BUSAN

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea with a population of 3.4 million people. From beaches to mountains and historic sights to modern shopping it has something for everyone.

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Getting around Busan is hassle-free given the easy public transport system, cheap taxis, and a Hop on Hop Off sightseeing bus that stops close to the cruise port terminal and Busan Train Station. Your cruise line may also offers a shuttle service to either the downtown area or train station.

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Exploring downtown Busan is the perfect way to immerse yourself into South Korean culture. Stop by the Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower for views of the city, stroll down Gwangbok-Ro Shopping Street to see the latest Korean fashions, and explore the Gukje Market Meokja Golmok Food Street for some cheap, authentic Korean street eats. Also consider heading to the Jagalchi Fish Market… we guarantee you’ve never seen anything quite like it! There are hundreds of stalls selling thousands of live sea creatures as loud locals barter over animals you may have never seen before. Be warned, the smell of fish is incredibly strong, and the stall owners will butcher fish, octopi, and other delicacies in plain sight.  

Outside the downtown area, other points of interest include the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, the National Maritime Museum, and the Centum City Shinsegae Department Store- the largest stand-alone department store in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. 

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Staying in the city is a great way to immerse yourself in Busan’s modern-day culture, but if you want a more historical look into South Korea, consider heading to the Beomeosa Temple and Gyeongiu Historic Area. Beomeosa, first constructed in 678 BCE, sits on a mountain ridge on the northern outskirts of Busan, and is one of South Korea’s most renowned Buddhist Temples. Gyeongju is another fascinating site, and it holds a collection of 52 cultural relics spread across 5 separate areas. Some of the assets include Buddhist monuments, stone statue pagodas, royal tombs, various temples, and an observatory, all which are listed as World Cultural Heritages. 

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Having a hard time deciding what to do? Well, we saved our favorite site for last: the Gamcheon Cultural Village, which is a short 15-minute taxi ride from the port. This picturesque district is located up in the hills, and is known for its eclectic alleyways and colorful houses as well as the unique art around every corner in the form of galleries, souvenir shops, and graffiti. You will also find trendy coffee shops and beautifully crafted desserts that look almost too good to eat. The Gamcheon Cultural Village is affectionately called the Machu Picchu of Busan given it’s steep mountain location, and it is well worth a visit. 

Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the fast paced modern day life or take a step back into South Korea’s past, be sure to plan your day ahead of time to maximize your Busan experience.