Busan is the second largest city in South Korea and home to Asia’s biggest film festival, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The charming city has world-class beaches, fabulous seafood, gorgeous mountains and plenty of hot springs for visitors to soak in. It has hosted international tournaments like the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the Asian Games in the same year. During the Korean War of 1950-53, the city was famously known for the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter.
Here’s your three-day guide to this eclectic city.
Start your day with a visit to the Gamcheon Cultural Village. Once a hilltop slum, today’s its brightly painted houses and artistic attractions have earned it the nickname of the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” There are numerous sculptures like that of the characters from “The Little Prince"—one of French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's most famous books—a mosaic called “Fish Swimming through the Alley” by artist Jin Yeongseop; lots of colourful stairs for the perfect photo-op; several art galleries and studios where you can view local artists' work or participate in crafting your own pieces; and of course some lovely cafés and restaurants like the Gamcheon Sagol Gomtang, 비비빔 BIBIBIM and 까치까치Kkachi Kkachi.
Next, head to the nearby Yongdusan Park whose most significant attraction is the 120m-high Diamond Tower. It was originally named as Busan Tower when it first opened in 1973. Go up to its observatory for 360° views of Busan’s urban sprawl, port and mountains. Then, check out its “Flying Submarine” exhibit which is modelled to resemble the vessel, complete with portholes and sonar equipment.
Visit the Nampo-dong Underground Shopping Center, one of Busan's bustling commercial centres due to its convenient location between the Jagalchi and Nampo-dong subway stations. The large indoor shopping space provides a resting spot for locals and is equipped with the latest central heating and air conditioning systems. You can purchase a variety of items like clothes from designer brands, handicrafts and accessories here.
Next up is the world-famous Jagalchi Market. As one of the largest seafood markets in Asia, it is crowded with merchants and visitors every day and is a popular attraction among tourists who want to taste fresh seafood. Its “Live Fish” section is arguably where visitors congregate most; enjoy fresh sashimi while you’re there.
Wrap up your first day with a meal at the Choryang Milmyeon restaurant. Order wangmandu (dumplings) and milmyeon, a speciality of Busan where wheat noodles are placed in a cold meat broth or spicy sauce with vegetables and garnish. For a refreshing beer, head to the Galmegi Brewing Company in Nampo, Busan’s first modern-style microbrewery.
Time for a hike to Mount Jangsan which towers 634m-high over the city. A round trip up and down will take around four to five hours. It is a popular weekend destination for hikers from all over the peninsula, with a variety of well-maintained trails divided up according to their difficulty level. Hikers begin their journey at Daecheon Park and will come across a small temple called Pokposa and the Yang-un Waterfall on their way. Aside from the stunning ocean views, the mountain’s expansive silver grass fields, which are at their most beautiful from October to mid-November, are a sight to behold.
You can’t leave Busan without visiting its world-famous beaches, foremost among them being Haeundae Beach. It was featured in the 2009 South Korean movie “Tidal Wave.” The beachside is decorated with top hotels, luxurious restaurants, cafés and a marketplace. You will also come across several family-owned restaurants and street carts that make Busan’s famous fish cakes in the alleys along the beach. Enjoy the white sandy beaches and clear waters by swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and surfing in them.
Next up is the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It is popular with sightseers, particularly during the birthday celebrations of the Buddha when the complex is decorated with paper lanterns. It honours Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, the sea goddess “Buddha of Mercy.”
Another beach visit beckons, this time to Gwangalli. It has the best view of the Gwangandaegyo, or Diamond Bridge, which spans across the sea. The 7,420m-long suspension bridge, which connects the Haeundae and Suyeong districts, is lit up every night and provides magnificent views you wouldn't want to miss. The beach itself sits inside a cove spanned by the Gwangandaegyo and curves in a half-moon shape. There’s a drone light show every Saturday which lasts for 10 minutes.
On your final morning, visit the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum. It was designed as a cultural space with a café and souvenir shop to boot. There are exhibition halls, an open cultural space, a vault art museum, a children’s experience room and an education room. Learn about Busan’s history, fine arts and sports through exhibitions on baseball, Busan’s development as an open port city and its independence movement against Japanese exploitation and oppression. Of particular note is the cultural experience section in the museum, where visitors can don traditional wedding attire and attend a tea ceremony.
Visit the Beomeosa Temple which was built on the slopes of the Geumjeongsan Mountain and is one of South Korea’s best known religious sites. It is a tranquil place since it is surrounded by hiking trails, woodlands, and striking mountain scenery. Beomeosa was established in 678 during the Silla period but was nearly reduced to ashes during the Japanese invasion of 1592-97. Its monks are renowned for their Sunmudo martial art techniques. The temple has many cultural treasures such as the “One Pillar Gate” which, when viewed from the side, appears to be supported by a single pillar, thus symbolising the one true path of enlightenment. Located to the right of the main temple, the Cheongnyeonam Hermitage is filled with elegant bronze statues with a golden Buddha sitting in its midst.
Time to indulge in some shopping. Koreans are known for their amazing skincare products so head to the Lotte Department Store Gwangbok and the Shinsegae Department Store in Centum City to stock up on Korean brands. You can also visit the Spa Land sauna in Centum City to relax after a busy three days.
For your final evening, visit Suyeong-gu, a historical district nestled between Geumjeongsan Mountain and Gwangalli Beach. The Suyeong Sajeok Park was established in commemoration of the spirit of Suyeong residents and is designed to show off their maritime lifestyle.
Wrap up your day with a stroll through the vibrant Jeonpo Café Street. It is lined with specialty coffee shops, dessert cafés, bakeries and brunch spots. The cafés are located in renovated houses, factories, and warehouses, offering unique and cosy spots to eat and drink in. Notable places include Vintage 38, Bao Haus, Brooks and Woojung Dolsot Bibimbap Seomyeon. You can also check out the Seomyeon Museum of Art which is in the vicinity.
Take a direct flight from New Delhi to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea. Then take an onward flight from Seoul to Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan.