Busan

Beaches, mountains, spas, and temples are just a selection of the attractions in South Korea’s second city. Cross the sweeping Gwangandaegyo Bridge to Shinsegae Centum City, the former airport now extended and repurposed to become the world’s largest department store. Climb past hot springs and through woodlands to the peak of Geumjeongsan where the ornate Beomeosa Temple rises within a border of lavender and wild wisteria. Ride the Geumgang Park cable car to its upper station before hiking through woodland to the Stone Buddha Temple of Seokbulsa.

Wander the living gallery of Gamcheon Culture Village, where brightly painted homes create a hillside townscape filled with murals, studios, and boutiques. Brave the glass-bottom Skywalk in Igidae Park overlooking the Oryukdo islands near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Or peer towards Japan’s Tsushima Island in the Korea Strait from the observation deck of Yongdusan Park’s 120–metre Busan Tower.

South Korea isn’t just about the cities, as anyone who visits Busan will tell you, it's a beach destination too. See huge rolling waves break offshore as you sit on the pale sands of Haeundae while the sounds of day and night entertainment ring from the crescent of skyscrapers behind you. Graze the dense cluster of restaurants, cafes and sushi bars beside the soft sands of Gwangalli Beach before watching the Gwangandaegyo Suspension Bridge burst into a sparking LED light show after a colourful sunset.

Get away from the city and take a stroll among the wildlife and nature trails at Dadaepo Beach, ride the surf at Songjeong, splash into the gentle bay of Ilgwang, take in the unspoiled night sky from the sands at Imnang, or enjoy the beauty of Songdo, South Korea’s oldest public beach.

Immerse yourself in the colourful chaos of Nampo-dong, Busan's thriving harbourside shopping and entertainment district. Take a stroll down alleys selling vintage clothes, books, high fashion, and bargain treasures. Update your wardrobe in Lotte Department Store. Or Wander the lanes of Gukje Market, first formed when refugees from the Korean War flooded into Busan and now famous as the market that sells everything.

Step into BIFF Square, created to host October’s Busan International Film Festival and now a bustling world of cinemas, entertainment, dining, and nightlife all year round. Discover the heroes of Korean movies through the pavement handprints set across the square, grab a taste of Busan’s best street food, or head to Jagalchi Fish Market where you can take your pick of the day’s catch from the trading floor and have it prepared by expert chefs in the restaurants above.

Busan is at its most vibrant from April to October with peak crowds and temperatures to be expected in the summer months from June to August. March to May is spring and the most pleasant temperatures average around 20°C while April is officially cherry blossom season in the southern city of South Korea. Summer can be hot and humid with a higher chance of rain but attracts crowds from across the country and the wider world to the city's beautiful beaches.

Autumn, from September to November, reflects the spring climate and brings new energy to the city as it prepares for the Busan International Film festival in October. Winters are milder in Busan than in the northern and central regions of South Korea but temperatures can still fall to freezing and visitors at this time are advised to bring warm clothing and plan to spend time enjoying indoor attractions.