Busan 3-Day Tour w/ Lunch and Fees included

Gamcheon Culture Villiage is formed by houses built in staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, earning this village the nickname of "Machu Picchu of Busan." The many alleys cutting through this community are vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents.

Busan’s modern movie district was originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule over half a century ago. However, major renovations took place ahead of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in 1996, and the newly transformed district was named BIFF Square on August 14, 1996

 

 

Gukje Market

Following the Korean War, refugees who had fled to Busan set up stalls in order to make a living, and this was the beginning of the Gukje Market (gukje meaning "international"). The Gukje Market is one of Korea’s largest markets; each alleyway is crowded with stalls, and it connects to the Bupyeong Market, Kkangtong Market, and other smaller markets. The market stocks such a wide variety of goods, that you can find almost everything you need right here.

The Jagalchi Market is Korea's largest seafood market. After the Korean War the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are women, so the women who sell here are called 'Jagalchi Ajumma,' 'ajumma' meaning middle-aged or married women. 

This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. If you visit you can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. Even these days you can see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians) and whale meat on wooden boxes along the road.

Samgwangsa Temple is to hold its famous lantern festival, which has been attracting over a million visitors each year. CNN Travel also voted this temple to be one of the best spots you must visit in Korea. The festival is known for a variety of lanterns of over 3 millions kinds. The lanterns with hope and sincere love toward Buddha will create spectacular views, watching wave of lanterns lighten up the dark sky with their brilliant colors.

Designated as a Busan monument, along with Oryukdo Island, Taejongdae represents Busan, and is especially famous for its rock beach. Featuring its highest peak at 250 meters, there are forests of pine trees and 200 other varieties of trees. Taejongdae was named after the 29th king of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935), King Taejong Mu-Yeol (604-661). King Taejong traveled to many places but this was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows the most.

Under the lighthouse of this resort is a rock called Sinseon Rock, named after the myth that gods and goddesses came down here to relax. At this rock is a figure called Mangbuseok, named after the story of a woman who waited for her husband who had been taken to Japan. Taejongdae is also famous for the ritual of praying for rain, performed when there are droughts, and rain on the 10th day of the fifth lunar month is called the "Taejong Rain." On days with clear skies you can see Japan’s Tsushima Island from the observatory.

Designated as a Busan monument, along with Oryukdo Island, Taejongdae represents Busan, and is especially famous for its rock beach. Featuring its highest peak at 250 meters, there are forests of pine trees and 200 other varieties of trees. Taejongdae was named after the 29th king of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935), King Taejong Mu-Yeol (604-661). King Taejong traveled to many places but this was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows the most.

Under the lighthouse of this resort is a rock called Sinseon Rock, named after the myth that gods and goddesses came down here to relax. At this rock is a figure called Mangbuseok, named after the story of a woman who waited for her husband who had been taken to Japan. Taejongdae is also famous for the ritual of praying for rain, performed when there are droughts, and rain on the 10th day of the fifth lunar month is called the "Taejong Rain." On days with clear skies you can see Japan’s Tsushima Island from the observatory.

Exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum encompass all aspects of marine and ocean life. These include the culture, history, famous figures in the industry, maritime vessels, ocean creatures, ocean life experience, maritime industry, marine territory and development and ocean science. It is by far one of the top maritime museums in Korea.

The museum holds over 14,000 historic items and relics that have witnessed the history and are relevant to the future of ocean life. These are on display in the eight different permanent exhibition halls, the special exhibition hall and the children's exhibition hall. The museum also has a library, aquarium, grand auditorium, outdoor performance stage, and a 4D theatre offering a multi-cultural experience to visitors.

The UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea honors UN soldiers from 16 countries that were killed in battle during the Korean War from 1950-1953. This serene park spreads across a grassy plain area of 135,000 m2. Some of the sites and memorials include: Memorial Service Hall, Memorabilia Hall, 2 Turkish Monuments, Greek Monument, Australian Monument, British Common Wealth Monument and 2 ponds. The Memorial Service Hall and the Memorabilia Hall were constructed in 1964 and 1968 respectively. The citizens of Busan dedicated the Main Gate in 1966. There are many annual events held here, some of the key events include: April’s Tributary Ceremony of the Veterans of the Korean War, May’s American Memorial Day, June’s Korean Memorial Day, and October’s UN Ceremony Day.

The regional name in olden times for the area of Oryukdo Skywalk was Seungdumal (승두말), as the shape resembles a saddle, and it was originally called Seungduma (승두마) as well as Jallokgae (잘록개) by residents and women divers. 

The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk finished on September 12, 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and started operating on October 18, 2013, with the theme of "Walking over the sky.” 

Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, and a 15-meter glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse’s hoof connect the iron columns. The bottom of the glass was specially produced with four attached 12-millimeter glass pieces coated with a bulletproof film that has a thickness of 55.49 millimeters, making the structure quite safe. 

Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op, as well as the best spot to see Daemado Island on sunny days. 

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line; most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions can all be seen looking out over the ocean. 

The main sanctuary of the temple was reconstructed in 1970 with careful attention paid to the colors that were traditionally used in such structures. On the right-hand side, inside the a cave, is a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum, while situated just in front of the main sanctuary is a three-story pagoda with four lions. The four lions are symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Other special sites at the temple are the 108 stairs and stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape. After going down the 108 steps, one will be delighted with the beauty of the temple. Midway down the 108 steps one can stop and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves, and view the majestic sunrise. 

Many people often come to this spot on New Year's Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up. April is an especially beautiful time of year with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The birth of Buddha is also celebrated in the fourth month of the lunar calendar and offers a spectacular night view as the temple area is aglow with lit lanterns.

Dalmaji-gil Road is a small walkway on the corner to Songjeong Beach, located just beyond Haeundae Beach. The road is lined with beautiful cherry blossoms and pine trees, on the slope of Wausan Mountain. The landscape, with the blue sea, sandy seashore, and pine trees, is beautiful enough to be the representative place of this area for a long time to come. 

This walk became famous as a relaxing place in the summer ever since Haeundae Beach opened in 1965. On days with clear skies you can see Japan's Tsushima Island from the observatory. There is a spa and other facilities nearby, making it a great place to visit for people who want to relax and enjoy their free time, not only in the summer, but throughout the year.

Beomeosa Temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupied the Gyeongsang-do Province region in 678A.D.). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram' the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: 
"There is a well on the top of Mt. Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky. This is why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'." 

The original Beomeosa Temple building was lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713, which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). There is Iljumun, the three-story pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and eleven hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, the wisteria woods and valleys are most beautiful in May.

Built in 1636 and used as a goverment office till early 1970s.

The Dongnaeeupseong History Festival was selected as Busan's best festival for four consecutive years. The festival was also awarded the grand prize during the 4th K-Festival and is considered an excellent example of teaching history through an experiential festival.

The festival features the customs and traditions of Dongnae County, focusing on the noble spirit of patriotism. The festival has a high degree of both educational and entertainment values, making it one of the nation's unique 'edutainment' festivals.

Bokcheon Museum, an archaeological museum in Busan, opened its doors to the public on October 5th, 1996 as a tribute to the long-honored history of Busan from the Samhan Era to the Samguk (Three Kingdoms) Era. The museum displays relics and artifacts excavated from the ancient burial ground in Bokcheon-dong. As many as 169 pieces of ancient helmets, diverse types of earthenware and iron-made weapons found in a series of seven excavations are on display throughout the museum. The array of relics and tombs discovered in the Bokcheon-dong ancient burial ground, designated as Historic Site No. 237, are essential to solving the mystery of the Gaya Kingdom, which remains an uncharted, secret land.

Since opening, the museum has been conducting further research at the site of the burial grounds and remains in the local area to better understand the antiquated history and culture of Busan as well as the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum, as a reputable venue for historical education and exploration, also holds academic seminars and special exhibitions to share the research results and achievements with scholars and the community alike.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is located in the heart of Busan and stretches across Busanjin-gu, Nam-gu, and Suyeong-gu Districts. With an altitude of 427m, the mountain is the second highest mountain in the Geumnyeon Mountain Range. The mountain is mostly made up of andesite and the summit is relatively flat. Some parts of the mountain are also characterized by exposed bedrocks.

The northeast part of Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is connected to Geumnyeonsan Mountain. Because of its geologic age, the terrain has been dissected by river valleys, resulting in less sharp surfaces. Several smaller hills and ridges can also be found scattered around the area.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain isn't very high so it only takes about two to three hours to get to the top. At the foot of the mountain, one can find a citizen's recreation area and a youth training center. Choosing which mountain trail to take depends on the transportation options available to you.

The bongsudae (beacon fire station) constructed on top of the mountain was an important means of communication for the military in 1422. This bongsudae was used to communicate with the bongsudae on Haeundae's Ganbiosan Mountain (east), Gubongsan Mountain (west), and Beomeosa Temple and Gyemyeongsan Mountain (north). 

Every year, events such as the sansinje (ritual for the mountain god) and the beacon lighting ceremony are held on Hwangnyeongsan Mountain.

View of Modern constructions of East Busan

Dongbaekseom Island (Island of Camellias) is an island located off one end of Busan's famous Haeundae Beach. Although the years of sedimentation have connected the island to the mainland, Dongbaekseom was originally an island and is still referred to as one.

Dongbaekseom is easy to navigate thanks to the walking path that is built around it. The island has several different points of attraction, including the monument inscribed with a poem of scholar Choi Chi-won, the mermaid statue based on the legend of Princess Hwagok, and the Nurimaru APEC House. It also offers fantastic views of the Busan shoreline towards Mipo, Dalmaji Hill, Gwangangdaegyo Bridge, and Oryukdo Island. As the name suggests, camellias burst into bloom everywhere on the island from winter to spring.

Haeundae Beach is probably the most famous beach in the country. "Haeundae" was so named by scholar Choi Chi-Won (857~?) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935). When he was walking past Dongbaekdo Island, he was fascinated by it and left the carved words "Hae Un Dae" on a stone wall on the island. Haeundae is 1.5 km long, 30-50m wide, and spans an area of 58,400㎡. The white sand is rough and sticks easily to your skin. The sand of this beach is composed of sand that comes from Chuncheon Stream and shells that have been naturally eroded by the wind over time. Haeundae Beach is also famous for the various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. At Haeundae Beach there is a Folk Square where you can enjoy traditional games such as neolttwigi (seesaw jumping), Korean wrestling, tuho (arrow throwing), tug-of-war and yutnori. There is also the Beach Culture Center and the Beach Library. Numerous people visit every year from June to August.
 

Sea Life Busan Aquarium is an aquarium located in Haeundae Beach, South Korea. There are about 250 species and up to 35,000 marine animals on display.