Busan(Jung-gu) , Nampo-dong(Jagalchi Market)

Busan’s modern movie district was originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule over half a century ago. However, major renovations took place ahead of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in 1996, and the newly transformed district was named BIFF Square on August 14, 1996Having been remade as a cultural tourist attraction promoting the advancement of Korea’s film industry, the BIFF Square has contributed to Busan’s newfound status as an international cultural tourist city. The 428 meter-long street stretching from the Buyeong Theater in Nampo-dong to the overpass in Chungmu-dong was divided into “Star Street” and “Festival Street,” and on the eve of the festival each year the “Ground Opening the BIFF Square” is held on the street. During the ceremony events such as the hand printing of famous movie celebrities and Nunggot Jeomdeung (snow-flower lighting) take place. A district such as BIFF Square, crowded with first-run theaters in a city is rare not only in Asia but Europe as well, and for this reason it holds great potential. In recent years, the square has grown into a more complex area featuring not only movie theaters but also shops and leisure facilities, attracting growing numbers of young visitors and tourists.* Hand-printed movie celebritiesIn 1997 – Wayne Wang (director, China), Jeremy Irons (Actor, England), Xie Jin (director, China), Kitano Takeshi (director, Japan), Abbas Kiarostami (director, Iran), Kim Ki-young (director, Korea)In 1998 – Imamura Shohei (director, Japan), Fernando E. Solanas (director, Argentina), the late Yoo Young-kil (director of photography, Korea, represented by his wife)In 1999 – Zhang Yimou (director, China), Hwang Jung-soon (actress, Korea), Yu Hyun-mok (director, Korea)In 2000 – Wim Wenders (director, Germany), Krzysztof Zanussi (director, Poland), Mohsen Makhmalbaf (director, Iran)In 2001 – Hou Hsiao-Hsien (director, Taiwan), Shin Sang-ok (director, Korea), Choi Eun-hee (actress, Korea), Jeanne Moreau (actress, France)In 2002 – Kim Su-yong (director, Korea)In 2003 – Jan Troell (director, Sweden), Lucian Pintilie (director, Romania), Chung Chang-wha (director, Korea)In 2004 – Theo Angelopoulos (director, Greece)In 2005 – the Late Lee Man-hee (director, Korea, represented by his daughter Actress Lee Hye-yeong), Seijun Suzuki (director, Japan)In 2006 – Istvan Szabo (director, Hungary)In 2007 – the late Edward Yang (director, Taiwan, represented by his son Sean Yang), Volker Schlondorff (director, Germany), Claude Lelouch (director, France), the late Kim Seung-ho (director, Korea, represented by his son Kim Hee-ra), Dariush Mehrjui (director, Iran), Enrio Morricone (composer, Italy), Peter Greenaway (director, England)In 2008 – Hark Tsu (China), Paolo Taviani (Italy), Anna Karina (Denmark)


Busan(Gangseo-gu)

  Culture is Here at Gimhae International Airport I saw a cocktail performance, an August event held by the Korea Airports Corporation as a seasonal festival! ≪Cool CoolCocktail Festa≫ Culture is Here is a seasonal festival held by the Korea Airports Corporation at 12 airports across the nation. It is held on a different theme every month. Last month, I watched the Return of the Heavenly Sword performance at Gimhae International Airport and shared my experience with you ^^     In August, a cocktail show was held as a cultural event in Gimhae International Airport’s Domestic Flights Waiting Room on the second floor. It was on the theme, Cool Cool Cocktail Festa!   Twelve airports across the nation use their respective region’s indigenous products to feature a cocktail performance at the airport as well as a non-alcoholic cocktail sampling event that embodies the respective airport’s unique taste.   [Dates on which the event is held at airports around the nation]     Lively music signaled the beginning of the cocktail performance, a seasonal festival held by the Korea Airports Corporation!! I didn’t have high expectations since the event was held at Gimhae International Airport. The two bartenders gave a wonderful performance that exceeded my expectations.     The bartenders gave a cocktail show, moving to the rhythm of exciting music. It was very fun to watch, so much so that I couldn’t move my eyes away from it. It is not easy to watch a cocktail show unless you go to a bar. It was great to enjoy cultural life while waiting for my plane’s departure at the airport!!     I took a video of that exciting moment.   It is a video of the cocktail performance that was held as the Korea Airports Corporation’s seasonal festival. Take a look at the video!! :-) The performers are great!!     The atmosphere was gaining momentum and the bartenders were heading towards the show’s highlight, moving to the rhythm of Psy’s song!!      Many travelers who were waiting for their flight clapped their hands and cheered the bartenders.  Adults and children alike truly enjoyed the cocktail show.     Once the exciting cocktail show came to an end, the bartenders began making a non-alcoholic cocktail drink using an indigenous product from the region!!      Gimhae is well known for raspberry, and this is why the bartenders prepared a raspberry cocktail drink.         The bartender demonstrated more acrobatic movements as the event progressed. The cocktail show almost seemed like a magic show, making it all the more exciting.         The bartender juggled three cocktail bottles. I felt giddy from the show, which was also amazing and great fun. I was fully entranced by the show.     This was the most amazing part of the cocktail show, which was quite like a magic show. I don’t know how the bartender did it!! During the entire time I watched the show, I was amazed by the high-quality performance that was given at the Culture is Here!event organized by the Korea Airports Corporation at GimhaeInternational Airport!  It wasn’t just an ordinary performance~~ It was truly a high-quality performance that travelers fully enjoyed while waiting for their flight!!       While I was engrossed in the show, the bartender completed the non-alcoholic raspberry cocktail drink!!     Enough cocktail was prepared for all travelers there to enjoy. A great number of people enjoyed the beverage.     Travelers watched the cocktail performance at Gimhae International Airport that was held as the Culture is Here!seasonal festival, and gathered to taste the beverage!! You could see there were many travelers.     The cocktail was a non-alcoholic drink that could be enjoyed by adults as well as children. Travelers of various age groups enjoyed the non-alcoholic cocktail drink!!     I also stood in line for a glass^^   Made of raspberry, an indigenous product of Gimhae, the cocktail drink was sweet and delicious! Its color is also pretty, isn’t it?^^ The cocktail performance was held as theAugust seasonal festival of Culture is Here! The Korea Airports Corporation holds Culture is Here!at airports for travelers to enjoy a cultural experience. The performance is great to watch while you are waiting for your flight.  Refer to the schedule table above for a convenient time. Your sense of excitement will double before you go on your journey :-)     Source : http://blog.naver.com/alwayspurelu/220783872652    Korea Airports Corporation www.airport.co.kr


Busan(Suyeong-gu) , Gwangalli

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) is 1.4 km long, 64m wide, and is famous for its fine sand. This area has undergone a water cleaning program, and as a result, the water of the beach is pristine. The clean waters of this area also attract many fishermen. You can prepare raw fish dishes on the spot, right after you have caught the fish. For those looking for some action, there is the Olympic Yacht Rental where you can rent yachts. You can also enjoy water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and other exciting water sports. On the beach there is an outer concert stage where the Busan Ocean Festival and other various events are held. The area has a cultural center, a museum, theaters for plays and movies, an art gallery, TV station, and famous Korean and non-Korean fashion brand name shops. It is a popular gathering place for young people in their 20s and 30s.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장) is probably the most famous beach in the country. "Haeundae" was so named by scholar Choi Chi-Won (857~?) of the Silla Kingdom (BC 57~AD 935). When he was walking past Dongbaekdo Island, he was fascinated by it and left the carved words "Hae Un Dae" on a stone wall on the island. Haeundae is 1.5 km long, 30~50m wide, and spans an area of 58,400㎡. The white sand is rough and sticks easily to your skin. The sand of this beach is composed of sand that comes from Chuncheon Stream and shells that have been naturally eroded by the wind over time. Haeundae Beach is also famous for the various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. At Haeundae Beach there is a Folk Square where you can enjoy traditional games such as neoldduigi (seesaw jumping), Korean wrestling, tuho(arrow throwing), tug-of-war and yutnori. There is also the Beach Culture Center and the Beach Library. Numerous people visit every year from June to August. 


Busan(Busanjin-gu)

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is located in the heart of Busan and stretches across Busanjin-gu, Nam-gu, and Suyeong-gu Districts. With an altitude of 427m, the mountain is the second highest mountain in the Geumnyeon Mountain Range. The mountain is mostly made up of andesite and the summit is relatively flat. Some parts of the mountain are also characterized by exposed bedrocks. The northeast part of Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is connected to Geumnyeonsan Mountain. Because of its geologic age, the terrain has been dissected by river valleys, resulting in less sharp surfaces. Several smaller hills and ridges can also be found scattered around the area. Hwangnyeongsan Mountain isn't very high so it only takes about two to three hours to get to the top. At the foot of the mountain, one can find a citizen's recreation area and a youth training center. Choosing which mountain trail to take depends on the transportation options available to you. The bongsudae (beacon fire station) constructed on top of the mountain was an important means of communication for the military in 1422. This bongsudae was used to communicate with the bongsudae on Haeundae's Ganbiosan Mountain (east), Gubongsan Mountain (west), and Beomeosa Temple and Gyemyeongsan Mountain (north). Every year, events such as the sansinje (ritual for the mountain god) and the beacon lighting ceremony are held on Hwangnyeongsan Mountain.


Busan(Jung-gu) , Nampo-dong(Jagalchi Market)

Yongdusan Park, one of the most popular mountains in Busan Yongdusan in downtown Busan, is one of the 3 well-known mountains in Busan. Its old name is Songhyunsan, which means a mountain has a view of the sea through the dense fine tree forest. Later the name has changed into Yongdusan. It came from its shape, which is similar to dragon head and people thought it has a spirit to defeat enemies coming over the sea. On the mountain were shrine built by Japanese people during Japanese colonial role, but now are Cheokhwabi monument (the stone monument to the exclusion of foreigners from the country), Chunghontap (memorial tower for Korean war victims), 4.19 Revolution monument (the student's anti-government revolt), the statue of General Lee Sunsin(the great commander in Joseon Dynasty period(1392-1910)) and Busan tower. During Korea war, displaced people built houses on it even on the top, but 2 times of big fires took all them away making it bald mountain. Since then, fierce efforts to plant trees have created such beautiful park. The name of the park was once Unam park in the time of the Liberal Party’s ruling but it went back to Yungdosan park after April revolution (1960). It is a place with beautiful scenery. Especially the night landscape from Busan tower is magnificent. Attractions of Yongdusan Park *Busan Tower(73.11.21) – 129m high (2 lifts), 1,510㎡ (Exhibition hall and Souvenir shop) * Palgakjeong (Octagonal Pavillion) (73.11.21) – 3 stories, 915㎡ (1F:Aquarium, 2,3F:resting place) *Exhibition pavilion(73.11.21) – 2 stories, 1,900㎡ *Statue of the Great general Lee Sunsin(56.3.20) – 12m high * Cheongdongyongtap (Bronze Dragon tower) (89.9.7) – 4m high, Donganhuijehyungsang(a bust of an activist for national independence, An Huije (pen name, Dongan) – stone bust *Flower clock (73.10.8))- 5m in diameter *Welfare Center for the Elderly - 413㎡ *Literary monuments – 9 monuments made of native rock *Busan citizens’ bell pavilion - 60.84㎡ of floor area, 11.62 m high * Buddhist temple      


Busan(Gijang-gun) , Haeundae

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb find of a tourist spot and temple offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line. Most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions can all be seen looking out over the ocean. The main sanctuary of the temple was reconstructed in 1970 with careful attention paid to the colors that were traditionally used in such structures. On the right-hand side, inside the a cave, is a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum, while situated just in front of the main sanctuary is a three-story pagoda with four lions. The four lions are symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Other special sites at the temple are the 108 stairs and stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape. After going down the 108 steps, one will be delighted with the beauty of the temple. Midway down the 108 steps one can stop and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves, and view the majestic sunrise. Many people often come to this spot on New Year's Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up. April is an especially beautiful time of year with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The birth of Buddha is also celebrated in April (following the lunar calendar) and offers a spectacular night view as the temple area is aglow with electrically lit lanterns.  


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Located at Centrum City, Lotte Department Store offers everything for both shopping and entertainment (Lotte Cinema). Unlike other department stores, it has luxurious interior designs and outstanding amenities for customers. Customers will find professional services along with top-notch brand items in Lotte Department Store. The tenth floor houses Sunshine Park while the second floor offers the restaurant & cafe Harrods. Each floor in Lotte Department Store will bring something unique that cusotmers have not experienced before.


Busan(Jung-gu)

The '40-step Culture & Tourism Theme Street' is a 450m-street which starts from the Jungang-dong branch office of KB Bank and runs to the 40-step stairway of the '40-step Cultural Center' and continues on to the Palseong Tour. The time-honored 40-step stairway embodies the joys and sorrows of refugees and those displaced by the Korean War. The entire area has been recently renovated to reflect life in Korea in the 50s and 60s and is expected to become another major tourist spot. The '40-step Culture & Tourism Theme Street' was designated 'The Best Street' by the Busan municipal government in June 2004.br> 


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

The Shinsegae Centum City Department Store is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest shopping complex in the world. The department store has a countless number of items all under one roof. Visitors can also enjoy numerous entertainment options in the complex. Shinsegae, which opened the first department store in Korea, reflects decades of retail experience in this flagship location. Some entertainment facilities include a spa and an ice rink.Globally renowned experts such as Italian architect Claudio Silvestrin and,an American architecture and design firm Callison completed Centum City under the concept of a “golden sea”. The department store has emerged as a defining landmark in Busan.