Photo: Jimmy Moon / Unsplash
About Busan
Busan is South Korea's second city but feels like a first choice. Built across hills that tumble into the sea, it has a rawness and energy that Seoul lacks — pastel-coloured villages clinging to cliffsides, fish markets where the catch is still moving, beaches that fill with locals every summer weekend. At Jagalchi seafood market, there's live octopus, grilled eel and soju at communal tables. Gamcheon Culture Village is painted in blues and yellows, a neighbourhood art project that became a genuine attraction. The food is outstanding — Milmyeon cold noodles, dwaeji gukbap pork soup, and raw fish eaten at the dock. The KTX bullet train from Seoul takes under three hours. Spring and autumn are perfect; summers are warm but crowded at the beaches.
Highlights
Jagalchi fish market — raw seafood breakfast with soju Gamcheon Culture Village — the pastel hillside neighbourhood Haedong Yonggungsa Temple built directly over the sea Haeundae Beach at sunset, then cocktails in Marine City Gukje Market for street food — dumplings, tteokbokki, pajeon Taejongdae cliffs by bicycle — dramatic coastal scenery
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Practical Info
Entry rules depend on your nationality. Check before you travel: Korea Visa Portal (Ministry of Justice)
South Korean Won (KRW). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small vendors and markets.
Tipping is not customary in South Korea and can even be refused. Upscale restaurants and hotels usually include a service charge.
Busan is very safe with low crime rates, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas like markets or public transport.
Prepaid SIMs and data plans from KT, SKT or LG U+ are sold at the airport and in convenience stores.
Korean is the official language; English is spoken in tourist areas and by younger people, but not fluently everywhere.
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