What if the sound of seagulls had replaced the music of the subway, and the whiteness of the inhabitants' skin had suddenly changed beyond all expectations?
Temple de Beomeosa
A feeling of change, that's what I felt when I set down my suitcases in Busan. Korea's second largest city, Pusan or Busan is an economic, cultural and educational center. It's a port city with a Miami feel: buildings, beaches and cafés. Its port is the largest in the country and the ninth largest in the world.
Unlike Seoul, Busan is a much more relaxed and colorful city. It abounds in narrow streets where you can lose yourself in the discovery of typical Korean restaurants.
A little history
From the Xᵉ to the XIV century, during the Koryo dynasty, Busan was known as Busanpo. In the XVᵉ century, the city became an exclusive port for trade with Japan. It would retain the same status during the Japanese invasions of 1592. A breath of modernity! It wasn't until 1883 that Busan opened its doors to other countries.
Busan played a strategic role during the Korean War, when South Korean forces attacked a North Korean warship carrying hundreds of soldiers. This incident enabled the city to remain one of the few places under South Korean control.
To this day, the prosperity of its trade and the importance of its traffic drive its port activities.
Spring: a colorful season
I was in Busan during the cherry blossom season. Marking the beginning of spring, the blossoming of these trees is symbolic for Koreans. During the Korean winter, you won't see a tree with leaves or flowers. The country is extremely poor in vegetation. So when the first cherry blossoms appear, it heralds the beginning of the transformation of the cities. People go out for a walk, admiring the beautiful white and pink blossoms.
If you decide to visit the city during the cherry blossom season, take a stroll along the seafront to admire these magnificent trees.
Discover Busan during a trip
Fancy a change of scenery and a trip to the magnificent Beomeosa temple? Built in 678, it's one of Korea's largest and most beautiful temples. Nestled at the foot of Mount Geumjeongsan, it's a haven of peace where nature lovers can stroll and contemplate the splendour and diversity of the landscape. To continue your discovery of Busan's Buddhist buildings, visit the Yonggungsa temple. Built into the cliffs on Busan's northeast coast, the setting here is just as magical and original as Beomeosa. The unobstructed view of the sea from the temple, with its stirring Buddhist chanting, is well worth the trip.
I personally visited the Yonggungsa temple (pictured in the article) and I'd have to say it was the most beautiful place I've visited in South Korea.
What to do in Busan ?
Relax on the beaches of Haeundae and Gwangalli
Visit the Beomeosa and Yonggungsa temples
Photograph the Gwangan Bridge at sunset
Stroll through the Jagalchi market and sample some of the country's best fresh fish
Be charmed by the artistic curiosities of the Gamcheon cultural village