Busan, South Korea
Named East Asia Culture City in 2018, Busan has recently risen to prominence internationally, visitors now flocking to South Korea's second city even outside of the busy International Film Festival week each October. There is more to do and see than can fit in a space of a few days: traditional spas, local eats and endless shopping all leave but a little time to take in the rugged Busan coastline on seaside nature hikes.
Population:
3.429 million (2017)
Currency:
South Korean won
1 USD ~ 1,180 KRW
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance & Fire: 119
Emergency medical information: 1339
Police: 112
Opening Hours:
Newspapers:
www.hapskorea.com
The City
Busan is a sprawling metropolitan area that encompasses several clusters of interest, each with its own set of attractions. The unmissable showpiece is Busan's famous Jagalchi Fish Market, which supplies nearly 50% of all seafood across Korea. There is an abundance of scenic coastal walks, lively nightlife, and a never-ending supply of local eats, from finger food served at street stalls to elaborate meals that necessarily come with a trayfull of various pickles and condiments.
Do & See
Our 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.
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.
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 savour a quintessential Korean dessert of shaved ice with various toppings.
