I wrote a post with the first group of ideas for fun and interesting activities in the city. But there is just so much more, so I have to create another post. Here are 5 more free things to do in Busan Korea that will keep you busy and entertained.
Bujeon Market
Located between the metro stations of Seomyeon and Bujeon, visitors will find this massive and sprawling market in the heart of the city. Created by refugees, this is as authentic as it gets. Find products here that are fascinating to see, everything from fruit & veg, to seafood, meats, dried goods and so on.
To enter, simply walk in from any street where you begin to see vendors selling on the pavement. These people are near the multitude of entrances and exits into the maze of this market. I like to visit early in the day, when I can get a chance to stop at each stall, have a good look and not be hindering the locals.
Later in the morning and all through the remainder of the day, this market is super busy, with products being offloaded, purchased and inspected. You will get bashed here, especially by the males. There is no care taken to avoid physical contact. To avoid this unpleasantry, I took special care to Indy 500 my way through the crowd, so I was never in the path of a male. This isn’t a criticism, merely an observation of a different culture. 😊
Jagalchi Harbour
What a fun experience this is! Come down to the busy seaside port and have a walk around. There is of course a sign for photo ops and some statuary.
Look at the large fishing vessels and all that is loaded aboard. I was especially fascinated with those glass bobbles that possibly have something to do with keeping the nets afloat or visible in the water?
I was lucky to see tugboats working away, fishermen and other port workers going about their daily tasks. The views from the harbour are fantastic, an expanse of bright blue ocean with the bridge in the distance. A complete change of scenery from being in the city.
Busan Diamond Tower
Built in 1973, this soaring tower is the symbol of Busan! At 120 meters tall, it has an observation tower at the top with views of the harbour. While tickets to the top do cost, you are free to wander around Yongdusan Park, seeing the beautiful gardens and pavilions and of course the tower itself.
Lots of statues, a duty-free store 😂, a large working clock embedded into a flower garden and hiking trails in the forest await your visit.
Visitors can arrive by covered escalators to the landing at the base of the tower, or do as I did, and walk through the forest, admiring the large pine trees, wooden forest animals and dappled sunlight.
Haeundae Beach
Probably the most popular tourist beach in Busan is Haeundae Beach. A wide expanse of soft golden sand and clear water will greet you here.
Walk the 1.5 kilometres from end to end and then hop up onto the esplanade for a completely different experience. Here is a wide path, or a trail system into and under the trees, offering a beautiful landscape to escape the heat and sunshine.
There is a street food area here too, that opens in the afternoon and late into the evenings. Buskers will be out in the summer months, performing on small stages on the sand. This is such a gorgeous coastal area, clean, safe and perfect for a day spent relaxing at the beach.
Lotte Department Store
This may be an odd thing to suggest but hear me out. The Lotte Department Store at Seomyeon is a wonder. Firstly, a quick window shop on all floors, viewing the various luxurious fashions and labels will be of interest to some.
But the best part for me is the two sub-floors of food! You will be absolutely amazed by the grocery department at Lotte. The swank and pomp of the produce section, with their $100 – $350 fruit baskets and specialty fruit are amazing. Kiwi and rose flavoured bananas? 🤯
And two floors of ready to eat food court style space, but not the cheap and nasty food areas of most malls. Here you will find scrumptious things to eat, and all freshly prepared right in front of you. Steaming dumplings, all things sausage and wiener, the list goes on and on.
I sincerely hope this gives you some ideas of things that you may not have been aware of before your visit. I am a very frugal traveller, and will always be on the lookout for free things to do and see no matter where I travel. I’m pleased to pass these onto you, my lovely avid readers.
