Resorts play an important role in the economy of the state in whose territory they are located. This is, first of all, tourists and the filling of the treasury. But visitors do not skimp if they liked the resort, and come again and again. Holidays in Busan are very diverse; various categories of vacationers can find interesting pastimes for themselves. This is shopping, and cultural events, and sunbathing, and outdoor activities. The tourist infrastructure is very well developed, so families with children can come here - there is entertainment for them. The Koreans themselves also do not refuse to rest here.
A bit of geography
Busan (South Korea), is considered one of the most modern cities in Asia. It has many architectural attractions, museums and skyscrapers. In order to find Busan on a map of South Korea, you need to look for him in the southeastern part of the country. It is located on the coast of the Korean Strait.
The climate in the city is subtropical, humid. True, the map of South Korea does not show such subtleties, in the city at any time of the year it is somewhat cooler than in the rest of the peninsula - the influence of the ocean affects. The most rainy are July and August. There is practically no snowfall in winter in Busan - meteorologists record no more than 6 days with snowfalls. It is best to visit the beaches of Busan in the spring and in the first months of autumn.
The location between the river and the ocean led to the presence of many beaches. In the vicinity of the city there are a large number of reserves and parks for walking, recreation and entertainment. As a rule, those who came to rest in Busan meet sights at almost every step.
History and architectural monuments
For history buffs, it is best to start exploring the city with architectural monuments. If someone wants to explore all the sights of the city and its environs, the Busan tourist map can help with this.
Very interesting and popular is the Buddhist Pomos Temple located on Mount Gimjonsan. Its construction dates back to 678. Subsequently, the builders of the Kore and Joseon dynasties rebuilt part of the temple premises. After military operations during the Imzhdin war, all the wooden elements of the complex were burned. In 1613, restoration began, several halls were completed. The temple complex today includes a three-story pagoda, rooms for priests and huts for solitude and reflection.
No less interesting is the Chun-Nols Memorial Temple. Its construction is dedicated both to the soldiers who fell in the struggle against the Japanese conquerors, and to the woman. Near the temple is the geisha pavilion. Many legends are connected with him, telling how Korean geisha defended their homeland from enslavement by the Japanese.
On Buddha’s birthday, it’s very interesting to get to Busan. Sights, such as, for example, the Hadon Enguns water dragon temple, are especially interesting to see on this day, because this is the official holiday of the country. In order to get into the temple itself, you need to go down the stairs of 108 steps to it. The chapel is arranged in a rocky cave, and the nature around the complex is simply amazing.
Busan: sights of the present
Those who are indifferent to historical monuments and prefer the works of contemporaries, the city also has something to offer. The most popular place in the city is the Kwanalli embankment. It has beaches, restaurants, cafes. It also includes the huge Gwangdege Bridge. This is not only a tourist attraction, it is an important part of the city’s infrastructure connecting the Sentum City and Nam Thon Thon districts. Its length is almost 7.5 kilometers. It offers beautiful views of the picturesque places of the metropolis.
Busan (South Korea and its inhabitants call it the summer capital) is the owner of the largest department store in the world. “Shinsige Centum City” as the largest shopping center in the world in 2009 was listed in the Guinness Book. In addition to the department store itself, there are restaurants, cinemas, saunas, gyms and much more. It can rightfully be called "a city in a city."
Those who like to go shopping while traveling must visit the Jagalchi market. This is the largest seafood market. All merchants from the city and the country come here. The market operates around the clock. Haggling, despite the democratic initial prices, here is a must. The purchase price can be reduced up to 30%.
Cultural attractions
For those who prefer cultural activities in a city like Busan (South Korea), there are many museums. The largest is the Busan Historical Museum. Located in Namgu County. It has over 25,000 exhibits.
The National Maritime Museum is considered the third largest in the country in size. The building is built in a modern style, it has three floors. The first was created for a children's audience. Exhibits for studying marine history and the sea are on display for children. The development of the shipbuilding and shipping industry is represented by exhibits on the second floor. Overview of the ports of South Korea - on the third floor.
The Busan Museum of Contemporary History talks about hostilities with Japan and relations with the United States. The beginning of modern history is timed to the opening of the international port in 1876. Here are exhibits that allow you to understand how the military operations took place in the past. The museum is located in the Gyumgang park.
In addition to these, there are also museums such as the Art, Natural History, Memorial and others. In order to visit them all on your own, you need a tourist map of Busan.
Busan Parks
Walking through the parks will not leave indifferent any tourist. The most popular are Gyumgang, Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Endusan.
Gyumgang Park is located within the city and covers an area of 1,500 square kilometers. It simply fascinates with its atmosphere of simplicity and ease. In addition to the museum, which was mentioned above, it has a botanical garden with rare plant specimens.
Endusan Park is located in the very center of Busan (South Korea). The name comes from a word meaning "dragon's head." The main attraction is the lighthouse, Busan Tower, whose height is 118 meters. The park has a monument to Admiral Lee Sung Sin, a floral clock, a city bell and many other interesting sights.
The Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Nakdongan River. It is a natural monument of South Korea. Due to the fact that fresh water and salt are found in this area, migratory birds are present year-round. Some birds use these places as a temporary parking lot, others only winter, and still others fly to the park to breed offspring. Once in Busan (South Korea), a photo of the birds from this reserve must be taken as a keepsake.
Haeundae Beach
Busan's famous sand beaches are extremely popular among both tourists and the local population. Hound is one of them. Various entertainment events are held here - national games, tournaments, festivals. The beach season is from June to the end of August.
Seongjon Beach
For those who come to Busan for a vacation with family and children, Songjong Beach is best. The sand here is soft, the sea is gentle and calm, the water is clear. Shallow water contributes to its rapid heating. In front of the beach is Chukdo Park, which has all the conditions for a relaxing or active holiday. From the Songiljon gazebo, experienced travelers are advised to enjoy the moon or sun.
Gwanalli Beach
This beach is located on the promenade of the same name near the Gwangdege Bridge. The sand is soft and pleasant to the touch. This beach and a piece of sea is especially protected by the authorities, for which a special water treatment program is used. Due to this, you can see many fishermen there. On the beach you can rent a yacht for walks, go in for water sports. A lot of restaurants, fashion stores, cinemas, an entertainment complex, a television station - all made for the convenience of visitors.
Fun for kids
If you took the children on a trip - in Busan and there is entertainment for them. Three kilometers from the city on the lake is a large children's park. It offers kids - Mirror Lake, a lot of attractions, a zoo, a pool, slides. No less interesting for children will be in the aquarium. It is located on Haeundae Beach.
Busan Transport System
It goes without saying that to visit all the sights of the city on foot is simply impossible. Therefore, it is better to use transport, of which there are more than enough types. There are metro, light metro, buses, taxis and even bicycles. In the metro, it is customary to give way to older people or pregnant women if you have taken the places reserved for them. Buses run throughout Busan and far beyond. Taxis can be caught in any area and at any time of the day. You can also rent a bike and not be tied to the schedule of municipal transport.
Korean food
The most delicious and popular are fish and other seafood dishes. This is not surprising, because the city is located on the seashore. At the same time, you can order not only national dishes. Preparing food of Japanese, European cuisine.
In those restaurants or cafes that are located on the beach, the food is not just fresh, sometimes it is lively. For fans of extreme sports, it is recommended to try a dish from the analogue of Japanese puffer fish. Right on the street you can quickly satisfy your hunger with pancakes with onions and seafood. Cod soup with vegetables is very popular. The variety of dishes is so great that even the visitor who does not eat seafood in principle will not go hungry.
How to get there
You can get to the "Second Capital" in various ways - depending on which country you need to go from. You can fly from Russia by flight "Vladivostok (RF) - Busan Airport (South Korea)." This is the fastest way to move. It is easy to get from Seoul - from the Gimpo airport. Flights depart every half hour. You can use the railway from Seoul to Busan, it will take a little longer, but you can simultaneously admire the surrounding nature.
Things to remember for tourists
First of all, that it is necessary to stock up on medical insurance - the services of doctors in Korea are very expensive. The mobile communication standard is CDMA-1800, which means that mobile phones of the usual standards for the Russian market will not work even in roaming. As a way out of the situation, you can use a service such as renting a mobile phone.
According to the Korean authorities, there is no crime in Busan. However, they also acknowledge that there are cases of pickpocketing and petty theft (statistics on the number of such cases have not been disclosed, apparently so as not to scare away tourists). However, fatal accidents are very frequent on the roads, so you need to comply with traffic rules and be careful.
Criminal law is very strict and also applies to visitors. When arrested, foreign citizens do not have any concessions, for violations or committing a crime they will be punished in all severity.
All Busan institutions, both municipal and recreational, operate according to a strict schedule. Moreover, the summer and winter time of their work is different. Therefore, before you visit any attraction on your own, it is better to contact the tourist center and clarify the work schedule.
If the food is unfamiliar or one of its kind or smell causes embarrassment, then it is better not to try it. Unusual food can ruin the whole rest.