Busan, Korea, is a popular tourist destination with easy access from Japan.
Busan, Korea, boasts excellent accessibility from all over Japan, about 2 hours from Narita International Airport, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kansai International Airport, and about 55 minutes from Fukuoka Airport. Known as the second largest city in Korea after Seoul, this city is one of the "easiest overseas travel destinations to visit from Japan." And in Busan, a port city that has flourished since ancient times through international trade with Japan, Western Europe, and other countries, there are various attractions that attract travelers from all over the world.
Popular spots and local delicacies you can't miss when visiting Busan
Haeundae Beach
For example, one of the attractions unique to the port city of Busan is Haeundae Beach. The area around Haeundae Beach, with its 1.8km long white sandy beach, is one of Korea's leading beach resort areas. Many luxury hotels are lined up along the coastline, and the area is crowded with many beachgoers during the season from July to August each year. In addition, various events are held throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy a stay filled with a resort atmosphere. In addition to Haeundae Beach, there are other beautiful beaches scattered around Busan, such as Gwangalli Beach and Songjeong Beach. Also, don't miss the coastal scenery, such as Taejongdae Amusement Park, with its rugged rocky coastline, and Oryukdo, a rocky island offshore.
Jagalchi Market / Gukje Market
Another fun part of traveling to Busan is visiting the energetic markets. Jagalchi Market, located right next to Jagalchi Station on the subway, is the largest seafood market in Korea. Step inside the seven-story building with two basement floors, and you'll see fresh seafood and sashimi everywhere! You can have the sashimi and seafood you buy cooked in the restaurant inside the market, so be sure to enjoy the taste.
If you enjoy shopping, be sure to check out the International Market, which has about 1,200 stores lined up in a vast area of about 24,000 square meters. Inside the market, there are many stores selling cute miscellaneous goods, leather products, glasses, and other items that are perfect for souvenirs, so enjoy strolling around the market.
Specialty delicacies including soup and cold noodles
Another big attraction is the chance to encounter local Busan cuisine. For example, "Ddeji Gukbap," a pork rice porridge that is synonymous with Busan, is a must-try. The rich pork bone soup is a must-try. Other must-try delicacies include "Myulmyeon," a cold noodle dish unique to Busan, and "Naengchae Jokbal," a healthy dish of pig's trotters mixed with jellyfish and cucumber.
Sightseeing, shopping, eating... There are plenty of things to enjoy in Busan that you can only experience in Busan! The charm of this city is that you can enjoy a trip to Korea that is a little different from Seoul.
Busan is packed with big events this fall
Busan is one of the most attractive overseas travel destinations from Japan, and is filled with various travel attractions. The city is filled with the most energetic atmosphere in the fall, when many big international events are held.
Busan Fireworks Festival
For example, the Busan Fireworks Festival, held every October, is a large-scale fireworks display that attracts over one million tourists every year. The sight of the huge fireworks bursting into the night sky at Gwangalli Beach is truly spectacular. The show is made using cutting-edge multimedia technology, including lasers, video, and sound effects, making it a spectacular sight. The live performances and shows that take place before and after the fireworks are also something not to be missed. In 2015, the festival will be held for two days, on October 23rd and 24th, so we recommend traveling to Busan during this period.
Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival, also held in October, is a cultural event unique to the international city of Busan. Every year, the world premieres of around 60 films, including the latest Korean movies, are held, attracting many people in the film industry from all over the world. Of course, in addition to film screenings, there are also many talk events with film directors and actors from around the world! As it is the largest film festival in Korea, many popular Korean stars make an appearance on the red carpet! It is an event that Korean film fans cannot miss.
In addition, Busan is packed with other attractive events in the fall, such as the large-scale shopping event "Busan Grand Sale" held from September to October, and the seafood festival "Jagalchi Festival" held every year at the same time as the "Busan International Film Festival." If you are traveling to Busan during this time, be sure to check out the event information that interests you!
Comment
Busan enjoys a relatively warm climate in Korea. The hot weather continues until around September, so you can comfortably wear light clothing such as short sleeves, but from late September to October, the mornings and evenings can get very chilly. We recommend bringing a light jacket or other warm outerwear!
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*Some content was updated on September 27, 2019.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
