Nestled along the captivating coastline of South Korea, Busan stands as a vibrant gem of cultural richness and modern allure. Renowned for its dynamic energy, this bustling metropolis seamlessly blends traditional charm with contemporary flair. Busan was one of the final candidates for the 2030 World Expo and narrowly lost out to Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. There are currently 3.4 million residents here in Busan, and it is the second largest city in Korea. It has the world’s 6th largest port and that was obvious as we explored the area and saw the harbor from both near and far.
The city is beautiful and there was a lovely park just next to the cruise terminal where we parked. Joe and I were having coffee on our balcony on our way in this morning and were surprised to see a campground right next to the terminal. After further investigation, we realized it was attached to a public park with walking paths, bridges and playgrounds right next to a meandering river. Campers were just waking up and getting moving as our ship arrived into port.
Our first stop on our excursion today was the Gamcheon Culture Village, a restored section of Busan that previously housed war refugees. At one time there were over one million refugees in Busan. Brightly-colored houses cling to a steep hillside where local artists and villages showcase their talent, bringing ancient Korean art into the 21st century. We followed steep streets and alleyways through shops and restaurants and enjoyed the sunny morning. This area attracts more than 140 million visitors every year.
Our next stop was Yongdusan Park located on Yongdusan Mountain in downtown Busan. The name of the mountain came from the shape of its peak which looks like a dragon’s head (yongdu) protecting the area against foreign invaders. The mountain held shrines for the mountain gods built by Japanese before the Korean Liberation in 1948. Now the mountain is home to a variety of monuments dedicated to important events and historical figures. Busan Tower is in the park and offers magnificent views of Busan Port and the surrounding scenery.
From there we went into the Nampo-Dong Market area which was loaded with bustling markets, cafes, street food and unique shops. Joe was on the hunt for another bibimbap. Today, we learned that this dish can be served cold. What a disappointment. He was hoping for the hot pot version he so loves but, alas, we got a cold version that didn’t quite satisfy his craving. Apparently, the crispy rice that cooks in the sizzling pot is the main attraction for him. We both felt that Busan was cleaner, more inviting and lovelier than either Seoul or Incheon.
