South KoreaBusanEvery weekend, trains to Busan fill up with Koreans looking for a couple of days’ holiday from their home cities. And every weekend, some of those visitors decide that they’d like to make the next trip a little more permanent. This is Korea’s most liveable city – like a smaller version of Seoul, with beaches to boot. Overview Trip ideas Experiences Places to visit Best time to visit Accommodation Back to all places Just like its big brother up north, the key to Busan’s enjoyment lies in discovering the diversity of its various neighbourhoods. The best place to start is arguably old-school Gamcheon, with its jumble of steep, Insta-worthy alleyways crammed with trendy shops and cafés. On the more modern side of the coin is Haeundae, where a wall of skyscrapers surrounds the country’s most popular beach – an ideal place for a swim, a banana boat ride, some beer with friends new or old, a tanning session, or all of the above. Come October, it’s also the main hub of Busan’s huge film festival, which draws stars from all over Asia; indeed, the city itself now counts as something of a prima donna, having cropped up as a location in more and more South Korean films.Foodies should stop in at Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in Korea, for an insight into the lifeblood of this port city – not to mention some delicious nakji octopus tentacles and spicy maeun-tang fish soup, served in the market’s upstairs restaurants. Come for the seafood, stay for the sea – the shoreside temple of Haedong Yonggungsa is a joy to pad around, while a confetti of nearby islands, many accessible by ferry, beckon across the waters. Connects with South Korea GyeongjuAn ancient East Asian capital, seat of power for a thousand years, and still home to a staggering host of treasures from that period – it’s hard for Gyeongju to avoid comparisons with Kyoto, though we’d argue this little city is actually even better than its far more famous Japanese counterpart. South Korea SeoulSpend a week in Seoul, and you’ll most likely come away feeling that you’ve barely scratched the surface – this hyperactive, endlessly beguiling megalopolis somehow feels uber-cool, hyper-modern, charmingly traditional and historically fascinating, all at the same time. South Korea JeonjuLove Korean food? Then you’ll most likely love Jeonju too – Koreans themselves call this charming city their culinary capital. And if filling your belly’s not enough, its central district of traditional wooden hanok buildings might just be the most attractive neighbourhood in the country. I instantly fell in love with Busan’s laid-back coastal location; it reminds me of other global beachside cities like Tel Aviv and Barcelona. "There’s so much variety here – from visiting Haedong Yonggunsa temple and exploring the colourful murals of Gamcheon culture village, to checking out one of the biggest spas in the country. "One of the real highlights of my visit was visiting the Jagalchi fish market to wander stalls selling everything from the familiar fresh tuna, crab and oysters to weird and wonderful delicacies like grilled eel and abalone. No visit to the market is complete without eating some of the freshest seafood imaginable, prepared in front of you at the small restaurants and food stands above the main market. If you like eating, then a visit to Busan is well worth wearing an elasticated waistband for!" Why book with InsideAsia? Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours. Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone. Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us. Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times. South KoreaSeoul Speak with a South Korea specialistFriendly, dedicated people who care as much about your trip as you doGet a brochureGet in touch
Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours.
Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone.
Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us.
Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times.