# What to Do in Busan: From Beaches to Temples > A trip to Busan reveals the culture of South Korea's second-largest city: beaches, temples and cuisine. Discover what to do in Busan first. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/podorozh-do-pusana-rozkryvaie-unikalnu-kulturu-druhoho-za-velychynoiu-mista-pivdennoi-korei-z-ioho-pliazhamy-khramamy-ta-kukhneiu/ - Language: en - Published: 2024-06-16 - Categories: Culture, Historic Sites, Beaches, Hotels, Korea, Food & Drinks --- Often called "South Korea's summer capital," the port city of Busan sits just two and a half hours by train from Seoul. Yet the country's two biggest cities are strikingly different destinations. In more laid-back Busan, nightlife usually means sharing soju with friends on the beach while watching kids set off firecrackers. Or tucking into hoe (Korean sashimi), again with soju, at the gleaming new fish market. Or watching burly locals play a popular street game, driving nails into a thick wooden beam with a single blow to win prizes of cigarettes and whiskey. Beyond its love of seafood, the cuisine in Busan also differs from what you'll find in the rest of the country. Here's what to do when you head to South Korea's second-largest city: ## Beaches Haeundae During the summer swimming season, which runs from July 1 to August 31 every year, millions of South Koreans and a growing number of foreign visitors flock to this beach to enjoy the water and then head off to party on weekend evenings. Right in front of the beach is Haeundae's "Sea Village" pojangmacha strip, a row of identical seafood tents selling everything from live octopus to lobster. Customers pick their own meal straight from the tank, and a few minutes later it's cooked and served alongside their favorite Busan soju. Gwangalli Lit by 100,000 color-changing bulbs, Korea's longest suspension bridge is especially beautiful seen from the beach at night. While Haeundae is a beach for family outings, Gwangalli is popular with young people who show up in same-sex groups, size up members of the opposite sex and sometimes join forces for a party. ## Hotels Westin Chosun Busan The view of Haeundae Beach from the Westin Chosun Busan is so spectacular that the government capped the hotel's height at 10 floors when it was built 35 years ago. The lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows with a stunning panoramic sea view, and the hotel arranges local tours for guests (free or for a small fee). Seasoned guests ask for rooms with a sea view when they book. Park Hyatt Busan ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-31-1-2024.jpg) This tall, gleaming Busan hotel isn't on the beach, but it offers a lovely view of Gwangalli Beach. The rooms feature stunning interiors that blend traditional Korean design with a monochrome modern aesthetic. Paradise Hotel Busan The Paradise Hotel is the city's most fashionable choice for nightlife (it has a club), spa treatments (the new rooftop pools have an incredible view and a bar) and refined desserts. The mango bingsu (a beloved Korean shaved-ice dessert) in the lobby lounge is made with rose petals and is a culinary marvel. ## Food and Drink Dwaeji gukbap ("pork soup with rice") This humble pork soup is probably Busan's most iconic dish. It's served with an equally humble-looking plate of vegetables and a bowl of rice. A faintly pungent smell from the salted fermented shrimp hides a deep, rich flavor. Locals call it the perfect hangover cure or a 2 a.m. after-club meal. Naengchae Jokbal Busan has several streets devoted to food, but a local favorite is Jokbal Golmok (Pig's Trotters Alley). Cooked in soy sauce, ginger and garlic, the pig's trotters are served on a large plate with the option of adding naengchae, a side of cold jellyfish strips in mustard sauce, which is especially popular in summer. The longest lines form outside Hanyang Jokbal, in the middle of the alley. Ssiat Hotteok (seeded hot pancake) ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-31-2-2024.jpg) The highlight of Busan's street food is the local take on hotteok with sunflower seeds: a hot, sweet, fried pancake stuffed with crunchy seeds and a sugary filling. Although many vendors at the International Market seem to sell the same thing, one hotteok vendor located right next to the round stage in the center of the market has lines at any time of day, while the neighboring vendors look on enviously. Dongnae Halme Pajeon This 50-year-old family restaurant serves the softest, tastiest pajeon (fried "pancakes" with green onion and seafood) we've ever tried, and it's one of the region's legendary spots. You absolutely have to order the Dongnae Pajeon and the utjiji, a series of sweet, chewy tteok (rice cakes). A warning: just before the entrance there's a sly restaurant with an almost identical name, but without "Halme" (grandmother) in the middle, that tries to cash in on the success and reputation of the original. Busan soju ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-31-3-2024.jpg) Busan's takes on the world's best-selling liquor are lighter and sweeter than their standard counterparts. Men drink the stronger C1 soju, while women prefer the "Ye" series. Locals order a particular brand of soju depending on the mood or occasion: Jeulgeoun, which means "happy," is meant for lighter occasions, while Geuriwoon, which means "nostalgia," is served at sadder events such as funerals. ## Temples Beomeosa This 1,300-year-old temple high in the mountains offers a breathtaking respite from city life. Monks go about their daily rituals, paying no attention to the few visitors who wander timidly around the grounds. Those who want to experience temple life (meditation techniques, tea ceremonies, temple food) can stay overnight through the temple stay program. The temple is a 30-minute taxi ride from the Haeundae beaches. There are no taxis on Mount Geumjeong, so it's a good idea to ask the driver to wait for the return trip. Haedong Yonggungsa It's unusual to find a seaside temple in South Korea, and Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the most beautiful of its kind. Usually crowded with tourists and school groups, it's one of the most popular places for locals to watch the first sunrise of the New Year.