Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Haeundae Beach in Busan is famous both in Korea and abroad. Not only is it popular as the largest summer vacation spot, but it also attracts people even in the spring, autumn and winter for its variety of festivals and events, such as the Busan International Film Festival, the International Yacht Race and the Haeundae Sunrise Festival. These festivals help keep Haeundae busy as a popular tourist site all year round. With Haeundae Beach at its center, Haeundae Special Tourist Zone offers diverse marine leisure activities and fresh seafood. The zone has transformed itself from a typical vacation spot into a destination where one can stay long-term while enjoying leisure activities and cultural events. Today, the zone attracts an increasing number of tourists from around the globe. The zone not only has natural resources, such as Haeundae Beach, Dongbaek Island, Dalmaji Hill and sea water hot springs, but also a convention center and IT complex. Well-equipped with cultural facilities, including movie sets, arts galleries and aquariums, it is a qualified destination for MICE (Meeting, Incentive tour, Convention and Exhibition) tourists. The coastal drive course is another way to enjoy Haeundae Beach. Moontan Road, offering a grand night view and various walking trails, including Galmaet-gil lying along the coastline, should not be missed as well. The skyline at Haeundae underwent a dramatic change with the advent of Centum City. At night, the city skyline that is brilliantly illuminated by the high-end residential/commercial buildings captivates travelers. Inside Centum City are luxury apartments and a grand shopping complex, including a department store and a retail outlet. * Current State of Haeundae Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Jung, Songjeong, Jaesong and U-dong (Centum City), Haeundae-gu, Busan 2) Area: 6,225,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Haeundae and Songjeong Beach, Dongbaek Island, Oryukdo Island, Centum City, Aquarium, Haeundae Hot Springs, etc.


Busan(Jung-gu)

Bosu-dong Book Street has a unique background. It was formed after the independence of Korea (August 15) as a residential area in the empty place where the previous Gukje Market was demolished. People started selling the books Japanese left behind, and later on, when it became a private area, book sellers moved to the current place to sell their books. When Busan became the provisional capital during the Korean War, refugees brought and sold their precious books for a living. As time went by, professors and students came to the alley and started purchasing books, contributing to the build up of the current book street. Once, used books were gathered in the alley and rare books could be found. Thanks to this, more temporary buildings were formed. At that time, about 70 books stores were available for students to sell and buy used books. In the early 60’s when the publication culture was not yet settled down, many students and educated people had to sell their books and then buy secondhand books or magazines. After going through this time, the Bosu-dong Book Street became a famous book street throughout the nation. The prices of books are scaled according to the conditions of the book or bargaining.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

The Bay 101 is a yacht club located at Haeundae beach, boasting itself as the no.1 Marine Sport facility in the largest marine city of Busan. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment along with marine sports professionals, Public Marina offers a cozy and snug place for private dining and other cultural activities. Marine sports can be enjoyed by all ages at The Bay 101, as marine-related sports and services, such as the 360 spinning Jet Boat or Semi-submarine Boat, Speed Boat, Jetski, Peanut boat and Banana boat are available in one place.


Busan(Gijang-gun)

Located in northeastern Busan, Ilgwang Beach is a popular beach that covers almost 40,000㎡ in area. As the water level is not too deep, it provides a perfect getaway for families with young children. In addition to distinct tourist sites such as Samdseongdae Pavilion and Gangsongjeong Pine Tree Forest, there are numerous accommodation, dining and convenience facilities near the beach. Moreover, Ilgwang Beach hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the 4-day theater festival held annually on August 1st.


Busan(Yeongdo-gu)

Exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum encompass all aspects of marine and ocean life. These include the culture, history, famous figures in the industry, maritime vessels, ocean creatures, ocean life experience, maritime industry, marine territory and development and ocean science. It is by far, one of the top maritime museums in Korea. The museum holds over 14,000 pieces of historic items and relics that have witnessed the history and are relevant to the future of the ocean life. These are on display in the eight different permanet  exhibition halls, the special exhibition hall and the children's exhibition hall. The museum also has a library, an aquarium, a grand auditorium, an outdoor performance stage, and a 4D theatre offering a multi-cultural experience to the visitors.


Busan(Gangseo-gu)

Renault Samsung Busan Plant has world-class facility in regards to its location, manpower, and manufacturing technique. Producing 300,000 cars every year, the plant is future-oriented, equipped with the latest machinery, strictly managed quality control, a pleasant environment, as well as the staff's passion for manufacturing the top-tier cars, and all this goes into Renault Samsung's ability to manufacutre high-quality products. The Busan Plant operates tours for people of all ages including tours for kindergartners, elementary, middle, and high schoolers, college students, adults, and individuals.  For the kindergarteners, the tour includes watching a video and visiting a gallery and the tour for other groups includes taking part in the stamping factory, and visiting a car body shop, an assembly shop and gallery.


Busan(Gijang-gun)

Cheokpanam Hermitage was initially built in 673 by a monk named Wonhyo, whose legend is still passed down, and was restored in 1938 by another monk named Gyeongheo. Nestled inside the forest on Bulgwangsan Mountain, the hermitage offers a splendid view of the its surroundings. It is located nearby Jangansa Temple, also built by Wonhyo.


Busan(Yeongdo-gu)

A small plaza projecting toward the south coast of Jeoryeongdo Island, 75 Square is one of the eight scenic sites of Yeongdo-gu in Busan. It was constructed in 1975 and became known as 75 Square from then on.  


Busan(Nam-gu)

Igidae Park faces Jangsanbong Peak which is included in Yongho 3-dong. After passing one hill between Yongho Sewage Treatment Plants and Igidae, the east side where the peak (225.3 m high) can be seen has picturesque scenery, created by uniquely shaped rock cliffs, but it is too dangerous for tourists to visit. Therefore, visitors can take a ship in order to enjoy the scenery. The center of Igidae looks almost flat and seems to be leaning against the mountain which is linked to the sea for about 2km. The scenery including waves crashing into the rocks is fantastic and the area is also a suitable fishing spot. The area was used as a military operation area so civilian access was prohibited until 1993.


Busan(Gangseo-gu)

Gadeokdo Lighthouse is a manned lighthouse patterned after gothic style lighthouses in France. Built in December, 1909 at the end of the Daehan Empire (official title of Korea from Oct. 12, 1897 to Aug. 29, 1910), it is an intricate building that houses a light tower (9.2m high), an office, and a lighthouse keeper’s room. Plum blossoms, the symbol of the imperial family of Joseon, are delicately carved along this European-style building. It is considered a remarkable cultural property not only because of its architectural design, unique shape or historic value, but also because it has been surprisingly well-maintained, especially in comparison to other lighthouses built during the same period. In recognition of its unmatchable style and preservation, the old Gadeokdo lighthouse was designated Tangible Cultural Property No. 50 of Busan in Sep. 2003. It is owned and managed by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. A new lighthouse was built next to the original one in 2002. The new one is octagonal in shape and 40.5m high, the second highest lighthouse in Korea. Gadeokdo, the location of Gadeokdo lighthouse, is often referred to as the ‘Island of History,’ and is the largest island in Busan. Gadeokdo, a strategically important base for military operations and seaborne trade, was the stage for a number of gruesome battles during the Japanese invasion in 1592. Today, it is a critical entry point to the Jinhae Bay. Gadeokdo Lighthouse is part of one the nation’s naval bases. Therefore, visitors must contact and register with the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Port Office prior to visiting the lighthouse. Those who participate in the Lighthouse Experience Program (parties of 6 or less) can spend the night in the innkeeper’s room free of charge. In order to use these accommodations, visitors must apply online at the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Port’s homepage between the 1st and the 8th of the month, one month prior to desired date of visit.