Busan
Depending on the direction of your travel, Busan, formerly Pusan, is either the end of your journey or the beginning of an adventure. Home to some of Korea's finest beaches, nature reserves, and hot springs, Busan is a bustling port city with international appeal. From Busan, travelers can proceed on to Jeju Island, or ride the KTX high-speed rail all the way to Seoul, the capital.
Highlights of Busan include the Nakdong Sanctuary, which serves as a winter refuge for over a hundred rare bird species; the regal Beomeo-sa Temple, one of Korean's great cultural treasures; and the fun, vibrant Haeundae, a lively beach area that ranks as one of Korea's best.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Beomeo-sa Buddhist Temple
Take a private, guided tour of the ancient Beomeo-sa Buddhist Temple. One of Korea’s “Five Great Temples,” the complex dates to 678 and is home to many of the country’s priceless national artifacts.
Dongnae Spa
Immerse yourself in the steaming, mineral-rich waters of the Dongnae Spa, Korea’s oldest natural hot spring--reputedly frequented by the Silla Dynasty’s Queen Seondeok during the seventh century.
Haeundae Beach
Spend a day taking in the sights of Haeundae Beach, South Korea’s equivalent to South Beach, Miami; charter a private yacht for a day of water activities around Busan Bay and also visit the Busan Aquarium.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Explore the atmospheric Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea’s most interesting wet market and one of the most iconic experiences of Busan. We recommend an early-morning visit, followed by breakfast in one of the many restaurants within the seven-story building.
Nakdonggang Bird Sanctuary
From October to March, take a chartered boat ride through the Nakdong River Estuary and around Eulsukdo Island, which collectively comprise the the Nakdonggang Bird Sanctuary. Eulsukdo is visited by such rare species as White-naped Cranes, Blackfaced Spoonbills, and White-tailed Eagles, all of whom migrate here to spend the winter.
Seomyeon Medical Street
Discover Seomyeon Medical Street, with over 100 clinics specializing in cosmetic surgery, dentistry, optometry, orthopedics and much more. Contrast this experience with a check-up at a center for traditional Korean medicine.
Yonggungsa Buddhist Temple
Explore the Yonggungsa Buddhist temple, dramatically situated on a cliff overlooking the sea. Built in 1376 under the auspices of the Goryeo Dynasty, it’s a popular place of pilgrimage for South Koreans as they pray for the upcoming New Year.
South Korea Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Multi-Country Specialists
South Korea Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Drone to Busan: Korea’s Coastal Metropolis from Above
- Author
- Jay Tindall
In the air above Busan, travelers can find aqua blue water, busy beaches, and iconoclastic villages in Korea’s booming southern city.
Jagalchi: Busan’s fresh catch obsession
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Up to half of South Korea’s seafood moves through Jagalchi Fish Market, a sprawling open-air bazaar in Busan.
Songdo, Haeundae, Gwangalli: 3 Busan Beaches for Luxury Travelers
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Not many cities the size of Busan can boast beaches, but it’s not just a place for catching a few rays. Busan’s beaches get you closer to the people of Korea.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Friends from Washington DC and New York
The guides they selected were very good and, in three cases (Seoul, Hoi An/Hue, and Angkor Wat) simply outstanding.
A Connecticut family
What can we say other than wow! Today's visit with the Prince of Bali was like stepping onto the set of a movie or going back in time to a bygone era.
