The zombie-action flick Train to Busan made the second-largest city after Seoul familiar to local movie fans. Now, it is about time that Filipino tourists get to know more of Busan as a “City of Action”, destination.
Day and night fun spots
Busan is the largest coastal city of South Korea, and if there’s one beach you have to visit, it is Haeundae beach in Haeundae-gu, known to be as the “Boracay” of South Korea, in terms of popularity. In the summer, Haeundae Beach is packed with holiday vacationers, especially during the Sand Festival that happens every June. In the fall, the beach is teeming with famous actors and filmmakers attending the annual Busan International Film Festival. There’s also the Polar Bear Swimming Festival, where swimmers brave its icy cold waters in January.
During the day, you can simply relax at Haeundae Beach and enjoy the magnificent view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge, also known as the Diamond Bridge. This suspension bridge was opened in 2002 and links Namcheon-dong of the Suyeong-gu district, and Woo-dong in Haeundae-gue district. Over 7.4 kilometers long, it is the longest bilevel bridge over sea water in South Korea with a dizzying roller coaster-like junction.
At night, you may watch the Gwangandaegyo Bridge’s light show, produced by its modern lighting system and sound equipment, or catch the Busan Fireworks Festival that happens every October.
For night viewing of the city lights lined up in Haeundae beach and for another scenic angle of Gwangandaegyo bridge, go to Dongbaekseom Island. Located at the southern end of Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island is known for its beautiful camellia flowers and pine trees. It was also the site of the 2005 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, where the Nurimaru Apec House was built to accommodate the meeting of foreign leaders. Today it stands as a showcase of the modern interpretation of the traditional South Korean architectural patterns and important memorabilia of the Apec Summit.
Now, if you want to enjoy the view off shore, head over to the Suyeong Bay Yachting Center, and book an hourlong tour aboard a luxury yacht. The yachting tours are available by day, sunset and night schedules, and the trip will take you near Gwangalli beach, Gwangandaegyo bridge and Haeundae beach.
The Suyeong Bay Yachting Center is capable of mooring 1,400 yachts or 350 ships. In the 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympics, competitions were hosted by the center utilizing the waters of Busan. An icon of the city, the center is the venue of the yearly yacht races, attracting thousands of enthusiasts and spectators.
Happy tummy in Jagalchi
As the biggest fish market in South Korea, it is on Jagalchi International Market where you can feast on the freshest and most unusual seafood delicacies. Located in central Busan, the market has indoor and outdoor selling sections where there is a wide variety of seafood available and sold at affordable prices. Every October the market comes alive with a seafood festival that features a street parade, fireworks show and raw fish contest. If you haven’t seen live spoon worms, this is the place to go and dare yourself to eat one.
Wishing trip to a temple
The 108 steps leading to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple are quite a challenge, but the rewards can be heaven’s blessings. Unlike other temples that were built on or near mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa is situated on top of a cliff near a coastline. It was built in 1376 by the Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty.
Buddhists and non-Buddhists visit the temple all year-round by the thousands to pray in the hopes of making their wishes come true. Upon entering the temple site, you may touch the belly of the Buddha deity if you want to bear a child. If you are aiming for academic excellence or a good life, there are stations along the stairway where you can take a moment to pray, donate and make a wish.
Taking a bath in ‘jjimjilbang’
Tired of touring the city? Indulge in some retail therapy at the Shinsegae Centumcity, registered as the largest department store by the Guinness World Records in 2009, or soak naked in a modern jjimjilbang, the Korean-style sauna/spa in Spa Land. Located in Shinsegae Centumcity, you can open yourself to a liberating experience and let your body melt in comfort and relaxation by bathing in Spa Land. Their “beauty bathtubs” are filled with water pumped from two types of hot springs that are buried 100 meters underground. It is said the water from the sodium bicarbonate hot springs can help maintain a healthy skin, improve blood circulation and relieve body pains. If you’re not ready to expose yourself, there is the dry sauna, outdoor foot bath, massage shop and oxygen capsule, as options. Guests can stay up to four hours on regular rates.
Selfies galore in the village
The Gamcheon Culture Village is called the “Machu Pichu of Busan”, because its rows of colorful houses resemble the exotic village in Peru. The neighborhood spans from Oknyeobong to the foot of Mount Cheonmasan Stand. For visitors, it’s a place to visit the remnants of the past, like the Cheondeoksu Well and Kim Jongsu Wells. With its great view, artwork installations and complicated and maze-like alleys, you can go crazy taking photos, selfies and groufies. The Neighborhood Art Project has installed many artworks in the area, and one of the most searched pieces is the Little Prince and the Fox sculpture.
Lastly, when in Busan, take photos and immediately share them online, since popular public spots throughout the city provide free public Wi-fi access.
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The Busan City tour was sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization, Busan Tourism Organization and Philippine Airlines (PAL). The Gimhae International airport is in Busan. Effective on July 20, PAL upgrades its aircraft to Airbus A332 en route to Manila-Busan, with flights on Wednesday and Sunday. Effective on June 22, PAL will start to operate the Tagbilaran-Incheon route with flights on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.