Always on the lookout for interesting and of course budget friendly things to see in any destination is goal of mine. As is creating these posts to help other travellers discover places that are perhaps of interest and often over looked. Here are 5 free things to do in Busan Korea that I found particularly unique.
Busanjin Fortress
Built by the Japanese in 1593, one year following their invasion and capture of Korea. Prior to this, there was a Korean Naval fort here. The fortress commands a high post on top of a hill that overlooks the port and a strategic stronghold for the city.
After the Japanese invasion ended in 1598, the Korean Navy took back control of the fortress, and in 1842 built a pavilion at the highest point. During Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, this pavilion was destroyed. The beautiful replacement we see today is one reconstructed in 1974.
My favourite part of the fortress is the massive centuries old walls that rise up from the underbrush. I walked close to these seeing if I could find any old Japanese inscriptions in the stones, and indeed I was successful. One can hike all around this hill today, both in the forest on trails and on a paved path.
BIFF Square
Standing for Busan International Film Festival, BIFF Square is an area of the city that is full of entertainment and food. All along the main avenue, are various bronze plaques of Korean movie stars with their embedded hand prints, much like the Hollywood Stars in Los Angeles.
Various statuary around the connecting streets commemorates Korean film and entertainment. During the later part of each day and into the evenings, the food scene here is vibrant and busy offering visitors all sorts of delicious treats. Even if you are not purchasing anything, the array is a feast for the eyes.
Walk around any time of day and enjoy this unique area of Busan that celebrates Korean entertainers.
Orbicular Gabbro
Located inside the Busan National Geopark, are a series of rock formations from the Cretaceous Period. These dark rocks were formed when the lava slowly cooled, trapping minerals inside them. As each mineral cooled, it formed an external layer of minerals and the end result is a unique ball called an orbicular gabbro. These ones, are particularly special as they represent the first discovery of its kind in all of Asia.
Hike through the forest from a multitude of directions to the wooden platforms that surround these massive boulders. The gabbro can be seen with a keen eye. I would not suggest this for solo female’s, however if you can find a friend or companion, this forest will be safe for you.
Further down the wooden stairs and towards the university, there is a platform with all sorts of displays and information boards about the geology of the region.
Ami-dong Tombstone Village
Completely free, travel to this village by metro and have a look at a living museum. In the 1950’s, when Japan invaded Korea, people fled from all over the country to Busan, as it was one of only two cities that was never captured by the Japanese.
These refugees had no where to live, so the city of Busan gave them the land of an abandoned Japanese cemetery on a steep mountainside. Having to use every resource available, the people used the tombstones to build their retaining walls, foundations for their home’s and staircases winding up the mountainside.
Today, visitors can walk through this eclectic and charming village, and see evidence of these tombstones embedded into the walls and stairs. There is even a sweet little museum that you can enter and learn interesting facts from.
Busan Citizens Park
If I can recommend only one park in Busan, it would be this one. Its large size and number of amenities is truly astounding. Come for the day, have a picnic. Wander through flower gardens and the extensive trail system.
There is a sandy area complete with beach umbrellas, multiple places to sit or kick back all over the park. A gorgeous Korean style pavilion overlooks a large pond filled with carp that you can feed. 🐟
Children will enjoy the huge tree house style playground that blends beautifully into this public green space. Adults looking to exercise can use the rubber trail for running or one of many outdoor gyms. There is even a café and book store in one corner that used to be the headquarters of the US military.
I hope this gives you an idea of some of the things to be seen and experienced here in Busan. I have been blown away by this city. There is just so much to see and do and much of it won’t cost you a dime. I love Busan and feel I have barely touched the tip of the iceberg. I cannot wait until I return one day to explore another neighbourhood.
