How to have fun in Busan? Why go to the South Korean capital at all and where to go on excursions from Busan?

Soak up the atmosphere of the port city

Busan is South Korea's largest port city, with the 7th largest container port in the world and the 10th largest fish market in the world. The sea and maritime industry moves Busan and can be felt at every corner.

Soak up the atmosphere of Korea's maritime hub and discover its beauty too.

You should not miss the Jagalchi Fish Market, where you will literally soak up the atmosphere of the sea with all your senses.

Lovers of large ocean-going ships will not miss the sea views where the ships enter the harbour. Head to the Orykudo Skywalk or the promenade to the National Maritime Museum.

The 10 best hotels in Busan

Hiking

Koreans love to walk and hike, and hiking trails are being built in large numbers in the cities. In addition, Busan's rugged coastline, with its photogenic cliffs and dense pine forests, invites people to walk along the coast and up into the hills for beautiful views of the hilly city with its many valleys.

Where to go for the best treks in Busan?

• Igidae Coastal Trail - A nearly 5km long trail along the cliffs, completely outside the built-up area and yet practically in the centre of the city. Narrow paths, many staircases and spectacular views await you. The trail is well maintained and safe, accessible by green Line 2 minibus from Kyungsung University subway station.
• Amnam Park - A number of shorter and medium-length trails ranging from 1km to 5km along a hilly wooded peninsula with sea views. The paths here are very comfortable and take the form of wide natural walkways. You can also enjoy the suspension bridge to the islet of Donseom.
• Taejongdae Resort Park - Another wooded peninsula offers a comfortable 5 km long circuit on an asphalt road with a footpath to the photogenic lighthouse. Several other longer hiking trails are available throughout Yeongdo-gu Island, on which Taejongdae Park is located.

But there are many other trails to explore across Busan, and we've plotted the best ones on our Busan hiking trails map.

Beaches and swimming

Busan is the largest seaside resort in Korea and is home to the country's most famous urban beaches.

For a purely beach holiday, it's probably better to head to Jeju Island, but if you want to combine urban tourism with a dip in the sea, you probably won't find a better place in Korea than Busan.

There are several beautiful beaches right in the city. All of them are well maintained and there are many restaurants and shops along the pedestrian promenades.

All of Pusan's beaches have sun loungers and umbrellas or free toilets and changing facilities.

One of the most famous beaches on the entire Korean peninsula is Haeundae Beach in the lively district of the same name, full of skyscrapers, hotels, restaurants and shops.

A slightly more intimate beach with very calm seas and the option of cable car rides over the sea to Amnam Park is Songdo Beach in the south of the city.

Sightseeing tour

Busan may not be a city full of historical sites, but you'll come across a few gems here too.

The most visited sights of ancient history are the two Buddhist temples:

• The 7th centuryBeomeosa in the hills above the city.
• Haedong Yonggungsa from the 14th century right on the coast

The most popular historic district dating from the 1930s is the beautifully restored Gamcheon Culture Village with colorful houses nestled into the steep hillsides.