South Korea · City Guide
Busan
Busan is South Korea's second largest city and most beautiful coastal destination, combining outstanding beaches at Haeundae and Gwangalli, the extraordinary Gamcheon Culture Village of colourful hillside houses, the largest department store in the world, magnificent Beomeosa Temple in the mountains above the city and one of Asia's finest seafood markets at Jagalchi. From the Busan International Film Festival to the beautiful Taejongdae coastal park, Busan provides a complete and exceptionally enjoyable Korean city experience.
Elect's take
"Busan has a coastal energy and a quality of seafood that I find genuinely impressive. The combination of the beaches, the extraordinary Gamcheon Culture Village and the mountain temples surrounding the city creates a destination that I think deserves to be much better known internationally."
Haeundae Beach is Korea's most famous beach, a wide stretch of sand backed by high-rise hotels and an excellent restaurant and café scene that creates a lively summer atmosphere. Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside neighbourhood of brightly painted houses connected by narrow alleys and staircases, has become one of Korea's most photographed destinations and houses small galleries and cafés throughout. Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea's largest seafood market, an extraordinary and pungent experience of live seafood, where visitors can select fish to be prepared immediately at adjoining restaurants. Beomeosa Temple, set in the mountains above the city, is one of Korea's most significant Buddhist temples. Taejongdae provides dramatic clifftop coastal scenery.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Haeundae Beach
Korea's most famous beach with an excellent restaurant and café scene.
Gamcheon Culture Village
A colourful hillside neighbourhood of painted houses, galleries and cafés.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Korea's largest and most extraordinary seafood market with onsite dining.
Beomeosa Temple
One of Korea's most significant Buddhist temples in the mountains above the city.
Taejongdae
Dramatic clifftop coastal park with spectacular views over the sea.
Busan Film Festival
One of Asia's most prestigious film festivals held annually in October.
