|
Busan, South Korea, is located on Korea's southeast coast. A bustling city of almost four million people, Busan is filled with opportunities for tourists to enjoy this Asian culture.
Jalgalchi Fish Market
Korea's mountainous terrain covers 70 percent of the country, so fish has always been a staple of the Korean diet because seafood doesn't need grazing land as cattle and pigs do. No trip to Korea is complete without a visit to the fish market that is located in every large city.
Busan's Jalgalchi fish market is an experience you'll never forget. Metal and plastic containers hold every type fish imaginable. Koreans like their seafood fresh, and all the fish are kept alive until the last possible moment before cooking or eating raw. Between 6-7 a.m. is the best time to visit Busan's fish market. The anglers have just come in with their wares. Restaurant owners and private citizens want to make sure they get the best fish so everyone shows up early. The jellyfish wiggle in their tanks, waiting to be made into the tasty jellyfish salad, and raw fish is a treat you'll be glad you tasted.
The fish market is located on the harbor front, which is located south of the central business district in Busan.
Busan Tower
The Busan Tower is 118 meters high. It's located in Yongdusan Park and the views of the city and surrounding area are great on a sunny day. You'll enjoy visiting the aquarium or having your picture taken. Admission costs just over one U.S. dollar. You'll find the Busan Tower right downtown; it's a short walk from City Hall.
Tongnae Hot Springs
A true tourist attraction and event all in one describes the Tongnae Hot Springs. If you're from the U.S., don't look for Korean hot springs to be outside. The hot springs are indoors and consist of both huge pools of hot spring water and cold water. Men and women bathe separately. After a long day of sightseeing, a hot spring bath is just the ticket for total relaxation. Most hot springs in Korea are located away from the cities, but Busan features the only hot spring right in the middle of the city. The hot springs are located in the hotels of the Tongnae district. Cost is extremely reasonable.
Kumjongsanong, The Mountain Fortress
Kumjongsanong is the largest walled mountain fortress in Korea. It's located on the ridges of the Jumjonsan and Sanhaksan mountains. The walls are more than 17 kilometers long, and four gates lie within the eight square kilometer area that the walls cover. The views are spectacular on a clear day. The fortress is part of a park that also has a Buddhist temple, pavilions, a zoo, botanical gardens, a playground for the kids and much more. A cable car runs to the top, where you can enjoy a fine Korean meal at one of the two restaurants. If you're in great shape, hike your way up the steep hill. Be sure to take plenty of water if you do.
Bomosa Temple
Busan features the Bomosa Temple, located on Mt. Kumjang. This temple is one of the most beautiful Korean temples and was founded by a priest in 678. A deciduous forest surrounds the temple, making it a quiet and restful place. There are pagodas and stone lanterns and pillars from the Shilla Dynasty period. Like many temples in Korea, Bomosa was destroyed by the Japanese, rebuilt and then burned. It was rebuilt again due to the determination of the gentle Korean people. Buddha's Birthday is a great time to visit any Korean temple; it falls between the end of April and the end of the first week in May.
Spring and fall are the best times to see the tourist attractions in Busan, Korea. The famous Korean cherry trees blossom in spring, and the weather is mild in the fall. Whenever you go, make sure to take your camera and appetite. The pictures you'll take will be almost as good as the food you eat.
| 
