Busan city, Korea

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea and provides a distinctly different experience than that in a larger city and metropolitan area like Seoul. Despite the fact that Busan, also known as Pusan, is a city of nearly 4 million, this does not detract from the old-world feel that is tangible when exploring the various temples, shrines, and even natural attractions such as the beaches, high reaching limestone mountains, and vast valleys. There are a wide variety of things to do in Busan South Korea from visiting extremely popular tourist attractions like the Beomeosa Temple or Haeundae Beach (perhaps the most popular Busan beach) to shopping for antiques in the city and taking in the scenic vistas available from the banks of the gorgeous Nakdonggang River.

The Beomeosa Temple is not only one of the most popular attractions in Busan, but also one of the most treasured and frequently visited spiritual places in the entire country. It is situated at the feet of Mount Geumjeongsan. The temple itself was built some 1,300 years ago by a monk named Ui Sang. Although the majority of the original structure was lost during the Japanese invasions of the late 1500s, much has been restored and the temple now stands as one of the key attractions in this ancient city. You should definitely consider putting a visit to the Beomeosa Temple near the top of your list of things to do in Busan South Korea.

If you are traveling to this part of South Korea, also look into which Busan beach you will be staying near. The three best known and most trafficked beaches in the city are Songjeong Beach, Haeundae Beach, and Gwangalli Beach. Of the three, Haeundae is the most popular Busan beach, both because of its size and the range of activities and accommodations available. You not only have the option of relaxing in the sun and taking in the sights, but you can also visit Folk Square where you can watch and take part in traditional Korean games and fun pastimes. The unique topographical blend of high snow capped mountains, lush vegetation, white sand beaches, and charging rivers make South Korea one of the most visually stunning places on the continent.

The Pusan Film Festival is one of the most internationally recognized things to do in Busan South Korea. The festival started in 1996 as a means to link promising film makers with funding and has since grown into one of the most popular film festivals in Asia. The express purpose of the festival now is to introduce first time directors and filmmakers to bigger audiences, with a focus on Asian artists. It is held every year in the middle of September in Busan.

The Busan Aquarium is also one of the most alluring attractions in the. It is located at Haeundae Beach. The 30 million dollar complex opened its doors in 2001 and takes up more space than even the COEX Center in Seoul. The aquarium features a wide variety of marine life and tropical fish. It is a great way to spend an afternoon with family while relaxing in Busan.