Busan

Busan is Korea's second-largest city and undisputed seafood capital — a vibrant port town where dramatic mountain scenery meets white-sand beaches and one of Asia's busiest fish markets.

Must-Visit Places

• Haeundae Beach — Korea's most famous beach, stretching 1.5 km with crystal-clear water. Packed and electric in summer.
• Gamcheon Culture Village — The "Machu Picchu of Busan": a hillside neighborhood painted in a rainbow of colors, filled with murals and tiny galleries.
• Jagalchi Fish Market — Korea's largest seafood market. Buy fresh catches on the ground floor and have them cooked upstairs on the spot.
• Taejongdae Resort Park — Rugged coastal cliffs at Busan's southern tip. Take the miniature train around the dramatic rocky shoreline.
• Beomeosa Temple — A serene 678 AD Buddhist temple nestled in the forested foothills of Geumjeongsan Mountain.
• Gwangalli Beach & Bridge — Famous for its neon-lit Gwangan Bridge backdrop at night; a favorite spot for evening beer and seafood pojangmacha.

Food & Dining

• Dwaeji Gukbap — Pork and rice soup, Busan's ultimate comfort food. Best in Seomyeon area.
• Milmyeon — Wheat flour noodles served cold in a tangy broth — a Busan-only specialty.
• Fresh Sashimi (Hoe) — Ultra-fresh raw fish at Jagalchi Market or Millak Raw Fish Town, right by the sea.
• Ssiat Hotteok — A Busan twist on the sweet pancake, stuffed with seeds and brown sugar. Queue at Nampo-dong.
• Eo-muk (Fish Cake) — Skewered fish cake simmered in hot broth, a winter street food staple.

Must-Buy Shopping

• Dried Seafood — Dried squid, anchovy, and seaweed at Jagalchi Market make ideal souvenirs.
• Nampodong Fashion Street — Affordable Korean fashion and accessories.
• Gijang Seaweed (Gim) — Premium dried seaweed from Gijang, famous across Korea for its quality.