5 places in Busan you should go
I bet many of you would have already heard about a certain place called Busan. It’s the second largest city in Korea after Seoul, and it’s popularity among visitors has been increasing day by day. Being the second largest city, no doubt there are lots of places that you may visit, but where are some places that is definitely worth your time to go have a look?
1. Busan Tower
A Symbol of Busan, it stands proudly at a height of over 120m, and the top of the tower is modeled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju.
Beloved by Busan citizens and tourists, the tower offers a stunning night view and more for you to see, such as the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-shin, the Bell of the Citizens, a flower clock and a bust of the Busan-based independent activist, Baeksan An Hee-je.
2. Haeundae
Haeundae is like Hapjeong in Seoul. It has lots of restaurants and shops that will make you go gaga. Not only that, there’s also Haeundae Beach which is a must go spot especially during the summer season where thousands of people gather here to take a dip in that cool water.
At Haeundae Beach there is also a Folk Square where you can enjoy traditional games such as neoldduigi (seesaw jumping), Korean wrestling, tuho(arrow throwing), tug-of-war and yutnori.
3. Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. The location of this temple makes it a rare find of a temple, which is located along the shore line. Yonggungsa Temple offers a very stunning scenery for its visitors, where you can see the sea easily from the temple itself.
Many people often come to this spot on New Year’s Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up. April is an especially beautiful time of year with cherry blossoms in full bloom.
4. Taejongdae
Designated as a Busan monument, along with Oryukdo Island, Taejongdae (태종대) represents Busan, and is especially famous for its rocky cliffs. Under the lighthouse of this resort is a rock called Sinseon Rock, named after the myth that gods and goddesses came down here to relax. At this rock is a figure called Mangbuseok, named after the story of a woman who waited for her husband who had been taken to Japan. Taejongdae is also famous for the ritual of praying for rain, performed when there are droughts, and rain on the 10th of lunar May is called the ‘Taejong Rain’. On days with clear skies you can see Japan’s Tsushima Island from the observatory.
5. Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Market is the largest seafood market in Korea. This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. Get a chance to enjoy raw seafood here when you visit. On these days, you would see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians) and whale meat on wooden boxes along the road.
