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Busan is a second largest city in Korea. As a major port city, there
is a myriad of sea routes offering gateways to Japan and to the rest
of the world. Busan also boasts scenic visions of nature with
Nakdonggang River flowing in the west adjacent to the ocean at the
south. Its landscape includes a coastline with fine beaches, scenic
islets and tall mountains. The Pusan* International Film Festival (PIFF)
is held annually and attracts movie buffs enthusiasts from all over
the world.
* Under the new romanization system promulgated in 2000, Pusan is now
spelled Busan. The film festival was established before the system
took effect, thus the original spelling "Pusan" is still employed
(i.e. Pusan International Film Festival).
 Recommended Sites Leisure/Sports
Recommended Sites
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Nakdonggang
Estuary Seasonal Bird Migration Site
Address : Beach Area, Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan
Description :
The Lower Nakdonggang River Seasonal Bird Migration Site was
designated as a natural monument on July 13, 1966, and it has a large
river-mouth, sand dunes, delta, Ilungdo Island, Eulsukdo Island and
other islands. The snipes and waterfowls stop by when they pass Korea
during the fall and spring, and the ducks and geese find their way
here in the winter. This area, where the Nakdonggang River and the
South Sea meet, has over 150 species of birds, which visit between
October and March. You're most likely to see swans, and even raptorial
species like eagles and white-tailed eagles. It is a large area with
thick groves of reeds, which make it hard to approach by land. In
order to watch migratory birds, you should take a boat from Myeongji-dong
harbor and get a local guide to help you. The ideal time for bird
watching is between 9am and 4pm. Eulsukdo Island is one of the places
you absolutely cannot miss. It is a delta island, and is well known as
a paradise for over a hundred thousand birds. It is an amazing sight
to see some ultra-rare species of birds like the whitenaped cranes,
the blackfaced spoonbills, and the white-tailed eagles, as they arrive
and spend the winter.
Directions :
From downtown Busan, take Bus No.58, No.58-1, or No.58-2 and get off
at Eulsukdo Rest Area. Walk down or go to Myeongji-dong Port and rent
a boat.
Information :
- Gangseo-gu County Office General Affairs Office Tel :
051-970-4061-3 (Kor)
- Admission Fee : Free
- Regular Round trip : Approximately a ride every hour from 9am to
4pm. One-way ride: 2,000 won
- Boat Rental Service : 9am- 4pm, About 100,000 won
Try to get help from the locals at the Hagu-eon fishing village or at
Myeongji-dong Port.
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Beomeosa
Temple
Address : 546
Cheongryong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
Description :
Beomeosa
Temple is located at the edge of a famous mountain in Busan,
Mt.Geumjeongsan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui
Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661-681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupying the Gyeongsang-do
province region in 678A.D.). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram'
the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: “There is a
well on the top of Mt.Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is
gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came
down from the sky. This is why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold
well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'.” The original
Beomeosa Temple building was lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion
(Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713,
which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate
and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392∼1910). There
is Iljumun, the three-story pagoda with four pillars, built in the
9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates,
and eleven hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, the
wisteria woods and valleys is most beautiful in May.
Directions :
Subway - At
Beomeosa Station (Busan Subway Line No.1) Exit No.5 or No.7, walk
between the two exits along the road for about 5 minutes and you
will reach the Samsin bus stop. Take Bus No.90 and you will arrive
at Beomeosa Temple Ticket Office.
Information :
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Geumjeong-gu Country Office Cultural Information Department
Tel: 051-519-4061 (Kor)
- Admission Fee :
Children (age 13 and under) : 500 won
Teenagers (age 14-19) : 700 won
Adults (age 20 and over) : 1,000 won
(Groups of 30 people or more receive 100 won discount per person).
- Homepage : http://www.beomeosa.org (Kor), English version :
http://www.pomosa.com (Eng)
Taejongdae
Resort
Address : San Ilwon 29-1, Dongsam 2(i)-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Description :
Designated as a Busan monument, along with Oryukdo Island,
Taejongdae represents Busan, and is especially famous for its rock
beach. Featuring its highest peak at 250 meters, there are forests of
pine trees and other 200 varieties of trees. Taejongdae was named
after the 29th king of Silla Dynasty BC57-AD 935), King TaeJong
Mu-Yeol (604-661). King Tae-jong had traveled to many places but this
was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows. Under the lighthouse of this
resort is a rock called Sinseon Rock, named after the myth that gods
and goddesses came down here to relax. At this rock is a figure called
Mangbuseok, named after the story of a woman who waited for her
husband who had been taken to Japan. Taejongdae is also famous for the
ritual of praying for rain, performed when there are droughts, and
rain on the 10th of lunar May is called the 'Taejong Rain'. On days
with clear skies you can see Japan’s Daema Island from the
observatory.
Directions :
Bus : At Busan Train Station take Bus No.88 or No. 101
- At Jagalchi Market, in front of Yeongdo Bridge : Take Bus No. 8, No.
13 or No. 30
Information :
- Taejongdae Resort Administration Dept. Tel : 051-405-2004 (Kor)
- Homepage : www.metro.busan.kr (Eng/Jap/Chn)
- Hours : 04:00 - 24:00 (Beach hours : 04:00 - 21:00)
- Ticketing Hours : Mar.-Oct. (09:00-18:00), Nov.-Feb. (09:00-19:00)
- Admission Fee :
Adults( age 20 and over) : 400 won
Teenagers, Children (19 and under): 200 won
Songjeong
Beach
Address : Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Description :
Songjeong Beach has good quality sand and shallow water, which
makes it an ideal beach for families to swim together. The white sandy
beach stretches 1.2 km, and covers an area of 62,150 square meters. It
can carry about 14,000 people on the beach. The sand is a mixture of
debris from Songjeong River, and the seashell grains that form
naturally over a long time, lies beautifully like tiny marbles on the
beach. The beach also has the unique feel of the southern region,
making the beach experience all that much more fun. At the entrance of
the beach is the Jukdo, where thick evergreen groves contain relaxing
facilities inside. At the north-east of the beach, you can enjoy
fishing as well. There is also a dock where you can use motor boats
and get on cruises in the summer. An Especially famous part of the
Songjeong Beach is the Songiljeong Pavilion, from where you can get a
truly lovely view of the sunrise and moon rise. Because this beach is
a bit off the Busan area, it is quite unlike many of the other beaches
in Busan. Every year the Harvest Full-Moon Seaweed Festival and the
Songjeong Beach Festival are held here, and many vacationers come to
enjoy the celebrations.
Directions :
From Haeundae Beach -> Songjeong Beach
Take Express Bus No. 2003, 63-1 / City Bus No. 142
Information :
- Inquiries : Haeundae City Hall Culture and Tourism Department
Tel: 051-749-4082 (Kor)
- Open : July 1st - Aug. 31st
Haeundae
Beach
Address : Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Description :
Haeundae Beach is probably the most famous beach in the country.
The name "Haeundae" was named by scholar Choi Chi-Won (857-?) of the Silla Dynasty (BC57-AD 935). When he was walking past Dongbaekdo
Island, he was fascinated by it and left carved words "Hae Un Dae" on
a Stone Wall on Dongbaekdo Island. Haeundae is 1.5km long, 30-50m
wide, with an area of 58,400㎡. The white sand is rough and easily
sticks to your skin. The sand of this beach is composed of sands that
come from Chuncheon Stream and shells that have disintegrated
naturally by the wind over a long time. Haeundae Beach is also famous
for the various cultural events and festivals held throughout the
year. At Haeundae Beach there is a Folk Square where you can enjoy
traditional games such as Neoldduigi (seesaw jumping), Korean
wrestling, Tuho(arrow throwing), tug-of-War and yutnori. There is also
the Beach Culture Center and the Beach Library. Numerous people visit
every year from June to August.
Directions :
Gimhae Airport->Haeundae (Approximately 50min.)
KAL Limousine
Special Express Bus No.2002
Normal Express Bus No.307
Busan Train Station ->Haeundae (Approximately 40min.)
Special Express Bus No.2001 or No.2003
Normal Express Bus No.239, No.240, No.302 or No.302-1
Normal Bus No.139, No.140 or No.239
Busan Express Bus Terminal->Haeundae (Approximately 50min.)
Special Express bus No.2002
Normal Express bus No.307
Information :
- Haeundae-gu County Hall Culture & Tourism Dept tel :
051-749-4081∼3 (Kor)
- Homepage: http://www.haeundae.busan.kr/vod/index2.asp (Kor)
- Open : Every year Jun.1st - Aug. 31st (For 2 months)
- Facilities : Shower rooms
Gwangalli
Beach
Address : Gwangan 2(i)-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Description :
Gwangalli Beach is 1.4km long, 64m wide, and is famous for its
quality sand. This area has especially kept up with its water cleaning
program, and as a result, the water at the beach is very clean.
Because the water is very clean, the area is also busy with fishermen.
You can prepare raw fish dishes on the spot, right after you’ve caught
a fish, and there is also the Olympic Yacht Rental where you can rent
yachts. On the beach there is an outer concert stage where the Busan
Ocean Festival and other various events are held. You can also enjoy
waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and other exciting water sports.
The area has a cultural center, a museum, theaters for plays and
movies, an art gallery, TV station, and famous Korean and non-Korean
fashion brand name shops. It is a popular gathering place for young
people in their 20s and 30s.
Directions :
Take the Busan Subway Line 2 and get off at Gwangan Station. Take
Exit No.3 or No.5 and walk for about 5 - 10 minutes.
Information :
- Open : July 1st - August 31st
- Admission Fee : Free
- Performance Fee : 1000 won
- Inquiries : Gwangalli Beach Planning Service
Tel: 051-610-4211 (Kor)
Dongbaekdo Island
Address :
Wu 1(il)-dong,
Haeundae, Busan
Description :
There are many
islands named Dongbaekdo Island in the South Sea where dongbaek trees
thrive. Among them, the Dongbaekdo Island in Busan used to be an
island, but is now part of the mainland. Dongbaekdo Island is a very
small island, and at present many dongbaek trees and evergreens thrive
there. At the top of the island, there is a statue and a monument of
Choe Chi-Won, a scholar and writer during the Silla Dynasty (BC 59-AD 932). The Busan Tourism Organization has declared Dongbaekdo Island
Tourist Site No.46. The island also has Dongbaek Park and a 2.5 m high
statue of a mermaid near the beach which many tourists can easily
visit on their way to the beach.
Directions :
Gimhae Airport
-> Haeundae (about 50 min.)
-KAL limousine
-Express Bus No. 2002
-City Bus No. 307
Busan Train Station -> Haeundae (about 40 min.)
Express Bus No.2001 / No.2003
City Bus No.139 / No.140 / No.239 / No.240 / No.302 / No.302-1
Busan Express Bus Terminal -> Haeundae (about 50 min.)
Busan Express Bus No. 2002 / No.307
Information :
-Tour Ferry Facilities: two parking lots, 183 car capacity
Haeundae Dalmaji Walk
Address :
Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu,
Busan
Description :
Dalmaji Walk is
a small walkway on the corner to Songjeong Beach. Dalmaji Walk is a
trail with woods of cherry blossoms and pine trees, which is located
past Haeundae Beach, on the slope of Mt.Wausan. The landscape, with
the blue sea, sandy seashore, and pine trees, is beautiful enough to
be the representative place of this area for a long time to come. This
walk became famous as a relaxing place in the summer, ever since
Haeundae Beach opened in 1965. On days with clear skies you can see
Japan's Daema Island from the observatory. There is a spa and other
facilities nearby, making it a great place to visit for people who
want to relax and enjoy their free time, not only in the summer, but
throughout the year. The Dalmaji Walk has 8km driving course and at
the peak of Mt.Wau is a Dalmaji hill. On the top of the Hill is a
clock tower, representing the marine city Busan, going forth and
reaching out to the world.
Directions :
Bus - At
Haeundae Beach, take Bus No. 100, No. 139, No. 140,No. 141, No.
142,No. 239 or No. 302. Get off at Mipo bus stop.
Information :
- Homepage : Haeundae-gu Country Hall Culture & Tourism
Homepage http://www.haeundae.busan.kr/vod/index2.asp (Kor)
Jagalchi
Market
Address :
37-1 Nampo-dong
4(sa)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan
Description :
The Jagalchi
Market is Korea's largest seafood market. After the Korean War the
market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell
fish are women, so the women who sell here are called 'Jagalchi Ajumma',
'ajumma' meaning middle-aged or married women. This market represents
Busan and is famous throughout the country. If you visit you can eat
fresh raw fish right at the market. Even these days you can see women
selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians) and whale meat on wooden
board boxes along the road. Every year in October the Jagalchi
Cultural Tourism Festival is held, and it is easy to visit because of
the convenient transportation of the subway. The Jagalchi Market is
where you can see the lifestyle of the idigeneous Busan natives.
Directions :
Subway - At
Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line No.1) Exit No.10, 5-minute walk.
Airport - At Busan Airport take Coach (Jwaseok) bus No.310.
Busan Express Bus Terminal take Coach (Jwaseok) Bus No.35 and get off
at Nampo-dong bus stop.
Information :
-Hours : 08:00-22:00
Oryukdo
Island
Address : 936-941 Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Description :
Oryukdo Island is attached to the southern part of Busan, and
depending on the day and the tide, may appear to be five islands or
six islands, hence the name. Designated a Monument of Busan, Oryukdo
Island is a rock island that can be said to be made purely of stones.
Of all the five islands branching out from the mainland, all of them,
except the one with the lighthouse, are uninhabited. It is composed of
Usakdo Island, Surido Island, Gonggotdo Island, Guldo Island and
Deungdaedo (Lighthouse) Island, but because the lower part of Usakdo
are divided into two segments that appear as two islands, sometimes
Usakdo Island is known as Bangpaedo Island and Sol Island as well,
depending on the level of the water. The name of the Usakdo Island
comes from this phenomenon as well. Because many ships that come to
Busan pass by Oryukdo Island, it is a symbol of Busan as well.
Directions :
From Haeundae Mipo Dock, take a ferry cruise
Gimhae Airport -> Haeundae (travel time about 50 min)
Take KAL limousine
Special Express Bus No. 2002
Regular Express Bus No. 307
Busan Station -> Haeundae (travel time about 40 min)
Special Express Bus No. 2001 / 2003
Regular Express Bus No. 239 / 240 / 302 /302-1
Regular Bus No. 139 / 140 / 239
Express Bus Terminal -> Haeundae (travel time about 50 min)
Special Express Bus No. 2002
Regular Express Bus No. 307
Information :
- Inquiries : Haeundae City Hall Culture and Tourism Promotion
Department Tel: 051-749-4071-3 (Kor) Haeundae Cruise Tel :
051-742-1106 (Kor)
- Haesang Cruise
1) Course Haeundae Mipo Dock -> Dongbaekdo Island -> Yacht Race
Reserve -> Yongho-dong Cliff -> Oryukdo Island (travel time: 1 hour 10
minutes.)
- Hours 08:30 - 18:30 (winter, until 17:00), departs every hour
(Holidays, Summer, departs every 40 min)
- Fees: From across the Garden Beach Hotel, from Mipo
Dock, get on the Haeundae-Jungang-dong Yeonan Harbor Cruise, operating
during the office hours (round trip), and it is 2,500 won; other ship
is 6,000 won.
4) Fee : Adults (age 20 and older) : 6,500 won, Middle, High School
Students (age 14 - 19) : 5,400 won, Children (age 13 and younger) :
3,000 won
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
