The main tourist boom occurs in May-August, but in other seasons there is plenty to do
Since May, tourists from the near abroad have been expected in South Korea, including from Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Sakhalin and Kamchatka. In Busan, Far Eastern tourists are called the first swallows of the high tourist season, according to ENV with reference to the consulting center "Community" Compatriots ".
However, if you try, you can find something to do in South Korea all year round, even now. Below are some valuable tips for each season.
Winter: Eastern New Year
Winter in Busan is quite long and cold due to the winds. It is coldest in January (the Epiphany and Chinese frosts known to Primorye do not bypass Korea). There is practically no snow in Busan, so there is no tourist flow during the ski season.
During the winter months, Busan participates in the Korea Grand Sale Festival of Shopping, Culture and Tourism. In 2019, the period is 43 days - from January 17 to February 28.
However, the tourist jump, with Koreans occupying almost all available housing, falls on the Eastern New Year. In 2019, this is the period from February 1-5. For those who want to profitably fly to Busan in February, it is better to arrive immediately after the holiday - this is the time of the lowest season.
Spring: economy tourism
Despite the sharp warming in March-April, the tourism industry in Korea is just getting ready to receive the first travelers. However, you can come here already at this time, when renting a house is not a problem yet, and prices do not bite.
At this time, it is comfortable to walk around the city in Busan. The time is ideal for all types of cultural and recreational activities, active rest shopping tours. At the beginning of April, for cherry blossoms, there will be a little more tourists. And closer to May, it becomes quite warm in Busan, and guests of the city begin to occupy hotels near the beaches.
Summer: beach season
Start high season in Busan falls in June. The air in the city will warm up to + 24 ° C, and in the sea - up to + 16 ° C. It is hot and humid here in summer.
Officially, the beach season lasts from mid-June to late August, the sea warms up to + 23-24.3 ° C. At this time, stalls with food and drinks work on the city beaches, there are covered gazebos and umbrellas, boats and inflatable rings are offered for rent, lifeguards are on duty, and the rules apply: do not swim after 18:00 in the evening. But the swimming season itself, when the water is warm enough, lasts from May to September. At that time average temperature water + 19.9 ° C.
In July-August, in the midst of beach holiday, all apartments are for short-term rent and most of the hotels are occupied not only in the beach area, but also within the city. The most experienced tourists, who arrive in Busan for summer vacations, book apartments in advance, starting from winter. During this period, it is almost impossible to rent a furnished apartment with everything you need for recreation. And for Russian families it is very important to have a kitchen, the ability to cook their own breakfast and homemade food. In addition, when you spend a long time in one place, eating in restaurants and on the street is rather exhausting.
The rainy season in Busan is the end of June and a week in August. But the rains do not interfere with the rest. The city has well-established storm water systems; there are no puddles and mud in the tourist areas. Many shopping centers with cafes and restaurants, exhibitions and other performances - there is always where you can usefully wait out the rain.
Autumn: ecological and event tourism
Autumn in Korea is a time for ecotourism, a time for hiking in the mountains. Everyone, young and old, can climb to the height along special paths.
September is still the high season in Busan, at this time the heat has already subsided, and you can walk for a long time to the sights, but it is still warm for a beach holiday. But on the days of Chuseok, the Harvest Festival, when all Koreans meet with their families and many leave the city, tourists may encounter empty streets, closed cafes and restaurants. Public holidays for Chuseok in 2019 are from September 12 to 15. But the period of complete calm lasts only 1-2 days - on the day of the full moon, when the largest moon of the year rises over Korea (this year - September 13).
In October and November, tourists are guided by excursion programs, event tourism, and shopping tours. October is the time for festivals. Busan hosts the Busan Fireworks Festival, the Busan One Asia Festival, the Busan One asia Festival (famous K-POP artists perform on Haeund Beach), the Busan International Film Festival, and others.
At the end of October and November, it is time to tanphun (this is how the autumn appearance of multi-colored leaves is called in Korea, - ed.). Walking in a park or forest is an integral part autumn holiday for Koreans. This is the time for those who want a quiet and comfortable pastime and immersion in Korean culture. At this time in Busan there are not many foreign tourists, as well as sold-out in hotels.
It is difficult for most Korean cities to distinguish their own, different from others "face". All were leveled by the war - the terrible civil conflict of 1950-1953. Everywhere there are areas of low-rise private buildings - a kind of "old Shanghai", areas of the same type of multi-storey buildings, ultra-modern business buildings made of glass and concrete. Busan was not affected by the war, and the city has its own "trick".
Past and thoughts
You can get acquainted with the history in the history museum - it is small, with a well-chosen exposition and is free (by the way, do not miss the hall where you can participate in the tea ceremony, try on the traditional Korean hanbok robe and try yourself in some traditional Korean craft). The city arose at the beginning of a new era, changed its names several times, until about the 10th century it received its modern name... Since the 15th century, Busan has served as the country's main commercial port. Trade was conducted mainly with Japan - initially a Japanese trading post was located here, since during the time of rigid self-isolation by the subjects of the Emperor of the Country The rising sun it was forbidden to travel to Seoul. And after the conquest of the peninsula by the Japanese and until 1883, Korea traded only with Japan. During the Korean War of 1950-1953, Busan became the temporary capital of the Republic of Korea, as it was the farthest point from the DPRK border and the main military base of the United States and its allies. Anyone interested in the history of the Korean War should visit the UN Memorial Cemetery. Until 1963, Busan remained the center of the province, then it became a city of direct subordination, and since January 1995 - a metropolis.
Asian beauty
Without a doubt, Busan is one of the the most beautiful cities Korea, although you have to understand that this is Asian beauty. It is smaller than Seoul, with “only” 3.5 million inhabitants. Located in a mountainous area, on the sea coast. There are many bridges in Busan. One of them, Gwang'an, is the longest marine suspension bridge in the country. The people of Busan are terribly proud of him. It is two-story, traffic in one direction is organized on the first floor, in the other - on the second. Gwang'an Bridge is not only important subject in the infrastructure of the city, but also its decoration. It is equipped with special lighting that changes color depending on the season and day of the week, thus creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
A hurried tourist will take five days to get to know Busan. In order to see everything at once, you need to climb the observation tower with a 360-degree view - the view will be stunning, if the fog does not interfere. And you will be surprised to find that sea port- it is very beautiful, especially when viewed from above. The port is the heart of Busan. It is truly huge, and it is hard to believe in the figures of the annually growing cargo turnover - now it is almost 20 million containers a year.
By the way, about the sea. Around the city there are many magnificent beaches on the Sea of Japan. Therefore, sometimes Busan is called the "summer capital of Korea". However, because of the short vacations of the vacationers, here it is not to say that darkness is dark even in the height of the season. Most gorgeous beach- Haeundae Beach, one and a half kilometers of clean sand. Moreover, the tallest skyscrapers in Korea are built on an artificial embankment 20 meters from the sea. This union of sand, water and concrete looks very unusual.
Antiquity and innovation
In Busan, hoary antiquity and hi-tech are in amazing harmony with each other. Tourists do not pass by their attention " Old city", Which in fact has not existed for a long time - only memories in the form of monuments. Where the city hall was many years ago, now stands the Lotte World Tower, completed and opened to the public as recently as April 2017. It is the eighth tallest skyscraper in the world. The main attraction of the area today is the Chagalchi fish market. The market is two five-story buildings and all the streets around. Live fish, shells, crabs, trepangs, ascidians, octopuses, squids, cuttlefish - so much food has never looked at you at once! True, meeting an English-speaking merchant on Chagalchi is a great success. One floor above or in a nearby stall, your "catch" will be cooked. There are also restaurants where you can enjoy all this splendor for more than reasonable price... In October, a fish festival is held where craftsmen compete in the cleaning and cooking of conger eels, shellfish and raw fish.
In general, if you are going to try traditional Korean or Japanese food, then in Busan there is no problem with that. With European concoctions, things are much worse. At the same time, the Busan administration is trying to make its city convenient for travelers from countries where they cannot read hieroglyphs. There are many information bureaus, stands and signs explaining how many kilometers you have traveled to a particular object and how much is still left.
It's funny that Busan has its own "Chinatown", a kind of enclave of alien culture - Texas Street. This name is unofficial, it recalls the times when American sailors indulged in forbidden pleasures with local beauties here. Now it is a Russian-speaking quarter where Koreans who have repatriated from Russia like to settle.
Haeundae - new district cities. There is not much Korean specifics here, but to take a break from the "traditional" neighborhoods, you can go here and breathe a little Western life. In addition, it is in this part of the city that almost all the best hotels are located.
Buddhist antiquities
As a rule, after visiting a dozen Buddhist monasteries and temples, interest in this type of attractions cools down - they are very similar. However, you still need to visit the Pomos Monastery. It is located in the mountains, almost above the city. It is not easy to get here on foot, especially in the heat, it is better to drive up, especially since the views of the sea and the city from the car window are very impressive. Atmosphere temple complex, which includes 160 buildings, is very different from the monasteries in Seoul. Less pomp and splendor, less restoration and bright colors - everything is rather modest. Well, as usual, there are many legends associated with the monastery. The name "Pomosa" is formed and the words "nirvana", "fish" and "temple" - respectively, translates as "Temple where fish from nirvana play", although in European reference books it appears as "The monastery of the heavenly fish". And the whole point is that at the top of the mountain on which the monastery stands, there is a rock with a well in it. According to legend, once a goldfish descended from heaven and has been living there ever since. And the fact that no one saw her does not mean that there are no fish in the well. From the monastery neither the sea nor the city can be seen - only the wooded mountains.
Night vigils
You can while away the evening at the theater with a show or a classical concert. And if curiosity is stronger than fatigue, go hang out in the area of Gwangbok Street and Naphodon Square, a local hybrid of Arbat and Sunset Boulevard. Here you will find delicious food, plentiful shopping and handprints of Asian and world cinema stars, as well as a huge number of places for recreation and entertainment for all tastes.
Busan is a paradise for shopaholics: duty-free shops, outlets, giant markets, developed handicraft production. The largest department store in the world, Shinsege Centum City, is located here. Tourists bring home traditional handicrafts and cutlery.
You can come to Busan meaningfully - to the international film festival in October, to the fireworks festival in summer, or to the cherry blossoms in spring. But in winter it is better not: cold, wind, dampness.
Katerina Smirnova
MOST IMPRESSIVE ATTRACTIONS OF THE "SECOND CITY" OF SOUTH KOREA - PUSAN
Busan is recognized as the 'Summer Capital' by travelers and the public. South Korea", And to get to this picturesque and peculiar exotic place, you will need to spend some two and a half hours on by rail from Seoul.
Busan and Seoul are the most big cities country. But, their numerous and striking differences in all spheres of life have given Seoul the status of “the greatest city”.
There are 50 reasons that eloquently confirm this status.
In Busan, freedom is usually only felt at night: you can meet groups of friends relaxing on the beach and sipping soda. And children, like in many countries, are very fond of playing firecrackers.
Traditional Korean food is hoe (Korean sashimi). But even here you can't do without soda - there is always plenty of this in the new fish market.
It will also be interesting to watch how hefty tattooed men are having fun with a popular street game: you should insert your nails into a powerful wooden bar with one blow. The winner receives prizes - cigarettes and whiskey. By the way, the tattoo on the male body underlines the power here in Busan. And just in Seoul, the opinion is completely different.
Continuing the conversation about culinary traditions, it is worth emphasizing that the specific features of cooking, even taking into account the use of the same seafood, put Busan in the most distant place from Korean cuisine.
Here's what a visitor can do in South Korea's second city.
Beaches
Haeundae
Beach season opens in Busan from July 1st to August 31st each year. Millions of Koreans and more and more foreign tourists every year enjoy the beauty of the Busan seaside. The beaches are becoming a favorite pastime especially on weekend nights.
The Sea Village with the main street Pojangmacha Street is located opposite Haeundae Beach. There are quite a lot of various tent stalls with seafood and everyone who is hungry from outdoor activities will gladly replenish their strength with seafood delicacies (live octopuses, lobsters and other seafood).
The client has a choice of the desired dish, which is prepared immediately. And in a few minutes the selected food will be served to the customer along with the favorite drink - soda - of Busan.
Haeundae Beach has its own contact center: + 82 51 749 4335
Among the famous landmarks of Busan is the Gwangalli Bridge. This is a gorgeous two-level suspension bridge that will provide a magnificent view of all of Busan. Lovers of romance and simply exciting moments must visit Gwangalli at night! 100,000 colored lights illuminate the full length of the bridge. If Haeundae Beach is considered a family or friendly vacation spot, then the opinion about Gwangalli Bridge is completely different. This is the territory of romance and solitude of two hearts, or at least several couples.
Contact Information here: etour.Busan.go.kr; + 82 51 780 0077
For every tourist, the issue of comfortable accommodation is not the last one. Busan offers Euroclass hotels with a surprisingly advantageous location in terms of the beauty of the monitored territories.
Westin Chosun Busan Hotel
The view of Haeundae Busan Beach from this Westin Chosun is simply gorgeous! This spectacle is recognized as the most fantastic and that is why government members have booked rooms only on the 10th floor since its construction 35 years ago. VIP rooms offer their visitors panoramic sea views. The hotel has the opportunity to book excursions for a minimum fee or completely free. When booking a room at this hotel knowledgeable tourists may ask for rooms with sea views.
Coordinates of Westin Chosun Busan Hotel, Haeundae, 737 Wu 1-Dong, Busan; South Korea; + 82 51 749 7000.
Room rates start around $ 200, excluding 10% service charge and 11% tax (rate depending on the season)
Hotel Park Hyatt Busan is considered the most striking attraction of this sea city. Presentable exterior of the hotel building and comfort inside.
The hotel is not located on the beach, but has beautiful view to the beaches of Gwantalli. Interior in the best traditions Korean people, organically complemented by modern details of European aesthetics. Here the visitor will be offered exquisite Korean cuisine and attentive service in oriental rules.
Address: Park Hyatt Busan, 51 Sea City 1-Ro, Haeundae GU, Busan, South Korea; 82 51 990 1234; rooms from $ 240, excluding 11% tax (rates depending on the season)
Another wonder of Busan is the hotel Paradise busan... And how else can you name the place where on the very roof of the building there is a pool with internal heating and aromas of various fragrant herbs! And all this with a fantastic panorama of night city and a bar for the most exquisite tastes of alcoholic beverages and desserts.
Address: Paradise Hotel Busan, 1408-5 Haeundae Dong Chung-gu, Busan, South Korea; + 82 51 742 2121; rooms from $ 210 (rates depending on the season)
Traditional food and drinks in Busan
Pigs are raised in Busan. And they cook a symbolic Busan dish from pork: a modest pork stew. Koreans like to serve such a product with the same modest side dish: vegetables and rice. A European tourist will not like the unpleasant smell of fermented shrimp salt, but the amazing taste of the dish will make you forget about the smell of salt very soon. Locals call this food perfect for a morning hangover.
Address: Mirian Sundae Pig Gukbap, 543-1 Haeundae Wu-1-Dong Gu, Busan, Korea; + 82 51 731 7005; ₩ 6,500 ($ 6)
One of the most beloved Korean delicacies is the Pork Feet with Jellyfish Side. Boiled soy, ginger and garlic, pork legs are served on a large platter with the naengchae setting. Slivers from cold jellyfish in mustard sauce - this is especially popular in summer time... All these goodies can be tasted at Jokbal Hanyang.
Address: Jokbal Hanyang, 35 Bupyeong Dong 1-ha, Chung Gu, Busan, South Korea; + 82 51 246 3039
Food card- your way around Korea
Hotcakes, as many would expect, are also on sale here!
Ssiat Hoddeok (hotcake seed)
An excellent variety of hot street food (analogs of hot dogs) can be considered a hot, sweet, fried cake made from a special variety of local sunflower seeds. Many manufacturers in the international market sell this, but there is only one hoddeok supplier in the Busan market. He officially works by the clock and no one can interfere with him (only the hidden envy of other sellers).
Address: Gukche Sijang (International Market), ⇔Singchan Dong 4-ga, Chung Gu, Busan, South Korea; the cost of one is 1,000 (90 cents)
Best Restaurant in Busan - Tonne Halmae Pajeon- a history of four generations. The restaurant is truly recognized and loved by everyone for its cuisine, for attentive service, for the cosiness and comfort of visitors. For example, fried green onions "pancakes" with seafood are a legend in the restaurant. Meals can be selected and ordered here, but be sure to add Tonne Pajeon (₩ 30,000 or $ 26 for the medium option) and Utjiji, a range of sweet, chewy ddeok (rice cakes).
You should be careful with fakes! There is an illegal restaurant with almost the same name. The name is distinguished by only one word "Halmae", and the quality and taste are significantly inferior to the originals.
Address: Tonne Halmae Pajeon, 367-2 Bokcheon Don, Tonne GU, Busan, South Korea; + 82 51 552 0792
Soju Busan - Recognized alcoholic beverage Busan, but lighter and slightly sweeter. There are differences in alcohol content: for men, C1 is preferable, and for women - the “Ye” series. There are up to 20 different types of soju. AND locals choose a specific type for the corresponding event. For example, for a funeral they order Geuriwoye (translated as "nostalgia"), and for joyful events they drink Jeulgowoye ("happy"). There is soju for every taste and mood!
Temple structures are amazing architectural monuments with a thousand-year history in Busan. Such an outstanding representative of ancient Korean culture can be identified Temple of Pomos... The history of this religious building begins 1300 years ago. It is located far in the mountains, and monks are engaged in maintaining the territory of the temple and the building itself in perfect order. Those who wish can freely wander around the premises, the surrounding area, to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world. There are proposals to experience the Temple of Life with the help of monks, i.e. learn methods of meditation, participate in tea ceremonies. It is inexpensive, and you will get a lot of impressions!
One night and two days program is priced at $ 44- $ 70 per person, depending on the choice of activity.
In Korea, there are 33 more temple complexes with no less ancient and fascinating history. It is easy to get to any Temple by taxi and ask the driver to wait for a while to get back easily as well. Mount Geumjeong invites lovers sightseeing tours(cost from $ 43 including waiting time).
Address: Pomosa, 546 Cheongnyong Don, Geumjeong GU, Busan, South Korea; + 51 058 3122Top
Enough has been written about South Korea's second largest city. This could be the end of the article, but no .. Almost in all significant sources Busan is described as an ordinary place with attractions, where people have historically gathered. But not a single article says how lucky they are! So, consider Busan as a place you can fall in love with, where you want to stay forever. And not without reason:
What places are worth visiting
Temple of Pomos, cultural village Gamcheon is a popular tourist destination that cannot be reached on foot from the subway - it's too far. So much has been written about these places on other resources that they have turned into a tourist Mecca, where it is almost impossible to dissolve in Korean originality. The Jagalchi fish market is generally a dubious place for a tourist: it opens early, closes early and looks more like a stock exchange; all the same, this is a place for the seller and the buyer where the latter needs to buy the freshest fish as soon as possible at best price... Instead of popular options, we offer several other quiet places:
Walking distance
Beach areas
The main attraction of Busan is the beaches, all of which are close to the metro. In general, the best place to stay in the city is the Gwangalli and Haeundae districts - stunning areas both day and night! It is here that the atmosphere of a leisurely resort vacation and the dynamic life of modern South Korea. The recommended time to visit is autumn.
Secret temple
In general, in order to find a Buddhist temple in Korea, you need to try: all of them, as a rule, are located outside the city, and even on the mountain. Fortunately, there are also many mountains in Korea, so practically in the center of Busan there is a secret temple that even Koreans know little about. This is an unpopular place in terms of tourism, but that is why it has a special value. The path is not easy, almost all the time uphill, but the road itself along the narrow streets will immerse you in the atmosphere of Korean originality and tranquility. Yes, the one walking will master the road!
When to visit Busan
Sakura blooms in April and May, and September is great for a beach holiday. Summer is not the best the best time to visit Busan: despite the rainy season, the city is overwhelmed with tourists and all this is combined with the high cost of air tickets.
Busan climate: precipitation, water and air temperature (clickable)
