, fireworks.
• The Sea Festival takes place in August on all city beaches. In the program: concerts, shows, competitions in water sports, various entertainment.
• The Busan International Film Festival takes place annually in October and shows the best new filmmakers from Korea and other Asian countries.
• Fireworks Festival takes place in October on the coast of Kwanally and every year impresses with laser-music shows, incredible fireworks
• The International Festival of Magicians takes place at the end of June and gathers illusionists, magicians, conjurers from all over the world.
• The Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival lasts for 10 days in early April and is full of interesting activities, but the focus of the festival is the pink marvel of cherry blossoms.

Beaches

No wonder 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 zest:

• Haeundae is the most popular beach, which is not empty during the season even at night: the most luxurious hotels and resorts are located here, there is a yacht club, various holidays and festivals are held;
• Kwanalli - stretched along the street with many shops, cafes, restaurants, bars. Here you can practice water sports - rowing, surfing, water skiing and jet skiing. From the beach, the best view of the Gwannan Bridge, which is illuminated at night with illumination lights;
• Seonjong is remote and not crowded, 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.

The coasts of Busan from a bird's eye view:

Mobile application "VisitKorea"

A very convenient application for travelers on their own, where you can find useful and, most importantly, reliable information about attractions, restaurants, cafes, shops, transport, shopping, hotels. You can create a tour itinerary and program of your trip. A nice bonus: discounts (from 5 to 30 percent) are provided 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.

Enough has been written about the second largest city in South Korea. This could have ended the article, but no .. In almost all significant sources, Busan is described as an ordinary place with sights where people have historically accumulated. But not a single article talks about how lucky they are! So, consider Busan as a place to fall in love with, where you want to stay forever. And not without reason:

What places are worth visiting

Pomosa Temple, Gamcheon Cultural Village - Popular tourist places, which can not be reached from the metro on foot - too far. So much has been written about these places on other resources that they have become a tourist Mecca, where it is almost impossible to dissolve in the Korean identity. The Jagalchi fish market is generally a dubious place for a tourist: it opens early, closes early and looks more like an exchange; after all, this is a place for the seller and the buyer, where the latter needs to buy the freshest fish at the best price as soon as possible. Instead of popular options, we offer several other quiet places:

Within walking distance

Beach areas

Busan's main attraction is the beaches, all of which are close to the subway. Generally the most the best place in order to stop in the city - these are the Gwangalli and Haeundae areas - amazing areas both day and night! It is here that the atmosphere of a leisurely resort holiday and dynamic life of modern South Korea. The recommended time to visit is autumn.

secret temple

In general, in order to find a Buddhist temple in Korea, you need to try: all of them, as a rule, are located outside the city limits and even on the mountain. Fortunately, there are also many mountains in Korea, so there is a secret temple almost in the center of Busan, which even Koreans know little about. This is an unpopular place in terms of tourism, but that is why it has a special value. The path is not easy, almost all the time uphill, but the road itself through the narrow streets will immerse you in the atmosphere of Korean identity and tranquility. May the one who walks master the road!

When to visit Busan

Cherry blossoms in April and May, while September is great for beach holiday. Summer is not the best time to visit Busan: despite the rainy season, the city is overloaded with tourists and all this is combined with high airfare.

Busan climate: precipitation, water and air temperature (clickable)

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

Busan is South Korea's largest seaport and second largest city, with a population of 3.6 million. Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and festivals, including the famous International Film Festival held every autumn. Busan is well suited for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere than Seoul. Located at the southern end of the Korean peninsula, the port of Busan, with sailors and tourists from all over the world, gives the city a distinctive 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 (강서구) and is the third busiest airport in Korea. Gimhae Airport will seem outdated compared to the shining Incheon in Seoul. However, this is an active airport with a large number of flights. There are separate domestic and international terminals next to which there are all the necessary amenities and food outlets.

Flights within the country depart from the following airports:

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

Most Seoul flights go to Gimpo, but if you're flying international flight, then you need to choose one of several flights from Incheon Airport to Gimhae with Korean Air (Korean Air) or Asiana (Asiana). They are a little more expensive, but much more comfortable. (Please note that these flights are for international flights only, which means that customs and immigration control is carried out in Busan, at Gimhae Airport. If your international flight to Incheon is not operated by the same airline from which you bought the ticket in Busan (or Gimhae ), then you need to make sure that this airline provides baggage transfer to Incheon, because you can not leave the security zone in Incheon without checking the baggage.

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

Transfer from airports

Light Rail. This method of transportation appeared relatively recently, the tram connects to the metro line on branches 2 (green) and 3 (brown). It takes about an hour and 90 minutes to get to the city center from Haeundae. If you arrive during rush hour (morning or early evening), then this is the most fast way get there

Comfortable bus. From the airport, buses depart from the international and domestic terminals and pass through various locations in the city for ₩6,000. Tickets are purchased on the bus, or at the box office, in the terminal of domestic flights. (Please note that it may be difficult for a bus driver to accept a bill larger than ₩10,000)

Comfortable city bus departs every 20-30 minutes, stops: Gimhae Somen Airport, Lotte Hotel Hyundai Department Store Busanjin Busan Station Chunan Dong Station passenger terminal Nampo Dong Chunmu Dong (Sogu Office)

A comfortable bus to Haeundae departs every 20 minutes, stops: Gimhae Airport Dyeongnam Crossing Geumnyeongsan Station Seonggu Interchange BEXCO Westin Joseon Olympic Aquatic Center Haeundae Hotel Novotel Hotel Paradise Hotel Yeongsan Haeundae Station New City

Local city buses run regularly from the business district. Tickets are quite cheap, around ₩1,000. The English-speaking staff at the information desk at the International Terminal (Arrivals) can assist you.

A taxi to the city center will cost you approximately ₩15,000 (daytime). Taxi Haeundae will cost ₩25000 (without traffic).

Seoul Airport Transportation

Incheon is a 4-hour train ride from Busan Station. Take the high-speed train from the airport (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, Arrivals). If you are coming from America or Europe, then tickets to Incheon will cost you much less, and even with the fare on a high-speed train, the trip will be cheaper. The main airport for domestic flights in Seoul is Gimpo, where trains run less often, it is better to take flights from Incheon to Busan, as trains run more often there. Flights from Gimpo to Busan are usually cheaper (and flights are more frequent), but if you have a transfer, it's better to take train tickets, it will be faster.

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

By train

Busan is very well connected with the rail network and the main hub for high-speed trains.

High-speed trains connect Seoul with Busan via Daegui and Teejeon. 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 bought 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, at which time tickets can be sold out)

Passengers on trains must keep quiet, although this is not vital. First class seats provide a more comfortable ride. On the train, you can buy snacks from vending machines or buy them from the conductors. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but with a low speed and a traffic limit of 30 Mb.

The Seumol (Saemaeul) and Mugunghwa trains also operate from Busan to other cities. They are cheaper to travel, but slower than high-speed ones.

• Busan Station is reminiscent of the UFO that landed bright with lights at Namphdong and Somen. Behind it is Busan's Chinatown, where you can buy Chinese dishes such as jiaozi (dumplings). It is quite easy to come here, or vice versa, to leave, along the subway line 1, there are also many motels and cafes. The station has a limited number of storage cells, on weekdays they can all be occupied, so you should not count on them. 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 it is 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 that is further from Busan, such as Hwamyeong-dong. It is also the nearest high-speed train station from Busan Airport.
• Haeundaegu Station is located in Haeundaegu New Settlement. It is quite quiet here and there are no high-speed trains, but there are transport links to other cities. There is a connection via trains with the cities of Gyeongju, Pohang, Miryang, Seoul and others. You might be better off staying in Haeundaegu and traveling from here than from Busan and Gupo.
• Songjong Station is located east of Haeundaegu. Trains run to Pujeong Station and Pohang.

By bus

Almost all cities in South Korea run 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 travel to western cities(Jinju, Masane, Geoje Island). There are also regular buses from Seoul, although they are slightly more expensive than buses from Nopo.

Busan airport. Long distance buses are available right outside, in front of the Gimhae terminals, 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 see the city, it's best to use public transportation. However, if you want to travel outside of Busan (Geoje for example), then you'll be more comfortable with private transportation.

Please note that you can use the Hanero card to pay the tax when you enter the city.

There are 3 main highways connected to Busan:

• The Gyeongbusong Highway connects Busan with Seoul via Daejeon and Daegu
• Daegu-Busan Highway Alternative Daegu Highway
• 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), you can buy tickets to Japan there (and also buy tickets for the Japanese tram)

Japan

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

Korea

There is one ferry to/from Jeju every day around 19:00. The price is 51,550 won for a floor space and 55,000-74,000 for a bed.

Clue:

Busan - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 6

Kazan - 6

Samara - 5

Yekaterinburg - 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 range from -11°C (inside the city) to -8°C during the Siberian low tide.

Orientation

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

In the south of Busan is Nampo-dong, the shopping and entertainment center of the city, and at the intersection of subway lines 1 and 2 is Seomyeon, the main business center. Between them is the railway station and the terminals of the international ferry port. Beaches: Gwangnali, Haeundae and Seongjong are to the east, and the ruins of the mountain fortress of Gwannali are to the north. To 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 you can check if there is a better price anywhere. You can navigate the prices for renting private apartments.

Busan - monthly weather

Clue:

Busan - monthly weather

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 with wooden lampposts and bronze figures illustrate scenes of hard street life. It's close to Endusan Park. Exit Chun'an Subway Gate 11, 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 a home for the city's poorest residents. But now Kamchen has received cultural recognition for outstanding achievements from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea. Travel through the colorful and historic lanes of Kamchen, take your camera and take pictures of every corner. There is no entry fee. You can buy a Kamchen card for 2,000 won.
Bring your children to enjoy this cultural getaway in the countryside, but don't bring the elderly - there are a lot of stairs. Kamchen is open from 9am-5pm. To get there, take Line 1 to Boseong Station, Gate 8. Go straight to bus stop in front of the togu cancer center and take the minibus n. 2 or 2-2 to Kamchen Primary School.

Hill Dalmadgi

Haeundae (From Haeundae Station (Line 2), the easiest way is to take a taxi. Or walk to the East End of Haeundae Beach (Meepo) and climb a small hill), The place is considered the "romantic road" in Busan, and leads to a hill overlooking the sea . At the top there are many viewing platforms, as well as an amphitheater, cozy cafes and a spa. There are many galleries along the way. This is a great place for those who come 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)

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

UN Memorial Cemetery

(Line 2, Gyeongsong University Station and Pugyong State 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 a bus in front of the memorial park after the subway exit. Please note that you need to dress appropriately in order for security to let you through. You will not be let 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 formation of the mouth of the river, there are sand dunes and many small islands (including Lung-do). The bird sanctuary is for migratory birds that are found in Busan between October and March. More than 150 live here various kinds birds (including rare birds such as white-naped cranes, small spoonbills, and white-tailed eagles) that arrive here during migration. It is difficult to get here by land, so it is best to take a boat from Mayongdon Harbor. Come early in the afternoon to watch the birds before it gets hot.

Dongbaek Island (Dongbaeksom)

Haeundae Beach, next to the Westin Hotel (Turn right in Haeundae and walk towards the hotel). The walk around the island starts from there). Dongbaeksom is not a real island, but a park area with camellias and pines of the Westin Hotel. You will enjoy a coastal walk at this location. 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 Myuul (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 a severe drought to pray for rain. Daejeongdae is a famous tourist attraction with a white lighthouse overlooking the green sea of ​​Busan.

Most people like to eat fresh fish here on the rocky shore, or take a boat sailing to the Oluk islets to look at 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. Daejeongde is large area within walking distance of the white lighthouse. It takes a long time to get there, so you can take a tour or buy a ticket for the Danubi mini train (the price is different for adults, teenagers and children). This train can take you to many sites in Taejeongdae including the lighthouse. The entrance is free.

Cinema Center Busan

1467 Woo-Dong, Haeundae-Gu, Busan 612-020 (Line 2 - Centrum City Station (behind Shinsege Centrum City), The official, exclusive venue for 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. This is the first international cultural complex to combine a cinema and a theater in one building. The architecture is amazing and the large roof is the longest rooftop according to the Guinness Book of Records. Go there at night to watch the light show reflecting on the ceiling.

Busan National University

(Line 1 - Busan National University station). The area around the university is very busy. It is full of students, bars, cafes and trendy shops. You can not only try the favorite dishes of Korean students, such as Dong Katsu and Croquet (Goroke - 고로케), toast, rice cakes, but also try 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 music cascade fountain show every hour (11 times a day). Water flows from the ceiling of the 4th floor, drawing various images and words. The fountain is considered the largest cascading musical fountain in the world. There are also benches, you can rest on them after many hours of shopping.

Beaches. Which is better

Busan is famous throughout Korea for its beaches. The quality of the water is excellent, and lifeguards armed with water scooters will carefully monitor you, so the chance of drowning is reduced to zero. Please note that the beaches usually have a tsunami tracking system installed ( you can see it on the signs), but the chance of their appearance 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 next to Haeundae Station. Tourists from all over the country come here, so in late July - early August it is very crowded here.

• Near the beach there are many hotels, including famous ones.
• 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 mass events are held here, for example, Busan Film Festival or Polar bear swim.
• Not far from the beach, in the Haeunde area, there are wonderful restaurants and many shops, although most of them are quite ordinary.
• Walk the streets next to the beach.
• The Tourist Information Center is located right on the beach.
• You can surf or ride a scooter, although most people prefer yellow life buoys.

2. Seongjong Beach (송정해수욕장)

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

This small beach can be reached by driving down the street near Haeundae station by bus ( lines 100, 100-1, 139, 142, or 181 to Sungjong Station, this bus goes straight to the beach), or from Jangsan station by taxi. Near the beach is the railway station KORAIL ( do not confuse with Songjeong-ri Station). Despite the fact that the station is nearby, it is not visible from the beach.

Songjong Beach at night is a place for dates and parties. Alcoholic drinks and fireworks are allowed on the beach.

Songjong is a sandy beach located in a bay with a coastline of 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 in the evenings it is closed for swimming (between 16:00 and 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 of the corners of the beach there are shops with beer, soju and various food. In summer, it is better to visit this beach, and not Haeundae - there are fewer people here.

3. Gwangalli Beach (광안리 Gwangalli)

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

Located next to Gwangdang Station (accessible by Subway Line 2, Exit 3 or 5), 5 minutes walk. From Busan Station, you can take buses No. 41, 42, 140, 239, 240, 139, Gwangalli Beach stop. The best time to visit is at night when the Gwangan Bridge is lit up. The beach is similar to Haeundae, but smaller. Nearby are interesting restaurants, bars and shops. Try to visit one of the hotels - find out which one has a good sauna.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

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

Exit through gate 5 from the station, make a U-turn, turn left and take the number 90 bus, go up a few hundred meters (₩1,300 every 15 minutes). Or take a taxi to the metro station and get off at the Pomos temple 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 are with your own car 3000won. Pomose offers a templestey program for both men and women if you enjoy the monastic diet.
It is 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 uphill and walk (plus 20 minutes) to the observation deck with a stunning view 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. There is still a long walk to get to the temple. Perhaps the best option is to take a taxi at the subway exit, Behind the subway is the Mandeokgogae road. Three minutes walk there is a parking lot with toilets and a restaurant. Admission is free, but the toilet is dirty, but you can buy water. Google maps and I-maps don't work here. The temple is not very popular among locals, 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. Carvings and figurines remained on the stone walls. From there you have a great 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, Mieng Nun Station) First, take the subway line 1 to st. Miengnun, get off the subway, then take the 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 won with your transit card (₩200 for adults, ₩100 for children) (remember that this fare is only possible if you have a Hanaro or T-money card and a train pass /d station). The temple is located in Jeongeup, Zheolabuk-du, was built as the personification of the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin “Chhumungon” (an honorary title in the military). He was a great national hero who led the Korean navy to victory in many naval battles by using innovative ‘turtle ships’ against the Japanese during their invasion of Korea in the 25th year of the reign of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1592).

Museums. Which are worth a visit

• Busan Museum of Modern History, 42-2, 2Ga Choseon-dong Chung-gu, Busan, Korea, 600-092 (Get off at line 1 - Chunan or Nampo), 051 253-3845. 09:00 - 20:00 Last excursion starts one hour before closing. Closed during public holidays, there is no entry fee. The Busan Modern History Museum was an affiliate 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 breathtaking backdrop to modern Busan, you can stay here for two to three hours. Translation 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. Get to know the history of Busan from the prehistoric period to the present day. Visit a room where you can touch exhibits, frescoes, build a stone pagoda, 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. Business hours are from 10 am to 8 pm. The museum contains three contemporary art galleries (one of which is for children). Artworks mostly by artists from Busan. Closed every Monday and January 1st. If Monday is a national holiday, the museum closes the next day. The entrance is free.

parks

There are several parks and restaurants and a tourist market selling valuable souvenirs and food. How to get there: by bus no. 181 from Centrum City or Haeundae Subway Station. From Haeundae, take the bus to Yongggung, the temple will be on the opposite side of the road, 19 stops from the subway and takes about 20 minutes. You will see a large stone sign in front of 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 it is 100m shorter than the Namsan Tower in Seoul. Breathtaking view even before entering the tower, you can buy some grain to feed the pigeons. The fences surrounding the 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 up the slope or take the escalator.

What to see in the surroundings

hiking

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

Hiking clothes are a must in Korean fashion. You can buy it in local malls at exorbitant prices, so it's better 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 by bridge, just over an hour by bus
• Jinju is a quiet city known for its fortress, 1.5
• hours by bus
• Miryang is a quiet town, filming location for many Korean films,
• 1 hour bus ride
• Tsushima Island (Japan) good conditions for a day trip
• travel from Busan. Travel ticket about ₩75,000 (October 2014).
• Fukuoka (Japan) is the nearest major Japanese city, only
• three hours by boat. Cheaper will need to take a ticket for the night ferry. 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 rail. You can sail to Fukuoka and Osaka and transfer to the Japanese train. You can also purchase your ticket at the International Ferry Terminal (1st floor)

Food. What to try

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

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

• Dong nae pajeon is a seafood dish with green onion flatbread. A cheap and popular dish in Busan.
• Daegu Tang (대구탕) is a delicious cod soup with vegetables. Restaurants serving this dish are located on the east side of 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 cook this fish. Usually the restaurant has a sign with a picture of puffer fish on it.

Budget

• Welly&, Busa Railway Station, 3rd floor This food court serves traditional Korean food and has an English menu. Meals cost around ₩5,000.
• Kakduggi, Nampo-dong. Specializes in soups with beef and garnish Kakduji garnish. The cost is about ₩6,000.
• Embis Texas (Amby's, Texas) (city). Cuisine of Europe, America, Russia, and South Asian dishes; try borscht. The establishment is popular with sailors and their girlfriends, the best time to visit is after midnight. Nearby there is a small shop offering a limited selection of already dusty Western goods.
• Eva's next to Gyeongsong University (경성대) a bar with great western food and 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. The cost is about ₩5,000. Open at 9:30.-21:00p.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. Probably the cheapest drinks in Busan. ₩1,000 for a glass of your favorite liquor. Very noisy dance club.
• Foxy.Foxy, Dance club with a DJ. Sometimes local performers 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 billiards and darts. Performances every Wednesday and live music on weekends. Very nice and clean.
• Club Realize. Club Realize. Directly from Kyushun Station (Exit 1), after a few meters, turn right, go all the way and turn right to the tea house. go through 2 more bars and then past the king king). Open Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes Sun. weeks (reservations available). You can hear the music of metal/punk rock artists. A modest selection of beer is offset by cocktails.
• Cinema ai. Kino-Eye, 051-628-4733. ₩12,000 entry (booking: ₩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 Kyusung Station Exit 3, on the road from KT Department Store, walk 2 blocks to the right. Very popular with tourists. Prices from ₩3,900.

Holidays

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

Safety. What to watch out for

Busan is as safe as almost anywhere else in South Korea.

It is generally safe to walk around at night in Busan, although women should be careful as there are 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 train station area. For women tourists, it is better to walk in groups or with men so as not to attract attention.

On the subway late at night, you may encounter drunken men talking loudly. Most likely they are not dangerous, just go to another subway car.

The beaches have warning systems and tsunami warning signs. Although tsunamis are rare. In the event that a tsunami is approaching and warning systems are triggered, 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, at this time, many locals wear cotton masks. The effects of such winds are much less noticeable in Busan and Seoul. The dust does not pose a serious health hazard there, but people may experience allergy symptoms: nasal irritation, dry throat, slight coughing or sneezing, etc. If this is a problem for you, then buy a cheap cotton mask from your local pharmacy.

Do not assume that while driving, the driver himself will stop in front of you. Better maintain eye contact, and wait for the driver to actually stop. The greatest danger is posed by scooters, whose drivers rarely follow the rules of the road, sometimes driving onto the sidewalk. Sometimes scooters can drive quite close to you. Driving standards are quite low in Busan, even by Korean standards. Do not trust pedestrian crossings without traffic lights as they are constantly ignored. Koreans wearing phones to their ears while driving is common, as is car TV.

In recent years, police have been hunting down men who discreetly take pictures of women in swimsuits on the beach. Be warned: if you're going to take photos of people on the beach, make sure you have permission to do so, or you'll get in trouble with the police.

Contacts

Emergency numbers

• Police: 112
• Fire department: 119
• Tourist Information Center: 051-253-8253 or 1330
• Gimhae International Airport: 051-463-9457
• Busan Station: 1544-7788
• Reservations for high-speed trains (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 in such banks as: KB (Bank of Korea), Busan Bank (Busan Bank) and NH Bank. Withdraw cash from an ATM external card you can quite simply if your card is MasterCard or Visa, ATMs have the option to switch to English. American Express cards are more difficult to use.

Market

• Kan Market (깡통시장) - old market next to Jagalchi market in Nampho Dong. People often don't notice it as it is in a deep corner. Since Busan has a large port, many foreigners have visited here, so the citizens of Busan began to taste exotic foods quite early. The Guangdong market is one of the proofs of this. At the end of Guangdong, there is a narrow street that depicts the 1960-70 period. This is Bosudong Book Street, which sells many 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 shops cater to young and old, with many brand shops and little-known brand shops. You can bargain with sellers.

Shopping centers

• choryang foreign trade area, in front of Busan Station, (You can take the subway to Busan Station Exit 3). This is a strange combination of Kitay-Gorod and a Russian city with beautiful Chinese gates and Russian shops selling pickles and vodka. You can clearly feel that these are shops with low prices, women of different nationalities lure sailors and other customers on the streets. You may buy more than you bargained for; this area is notorious for theft and robbery at night.
• Somen shopping center, (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 plethora of shops at 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. In addition, you can enjoy various Korean cuisine.
• Busan University Mall, (Subway Line 1 - National University, Exit 3). This is one of the main entertainment areas located around the State University. You can go here for shopping in different price categories. There are not only many shops here, but there are also thousands of restaurants, bars, boutiques.
• Gyeongsong University / Pugyong University Shopping Center (Subway Line 2 - Gyeongsong University / Pugyong State University Exit 3 or 5). In the area around Gyeongsong and Pugen there are bars, restaurants. Add to that some nice boutiques, cheap vintage shops, amazing cafes, this is the place, 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 (albeit expensive) grocery section in the basement. 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 will provide you with an elegant shopping experience, offering international luxury goods, mixing modern and classic fashion, while providing high-class service. The shopping center has a cultural center, a recreation hall, restaurants and other amenities. Enjoy the breeze and the shade of green trees while relaxing at the Sky Park (하늘공원) on the top of the building.

Grocery

Grocery shopping in Busan can be shocking at first. Everything is different in it than in any other country, sellers invite people passing by to sell their goods, quite noisily. But, in the large stores listed below, shopping takes place as in Western countries. In principle, it is quite difficult to find imported goods in a Korean supermarket. Korean companies usually produce their own products, 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 a lot of imported goods to stores with few.

• Homeplas Haeundae (홈플러스 해운대점), (Take Subway Line 2 to Dongbaek Station (Exit 1), go straight for 3 minutes.), (+82)51-532-2080. 10:00 ~ 00:00
• Homeplas Sasang (홈플러스 서부산점), (Take Subway Line 2 Sasang Station, transfer from Busan Gimha to Tram to Gwaebop Renesit Station (괘법르네시떼역 - Exit 1), then turn right and walk about 12 meters.), (+82)51-319-8000. 8AM~12Am
• E-Marts Haeundae, (take subway line 2 to Chun-dong station (exit 7 or 9), you will find it right in front of you.). 10AM~12AM.
• Megamart Munhyeon, (Take Subway Line 2 to Jigyegol Station (Exit 4), go straight ahead, then turn right.). 10AM~12AM.
• Lotte Mart Busan, (Take Subway Line 2 to St. Buam (Exit 6), go straight to Jinyang Saegori for about 8 minutes.). 10 AM ~ midnight.
• Asia Marts (Asian Marts) (Take subway 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 TGI Restaurant and near the Siribujon 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 store where the fixed price is $1. Shops are scattered throughout Korea, and they are known for a wide variety of goods (in major cities). They mainly sell household items for 1,000-5,000 won, but they also sell many useful things for tourists, such as electronic adapters/chargers, sewing kits, notepads, plastic protectors, bags, etc. They sell sets of small items that are necessary for travel( e.g. soap). They also sell snacks, another reason why such a store can be useful. You can stock up for a long train ride, to go to one of the mountain temples. If you're coming from the west, this is a good place to pick up cheap (and unique) souvenirs.

Sport

• K-League: in Busan, the I "Park football (football) team is located in the Asiad main 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 In Haeundae, Korea's largest cruise ship is about a 10-minute drive 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 course. It is located on the 5th floor of Milligore Mall in Seomyeon.

Studies

Korean language (university courses):

• university foreign languages Busan
• Dong Yu University
• Dong Busan College
• Dons is an international university with a decent annual program and reasonable prices.
• Kosin University
• Gyeongsong University
• Pukyon State University
• Busan State University is the most popular and highly ranked university. Their Korean language programs are known to be the hardest and most expensive.
• University of Silla
• Tongmen University

Other

KLIFF provides Korean classes in Huendae (near the beach) and around Busan State University. (in the north of the city).

Job

English teaching positions are available in Busan. See the main section South Korea for more details.

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

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

How to move around the city

Map of Hanaro Busan (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 phone sticker that uses the same technology as the card and can be used in the same way. These accessories vary in price and are sold in a variety of colors.

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

When leaving the bus, you can scan the card for reduced fares, and when boarding the next bus, within 20 minutes.

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

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

Taxi. What features exist

Plenty of taxis circling 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 "mobeom" taxis (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 do not speak English (although some do speak Japanese), if you can show the driver the name in Korean, that will help. In Busan, most drivers are friendly to foreigners, and they usually assume that you have a long way to go (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 rate (up to ₩20,000) in some places, such as Busan Port. Insist on paying by the meter or take another taxi.

Trams

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

Metro

Busan's 4 subway lines -- red (1), green (2), brown (3), and blue (4) can take you to most parts of Busan. Travel ₩1,300 or ₩1,500 depending on the distance (keep your ticket until the exit), All signs and announcements are translated into English. A day pass 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. Fares are not combined.

Check carefully in 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 subway car has specially designated seats for the 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 staying for a long time, get a Hanaro Card (하나로카드).

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

Also, note that the travel time will be longer. For example, a taxi ride from Haeongdae to Busan takes less than 30 minutes, and a subway ride takes more than an hour.

Buses

Busan has a good and comprehensive bus system. Use the hanero card, you can also use it for transfers (simply scan the card at the exit of 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 which means they are for seniors. You are allowed to sit on them until another person needs a seat. The front of the bus displays the destination in Korean, English and Japanese, although the bus itself will not route maps in English. The bus fare is ₩1,200 (1,080 with a Hanero card) for local buses (blue or green), and ₩1,800 (1,700 with a card) for chwaseok (seats) 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 mainly for scooters) that are relatively safe.

Haeundae Beach (Tourist Office & Seacloud Hotel) For foreigners, there is free bike rental between 09:00 and 18:00 (with passport and hotel voucher). If you do not have insurance, 2,000 won will be charged.

Haeundae New Town (in the Changsan area) has a new bike scheme that's cheap to ride, but you'll need to read Korean to use it. 500 won for 30 minutes or 3,000 won for a monthly pass. The subscription is electronic, you can take and leave your bike in different places designated for this. It's a good residential area, although there aren't any notable tourist attractions. (but you can go to the beach)

On foot

Because of the mountains and valleys, it is impractical to walk around the city on foot. However, some sights 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 and walk to the beginning of Dalmayi Hill, then walk along Munteng Road.
• Chun'an: Walk through the 40-step Old City, and then walk to Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower.
• Centrum City: BEXCO Exhibition Center, Shinsigae Mall, Busan Film Center and Museum of Modern Art are located in Centrum City along the Green Line Subway Station (Line 2)

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

Since May, tourists from neighboring countries have been expected in South Korea, including from Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Sakhalin and Kamchatka. In Busan, Far Eastern tourists are called the first swallows of the high tourist season, according to the EHV with reference to the Compatriots Community consulting center.

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

Winter: Oriental New Year

Winter in Busan is quite long and cold due to the winds. The coldest of all is in January (Epiphany and Chinese frosts known to 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 holding period is 43 days - from January 17 to February 28.

However, the tourist surge, when Koreans occupy almost all free housing, falls on the days of the Eastern New Year. In 2019, this is the period from February 1-5. For those who want to fly to Busan in February on a profitable basis, it is better to fly right after the holiday - this is the time of the lowest season.

Spring: economical tourism

Despite the sharp warming in March-April, the tourism industry of Korea at this time is just getting ready to receive the first travelers. However, you can come here already at this time, when renting a house is not yet a problem, and prices do not bite.

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

Summer: beach season

The high season in Busan starts 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 here.

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, stalls with food and drinks are open on the city beaches, there are covered gazebos and umbrellas, boats and rubber 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, goes from May to September. At that time average temperature water +19.9°C.

In July-August, at the height of a beach holiday, all apartments for short-term rent and most hotels are occupied not only in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe beaches, but also in the city. The most experienced tourists who fly to Busan for the summer holidays book apartments in advance, from the winter. During this period, it is almost impossible to rent a furnished apartment with everything you need for a holiday. And it is very important for Russian families to have a kitchen, the ability to cook their own breakfast and homemade food. In addition, when you rest 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 rain does not interfere with the rest. Stormwater systems are well established in the city, in tourist areas no puddles or dirt. There are many shopping centers with cafes and restaurants, exhibitions and other performances - there is always where you can usefully wait out the rain.

Autumn: ecological and event tourism

Autumn in Korea is a time for ecotourism, a time for hiking in the mountains. On special paths, everyone can climb to the height - both old and young.

September is still the high season in Busan, at this time the heat subsides, and you can take long walks to the sights, but it's still warm for a beach holiday. But on the days of Chuseok - the Harvest Festival, when all Koreans meet with their families and many leave the city, a tourist may encounter empty streets, closed cafes and restaurants. Chuseok public holidays in 2019 are 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 are guided by excursion programs, event tourism, and shopping tours. October is festival time. Busan hosts the Gwangnali Beach Fireworks Festival (Busan Fireworks Festival), the Korean Wave Music Festival Busan One Asia Festival (famous K-POP concerts are held on Haeundae Beach), the Busan International Film Festival and others.

At the end of October and November, it's time for tanphun (this is how the autumn appearance of colorful leaves is called in Korea - ed.). Walking in the park or forest is an integral part of the autumn holiday for Koreans. This is the time for those who want a quiet and comfortable pastime and immersion in Korean culture. At this time in Busan there is no a large number foreign tourists, as well as a full house in hotels.

The rainy season is over, which means that August, the hottest month in Korea, has begun, the beaches of Busan are waiting for their visitors.

If you are looking for a city for a beach holiday, you can't go wrong with Busan. It is the second largest city in Korea. It is well located along the picturesque coastline, unlike other central cities, the atmosphere of the port capital is beachy and relaxed.

The city is washed by the East China Sea from the South and the Sea of ​​Japan from the East.
The beaches of Busan are ideal for swimming holidays within the "urban civilization". When you want such amenities of the metropolis as restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, public transport to be within walking distance.
So, let's begin:

Busan Beaches - Haeundae

For many, Hyeundae Beach is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Busan. Hyeundae is one of the longest city beaches in Busan. The busiest beach in the city, covered with beach umbrellas from end to end. In the swimming season, there is nowhere for an apple to fall. The sand is yellow. The waves are not high, the coast is relatively gentle. Therefore, it is suitable for swimming with children.

Haeundae beach location

One of the central city beaches of Haeundae is located in the area of ​​the same name (Haeundae), Haeundae metro station exit No. 5 or 3. On google map Maps is located here:

Map of Booking.com Hotels in Haeundae Beach Area

For those who want to choose a hotel not far from Hyeundae beach, below is a map of hotels with prices on the Booking website.

Gwanganri - beach overlooking the bridge

For me, the beaches in Busan are associated with Gwanganri beach. This beach offers a beautiful view of the bridge of the same name, the mecca of Busan at night. This is one of the most romantic beaches in Korea. Nearby there are many cafes, restaurants and beer establishments for every taste and budget. Many establishments have an open veranda where you can talk with a loved one over a cup of coffee or a stronger drink and enjoy the mesmerizing view, the sound of the surf and the breath of the sea breeze.

Gwanganri beach is especially good at night:

In the evenings, on weekends and even on weekdays, a stage is built on the beach, where famous and not so famous singers and dancers perform.

The street along the coastline is full of street musicians, magicians, performers and dancers. They gather crowds of people around them and earn their “penny” from enthusiastic spectators.

Gwanganri beach location

The beach is located near the Geumnyeonsan station, the nearest exit to the beach is No. 3

Booking.com Map of Gwanganri Beach Hotels

For those wishing to stay close to Gwagangli Beach, here is a map of beach hotels in the area of ​​the most romantic beach in Korea.

Beach on the outskirts of the city - Songjeong

Songjeong Beach is located on the outskirts of Busan, and this, in my humble opinion, is its great advantage. Since there are relatively few people here, and the water is subjectively cleaner than in the city center. It is a paradise for surfers, windsurfers and kiters. They say they ride here all year round, I've only seen them in the summer so far.

Personally, I liked this beach more because of the light beach-relaxed, slightly even festive atmosphere. Songjeong beach is more "wild" compared to other city beaches. Here everything is somehow simple, without the bustle of the city, even a little in a rural way, but this is the beauty of this beach. Nearby along the road on the coastline, there are various cafes, eateries and eateries. The sand is coarse yellow, perhaps because of this the water is clearer.

Location of Songjeong Beach

Due to the remoteness from the center of Busan, you need to get to Songjeong Beach by bus. Numbers of buses coming from Haeundae metro station, 1011, 1001, 141, 181, 63, 39, 9.

On the Google Map, Songjeong Beach is under the marker.

Booking.com Map of Songjeong Beach Hotels

In custody

Swimming on the beaches of Korea has its own characteristics:

About clothes

• The local population prefers to swim in clothes. For this there is a special suit for aqua recreation. Which can be bought at any sports store or department store E-Mart, Home Plus, etc. The synthetic suit does not stretch in water. It looks like a suit for swimmers and divers, but in a simpler way. It is waterproof and made from a thin synthetic fabric that prevents tanning.
• The so-called aqua shoes are also very popular, a very good thing by the way:
  • Firstly, they protect the lower part of the foot from damage, sharp stones, rocks, and other surprises that can be accidentally stepped on.
  • Secondly, it is also antifungal protection and will come in handy for going to.
  • They are made of neoprene and a plastic rubber heel that repeats the shape of the foot, you don’t feel like wearing shoes at all, and at the same time good heel protection is provided, they are more expensive, but it’s better to take these right away. There are simpler ones, they have a rough rubber sole and a rag upper. This option is cheaper, but swimming in them is like wearing shoes.
• Swimming naked is prohibited, lovers of sunbathing without a swimsuit may fall under an administrative violation with the subsequent payment of a fine. Be carefull.

About rescuers

• Korean rescuers limit entry into the water to a depth greater than chest level. They whistle and wave their hands. They are responsible for all incidents in the territory allocated to them for protection. This is their job. In Thailand and the Philippines, you can float into the horizon and no one will stop you. In Korea, you will not be allowed to die even if you try very hard.

Paid services

All official beaches in Busan and in general in Korea have free toilets. Sometimes, next to the exit to the footpath, there is a compressor and a cylinder of compressed air and “guns” for cleaning sand from feet and clothes. Some additional amenities of the beaches are paid:

• Renting a place under an umbrella, paid on average costs 10,000KRW
• Equipped showers, average price 2000KRW.
• Sometimes paid luggage storage for things 1000-3000KRW
• Rent of inflatable circles for swimming from 5000KRW

Well, on this I say goodbye to you until the next article.

The article will be constantly updated as material is collected.

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