Bright lights of Busan: 7 things to do in South Korea's second largest city
Port city well known for hosting Busan International Film Festival offers stylish shopping spots and fine selection of resort leisure, culture and dining options
There’s more to Korea’s southern port city of Busan than fishing boats and a gateway to Japan. Combining urban shopping with resort leisure, culture and dining, South Korea’s second city has it all.
1. Hit the beach
Busan’s beaches are among the most popular in Asia, and go one better than Hong Kong’s by being directly accessible from the metro.
Haeundae beach may get the most ink, but just west of it, on a more tucked away inlet, is Gwangalli. While the beachfront is similarly dotted with hotels and eateries, it’s a little less frantic than Haeundae and the hoe (Korean-style sushi) dinners are every bit as delectable.
Gwangalli gets bonus points for the view of Gwangandaegyo (the bridge featured in the film Black Panther, released earlier this year) lighting up the night sky.
Gwangalli Beach, Gwangan-gu (Gwangan metro)
2. Mingle with celebrities at Busan International Film Festival
Coming into its 23rd edition this year, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), starting on October 4, remains one of Asia’s biggest and most boisterous public film events.