Traveling to the unexpectedly fun---Busan (Pusan) South Korea
by Paul H. Green
Busan, also known as Pusan, is the second largest city of South Korea and is the main port for the country. It is known for its spectacular beaches and seafood and also the Hallyosudo Waterway and its beautiful surrounding islands. There is plenty to do in this ocean and mountain city of almost four million.
History of Busan
In the Old Stone Age (15,000 years ago) it was first inhabited. It was owned by the Geochilsan-guk in the Three Hans era, by the Dongnae-gun of Silla in the Three Kingdom era, the Dongnae-hyeon in the Goryeo dynasty, and the Dongnae-hu in the Joseon dynasty.
It was the first port in Korea in 1407 and was named Busanpo. It opened to the world market in 1876. During the Korean War in 1950, it became the nations provisional capital. It is the only city in Korea not taken by the North Korean Communists during the war. It became an international port and maritime tourism city after it officially was named a city in 1963. In 1995 it was organized and enlarged and became the center of the Pacific Rim.
Climate and Geography of Busan
With its southern location the temperatures are well above the extreme cold other parts of North Korea experience during the winter months. There is a cold dry western breeze from China and Siberia. The temperature runs from -2 degrees C to 15 degrees C. In the summer months the winds are from the east and south and bring Pacific Ocean air that is moist and warm. The temperatures run from 17 degrees C to 29 degrees C. All year round the weather can vary often because of the depressions and frontal systems coming from the west.
It is located on the southeastern area of the Korean Peninsula. It is part of the Gyeongsang-do province. It is surrounded by the Sobaeksan Mountains.
Things to See and Do in Busan
There is plenty to do in this very active port city that is always welcoming sailors and other visitors from all over the world. There are some places you should make sure to include on your trip to Busan. The following are some of the things you should see and do while you are there:
* Beaches – Gwangalli, Haeundae, and Songjeong Beach.
* Buddhist Temples – Beomeo-sa and Yonggung-sa.
* Historical Areas – Yungong-dan, U.N. Memorial Park, and Chungnyeolsa Shrine.
* Dongnae Spa hot springs. Is in an area with several baths, hotels, clubs, shopping, and restaurants.
* Landmarks – Dalmaji Hill, Dongbaek Island, Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), Songdo Beach, Yongdu-san Park, and Taejongdae.
* Museums – Bokcheon-dong Museum, 40 Steps Culture and Tourist Theme Street, Woojangchun Museum, and Busan Cyber Marine Museum.
* Parks – Geumgang Park, Dadaepo Beach, and Annam Park.
* Other Places of Interest – Gwangan Daegyo (Bridge), Busan Aquarium, Tezroc Boat Tours, and Busan Cultural Center and Municipal Museum.
Busan is called the Korean summer capital because of the attraction it has from all over the country. There are many upper scale hotels and also a boardwalk in the Haeundae Beach area, which is one of the best beaches in Korea. Another beach – Gwangalli is known for its many restaurants, bars, or cafes situated beside the beach.
They have “Party” and “Weekend” cruises that offer you floating paradises on the sea. You can enjoy tours of the spectacular coastal scenery aboard a top of the line cruise ship. The views along the trips are breathtaking and the atmosphere on board is relaxing and fun. You can truly enjoy yourself and forget about everything!
Getting to and Around Busan
The Gimhae International Airport in the west serves Busan and permits you to fly in. You can catch a ferry at the International Ferry Terminal that connects to Japanese ports or mainland Japan. It has many rail lines that connect to major cities.
There is also a subway network and bus services available to use getting there or getting around once you are there. You can also rent a car or use a local taxi service. Many of the places especially along the beach areas are great to see on foot. As long as you have comfortable shoes you can go all day and all night long.
More Information on Busan
You can find additional information about Busan at the following sites:
There are several reasons why you should plan your adventure to Busan soon – this exciting, friendly, little, port city is awaiting to enhance your life with beauty and thrills!