Best things to do in Busan

Backed by downtown's skyline, Haeundae Beach ranks as the one of the country's most popular waterfront spots. Stretching for 2 km (1.2 mi), the beach draws thousands of visitors with its sun, surf, and festivals. Rent an umbrella from one of many booths at the rear of the beach to give yourself some shade while you kick back on the sand. Alternatively, grab an inner tube and don your swimsuit to enjoy splashing and swimming in the sea. Along the beach, you'll find plenty of cultural activities and events--primarily focused on the "folk square," these include traditional games, wrestling, and performances.

Climb the 129 m (423 ft) high tower to observe Busan at Yongdusan Park, a small hilltop park adjacent to a busy shopping area. Spanning 69,000 sq m (742,709 sq ft) with 70 different species of trees, the park also houses two museums: one with world folk instruments, and the other with 80 boat models ranging from traditional yellow-hemp sailboats to modern yachts. Look for the 12 m (37 ft) high statue of Yi Sun-sin, a 16th-century naval commander who repelled a Japanese invasion. Take a break from busy city life and calmly observe it from the park's viewing area (though you'll need to manage some steep stairs to get there).

Nestled up against the rocky coastline, Haedong Yonggungsa offers sweeping sea views and a rare example of oceanfront medieval architecture in the country. Originally constructed in 1376, the temple has in the following centuries undergone several periods of restoration and reconstruction. Make your way along the 108 steps to the main part of the sanctuary, and you'll find the path lined with anthropomorphic animal statues representing the signs of the zodiac. Peel off towards the sea to get a panoramic view out over the water from the rocky viewpoint, where you can feel the breeze blowing and hear the waves crashing against the shore. Explore the main portion of the temple and find its numerous nooks and crannies, filled with icons, statues, and artworks dedicated to teachings of the Buddhist faith.

Indulge in seafood galore at Jagalchi Market, Korea's premier fish market. Located at the end of a port, the market features stands full of flopping fish, eels, crabs, and mollusks as far as the eye can see. Observe record-breaking fish gutters and choppers, and sample freshly made seafood dishes in tented eateries (pojangmacha), where roasted sea eels hold pride of place. Set in a large building with an observation deck on the top, the market has two sections, one for fresh seafood and the other for dried products--perfect for taking home. An information center with English-speaking staff provides maps.

A pristine enclave of natural beauty, Taejongdae sits on the southernmost point of the island, a sheer cliff face looking out to the meeting point of the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. Walking trails lead through thick pine forests and offer access to scenic lookouts and a contemporary lighthouse on the rugged coastline. Uncover the area on foot, then take to the open ocean on a short cruise from the park's ferry terminal.

The head temple complex of Jogye Korean Buddhism, Bulguksa Temple features two exquisite stone pagodas and a gilded bronze statue of Buddha, which earned it World Heritage Site status. This impressive temple complex set in a picturesque landscape stores some of the world's oldest woodblock prints, made in the first half of the 8th century. Stroll underneath cherry trees and azaleas, place a pebble in a rock garden or touch a pig statue for good luck, and visit a hermitage in the grotto to see burial mounds and a 3.5 m (11.5 ft) tall Buddha. English-speaking volunteer guides will tell you all about the temple's tumultuous history.

A sweeping crescent of fine yellow sand, Gwangalli Beach is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, providing entertainment from morning till night. Stretching for 1.4 km (0.8 mi), the beach attracts numerous water skiers and windsurfers making the most of the clear blue waters. When in need of refreshments, explore the adjacent boulevard, coming alive in the evenings with eateries offering tasty cuisine, live music, and bars packed with tourists.

Nicknamed the "Machu Picchu of Busan," Busan Gamcheon Culture Village represents a residential environment decorated with elaborate murals and sculptures made by young local crafters. The vibrant Lego-shaped neighborhood in the foothills of a coastal mountain offers visitors many interesting activities. Visit the workshops to see how the local community creates and exhibits works of art, take pottery classes, flower arranging lessons, or join a scavenger hunt, for which you just have to buy a map and wear comfortable shoes. After you finish searching for treasures, head down to the cafes and restaurants to enjoy delicious dishes and immerse yourself in the calm ambience.

Beautifully lit Gwangandaegyo Bridge stretches over the ocean and offers memorable views of surrounding beaches, islands, mountains, and hills. Measuring 7.4 km (4.6 mi) in length, this suspension bridge remains the longest in Korea. You can also admire this marvel of modern engineering from one of the cafes on the beach or from a boat. Every autumn, the bridge becomes a venue for a fireworks festival.

Pay a visit to Beomeosa Temple on the side of Geumjeongsan mountain, known for its picturesque forest surroundings. Built in 678 CE, the temple complex was destroyed during the Japanese invasions, but rebuilt in the later centuries. Enjoy the relaxing, but strenuous hike up to the temple, where you can relish the spiritual atmosphere, well-maintained gardens, and the scenic mountainside setting, especially picturesque in late spring when the wisterias bloom. Continue the hike to the top of the mountain to see a legendary well where, according to local tales, a fish came down from the heavens to swim, giving the temple its name.

Originally known as a small hub of improvized cinemas during Japanese colonial rule, BIFF Square today represents the center of Korea's modern film industry. Renovated and transformed in 1996, the site quickly became a cultural tourist attraction, especially for movie lovers and directors. Experience the crowded first-run theaters, which only a small number of Asian and European cities can host to begin with. Besides focusing on films and entertainment, the district also contains an abundance of restaurants, leisure facilities, and shops, so you can purchase affordable food, fashionable clothing, and meet new people anywhere you turn.