Busan Travel Diary
Beautiful views from the Busan Port
BUSAN (부산)
Busan is the third and last city from my Korea travel diaries. It lies on the southeastern coast of the South Korean peninsula and is the country's second largest city after Seoul. As the world's fifth busiest's seaport, Busan is known for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, temples, and much more. I found the locals to be more laid back than metropolitan Seoul, and very welcoming, making my trip here even more memorable!
Directions: From Seoul Station, take the KTX to Busan Station (Under 3 hours)
Fees: Fees can vary, but typically 57,000 won
Info: Here and KTX
Here a "Jagalchi Ajumma" lays out her fish at the market
Shrimp galore!
Row upon row of seafood vendors inside the Jagalchi Fish Market
An elderly man collects cardboard boxes from the stacks of empty waste behind the Jagalchi Fish Market.
Squid and octopus
Hairtail fish and mackerel
JAGALCHI FISH MARKET (자갈치 시장)
Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest fish market in South Korea. Vendors trade in the early morning, while locals and tourists can come shop as well during the day. You can pick out the seafood you want to eat and have the "Jagalchi Ajummas" prepare it for you to eat raw as sashimi, as maeuntang, fried, etc. Definitely go and try some amazing seafood!
Directions: Get off Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1, Exit 10), then turn right onto Jagalchi 3 (Sam-gil), walk about five minutes and turn left to arrive at the market.
Fees: Free
Info: Here
HAEUNDAE BEACH (해운대해수욕장)
A trip to Busan would not be complete without going to one of its beautiful beaches! Haeundae Beach is definitely the most well-known, but also the most crowded. Get there early if you're going during summer time to stake out a good spot on the sand. Other popular beaches are the Gwangalli Beach and the Songjeong Beach. Nearby Haeundae Beach is the Sea Life Busan Aquarium, which you should check out to see amazing sea creatures!
Directions: Get off Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2, Exit 5), and walk straight to the coast about 500 meters.
Fees: Free
Info: Here
Chinese Zodiac sculptures line the entry to the temple.
Rubbing this Buddha's belly while praying is said to grant sons to expectant mothers.
This golden Buddha sits right on the coastline while waves hit the shore right at its base.
HAEDONG YONGGUNGSA TEMPLE (해동 용궁사)
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was my favorite Buddhist temple during my trip. Rather than being situated on a mountain, this temple was built by the seaside making for a truly breathtaking view. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was built in 1376 by the Buddhist Teacher Naong during the Joseon Dynasty.
Directions: Get off Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2, Exit 7), then take Bus 181 and get off Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop. Follow the signs towards the temple.
Fees: Free
Info: Here
Captured a tourist posing with Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) and his friend the fox.
Views from the top of Gamcheon Culture Village are a rainbow of color, leading your eyes all the way to the ocean.
GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE (감천문화마을)
Gamcheon Culture Village is also known as the Santorini or Macchu Picchu of Korea, and also nicknamed Lego Village. Originally a very poor slum for war refugees, this village has experienced a cultural revival with colorful block homes, murals, artwork, and sculpture lining its alleyways. The wonderful art throughout makes exploring the village truly a joy, and the stunning maze of color and views from the top make the trek more than worth it!
Directions: Get off Goejeong Station (Busan Subway Line 1, Exit 6) and then take Bus Sakha 1 or Sakha 1-1 to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop.
Fees: Free
Info: Here and Here
Korean style sashimi, fried fish, and banchan from the Jagalchi Fish Market.
When you order fish from the Jagalchi Fish Market, you can ask them to cook it as a spicy fish soup called maeuntang (매운탕).
Various fried fish at the Jagalchi Fish Market.
Often referred to as the water droplet or teardrop cake, this dessert originated in Japan and has become a popular street food in Korea as well. I got this one while wandering BIFF Square.
Softree is a chain throughout South Korea, but I was so happy to come across one in Busan. This is the most heavenly, milky, and creamy soft serve you will ever have. Their toppings, including their honey comb is oh so yummy as well!
Info: Here
BUSAN FOOD
If you love seafood, then Busan is definitely the place to go! Hover over the images for more information on some of my food adventures!
CREDITS:
Photography: Annie Cho
SHOOT LOCATION:
Busan, South Korea