Busan, also referred to as Pusan, is Korea's second largest city with close to 4 million people. It lies in the southeast of South Korea and serves as the country's main port for international cargo, as well as for passenger ferries to Japan and Jeju (Cheju) Island.

Its geography includes a coastline with superb beaches, scenic cliffs, and mountains which provide excellent hiking and extraordinary views. Hot springs are scattered throughout the city. There are many steep hills, creating an unusual mix of mountains and ocean.

The greatest difference between Busan and other cities in Korea is that Busan has ocean tours. This means that people can see the city and surrounding areas by boat. 

Busan is famous for its seafood and beaches, as well as the Hallyosudo Waterway with its picturesque islands. Though not as cosmopolitan as Seoul, there are plenty of sites to keep travellers busy exploring the mountains, temples, fun beaches and a dazzling array of eating and entertainment venues. There’s a charming element to Busan that can best be appreciated by eating and drinking with the locals.

The new Busan Aquarium in Haeundae Beach adds excitement to the area year-round. The US$30 million facility was designed by a combined Australian and Korean team. It houses a total of 35,000 animals belonging to about 250 species. Of special interest are the 2.5-meter- long shark and giant turtle. Other facilities include an outdoor park, a simulator, theme restaurants, resting room, and souvenir shop. Though bigger than the COEX Aquarium in Seoul, Busan’s Aquarium admission charge is cheaper. Hours are 9:00 - 21:00 (9:00 - 24:00 during summer).

Children's Grand Park is a huge amusement park situated at the foot of Baekyang Mountain 3 kilometers from downtown. The Park is equipped with about 20 rides, a children's hall, a swimming pool, a zoo and forests as well as an extensive 6,800 square meter lake. In the vicinity of the lake are trails through the thick forest, making it an enjoyable place for walking. In addition, visitors can watch seal shows at the zoo or can view the entire city of Busan from the observatory. Admission is free early in the morning and at night.

Geumgang Park is located at the foot of Geumjeong Mountain. Strange rock formations, rock cliff faces, and a thick pine forest make strikingly beautiful scenery. A cable car runs to the top of the mountain. In the park one finds a zoo, botanical garden, world sea life exhibition hall, and other amusement facilities. Historic sites make the park an interesting place for people of all ages.

Jeju World on Jeju Island is a major amusement park, providing fun for lovers of thrills and rides.

Busan is famous for its International Film Festival, which is one of the largest film festivals in Asia. The annual event showcases over 200 films from all over the world. With the success of the festival, Busan is also becoming one of the most popular shooting locations for Asian moviemakers. Movies are viewed on an enormous outdoor screen during mid-October every year.

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.

The basic unit of currency is the won (W). Notes are available in denominations of W1,000, 5,000 and 10,000, and coins are denominated as follows: W10, 50, 100 and 500.

Banking Hours are Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5 pm.

Foreign Currency and Traveller's Cheques can be exchanged at banks in large towns and cities, but can be difficult to change in rural areas. Remember to keep a good supply of cash on hand for weekends (when banks are closed).

Credit Cards are widely accepted in large department stores and hotels, but will not be accepted by many smaller shops in either the cities or in rural areas.