Around Pusan – Busan

This is Pusan – city in Korea’s southern part. City has 3.6 million inhabitants and has amazing natural features - mountains and sea right in the middle of city. The name of city might be confusing – in Korea it is spelled in English as Busan, but China and Japan it is spelled as Pushan or Pusan, respectively.

I have arrived by both airplane and ferry. There are good tourist information offices in airport and ferry terminal. Ferry terminal from Japan is right next to downtown. Pusan has subway system in town, so it’s easy to move around.


Image: Look from the port

Over couple of days, I visited several places. Near to main train station is Chinatown. It doesn’t really look like Chinatown apart from Chinese style gate. Inside mostly shops selling clothes and signs with Uzbekistan and Russian flags. While walking there some entirely Korean looking ladies said something in Russian to me.

Hotels are reasonably priced. I choose to stay at youth hostel first, but then moved to hotel. Price difference was really minor. I found hotels very comfortable and hospitality level was good.

Food is a bit spicy and has seafood elements in it. Some dishes seem to be influenced by Japanese cuisine as well. I tried some traditional looking eateries and can say that it’s a bit tastier in Seoul than Pusan. There are many small shops as well as eateries in department stores. Most of shopping goods like clothes imported from China, as China is really very close. I could not find many things made in Korea.

City has subway system. Lines are long and take longer time to move from one corner of city to another. It’s easy to anywhere, where heart wants.

There are several beaches. Haeundae is most famous in Korea. I preferred Gwangalli beach which is closer to city center. On the beach are lockers and showers. Water is a bit cold somehow. Songdo beach is in another side of city. There is more foreigners and touristy place with winder sand area on beach. When walking from Songdo beach there is nice view from Namhang bride. On the bridge can cross into Yeongdo island. Many people choose to walk this bridge.


Image: Look from Namhang bridge

Two temples in city are famous for foreigners – Beomeosa temple and Haedong Yonggungsa temple. Beomeosa is easy to reach by subway and bus. There is also hiking trail which starts near temple. Hiking trail can lead to Geumjeongsan mountain (801 m), from there splendid view over city.


Image: Geumjeongsanseong fortress


Image: North gate, Geumjeongsanseong fortress


Video: some views around city


Image: Moon is shining bright over the city