· KR

Busan

Busan, Busan, Korea, South

Dive into the Dynamic Spirit of Busan: Korea's Coastal Gem Escape the ordinary and discover the vibrant energy of Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. Nestled on the southeastern coast, Busan pulsates with a unique …

#coastal city#cultural hub#UNESCO city of film#beaches#temples

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Busan.

Top Hotels in Busan

Top Flights to Busan

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Busan.

Tours

Visit Haeundae Beach

Experience the beautiful sands and coastal atmosphere of Haeundae Beach, a popular summer destination.

Explore Jagalchi Fish Market

Dive into Korea's largest seafood market with an array of fresh seafood to explore and taste.

Night View at The Bay 101

Capture the stunning nightscape of Busan from The Bay 101, a popular Mediterranean-theme destination.

Discover UN Memorial Cemetery

Visit the only United Nations cemetery in the world dedicated to war heroes from the Korean War.

Relax in Gamcheon Culture Village

Stroll through the art-filled streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its brightly colored houses.

Visit Beomeosa Temple

Discover the serenity of Beomeosa, a beautiful temple with a backdrop of mountains.

Shopping

Shopping at Shinsegae Centum City

Experience luxurious shopping at the world's largest department store.

Shopping on Nampodong Street

Explore Nampodong, a bustling shopping district teeming with street vendors and shops.

Outdoor

Hike Up Geumjeong Mountain

Enjoy a fulfilling hike up Geumjeong Mountain, offering panoramic views of Busan.

Adventure at Taejongdae Resort Park

Discover the natural beauty of Taejongdae Resort Park with its stunning cliffs and views of the sea.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Busan.

Currency

₩ | KRW | South Korean Won

Population

3.4 million

Average weather

Busan

Jan

7°0°

Feb

9°1°

Mar

13°4°

Apr

18°9°

May

23°14°

Jun

25°18°

Jul

28°22°

Aug

30°23°

Sep

27°19°

Oct

22°13°

Nov

16°7°

Dec

10°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Busan.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Busan, South Korea. Some of the key highlights include:

Scenic Beaches: Busan is known for its beautiful beaches such as Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy various water sports.
Vibrant Culture: Busan offers a rich cultural experience with attractions like the Gamcheon Culture Village, Beomeosa Temple, and the Busan International Film Festival.
Fresh Seafood: Busan is famous for its fresh seafood markets such as Jagalchi Fish Market, where visitors can sample a variety of locally caught seafood dishes.
Natural Beauty: Busan is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the mountains of Geumjeongsan and the coastal cliffs of Taejongdae.
Shopping and Dining: Busan has a wide range of shopping districts and delicious local cuisine to explore, from traditional Korean dishes to international fusion cuisine.

Overall, Busan offers a perfect mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and delicious food, making it a great destination for travelers looking to explore South Korea.

What to know

Busan, South Korea is a popular travel destination with many attractions and activities to offer. However, like any destination, there are some potential cons to consider when traveling there:

Language Barrier: English is not as widely spoken in Busan as in some other major cities, so communication could be a challenge for travelers who do not speak Korean. This could make it difficult to navigate public transportation, ask for assistance, or order food at restaurants.
Crowds: Busan is a bustling city with a large population and is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. This means that popular attractions and areas can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Traffic: Busan is known for its heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Navigating the city by car or public transportation can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Pollution: Like many large cities, Busan can experience issues with air pollution, especially during certain times of the year. Visitors with respiratory conditions may want to take precautions.
Cost: While Busan is generally more affordable than some other major cities in South Korea, costs for accommodation, dining, and activities can still add up, especially in popular tourist areas.

Overall, while there are some potential drawbacks to traveling to Busan, many visitors find the city to be a vibrant and exciting destination with plenty to see and do. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to mitigate any potential challenges you may encounter during your trip.

Busan, officially known as the Busan Metropolitan City, is South Korea's second-largest city and a major port city located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Its strategic location has made it a significant area for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange throughout history.

Ancient and Medieval Periods

Prehistoric Era: Archaeological findings suggest human settlements in the Busan area dating back to the Neolithic era. The region has been known for its coastal fishing and agricultural activities since ancient times.
Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC - 668 AD): During this time, Busan was part of the Silla Kingdom. The area was known for its strategic location for maritime activities and its connection to Japan and other parts of Asia.
Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392): Busan continued to develop as a significant port city, engaging in trade with Japan and China.
Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897): The city’s port, Busanpo, became an official international trading port in 1407. During the late Joseon period, Busan was one of the few places where Japan was allowed to trade with Korea, reinforcing its role as a key trading hub.

Modern History

Japanese Occupation (1910–1945): Busan's development accelerated under Japanese rule as it became a crucial logistics and transport hub.
Korean War (1950–1953): During the Korean War, Busan was one of the few cities in South Korea not captured by North Korean forces. It served as a temporary capital of South Korea and became a refuge for many displaced people. The United Nations established a command there, contributing to its international significance.

Post-War Development

Industrialization: Post-war reconstruction and industrialization in South Korea saw Busan grow rapidly as an economic center. The city developed a strong manufacturing base, particularly in shipbuilding and heavy industries.
Port of Busan: The port became one of the busiest in the world, playing a critical role in South Korea's export-driven economy.
Cultural Growth: Busan has become a cultural hub, hosting the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia.

Significant Landmarks

Haeundae Beach: This is one of the most famous beaches in South Korea, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Beomeosa Temple: A historic Buddhist temple established in 678 during the Silla Dynasty, known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Gamcheon Culture Village: A colorful village known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan," famous for its artistic murals and installations.
Busan Tower: Located in Yongdusan Park, it offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist spot.
Gukje Market: One of the largest markets in Korea, offering a wide variety of goods, from traditional Korean items to modern products.

Recent Developments

Eco-Delta City: Busan is developing an eco-friendly city project focused on sustainability and smart-city technology.
Global Events: The city has hosted several international events, including the APEC Summit in 2005 and the annual Busan International Film Festival.

Busan continues to be a vibrant and dynamic city, known for its blend of traditional culture and modern development, with a rich history that has shaped its role as an economic and cultural powerhouse in South Korea.