People who know me knows that I absolutely enjoy visiting Korea. I've had the chance of visiting the city of Busan on 2 ocassions and I had a wonderful time exploring the city. Busan is a major port city and the 2nd most populous city in South Korea after Seoul. It is located on the southeast edge of the Korean Peninsular. The best time to visit Busan, I would say, is within the summer months as it is famous for its beaches and ocean front attractions. Here are suggestions on places you should check out around Busan.

Haeundae Beach

One of the major beaches in Busan, the beach comes alive in the summer when rows of umbrellas are lined up for citizens coming to soak up the sun, sand and sea. Both times I stayed around Haeundae as there's a lot of accomodations available here, both budget-friendly and 5 star. Also check out the Haeundae market nearby as well for some fresh seafood. The beach here has its opening hours if you're looking to swim which is usually at 9pm. I've written a detailed account on my first visit here.

Haeundae Beach

Gwanggali Beach & Gwangan Bridge

Famous for its Fireworks Festival in October, Gwangan Beach is another well known beach in Busan as it has a spectacular view of the Gwangali Bridge that is fully lit up at night. There are more shops here along the beach that will make a late night stroll more enjoyable. Check out also my previous post on this place on my personal blog here.

Gwangan Bridge from Gwanggali Beach

BIFF Square & Gwangbok-ro

Gwangbok-ro is the shopping street in Busan equivalent that of Myeongdong in Seoul. It has all your favourite boutiques for your retail fix. You can start of journey at the center BIFF square which is an intersection famous for the former location of Busan International Film Festival. On my visit I also checked out a Trick Art Museum which I received a promotional offer cheaper than in Seoul.

BIFF Square

Shopping Street Gwangbok-ro

Busan Tower

One end of Gwangbok-ro leads you the path up to Busan Tower. Not as huge as N Seoul Tower but it still has a huge plaza at its entrance with love locks scattered along the rails and a chance to go up its observatory. You will be going through Yongdusan Park as you climb up to the tower.

Busan Tower at night

Busan Tower from a far

Jagalchi Market

Across from Gwangbok is the famous Jagalchi Market. It might seem like just any other seafood market but the range of seafood will amaze you and they can even prepare for you to eat them right at the market. The first floor itself are restaurants to try out the many seafood dish on offer.

Seafood at Jagalchi Market

View from outside Jagalchi Market

Taejongdae Park

Taejongdae Park is a park that has cliffs overlooking the sea that is just so picture perfect. It is a huge park with several places to see and you would travel around via the Danubi Train (or a long walk if you'd like). The most recommended stop would be at the Light House where you can climb down the cliffs and soak in the summer wind, as your travel partner takes your picture against the blue sea. This place just trumps all the other places we went to in Busan so it's a definite must visit.

Cliffside at Taejongdae from below

View from Lighthouse

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Located along the shore line, the temple just blends well with the rocky beach and roaring waves of the sea. The temple complex itself is huge with a lot of building and places of interest to check out. You can take bus 181 from Haeundae and it stops right at the entrance of the temple.

Seaside temple Haedong Yonggungsa

Shinsegae Centum City

A more modern place of interest, Centum City hosts Shisegae Department Store which is the largest department store in South Korea. It boasts a spa, ice rink and cinema facilities to cater the shoppers around Busan and tourists. Here's where you can get your fix on branded items from the region and around the world.

Ice rink at Shinsegae Centum City

BEXCO

Nearby Centum City is BEXCO, which is a large exhibition center complex. You can check out the available exhibition that run in its numerous halls or just admire the size and architecture of this mammoth complex.

The huge BEXCO complex

Busan Cinema Center

About 2 blocks from Centum City is this unique complex which is host to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) every October as well as other cinema related events. The unique thing about the complex is its huge roof, boasting the Guiness World Record for longest cantilever roof. It's even a large LED screen as the roof lits up at night with mesmerizing display of colors. Check out more info here.

Busan Cinema Center with its LED roof

Busan Al-Fatah Mosque

Busan also has a major mosque in its city center and is a great location if you're looking for halal meals to satisfy your cravings. The first time I came to Busan we had Turkish food at a nearby restaurant here. The mosque is located near Dusil station.

So much to see in Busan that you'll be wanting to go back to explore more. I've read about a sky bridge by a cliff, temples on a mountain, colorful hillside houses and of course their famous annual fireworks festival which I hope to see one day. For now, I hope these give you good ideas for your trip!