5 Things You Must Do in Busan

Busan, the second largest city in Korea, attracts thousands of tourists annually. This bustling port city, with its beautiful temples, trendy cafes, and numerous beaches, is filled with countless many gems that are sure to please anybody. Upon planning your trip to Busan, you may run into the slight problem of not being able to choose between all of the intriguing places to visit. To save you from this dilemma, here are some places that are a must-have on your list.

1. Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach is famous for its fine sand and breathtaking view of the Gwangan Bridge, a landmark of Busan. It is lined with trendy cafes and restaurants, which are perfect spots to enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean. Open year round, Gwangalli Beach is one of the hottest places to visit in Busan, both for tourists and locals. Its location near the city centre also makes it convenient to get to, as an added bonus. Be sure to also check out the beach at nighttime, when the LED lights of the Gwangan Bridge create a view that is sure to take your breath away.

2. Bupyeong Kkangtong Market

Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, or Tin Can Market, is a street market that is almost entirely devoted to food. Ranging from seafood, ready-made meals, snacks, and even pizza, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market is filled with a diverse collection of food that is sure to please all foodies. It is also located next to Gukjae Market, which is another popular attraction that is home to a variety of different goods such as vintage clothing and traditional produce. Explore the endless goods available at Gukjae Market and then stop by at Bupyeong Kkangtong Market for a delicious bite to eat. It will not disappoint!

3. Waveon Coffee

South Korea is known for its cafe culture, and Busan is no exception. Designed to provide a stunning view of the East sea from almost every angle, this cafe is an architectural gem as well as a perfect place to enjoy some coffee and recover from the sun. The tiered ground level also has blankets and mattresses prepared, so guests can lounge in comfort while enjoying the gorgeous view of the ocean. Of course, a cafe would not be a good cafe without amazing coffee and dessert, and Waveon is not an exception. They are known for their premium quality coffee, and boast a wide selection of mouthwatering desserts. Spectacular views, great coffee, and decadent dessert? Count me in!

4. Gamcheon Culture Village

Known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan," this colourful village boasts a kaleidoscope of bright, cheerful buildings packed closely together to form an explosion of colour in the mountains. Its twisting streets and alleys are filled with beautiful street art painted by various artists in an effort to transform the former slum into a charming attraction. The vibrant buildings and street art make a perfect backdrop for stunning Instagram photos, and you will find many lining up to take photos at some of the more famous spots. Grab your camera, and be prepared to be amazed by the chaotic beauty of Gamcheon Culture Village!

5. Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market is the biggest fish market in South Korea, and has thousands of fresh fish delivered every morning by fishing boats. Once you step inside, your senses will be bombarded with the many sights and smells of hundreds of vendors selling every type of fish imaginable. Wander around and marvel at the wide variety of fish and other seafood being sold at the market, all of them fresh from the sea. This market also has restaurants upstairs, where you can cook and enjoy the fish you bought downstairs, or try one of the many dishes on their menu. Get ready to be blown away by the delicious taste of some of the freshest seafood in Busan!

With that being said, I hope this list has helped narrow down the exhaustive list of places to visit in Busan! Enjoy your stay in Busan, and be prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!

Image Credits:

From top down:

• https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2021/09/how-to-spend-a-weekend-in-busan-south-korea

• https://www.visitbusan.net/index.do?menuCd=DOM_000000301001001000&uc_seq=377&lang_cd=en&pagingParms=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

• https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=1884501

• https://www.archdaily.com/867363/gijang-waveon-heesoo-kwak-and-idmm-architects

• https://thereshegoesagain.org/gamcheon-culture-village/

• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Inside_Jagalchi_Fish_Market,_Busan.jpg