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
The Pomosa Temple, the cultural village of Gamcheon are popular tourist spots that cannot be reached by 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; after all, this is a place for the seller and the buyer where the latter needs to buy the freshest fish at the best price as soon as possible. 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 are combined in a special way. 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 time to visit Busan: despite the rainy season, the city is overloaded with tourists and all this is combined with high airfare.
Busan climate: precipitation, water and air temperature (clickable)
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, outdoor activities, 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
Busan's high season starts 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 this time, the average water temperature is + 19.9 ° C.
In July-August, in the midst of a beach holiday, all apartments are for short-term rent and most 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. There are 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 "Korean Wave" music festival Busan One asia Festival (famous K-POP artists perform on Haeunde 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 of the 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 is not a large number of foreign tourists, as well as a full house in hotels.
The rainy season has ended, which means that August has begun, the hottest month in Korea, the beaches of Busan are waiting for their visitors.
If you are looking for a city for a beach holiday, you can't go wrong with Busan. It is the second largest city in Korea. It is conveniently located along the picturesque coastline, unlike other central cities, the atmosphere of the port capital is beachy and relaxed.
The city is washed by the East China Sea from the South and the Sea of Japan from the East.
Busan's beaches are ideal for swimming within the "urban civilization". When you want such conveniences of the metropolis as restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, public transport to be within walking distance.
So, let's begin:
Busan Beaches - Haeundae
For many, Haeundae Beach is the first thing that pops into their minds when they think of Busan. Haeundae is one of the longest urban beaches in Busan. The busiest beach in the city, covered with beach umbrellas from edge to edge. In the swimming season, there is nowhere for an apple to fall. The sand is yellow. The waves are not high, the coast is relatively gentle. Therefore, it is suitable for swimming with children.
Haeundae Beach Location
One of the central city beaches of Haeundae is located in the area of the same name (Haeundae), the Haeundae metro station, exit number 5 or 3. On the Google Maps it is located here:
Map of Booking.com Hotels near Haeundae Beach
For those who want to choose a hotel not far from Haeundae Beach, below is a map of hotels with prices on the Booking website.
Gwanganri - beach overlooking the bridge
For me, the beaches in Busan are associated with the Gwanganri beach. This beach offers a beautiful view of the bridge of the same name, the mecca of Busan at night. This is one of the most romantic beaches in Korea.There are many cafes, restaurants and beer establishments nearby for every taste and budget. Many establishments have an open veranda where you can talk with a loved one over a cup of coffee or a stronger drink and enjoy the mesmerizing view, the sound of the surf and the breath of the sea breeze.
Gwanganri beach is especially good at night:
In the evenings, on weekends and even on weekdays, a stage is built on the beach, where famous and not so famous singers and dancers perform.
There are many street musicians, magicians, performers and dancers on the street along the coastline. They gather crowds of people around them and earn their "pretty penny" from enthusiastic spectators.
Location of Gwanganri Beach
The beach is located near the Geumnyeonsan station, the closest exit to the beach number 3
Map of Booking.com Hotels near Gwanganri Beach
For those wishing to stay near Guagangli Beach, a map of beach hotels in the area of the most romantic beach in Korea.
Outskirts Beach - Songjeong
Songjeong Beach is located on the outskirts of Busan, and this, in my humble opinion, is its great advantage. Since there are relatively few people here, and the water is subjectively cleaner than in the city center. It is a paradise for surfers, windsurfers and kiters. They say they ride here all year round, I saw them so far only in the summer.
Personally, I liked this beach more because of the light beach-relaxed slightly even festive atmosphere. Songjeong Beach is more "wild" when compared to other city beaches. Here everything is somehow simple, without the bustle of the city, a little even in a rustic way, but this is the beauty of this beach. Nearby along the coastline road, there are various cafes, eateries and eateries. The sand is large, yellow, perhaps because of this, the water is more transparent.
Songjeong Beach Location
Due to the distance from the center of Busan, you need to get to Songjeong Beach by bus. The numbers of buses coming from the Haeundae metro station are 1011, 1001, 141, 181, 63, 39, 9.
Songjeong Beach is located under the marker on Google Map.
Map of Booking.com Hotels near Songjeong Beach
In custody
Swimming on the beaches of Korea has its own characteristics:
About clothes
- The local population prefers to swim in clothes. For this there is a special suit for aqua recreation. Which can be bought at any sports store or department store E-Mart, Home Plus, etc. The synthetic suit does not stretch in water. It looks like a suit for diving swimmers, but in a simpler way. It is water permeable and made from a fine synthetic fabric that resists sunburn.
- The so-called aqua shoes are also very popular, a very good thing by the way:
- Firstly, they protect the lower part of the foot from damage, sharp stones, rocks, and other surprises that you can accidentally step on.
- Secondly, it is antifungal protection and is useful for a hike in.
- They are made of neoprene and a plastic rubber heel that repeats the shape of the foot, they do not feel like a shoe at all, and at the same time they provide good heel protection, they are more expensive, but it is better to take them right away. It's easier to eat, they have a rough rubber outsole and a rag upper. This option is cheaper, but swimming in them is like wearing shoes.
- Swimming in the nude is prohibited, fans of sunbathing without a swimsuit may fall under an administrative violation with the subsequent payment of a fine. Be carefull.
About rescuers
- Korean rescuers restrict entry into the water to a depth greater than chest level. They whistle and wave their hands. They are responsible for all incidents in the territory allocated to them in defense. This is their job. In Thailand and the Philippines, you can swim into the horizon and no one will stop you. In Korea, you won't be allowed to die even if you try very hard.
Paid services
All official beaches in Busan and Korea in general have free toilets. Sometimes near the exit to the footpath there is a compressor and a compressed air cylinder and "pistols" for cleaning the feet and clothes from sand. Some additional amenities of the beaches are paid:
- Renting a seat under an umbrella, paid on average costs 10,000KRW
- Equipped shower rooms, average price 2000KRW.
- Sometimes paid lockers for things 1000-3000KRW
- Rent of inflatable swimming rings from 5000KRW
Well, on this I say goodbye to you until the next article.
The article will be constantly updated as the material is collected.
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