The port city of Busan is a popular destination in the south of Korea. This city is widely praised for its beautiful beaches. Besides them, there are many hot springs here, and local national parks are perfect for a stroll. Busan is a large city with active cultural life. Sailors from all over the world arrive in Busan. There are so many of them in the city that it feels like Busan is the Earth’s crossroads. Despite the fact that the city never sleeps, the province is a charming place that gladly welcomes foreign guests.
When the city appeared here at the start of our era, it had another name - Geochilsan-guk. Busan was called this way until 757. After that, the city got another name – Dongnae. There is a mountain in the southern part of the city, the shape of which is reminiscent of a cauldron. This is Hwangryeong that was famous as the Cauldron Mountain in the past. A small fishing village at the foot of this mountain gave Busan its current name. The city became a major center of trade with Japan. In 1592, a tragic event happened in the region – Japan invaded Korea.
What can Busan offer to tourists? Without a doubt, it is important to mention the city’s beaches. This is one of the main reasons to visit this amazing city. Haeundae is, perhaps, the most famous beach in South Korea. A local scientist gave the beach its current name. He lived in this region in the 9th century. When the man arrived in this coastal area and saw how beautiful this place is, he immediately wrote “hae un dae” on a rock. The length of the coast is one and a half kilometers, and its width is 30-50 meters. The beach is completely covered with soft white sand.
Visit this place in summer and you will be able to relax on this wonderful beach, sunbathe, and swim in warm coastal water. There is a comfortable wooden path along the coast, so visitors can enjoy a lovely stroll along the waterline. Besides regular beach recreation, tourists can try scuba diving and see the underwater world of the region. There are rental offices that have all gear the divers need. Moreover, Busan is home to numerous interesting events and festivals, many of which take place near the coast.
Gwangalli is the second most popular beach in Busan. This beach is a little closer to the center of the city. As it is less popular and famous, this beach is perfect for people who like less crowded places. This is an ideal place to enjoy tender sun and silence. It is also cleaner than Haeundae. This is a paradise-like place with striking views of the sea that never cease to charm people with their beauty and natural charm.
Gwangalli Beach has a fantastic view of the Gwangan Bridge. The eye-catching construction attracts many foreign tourists. This beach is suitable for both daytime and nighttime entertainment because there are many cafes and restaurants along the waterfront. Gwangalli nightclubs lure their guests with neon signs and offer fun until the dawn. Lucky tourists can attend the Festival of the Sea that takes place at this beach in Busan every year.
This is a truly grandiose celebration that is one of the largest and most colorful celebrations in South Korea. On the opening day of the event, a large scene is installed on the beach. Foreign musicians from all over the world perform on this scene. Congratulations and words of gratitude to the sea are an essential part of the event. The festival ends with festive fireworks. The festivities do not stop after that as people continue having fun until the morning.
The festival lasts several days. This is a typical time for fantastic carnival shows, and DJs from all over the world come here to participate in contests and become the best. Every day, visitors can dance and have fun at special dancing areas that are open only during the festival. This is the time for loud music. No one will feel bored if they decide to visit this event.
Airplanes from Seoul to Busan take off approximately every thirty minutes. You will get to the destination in just one hour. There are also direct flights to Busan from many cities in the world. When you land in Busan, simply take a train that will get you to the city center in one hour. There are also shuttle buses and public buses to the center from the airport but the journey time will be longer in this case. Of course, tourists can take a train from Seoul to Busan. Depending on the type of train, the journey time can range from three to six hours.
Sightseeing in South Korea: things to see
In the middle of the 9th century, these states united under the new name of Kore; for more than 500 years, the rulers of the Joseon dynasty stood at as the leaders. The era of their power ended only in 1910. After the end of the Second World War, the Korean Peninsula was divided into two parts, which were under the control of the United States and the USSR. Nowadays, South Korea is one of the youngest states in the world, which was officially formed only in 1948, at the same time as the North Korea. Several decades of hard dictatorship in the 80s were replaced by a milder democratic regime, which contributed to a more active development of the country and its tourism sector in particular.
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