Busan Sightseeing

This picturesque temple is located on the eastern slope of Mt. Geumjeong. It was founded in 678 A.D. by the Great Priest Uisang, and has since undergone several destructions and reconstructions. Most of the present buildings date from reconstructions of the 17th and 18th centuries. Bomeo is one of the largest and most famous temples in the south eastern part of the Korea.

Observe 250 species and up to 35,000 marine animals through 80 meters of underwater tunnels or huge acrylic-windowed tanks. There are 40 separate exhibits which include penguins, otter, piranha, sea jellies and a touch tank for a hands-on look at a variety of sea creatures.

Busan Cultural Hall hosts world class performances of traditional dance, music, martial arts, plays and exhibitions year round in its many theatres and outdoor stage. The lovely grounds also provide a perfect area for relaxing.

This shrine is dedicated to the patriotic fighters who died while resisting the Japanese aggressors in the Busan area during the Japanese invasions of 1592-98. The picturesque grounds encompass a museum, beautiful gardens and traditional buildings.

Dalmaji Hill, located just southeast of Haeundae Beach, provides sweeping views of the sea and city below. The area has become famous for the annual Dalmaji Festival when 200,000 to 300,000 moon watchers gather to pray for their wishes while watching the full moon rise above the sea. Near the entrance to the hill, a cafe caters to couples and those who come to enjoy a cup of coffee and the view of Haeundae Beach and the moon.

Dongnae Hot Spring’s spa waters have been pouring out for centuries. It was first developed in 1691, during the Joseon Dynasty and is the most famous spa in Korea, encompassing six large spas. Located 14km northeast of Busan Station, it is the largest of its kind in Asia. The alkali salty water starts at 55 degrees Celsius, but the more people using the hot water causes the temperature to lower. The water of the hot spring is good for ones health and the prevention of many diseases. The spa is surrounded by Mt. Geumjeongsan and Geumgang Park. Opening hours are 05:30 - 22:00.

A marshy estuary at the mouth of the Nakdong River, Eulsuk Island is covered with water plants, soft sands, sheltering reeds and abundant feed, therefore many migratory birds flock here on their annual travel routes. A treasure for bird watchers and nature-lovers, the beautiful scenery easily enchants visitors.

Located upon the summit of Mt. Geumjeong, stretching 17 km long and standing 1.5 - 5m high, this is the largest fortress in Korea. With a history dating back over 2000 years, this fortress became a national historic site in 1972 and a two-year restoration plan went underway. Nowadays this is the residence of the monks of Haewall and Kukcheong Temples, also found within the fortress.

Gwangalli Beach is famous for its fine sand and warm water. During summer, visitors can enjoy various festivals and performances, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival. A variety of convenience facilities are available and nearby tourist spots are easily accessible. During the summer Gwangalli Beach is known as Cafe Town. Its unique, stylish cafes and colourful lights entice many visitors. Even in the winter, people can enjoy a different type of fun, sitting down by the big picture windows or enjoying romance. That is why Gwangalli Beach attracts many people year-round.

Haeundae Beach is famous for its beachfront hotels, upscale bars, carnival boardwalk and Busan Sea Festival. Once known only for its hot springs, the narrow strip of sand has become Korea's most popular beach. During the summer vacation, especially on weekends, the area becomes a packed with humanity. Even during the colder seasons, people still flock here to walk along the boardwalk, fly kites in the ocean breeze, and look for shells in the sand. Some of the areas hotels have casinos for foreign guests and are popular for weddings and birthdays. The Haeundae area has many restaurants and small food stalls along the boardwalk.

Jagalchi Market bears the lively atmosphere peculiar to port cities. This market is the largest fish market in East Asia and a notable feature of Busan. Fresh and dried seafood are plentiful and available at reasonable prices from the many street stalls and restaurants along the coast. The Jagalchi Festival held in the middle of October is full of things to see and eat. You are likely to get the chance to try free samples of raw fish.

Jeju (Cheju) Island is a top tourist destination in Korea due to its stunning natural scenery and tourist amenities. Scenic beaches, waterfalls, cliffs and caves lie in harmony, and its tropical weather makes Jeju enjoyable year-round.

The island has been described as “Emerald Isle,” “Island of the Gods”, “Korea’s Hawaii,” “Island of Fantasy,” and “Korea’s Disneyland”. It is a subtropical island with a balmy climate and unique culture. Due to their isolation over the ages, the people of Jeju Island have developed a culture unique from mainland Koreans. However, the past 30 years have brought many changes, so today the islanders are very much a part of mainstream Korean society.

Jeju offers visitors a wide range of activities such as hiking through beautiful Halla Mountain (South Korea's highest peak at 1950m (6400ft), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the soft, sandy beaches and swimming in clear blue water. In addition to endless outdoor activities, there are beautiful temples, museums, and arboretums worth visiting. Tours of the many tangerine orchards and visits to Songup Folk Village are also popular.

You could easily spend many days exploring the island. Some of its attractions include Yongduam (Dragon’s Head Rock), Moksukwon Art Park (an unusual collection of over 1,500 rocks and dried tree roots that have been naturally sculpted to resemble various animal and human forms), Manjanggul Cave (the longest lava tube known in the world), and Mystery Road of Mt. Halla, where if you pour water on the pavement, it appears to flow uphill; or put your car in neutral, turn off the engine, and it appears to roll uphill!

Jeju attracts all sorts of nature-lovers and draws large numbers of Korean honeymooners and Japanese tourists. The island is noted for its tangerine groves, pineapples, honey, Shitake mushrooms and cactus plants. Jeju-do is also renowned for its seafood, some of which is still harvested by traditional “haenyeo” women divers.

Tap-dong Street is the main tourist area of Jeju City, running near the boardwalk from Jeju Port. People enjoy the area during day and night, shopping at the numerous stores, having a seafood dinner, going to the many nightclubs, watching a performance at the Jeju Seaside Art Centre, or just walking along the boardwalk. Tapland Amusement Park has 8 different rides for children and adults.

Getting around Jeju can be done on foot, bicycle, bus, taxi, organized tour or rental car. To get to Jeju from mainland Busan, you can either hop on a plane or take an 11 hour overnight cruise ship.

Rising in the middle of the sea, the Oryuk Islets have long been the symbol of Busan. Busan citizens think the sea is like a living stage, expressing their happiness and sorrows. The history of Oryuk’s name relates to the rising and falling of the tide, revealing a changing number of islets. There is a white lighthouse, and the crisp outline of the islets on sunny days presents a majestic scene.

Songjeong Beach is made from quality sand and weathered seashells, delivering a scene of a sandy beach which seems like small beads. The beach is 2 km long and is up to 50 meters wide in some places. Local people enjoy it as a resort area in the city as it is famous for fresh raw fish, fishing areas, wide-ranging restaurants, and bars.

Taejong (Taejongdae) Island is a park of evergreen forests, dramatic rocky cliffs, and exotic white lighthouse overlooking the emerald sea. There are several recreational facilities, such as a seaside saltwater pool, sightseeing boats to view the fantastic rocky cliffs, and shops for snacks and souvenirs. Many people enjoy eating fresh raw fish on the rocky shore, taking a boat around the Olyuk Islets, and seeing the famous Suicide Rock.

On clear days from the observatory at the park, you can see the Japanese island of Tsushima, 56 km away. There is a ferry-boat service to Taejong from the mainland at the Jagalchi Seafood Market.

The Tea Ceremony at the Busan Women’s College is a charming ceremony to partake. Though an ancient tradition, tea-drinking in modern Korea is considered a sophisticated and healthy practice. Tea helps ward off drowsiness and invigorates one’s mind and body, so Buddhist monks used it as an aid in cultivating their minds. With the tea experience visitors can learn about the ancient Korean tea ceremony and also how to make tea. Reservations are required.

These tours offer cruises from the to Teajong and Oryuk Islands, Gwangalli Beach, and Haeundae Beach. Facilities onboard are very comfortable and modern, with dining and observation rooms and lounge chairs on deck.

United Nations Cemetery covers over 35 acres and was established by the United Nations Command in 1951. Remains were transferred from six other cemeteries throughout South Korea. The Korean government granted the land to the UN without charge, as a permanent tribute to all those who gave up their lives in resisting aggression in Korea and in upholding the cause of peace and freedom from 1950-53.

Yongdusan Park offers a nice break from the city, and people of all ages can be found here, taking a stroll, seeing the sights, or feeding the multitudes of ever-present pigeons. Rising 49 meters above sea level in the middle of downtown, Yongdusan ("Dragon Head Hill") forms a major landmark. Busan Tower sits atop Yongdusan hill, rising 118 meters above sea level. The observation deck at the top commands a spectacular view of Busan and the surrounding sea. On a clear day, you can even see Japan’s Tsushima Island. Traditional dance troupes perform on weekends in the courtyard next to the tower. Other notable place of interest include a large oceanarium, bell tower, octagonal pavilion, flower clock, and monuments to national heroes.

Founded in 1376 A.D. this temple is a spectacular sight. Situated on rocky cliffs overlooking the deep blue waters of the South Sea, its name means Palace of the Dragon King and appears as mysterious as its name suggests. A giant pagoda, a set of 108 stairs and a stone bridge leading to the main compound give an awesome atmosphere. The dramatic rocks and swirling waves present a magnificent spectacle. 

Sun rise over the horizon in the early morning is awe-inspiring. There is an idyllic coastal road to drive or bicycle along, that bursts into brilliant colours in springtime.

Cruise the coast. Certainly the best way to really appreciate the unique beauty of Busan is to tour its dramatic coastline by boat. Tezroc Boat Tours offers various excursions along the coast and to the surrounding islands.

Visit the two notorious and picturesque temples, Yonggung and Bomeo Temples. Guaranteed to fill your photo album and memories with stunning and serene images, these temples are not to be missed.

Tour Jeju Island’s beautiful beaches, parks, museums and mountains. Halla Mountain is South Korea’s highest peak and harbors an ancient volcanic crater and lake at its summit. A feast for the senses, Jeju offers a multitude of delights for every taste and budget.

Take in the view from Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park. At 118 meters above sea level the tower’s observation deck commands a spectacular view of Busan and the surrounding sea. On a clear day, you can even see Japan’s Tsushima Island.

Dine at the lively Jagalchi Fish Market. Seafood lovers will gorge on fresh seafood till their hearts’ content while others will find delicious non-seafood fare as well.

Soak yourself in Dongnae Hot Spring’s healing spa waters. Known to soothe sore muscles and prevent illness, this spa is a perfect end to an active day.