Busan

부산

South Korea's second-largest city and primary port, Busan is a vibrant coastal metropolis famous for its beaches, seafood markets, and modern skyline. Essential stops include Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, and Haeundae Beach.

Things to do

• Gamcheon Culture Village — Explore this hillside village of colorful houses, street art, and local cafes built on the slopes above Suyeong Harbor.
• Jagalchi Fish Market — Browse Korea's largest seafood market where vendors sell fresh fish, octopus, and shellfish, many prepared for immediate eating.
• Haeundae Beach — Relax on Busan's most popular sandy beach with clear waters, water sports facilities, and a lively promenade of cafes and restaurants.
• Beomeosa Temple — Visit this serene Buddhist temple nestled in forested mountains offering peaceful gardens, traditional architecture, and hiking trails.
• Busan Tower — Ascend this 120-meter tower in Yongdusan Park for panoramic views of the harbor, city skyline, and surrounding coastline.
• Taejongdae Cliff — Walk scenic coastal trails and ride the cable car to dramatic cliff viewpoints overlooking the Southern Sea at the tip of the Yeongdo peninsula.
• Nampodong Street — Shop and dine in this historic downtown district known for fashion boutiques, street food stalls, and bustling pedestrian commerce.

Food to try

• Milmyeon — A cold noodle soup served with sliced raw squid, the signature summer dish of Busan that originated in nearby Masan.
• Jagalchi raw fish (회) — Fresh sashimi-grade fish and seafood prepared tableside at the market with spicy gochujang sauce and fresh vegetables.
• Busan-style kalguksu — Hand-cut wheat noodles in a rich seafood broth, often topped with mussels and squid for added coastal flavor.
• Ttaetgook — A warm rice cake soup made with Korean rice cakes, fish cakes, and broth, traditionally eaten on New Year's Day but available year-round.
• Octopus nakji-bokkeum — Stir-fried octopus with gochugaru, garlic, and vegetables, a spicy seafood specialty served hot off the griddle.
• Sea urchin (uni) and abalone — Freshly harvested sea urchin and abalone available raw or lightly prepared at Jagalchi Market for premium seafood lovers.

Local customs & good to know

• Haggling at Jagalchi Market — Vendors expect and welcome negotiation on prices, especially for larger purchases or multiple items, making it a customary part of the shopping experience.
• Removing shoes indoors — When entering temples, traditional restaurants, or homes, always remove your shoes as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
• Seafood etiquette — When eating raw fish or seafood, use the provided metal chopsticks and spoon rather than personal utensils, and offer to serve others first before serving yourself.
• Public transportation card — Purchase a rechargeable Cashbee or T-money card at convenience stores for seamless payment on buses, subways, and ferries throughout the city.