Travel plan for a 3-day Busan Modern Architecture Tour
Introduction:
Busan is a bustling coastal city in the south of South Korea, known for its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and modern architecture. This itinerary focuses specifically on exploring Busan’s modern architectural masterpieces in just three days.
Day 1:
Morning:
– Accommodation: Check into your hotel in the Haeundae Beach area, which serves as an excellent base for exploring Busan’s modern architectural attractions. The Park Hyatt Busan and the Hilton Busan are some top-notch luxury options in this area.
– Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Lili Marlene Cafe, which is near Haeundae Beach. Try their egg benedict, pancakes or Korean-style breakfast options.
– Explore the Busan Cinema Center: Take the subway or taxi to the Busan Cinema Center, a stunning complex designed by Austrian architects Coop Himmelb(l)au. Marvel at the innovative design of the center’s main auditorium, which boasts a giant LED screen spanning an entire facade. Also, there are outdoor staircases, amphitheaters, and event spaces here to explore.
– Lunch: Grab lunch at 3F Green, located within the Busan Cinema Center. This mid-range restaurant offers a variety of Korean dishes, Japanese-style sushi rolls and salads.
– The world’s biggest departmental store: Head to the nearby Shinsegae Centum City, the largest department store in the world. Not many know that there are some unique features of this shopping center, including the world’s largest indoor ice rink, a golf course, and a Spaland with various hot and cold baths and saunas.
Afternoon:
– By the sea: Walk to Nurimaru APEC House, a stunning building designed by the American architect Robert Stern. This building is located on Dongbaek Island, which offers lovely walking trails overlooking the ocean.
– Snacks: Head to the nearby APEC house tea house for some tea and light snacks.
– Sunset: End the day with sunset views over the Gwangan Bridge, located nearby. This bridge is known for its colorful light shows at night but the sunsets over it are equally impressive. If you’re in Busan from October to early November, you can enjoy the Busan Fireworks festival which happens over a few days, and Gwangan Bridge is one of the fireworks viewing points.
Day 2:
Morning:
– Breakfast: Try Korean-style breakfast food at Hakdong Ja Yang Myun, a famous breakfast spot in the heart of the city. They serve special Ja Yang Myun (spicy noodles) but if spice is not your thing, go for their dumplings or cold noodle soup.
– Gamcheon Cultural Village: Take the subway or bus to Gamcheon Culture Village, a unique collection of colorful houses built along steep, winding streets. It’s a photogenic spot and provides great views of the city. The area also has small cafés, boutiques, and art galleries.
– One of a kind chapel: Head to the chapel at Catholic University of Busan, a beautiful, distinctive building designed by famous architect Kim Swoo Geun. Its unique shape and the design is inspired by the folds of a piece of paper. It’s free to visit but check online for opening hours.
– Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the nearby Seongsan Market. A great place to try Korean street food, including Gimbap (Korean sushi rolls), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and a multitude of seafood products. You can also wander around the market to purchase some Korean street-style clothes or souvenirs.
Afternoon:
– Creative Culture: Head to the F1963 Village, a fascinating arts and culture district created from an old industrial site. Enjoy the many unique art installations, galleries, and interesting buildings within this creative space.
– Get lost in art: Visit the Busan Museum of Art, located nearby. Here, you can appreciate a collection of Korean contemporary art, and the museum building’s design is quite impressive, with an innovative structure of glass and steel.
– Souvenir shop: Check out the cultural complex of Lotte Department Store in Seomyeon. You can grab some souvenirs or head to their food and beverage area to try some Korean-style dessert.
Day 3:
Morning:
– Breakfast: Head to The Kitchen a famous breakfast spot in the busy area of Seomyeon. This restaurant is known for its Brunch Big Breakfast, Pasta and salads, but they also offer some Korean-style breakfast options.
– Bridge hopping: Take a taxi or bus to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the most scenic temples in Korea. This temple is unique in that it’s built right on the edge of the ocean. You can witness some stunning vistas of the East Sea and the surrounding hills, bridges, and temples from here.
– Industrial Era: Head back to Busan and visit the old Suyeong Sajeok Park Station, one of the last remaining symbols of Busan’s early modernization period. You can wander around the railway tracks and enjoy free exhibitions and restored trains and trams in this park. If interested, you can also take a train ride that runs inside the park’s premises.
– Lunch: Head to the PNU (Pusan National University) area, which has many affordable lunch options including several Korean restaurants, street food vendors, and some of the chain eateries like KFC or McDonald’s in Korea.
Afternoon:
– A different side to Busan: End your Busan architecture trip with a visit to the Saenamteo neighborhood, which has become a hub for Busan’s creatives and artists. Explore the many studios, shops, and galleries along the narrow sloping streets. It’s a must-visit if you’re interested in traditional Korean crafts and arts. The Gukje Market is also nearby if you have some shopping to do.
– Dinner: Enjoy a Korean barbecue at Hi-Maat-Nae restaurant. The restaurant doesn’t have an English menu but their Bibimbap and Korean BBQ are highly recommended. You might have to put your Korean skills to test while ordering the food.
– Nightlife: End your last night in Busan with a visit to the trendy Gwangalli Beach area, where you’ll find many bars, pubs, and nightclubs.
FAQs
Q. Is it easy to get around in Busan?
Yes, Busan has a well-developed public transportation system, including a subway, buses and taxis. Most signs will have Korean and English information, so navigating around cities is generally not too difficult. Taxis are easily available and typically affordable.
Q. What’s the best way to get around Busan?
Using a combination of taxis, buses, and the subway can help you get around most of the city’s spots. The subway is generally the cheapest way to navigate and the widespread road network ensures that buses and taxis are very accessible. For some more scenic spots that are far from the subway or bus stops, hiring a taxi or private car might be the most convenient option.
Q. What’s the best time to visit Busan?
The best time to visit Busan is during the Spring and Autumn, specifically between March and May, and September to November. This is when temperatures are mild, and the skies are clear. However, also note that Busan is a year-round destination, and each season has its own unique charm.
Q. What kind of food should I try in Busan?
Busan is known for its seafood, and there are plenty of places to try fresh catch. Some of the must-try local specialties include Sashimi, Eomuk (Korean Fish cake), and Busan-style Gukbap (Rice soup).
