Pusan

INTRO
Pusan or more familiar Busan is the largest trading port in Korea and an international metropolis, while in the past it was even Korean capital for some time. It is very popular partly due to fact that is was a host city to many sport events like 2002 Asian Games, 2002 FIFA World Cup, APEC 2005 and recently gained fame for being a host of the 2020 Summer Olympics Games.

City Profile
City: Pusan
Country: Republic of Korea
Area: 763.46 km2
Population: 3,635,389
Mayor: Hur Nam-sik

LOCATION
Pusan is located on the most south-eastern tip of the Korean peninsula, in South Kyongsang Province. Its position makes it a perfect trading center and port for international cargo to Japan and the nearest islands.

TIME TO VISIT
The Republic of Korea has four seasons, as the hot and humid summer is a pick for tourists. However keep in mind that the East-Asian Monsoon, called "Changma" continues for around 30 days and is associated with heavy rains that can lead to natural disasters. Annually Korea has 2-3 typhoons from June to October. Autumns and springs are pleasant and not as hot as the summers (usually around 32C), while the winters are not too cold as well - the average temperature is 3.8°C. Generally Pusan is a year-round destination.

POPULATION
Statistics from 2006 show that the population is from 3,635,389 up to nearly 4 millions. Having in mind its area of 763,46km, we can easily imagine the density of Busan. Most people came to Pusan after the Korean War, which lead to this major leap.

DISTRICTS
Pusan is divided into 15 districts, called "gu" and one county called "gun"

Gijang-gun - It is known as a rural district and due to its position along the coast of Sea of Japan, it also is known as a center of sea food. It is of great significance for the agriculture. Its terrain is hilly with forests and fields. With an area of 217.9 km2, it is the largest district.
Nam-gu - this district is also on the coast of Sea of Japan and is actually forming a peninsula. Its area contains seven islands, none of them inhabited, because they are so tiny that their total area is only 0.3 km2. On the territory of Nam-gu are located 6 universities and several high schools.
Haeundae-gu - the district contains around 10% of the population and it is highly developed. Many people consider its beach for the best in Korea which makes it number 1 destination.
Geumjeong-gu - it connect Busan with the rest of Korea through a highway and major bus terminal. 75% of its area is mountains and building there is restricted. It is curious because 7.5% of the population lives there cuddled in the valley of the Oncheoncheon, highly concentrated.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

Yongdusan Park (Busan Tower) - the park is a great place to rest from all the city concrete jungle. People of all ages may be seen here as well as relaxing locals and curious tourists. The tower rises at 118 m above sea level and on its top there is an observatory desk from which on a clear day you may even see Japan. http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/pusan/140
Geumjeongsanseong Mountain Fortress - the largest fortress in Korea, it astonishes visitors with its ancient spirit and amazing panorama from the top. It won't be easy to climb to there but it will be worth it when you get there. And while you are there you better also see.
Beomeosa Temple - on the top of the mountain, Beomeosa is 1.300-years-old Buddhist temple. The Threestory Pagoda and the main hall called Daeungjeon are ancient and sacred relics that are very precious and interesting to see. http://www.beomeosa.co.kr/
Busan Aquarium - the aquarium is extremely large and it was an expensive project of Australian and Korean team. However its fees are not high at all - they vary from 9 won to 15 won, depending on your age or whether you are with a group or single. The aquarium contains more than 35.000 animals along with visitors' favorite - a giant turtle and almost 3 meters long shark. It can be reached by subway line2. http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/pusan/346
Haeundae Beach - famous with its hot springs and white sands, the beach is the most famous one in Pusan. It is curious to watch the weddings and birthday parties that the nearby hotels organize. http://english.tour2korea.com/sightseeing/destination/depth04.asp?oid=&sightseeing_id=373&ADDRESS_1=8551&ADDRESS_2=&sight=sightseeing
UN Memorial Cemetery - Pusan's cemetery is the only one that is under the auspices of the United Nations. There are berried the soldiers from the Korean War and flags from 22 nations rise in honor. Tourists may see the UN Memorial Worship and Exhibition Hall, as well as the UN sculpture park, where each country has own sculpture that holds some message to the world - like peace, hope, silence, fate, harmony etc. http://unmck.or.kr/eng/park/intro/park_in_object.htm
Taejongdae resort - the resort is a park with a white lighthouse which color contract very nicely with the green waters below. You can enjoy eating sea food there or ride a horse or rent a boat. There is a ferry-boat service and inside a shuttle bus from the shops to the lighthouse. Tickets cost 600 won for adults, 300 for youths and little children go free. http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/pusan/312

AIRPORT

Busan Gimhae International Airport is located 22 km west from Busanand it close to some tourist destinations. It serves around 9 millions passengers per year and has mainly flights around the country and around Asia. There are regular buses to the city that will cost around 5000 won. A taxi will take you 15 000 won. Domestic flights ticket vary from 60 000 to 80 000 won.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Subway: there are two lines in Busan, both very new and clean and extremely convenient of course. The underground is the easiest way to travel around Pusan and except the islands you can reach every tourist destination with it. The prices vary from W1,100 or 1,300 depending where you going.
By taxi: they are not as useful as the subway because of Pusan's heavy traffic and many jams. They go by a meter and usually tax W1800 for the first two km, after that 100 won for every 169m. There are some luxury taxis which are red and black that cost double.
Buses: they go to the tourist destination and don't cost much - around 1000 won. But again due to the traffic they are not very convenient.
Rental cars: There are very expensive, range from W 35 000 and above. There are many agencies that provide this service.

HISTORY
From 15th Century Pusan was established as a trade port with Japan until 1592, when Japanese invaded in Korea. During the invasion Pusan was a refugee camp because it has never fallen under North Korean communism. Through the Korean War, the city was one of the few who remained under control of South Korea and even was a capital for a while. In 1950 the United Nations made a defensive perimeter around the city and since then Pusan is a metropolis which is self-governing.

CITY LINKS

Very useful site about traveling in Pusan: http://tour.busan.go.kr/eng/
Pusan Metropolitan Government http://english.busan.go.kr/index.jsp
Port of Pusan: http://www.busanport.com/service?id=en_index
Map of Pusan http://www.seoulsearching.com/grfx/maps/mapbusan.gif

UNIVERSITY LINKS

Pusan National University http://www.pusan.ac.kr/pusan_eng/pnu_eng/index/main.asp
Pukyong National University http://www.pknu.ac.kr/eng/
Dong-A University http://english.donga.ac.kr/
Catholic University of Pusan http://english.cup.ac.kr/
Pusan University of Foreign Studies http://eng.pufs.ac.kr/
Youngsan University http://www.ysu.ac.kr/eng/