The most important port in South Korea is located in Busan. It is also the country’s second largest metropolitan area, behind the capital city of Seoul. The city was granted the status of a commercial port in the early 15th century so that it could participate in commerce with the Japanese. It occurred about the same time as the government allowed Japanese people to settle in the city. The village remained in place until the Japanese invasion of Korea at the end of the 16th century. During the time that Japan occupied the country, the city saw fast development and evolved into an essential trade hub for the nation. During the conflict known as the Korean War, South Korea never managed to lose control of the city or any of its surrounding territories.
Busan, in its contemporary form, is a busy city that is well-known for its seafood. A vibrant neighbourhood can be found near the port area, which caters to the need of the hundreds of sailors and other tourists that come to the city each day. When compared to other parts of Korea, the winters in Busan are far more bearable than those in the rest of the country. This affords the inhabitants of Busan the opportunity to take pleasure in their city’s nightlife in a more relaxed manner than is possible in other parts of the nation.
Main Tourist Attractions of Busan, South Korea
Haeundae and Songjong Beaches
Both tourists and locals like having picnics on Haeundae and Songjong Beaches, since they are two of the city’s most well-known beaches. A long time ago, a hot spring was located on the Haeundae Beach, which is now a tiny beach. Commercial activity is thriving in Haeundae, which has a mix of large and small hotels as well as a continuous row of eateries of varying sizes. Visitors may enjoy the pleasures of a lengthy beach at Songjong Beach, which stretches for around two kilometres. It is an excellent place to go away from the major metropolis since it has not yet been affected by the powerful commercial winds.
Busan Museum and UN Cemetery
1978 was the year when the Busan Museum first opened its doors to the public. The museum has a large number of exhibits, each of which tells a story about some aspect of Korean custom or culture that dates back to ancient times. The United Nations Cemetery is located in close proximity to the museum and extends over an area of roughly 35 acres. It was founded in 1951 and has been dedicated to honouring the memory of the tens of thousands of troops who gave their lives fighting in the Korean conflict. The Memorial Service Hall, the main entrance, and the Monument of Dongnae are some of the other noteworthy attractions that can be found in the cemetery.
Geumjeong Fortress
In the year 1707, construction began on the Geumjeong Fortress, which can be found in the city of Busan and sits atop Geumjeongsan Mountain. The fortification was constructed as a defence mechanism against incursions from the Japanese and Manchu empires that were located in China. This fortification has the distinction of being Korea’s largest walled fortress. It features a wall that is about 17 km long and ranges in height from around 5 to 19 feet. Tourists have access to an exciting hiking location that is contained inside an area that is about 8 square kilometres in size.
Yongdusan Park
The Yongdusan Park can be found in the middle of Busan city and is a location that is very convenient for tourists due to its location at the Nampodong metro station. The park is home to both the Busan Tower and a large colony of pigeons, all of whom are patiently waiting to be provided with their preferred treat of corns.
Dongnae Hot Springs
The Dongnae Hot Springs site is the location of a popular spa in the nation. The origins of these thermal springs may be traced all the way back to the reigns of all three monarchs. The Joseon king Sukjong was responsible for the development of the site. With approximately six spas, all of which are operated in the most professional manner, this location is now considered the premier destination for relaxation. It is claimed that drinking the hot spring water, which emerges at high temperatures, might assist the body in its battle against a variety of ailments.
Busan Tower
The Busan tower is about 387 feet in height, and it is located inside the limits of the Yongdusan Park in the central business district of the city. Anyone who climbs to the top of the tower will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Busan in its entirety.
Beomeosa Temple
This temple, which is located on the eastern flanks of Mt. Kumjong, is known as the “temple of the fish from Nirvana.” This Buddhist temple was designed and constructed as a sprawling complex that includes a huge number of structures and important cultural artefacts. It was constructed by Uisang monk in the year 678 AD during the time of the Koryo dynasty and is considered to be one of the ten Hawom temples. The temple has been damaged significantly as a result of several fires that have occurred as a result of either conflict or accidents.
Tongdo-sa Temple
The Tongdo-sa Temple is among the top three largest temples in the nation and is one of them. It was constructed in the year 646 AD by a Jajaang-yulsa priest, and it is the current location of a number of artefacts, including a robe, a begging bowl, and a bone from Buddha’s skull. It is generally known as the “Temple without Buddha” due to the fact that it does not include any statues of Buddha inside its walls. Stupas may be seen in abundance all across the temple complex in various locations.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
This temple, which can be seen on the shoreline to the city’s north-northeast, was constructed in 1376 A.D. under the Goryeo dynasty. Naong, a well-known Buddhist instructor, was the architect behind the construction of the temple. In 1970, reconstruction work was done to the main sanctuary of the temple, and particular attention was paid to the traditional colours that were employed in the building. The most notable features of the temple are its Buddhist sanctuary, which has a one-of-a-kind architectural style, a pagoda adorned with four lions, staircases, and traditional lanterns.
