PORTS
Busan S
››Port Guide 2
South Korea’s largest port, Busan is famous for its beaches, hot springs and nature reserves Words Debbie Ward
outh-easterly Busan (pronounced Pusan) is South Korea’s second largest city. It is also a
beach resort and a gateway to Korea’s old capital Gyeong-ju, which is UNESCO-listed for its Buddhist sculptures, reliefs and pagodas dating back to the 7th century.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO Busan has some wonderful sandy beaches and some great city sights. Most visitors take a day trip from Busan to Gyeongju, the UNESCO- rated ‘museum without walls’. Highlights are the Bulguksa temple and the Seokguram grotto that houses a large granite Buddha. If you’re sticking to the city head
to Haedong Yonggungsa temple beside the sea (
yongkungsa.or.kr). You can pay your respects to the international casualties of the Korean War at the world’s only UN Cemetery.
CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM
Busan’s large Jagalchi fish market is a fascinating, photogenic spot with hundreds of varieties of live fish and shellfish. You’ll find luckier fish at Busan Aquarium (busanaquarium. com). A maritime museum opens in May beside the cruise terminal. You can get a drink and a fine
view over Busan atop Mount Hwangnyung, a former military lookout that is covered with cherry blossom in spring.
WHERE TO EAT Fresh seafood is plentiful and the city is particularly known for raw fish (called ‘hoe’) dipped in sauces. Try Millak Town Raw Fish Centre on Gwangalli beach and the restaurants at the top of Jagalchi fish market. Dalmaji Hill has nice views and
a choice of decent restaurants. Collavini, the Italian in Paradise Hotel & Casino (see Where to Stay) is popular. A more casual pizzeria,
The Pan, and neighbouring Vietnam restaurant The Pho are found in Gwangbok-ro, one of Busan’s key shopping streets.
WHERE TO DRINK The area around the main subway station of Seomyeon is good for nightlife as is Gwanganlli beach where Lunabass Live Jazz Bar has bands, DJs and a view. There are plenty of foreign bars around Kyungsung University, while Haeundae area is a good bet for something upmarket. Website
busanhaps.com is useful.
WHERE TO STAY Novotel Ambassador Busan (
novotelbusan.com) is a reliable hotel beside Haeundae Beach. Opposite, the Paradise Hotel & Casino (
paradisehotel.co.kr) has gaming, multiple restaurants and an outdoor thermal spa.
APRIL/MAY 2012 | 65 ››FACT FILE
Population 3.6 million
Climate With cold winters and hot wet summers, autumn is the best time to visit South Korea
Currency South Korean Won
Time GMT + 9 or GMT +8 in daylight saving time
Dialling codes 82 (South Korea) 51 (Busan)
Useful Websites
visitkorea.or.kr
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120