SOUTH KOREA
BUSAN
Inner Peace: Beomeo-sa Temple PHOTO: I© ZKRUGER | DREAMSTIME.COM
South Korea’s second-largest city and largest port, Busan proves a popular destination for tourists and vacationers. Located on the southeast tip of the Korean peninsula, it boasts several wide, sandy beaches; mountains; rivers; temples; and hot springs. Shop at Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest shopping complex and, while there, visit Spa Land to indulge at this enormous jjimjilbang, a Korean-style sauna/spa fed by underground hot springs. And with a thriving culinary scene centered around locally harvested seafood, foodies can enjoy everything from fine cuisine to excellent street food.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Take the KTX bullet train from Seoul (2.5 hours) or arrive at Gimhae International Airport, about 16 miles from Busan Station, accessed via taxi (21 minutes, $23–28), bus, metro (40 minutes, $3–6) or airport shuttle bus. The extensive metro encompasses four lines and provides English announcements and signage. Use rechargeable transportation cards for both bus and metro service. City-operated bicycle rental shops offer a carbon-free option, located at 12 locations (primarily at major parks) throughout the city.
LODGING
Lotte Hotel Busan The 650-room hotel offers a host of event and conference venues as well as plenty of leisure options, including a fitness center and two pools, a duty-free shop, casino and 20-tee driving range. 772 Gaya-daero, ujeon-dong, Busanjingu, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 810 1000 lottehotel.com Paradise Hotel Busan This 5-star resort setting overlooking Haeundae Beach features a casino, two spas, sauna, fitness club and a Kids Village with activities for infants to teens. 296 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 742 2121 busanparadisehotel.co.kr
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Park Hyatt Busan Dining and lounge spaces offer stunning views of Busan Port while spacious guestrooms and suites ensure a comfortable stay in a central location. 51 Marine City 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 990 1234 hyatt.com
DINING
Chaoran Michelin-starred chef Lee Che Liang serves modern Chinese tapas, focused on dim sums, and Chinese barbecue alongside signature cocktails. Signiel Busan Hotel, 30 Dalmaji-gil, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 922 1250 lottehotel.com/busan-signiel/en.html Jang Su Sam Diners rave about the traditional ginger chicken soup (samgye-tang) served with genuine hospitality and warmth. 7 Suyeongseong-ro, 3beon-gil, Suyeong-gu 1F, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 746 7923 Samjin Eomuk Main Store Fish cakes (eomuk), arguably Busan’s most famous food, may be sampled at this flagship outlet, the oldest and best producer of the dish. Also tour the eomuk museum and take part in fish cake-making workshops. 36 Taejong-ro 99beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 412 5468
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ATTRACTIONS
Beomeo-sa Temple Busan boasts an interesting array of Buddhist temples, but Beomeo-sa, the largest, offers the only temple stay program. Located on the lower slopes of Geumjong Mountain, the temple features three National Treasures among several structures on the extensive grounds, providing access to a complex of mountain hiking trails. Engage in Buddhist ceremonies, a tea ceremony, meditation and more; reservations must be made in advance. 250 Beomeosa-ro, Cheongnyongnopo-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 508 3122 beomeo.kr Haeundae Beach Haeundae is the city’s (and, arguably, South Korea’s) most famous beach. Boasting more than a mile of wide, sandy beach, it attracts up to 100,000 sun worshippers daily. Beyond the sand, the surrounding area offers the Sea Life Aquarium, Folk Square, museums, art galleries, cafés and the Haeundae food market. Jagalchi Fish Market The largest fish market in South Korea boasts striking architecture and an incredible array of fresh, daily seafood. Make your selections from the vendors on the first floor, then take them to any of dozens of restaurants on the second floor to be prepared to your liking. You can also sample from the buffet on the fifth floor, take a cooking class or simply enjoy the magnificent views of Busan Port from the seventh-floor roof terrace. 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea, tel 82 51 713 8000
