BUSAN IS SOUTH KOREA’S 2ND LARGEST CITY. IT IS A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF AGE-OLD CULTURE AND CONTEMPORARY METROPOLITAN FLAIR.

IT IS A SPRAWLING METROPOLITAN AREA THAT ENCOMPASSES SEVERAL CLUSTERS OF INTERESTS, EACH WITH ITS OWN SET OF ATTRACTIONS. THE DOWNTOWN SKYLINE AND BAMPO BRIDGE ARE TWO OF BUSAN’S VISUAL MODERN WONDERS. MEANWHILE, OLD-WORLD BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND VINTAGE STRUCTURES PRESERVE THE ESSENCE OF KOREAN HISTORY AND CULTURE. EQUALLY CAPTIVATING IS THE ABUNDANCE OF BUSAN’S NATURAL LANDSCAPE, FROM MILES OF UNSPOILED BEACHES TO EXPANSIVE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

THE UNMISSABLE SHOWPIECE IS JAGALCHI FISH MARKET. IT IS THE MOST FAMOUS SEAFOOD MARKET IN KOREA. IT SUPPLIES NEARLY 50 % OF ALL SEAFOOD ACROSS KOREA. BUSAN IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS BEACHES, HOT SPRINGS, NATURE RESERVES AND EVENTS SUCH AS THE CITY’S RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL HELD EACH FALL.

THERE IS ALSO AN ABUNDANCE OF SCENIC COASTAL WALKS, LIVELY NIGHTLIFE, AND NEVER-ENDING SUPPLY OF LOCAL EATS, FROM FINGER FOOD SERVED AT STREET STALLS TO ELABORATE MEALS. WHETHER YOU ENJOY DAYTIME ACTIVITIES OR NIGHTLIFE, BUSAN OFFERS A COMBINATION OF BOTH.

WITH OVER 7 MILLION VISITORS ANNUALLY, ITS GROWING POPULARITY IN TOURISM AND COMMERCE MAKES THIS SOUTH KOREAN CITY A MUST-SEE DESTINATION.

PORT GUIDE

PORT FACILITIES AND LOCATION

There is not much in the way of sightseeing or entertainment at the Busan port arrival point, but the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal (which is a few minutes walk away) does have a few eateries and shops; ATMs are also available. There is a free shuttle that runs from the port to the closest metro station (Choryang, line 1, right next to Busan central station), as well as one that goes all the way into the city centre (Nampo-dong), although there have been reports that the latter now charges a fare. They take around 10 and 30 minutes respectively. From here, it is easy to reach any location throughout Busan via the metro: purchase an all-day unlimited travel card at the station if you plan to use the metro multiple times.

PORT NAME AND LOCATION MAP

Port of Busan Ship will DOCK at this port. 17 Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea.

TRANSPORTATION IN BUSAN

Free shuttles are provided from the cruise terminal to the center of Busan, but walking around to the main sights on foot takes a while. Getting around in Busan is what you’d come to expect from a major city: buses, trains, and subways galore. The public transit in Busan is reliable and convenient for travelers to use. Of course, taxis are available in Busan, which you can hail from the street.

The public transportation system in Busan is extensive and convenient, comprising 4 subway lines, 1 light rail line and a network of public buses. To avoid the hassle of buying single tickets, purchase a reloadable "Cashbee" card and top it up as needed at any convenience store. Any remaining card balance can be refunded when you're leaving the city (this does not apply to the cost of the card itself, which is roughly US$2 at the time of writing). Note that although buses can be recognised by their number, all text apart from the final destination is in Korean only, and bus drivers will often not speak English.

Grey taxis circulate around Busan and are easy to hail off the street. It's usually a good idea to have your destination written down in Korean to show to the driver. Although most taxis use meters by default, make sure one is turned on when you board a cab. Note that there is a nighttime surcharge, and that certain types of cabs are considered of "deluxe" class and will charge more (these are often black in colour).

TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS FOR CRUISES TO BUSAN

Top picks for a short stay in Busan include the expansive Jagalchi Fish Market (plus a meal at one of its seafood shops), exploring Nampo-dong and enjoying a snack off street stalls in BIFF square, plus completing one of the coastal hiking routes followed by a relaxing couple of hours at the spa.

JAGALCHI FISH MARKET

The Jagalchi Fish Market has become a Busan institution that must be experienced to be believed. Hundreds of fishing vendors and food stands hawk their fresh catches in one of the biggest fish markets in the world. Stands like Jack’s Seafood have been serving the community for years, offering samples and snacks to the thousands who visit the market each day. A real glimpse of local life is waiting for you here.

HAEDONG YONGGUNG TEMPLE

This Buddhist temple hangs at the edge of the ocean, making it a pretty unique sight to see. Over 600 years of history are packed into the temple, from its seated golden Buddha to its ornate eight-story pagoda. Take in the splendor and enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the sea.

NAMPO- DONG AND BIFF SQUARE

Taking its name from the Busan International Film Festival, BIFF is certainly at its liveliest during this esteemed annual event, but remains a happening place throughout the rest of the year. It's best known for the street food stalls dotting the area and the 400+ metre-long street itself, with a plethora of Korean specialties cooked up by the skilled vendors (look for Gwangbokdong Food Street for the biggest selection). Our top pick among those would have to be the ubiquitous 'hotteok' pancakes stuffed with a sweet mix of crushed seeds and brown sugar. Nampo-dong is the greater area around the street itself, packed with a dizzying array of restaurants, shops, cafes, movie theatres, and more. Evening is the best time to come.

Address: 58-1 Gudeok-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

TAEJ GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE

2009 saw Gamcheon turn from an area of budget housing for refugees of the Korean War into a premier tourist attraction, all thanks to a collective effort by local students and artists, who transformed the neighborhood with colorful wall painting and street art. Today Gamcheon even has a tourist office of its own: stop by on your way in to pick up a detailed map of the village's attractions; collect a stamp at each and you'll receive a small prize from the tourist office on submission. There is a small museum telling the neighborhood's story, and a number of shops, cafes and street food stalls. When wandering the maze of Gamcheon's streets, please respect the privacy of family homes.

Useful Information

Address: 200 Gamnae 1(il)-ro, Gamcheon 2(i)-dong, Saha-gu, Busan

Website: www.gamcheon.or.kr

TAEJONGDAE NATIONAL PARK

This sprawling national park is built into the cliffside of Busan, making for some pretty dramatic scenery. A giant abstract arrow is said to point in the direction of Japan. The views from the lighthouse stare out into the impossibly blue ocean below. You could easily spend a half day roaming and climbing around the rocks here. When you’re tired of exploring, there’s even a small cafe to rest and grab a snack.

SWIM AT HAEUNDAE BEACH AND DONGBAEKSEOM PARK

Explore the wood walkways traversing Dongbaekseom Park and take in the spectacular views of the coastline from several viewing platforms along the way. It's a very pleasant, scenic walk in the shade of pine trees that lends itself well to photos; you'll see Busan's own mermaid statue looking out longingly to the sea soon upon entering.

Busan's most popular public beach, Haeundae, is right next to the park. The reputation of Haeundae Beach has quickly grown in recent years. It’s been called Busan’s best beach and is one of Korea’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll have to set up an umbrella or beach towel and see for yourself. Swim in the refreshing waters, or simply sunbathe with skyscrapers to either side of you.

Address: U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

SEE SEA LIFE AT BUSAN AQUARIUM

Over 250 marine species are proudly on display at the Busan Aquarium near Haeundae Beach, which is a good time for all ages. The aquarium here has multiple underground levels, and you can see otter, penguin and stingray feedings. There’s even a glass boat experience where sharks will swim right beneath your feet.

JJIMJILBANG (SPA)

Jjimjilbang culture holds firmly in Korea, with the Busan area alone boasting around 450 spa centers (the largest number compared to any other region). It's important to note that the absolute majority of spas require that guests of both genders remove all of their clothing prior to accessing any of the baths or hot springs (this includes swimwear).

Heosimcheong Spa is the largest of kind in Asia (and extremely reasonably priced), but there are other options for a slightly more refined experience that's still very affordable (the luxurious Spa Land Centum City, to name one). Some spas (such as Hill Spa, for example) remain open 24/7; these are sometimes used as a place to spend the night in lieu of a hotel room. For a lighter version of the experience, visit a "foot-only" spa, where anyone can sit down and soak their feet in hot thermal water for a few minutes. Dongnae Spa Outdoor Foot Bath is one address to experience this.

DINING

A substantial acquaintance with Busan's culinary offerings can easily take a few weeks, but if you only have a handful of days, try and work in a meal at the Jagalchi Fish Market, a traditional Korean barbecue session, and a snack on street food: fishcake ("eomuk" or "odeng") is a popular choice that holds somewhat of a cult status in Busan, and is followed closely by "hotteok", a stuffed fried pancake sold at multiple stalls across town. If you're feeling especially adventurous, try "sannakji": an octopus dish immortalised by the movie "Oldboy", which consists of chopped up tentacles that still squirm and stick to the plate (and possibly even the insides of your mouth) as you eat them.

JAGALCHI FISH MARKET

This legendary market will blow the mind of anyone who happens to have even a passing interest in seafood. The sheer variety of sea creatures sold here must be seen to be believed: apart from Korean favourites like crab and eel, there are the myriad types of fish and shellfish (try the 'kalguksu' noodles with clams, or 'bajirak'), plus essentially anything that can be extracted from the deep waters washing over Busan. One speciality that Jagalchi would be the best place to try is 'hoe' (pronounced /wɛ/), raw fish served cut in thin slithers almost like sashimi. Dip in sauce and wrap in a lettuce leaf for a flavour punch.

Take a stroll around to gawk at the market's curiosities, such as the sea worm ('gaebul'), whose visual similarity to the male reproductive organ has earned it the apt nickname of 'penis fish'. Then, select the seafood that tickles your fancy and have it be cooked right then and there by one of the shops inside the market, many of which have a seating area in the second floor. Get all your seafood from a single vendor if you can, then proceed upstairs to be served your selection accompanied by sauces and side dishes (a few of the latter can be on the house if you're in luck). Mind that a cooking charge applies, and the price for side dishes is listed per person. Given the upsurge in tourist numbers, prices at Jagalchi have reportedly gone up in recent years, leaving it for travellers who aren't exactly on a budget. Do not despair: most of what you see at the market is most likely served at nearly any seafood restaurant in town.

Useful Information

• Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

• Website: jagalchimarket.bisco.or.kr

FOOD STREET AT GUKJE MARKET

A bustling food street cuts through Busan's busiest market, and has diners take seats at the stalls of their choosing. Street eateries sell all manner of Korean and Busan specialities imaginable, from 'gimbap' (Korean sushi rolls) to cold noodles, pork soup, and more. The rest of the market makes for a curious browse-around, even though most of the wares are aimed primarily at local shoppers rather than tourists.

Useful Information

Address: 25 Gukjesijang 2-gil, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

Opening hours: 7.00-22.00

Public Transport: Jagalchi Station

SHINSEGAE FOOD HALL

The food hall in the basement of Shinsegae (the world's largest, Guinness Book of Records-listed department store) is a smorgasbord of international dining options. You'll be truly spoilt for choice with flavors from across Asia and beyond. One really can't go wrong with 'bibimbap': a bowl of rice and and delectable toppings that is sometimes served in a steaming hot cast iron bowl, to be mixed and, thereby, cooked, right before eating.

Useful Information

Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

More Info: Shinsegae Department Store, Centum City, basement level

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–8pm, Fri–Sun 11am–8:30pm

AN GA

If it's the celebrated Korean BBQ you're after, An Ga is probably the place you'll be directed to. They're known primarily for their marinated pork which is grilled to perfection on the private grills built into each table; diners also enjoy access to an unlimited bar of greens and various condiments. Mind that it's on the pricey side, and only set menus are served at lunchtime (no grill).

Useful Information

Address: 494-1 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–10pm, Sun 5–10pm

BOKSOONDOGA F1963

Located at the F1963 cultural centre is Boksoondoga, a fine dining restaurant celebrated for cultivating a revival of "makgeolli", a traditional variety of carbonated Korean rice wine that is fermented with "nuruk" and served unfiltered. Historically, this particular variety of wine was held to be a farmers' drink, but has now gained a following among the younger generations and brought into the realm of "hip" by enthusiasts such as the founding Kim brothers. The restaurant serves an excellent menu that straddles Korean and western influences. After a meal, explore on and browse through the book store and gallery space of F1963.

Useful Information

Address: 20 Gurak-ro 123(baegisipsam)beon-, Mangmi 2(i)-dong, Suyeong-gu

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–3pm, 5–8:30pm, Sat–Sun 11:30am–3:30pm, 5–8:30pm

Website: www.boksoon.com

JANG SU SAM

This compact hole in the wall serves one thing and one thing only: Korean 'samgye-tang' (ginger chicken soup). Servings come with a whole young chicken stuffed with rice and flavourful ingredients like garlic and ginseng. The soup is attributed all sorts of curative properties, and is considered to be a traditional warm-weather dish. The owner is exceptionally friendly to foreign visitors, and willingly demonstrates the proper way to eat the soup. Each serving is accompanied by an assortment of Korean pickles and followed by a glass of a special ginseng drink and instant coffee.

Useful Information

Address: 7, Suyeongseong-ro 3beon-gil, Suyeong-gu | 1f, Busan

Opening hours: Closed Tue

SAMJIN AMOOK MAIN STORE

Fishcakes enjoy a long tradition in Busan, and Samjin Amook is Busan's oldest operating fishcake factory. Its main outlet is a fishcake bakery that features an observable production line, a store where multiple varieties of fishcake are on sale at surprisingly low prices, and even a museum in the top floor. There is a cafe of sorts across from the store, where your "catch" can be cooked into a full noodle dish. Fresh cakes sell out quick, so arrive early for best assortment. There are several smaller outlets across Busan, Including one in the central station.

Useful Information

Address: 36, Taejong-ro 99beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan

Opening hours: Daily 9am–8pm

Website: www.samjinfood.com

CAFES

There is no shortage of cafes all around Busan. If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary, you might want to stop by a Sulbing outlet and savor a quintessential Korean dessert of shaved ice with various toppings.

BARS AND NIGHTLIFE

Gwangalli is the area to be once the sun has set, Seomyeon and Haeundae also remain fairly busy. It-places shift from one year to the next, although HQ Gwangan seems to have been able to maintain its patron base through the years. Galmegi Brewing and Gorilla Brewing are favourites for craft beer.

CURRENCY AND SHOPPING

South Korean Won (KRW

SHOPPING

Busan is home to the world's largest shopping complex (at the time of writing in late 2019): Shinsegae Centum City. This retail mammoth is the place to go for everything from international luxury clothing brands to world-famous Korean cosmetics and other products. Busan's most popular spa centre is also located here, and the complex also features an excellent food court with offerings from all across the world.

NAMPO-DONG AND BIFF SQUARE

Taking its name from the Busan International Film Festival, BIFF is certainly at its liveliest during this esteemed annual event, but remains a happening area throughout the rest of the year. It's best known for the street food stalls lining its 400+ metre-long stretch, with a plethora of Korean specialities cooked up by the skilled vendors. Our top pick among those would have to be the 'hotteok' pancakes stuffed with a sweet mix of crushed seeds and brown sugar. Evening is the best time to come. Nampo-dong is the greater area around the street itself, packed with a dizzying array of restaurants, shops, cafes, movie theatres, and more.

Useful Information

Address: 58-1 Gudeok-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

SHINSEGAE CENTUM CITY

This Guinness Book of Records-listed shopping complex (it's the largest one in the world as of late 2019) is a shopping paradise for those with a penchant for upper-range to luxury brands. The basement food hall is an attraction in its own right, offering up a complete selection of all and any Asian and international culinary delights imaginable. Busan's best spa complex – Spa Land – is also located here, alongside other entertainment facilities like a skating rink.

Useful Information

Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

LOTTE DEPARTMENT STORE

Lotte is an iconic Korean department store brand with locations all across the country. This particular one is noteworthy for the spectacular views of Busan harbor from its rooftop, plus a great food court on floor 10. As with every location, there is a vast array of goods here, from Korean cosmetics to esteemed international brands in everything from personal care to kitchenware. The on-site Lotte Mart hypermarket is a discount chain that stocks a huge variety of local, Asian and international foodstuffs, and can work surprisingly well for souvenir shopping.

Useful Information

Address: 2 Jungang-daero, Jungangdong 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan

Opening hours: 10.30-20.30

Website: www.lotteshopping.com/branchShopGuide/floorGuideSub?cstr=0333

GUKJE MARKET

A sprawling market to shop for anything one can imagine; haggling is often expected and may prove fruitful. The market's main attraction is the food street stretching across it, where Korean street food specialities are represented in abundance.

Useful Information

Address: 25 Gukjesijang 2-gil, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

SAMJIN AMOOK MAIN STORE

Fishcakes enjoy a long tradition in Busan, and Samjin Amook is Busan's oldest operating fishcake factory. It's main outlet is a fishcake bakery that features an observable production line, a store where multiple varieties of fishcake are on sale at surprisingly low prices, and even a museum in the top floor. There is a cafe of sorts across from the store, where your "catch" can be cooked into a full noodle dish. Fresh cakes sell out quick, so arrive early for best assortment. There are several smaller outlets across Busan, Including one in the central station.

Useful Information

Address: 36, Taejong-ro 99beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan

Opening hours: 9.00-20.00

Website: www.samjinfood.com