Busan: Beyond Train to Busan - Exploring South Korea's Underrated Gem

Busan, South Korea's second largest city, is quickly gaining popularity among travelers, despite its relatively low profile internationally. While known for its renowned Busan International Film Festival and the popular movie "Train to Busan," the city is still catching up in the K-wave tourism boom.

Exploring Busan's Charm

According to The National, Busan only accounted for 17% of foreign tourist arrivals to South Korea in 2023. However, this is expected to change as the city's appeal grows online and more visitors discover its charm.

Dianne Ape-Sadler, a reporter for The National, recently shared her experiences exploring Busan. Reaching the city from Seoul by train took around two hours. "I saw the city's simple tourism slogan, 'Busan is good,' which may not sound impressive, but after exploring for a few days, I realized it accurately reflects the character of this vibrant city," she wrote.

Coastal Delights and Beyond

• Coastal Delights: While Busan's beaches are only open for swimming during July and August, the city offers stunning coastal views year-round. Dianne recommends a stroll along the cliffs for a quieter experience, particularly the Igidae Coastal Trail. Stretching for 4.7 kilometers between the Oryukdo Skywalk and Dongsaengmal, this path offers panoramic views of the Oryukdo Islands.
• Sky Capsules and More: For a unique perspective, take a ride on the colorful Sky Capsules, located along a 2-kilometer stretch. Though round-trip tickets are not available, visitors can enjoy a journey between Mipo Station and Cheongsapo before walking back through Haeundae Blueline Park. At the end of the 72.5-meter long trail, the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory provides breathtaking views. Alternatively, visit Seongjeong Beach and unwind at Coralani Cafe or Yun Cafe, where you can relax while soaking in the breathtaking views.
• Cultural Villages: Gamcheon Culture Village, with its winding alleyways, colorful houses, and unique art installations, has become a popular tourist destination since its renovation in 2009. Notable attractions include the Haneul Maru Observatory and the Little Prince statue.

Cultural Exploration

• Just a short distance away, you can find the Kangkangee Art Village, a former shipyard known as Korea's first modern shipyard. The village gets its name from the sound of hammers hitting ships, remnants of which are still visible today. It's a great place to explore art installations, take a boat tour, and wander along the walking paths. The village museum also offers exhibitions about the area's history.
• On Yeongdo Island, Huinnyeoul Culture Village offers a popular alternative to Gamcheon. Known as the "Santorini of Busan," this seaside village boasts charming murals and a picturesque landscape painted in shades of blue and white.

Shopping, Entertainment, and Art

• Busan boasts a diverse range of activities for every interest. Centum City offers a world of shopping at Shinsegae, the largest department store in the world, as well as relaxation at the extensive Spa Land and cinematic experiences at the Busan International Film Festival.
• The Busan Cinema Centre, with its awe-inspiring architecture, hosts diverse film screenings. Beyond the cinema centre, Dianne discovered numerous captivating art installations throughout the city.
• "At Museum 1, I felt like I stepped into a digital artwork thanks to the 80 million LEDs that illuminated the floors, ceilings, and walls," she shared. "Meanwhile, the nearby Busan Museum of Art offers a fascinating exploration of minimalist sculptor Lee Ufan's work."
• The city also boasts a vibrant art scene with many smaller galleries worth exploring, including F1963, a former wire factory transformed into an exhibition space, a used bookstore, cafes, and bars. The outdoor area features a bamboo walkway and a beautiful garden with water lilies.

What makes Busan’s slogan “Busan is good” accurate?

Dianne Ape-Sadler, a reporter for The National, found that Busan’s slogan accurately reflects the city's vibrant character after exploring the city for a few days. She wrote, “I saw the city's simple tourism slogan, 'Busan is good,' which may not sound impressive, but after exploring for a few days, I realized it accurately reflects the character of this vibrant city.”

What are some examples of the unique experiences offered by Busan?

Busan offers a variety of unique experiences, such as a ride on the colorful Sky Capsules along a 2-kilometer stretch, exploring the Gamcheon Culture Village with its winding alleyways, colorful houses, and unique art installations, and experiencing the vibrant art scene with many smaller galleries worth exploring, including F1963, a former wire factory transformed into an exhibition space, a used bookstore, cafes, and bars.

What is the significance of Busan’s beaches?

While Busan's beaches are only open for swimming during July and August, the city offers stunning coastal views year-round. Dianne recommends a stroll along the cliffs for a quieter experience, particularly the Igidae Coastal Trail.

How does Busan's cultural village compare to Gamcheon Culture Village?

On Yeongdo Island, Huinnyeoul Culture Village offers a popular alternative to Gamcheon. Known as the "Santorini of Busan," this seaside village boasts charming murals and a picturesque landscape painted in shades of blue and white.

A Destination to Remember

Busan offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and artistic expression, making it a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.