Busan

Busan is home to some of South Korea's most popular beaches, hot spring resorts, and numerous historical attractions. It is the largest port and second largest city in South Korea, and is a quick three-hour trip via bullet train from Seoul to the north.

Busan often goes unnoticed as visitors flock to get a taste of the bright lights and big city feel of Seoul, but many Koreans will tell you that Busan is one of South Korea's friendliest and most relaxed cities.

With its beaches, mountains, and temples, Busan has many attractions on offer. The coastline is one of the main draw cards, with beaches like the beautiful Haeundae and Gwangalli existing as some of the best the country has to offer.

The Busan Aquarium is Korea's largest and best, and is one of the highlights of a trip to the city. Visitors interested in temples and historical sites can visit the Beomeosa and Yonggungsa temples, as well as the Geumjeong Fortress.

The markets in Busan are also an attraction in and of themselves. They offer wonderful photographic opportunities and can sometimes be a real eye-opener, particularly the Jagalchi seafood market, the bohemian Gukje Market, and the Haeundae Market.

Visitors to the city should try and include a trip to one of the local baseball games, a genuine cultural experience. Baseball games are held every weekend during summer. Busan also has great shopping and dining out opportunities. Visitors will find that this seaside city has a lot of heart and may even prove to be the highlight of a trip to South Korea.