Busan, pronounced Pusan in Korean, is the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea after Seoul while being the largest port city in the country and the fifth largest port in the world. The city is situated at the southeastern end of the Korean Peninsula with the valleys lying between the Nakdong and the Suyeong River being the most densely populated regions of the Busan. Busan is a highly urbanized city and is rightly termed a Metropolitan City. It is considered as Asia’s most successful business centers with its economy largely achieved from the fashion and textile industries and marine fisheries.
It was with the laying of the Gyeongbu Railway line that Busan actually began to flourish and soon achieved the status of a city. As Busan is one of the major ports of the world, trade ships come in from all parts of the world. Busan has also played host to a number of major sport events that include the FIFA World Cup and the Asian Games, both of which were held in the year 2002. It also hosts the well known Pusan International Film Festival that draws a lot of tourists from across Asia and from various parts of the world.
The city of Busan has a great many tourist attractions to offer; besides its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife are other reasons for tourists to visit this city. Beomeosa, a Korean Buddhist temple is an important city landmark and a most magnificent work of architecture beautifully located with large mountains in the backdrop. The Chungnyeolsa, a Confucian shrine dedicated to the dead soldiers in the war with the Japanese in the sixteenth century along with a number of other shrines are places that one can visit too.
A hiking trip to Geumjeongsan, a much sought after hiking area is also well-worth a visit. The splendid Taejongdae, a natural park with grand cliffs overlooking the sea below is a fascinating day tour. The Busan Tower in the Yongdusan Park offers spectacular views of the city. The tower houses several shops, cafés and restaurants and an aquarium, all of which add to its glamour. There are a plethora of museums too if you are interested in exploring the past or learning about the cultural heritage of the city. Some of the museums include the Busan Museum and the Busan Modern History Museum among others.
Busan is well connected to other parts of South Korea by its good railway network and bus services. The Gimhae International Airport brings in travelers from across the globe. Also ferries can be taken to nearby places while the Busan Harbour has ferries leaving for parts of Japan too. The best time to visit Busan is during spring or autumn.
Photo by Seokoon provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Marcopolis provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Seokoon provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Marcopolis provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Marcopolis provided courtesy of Panoramio.com