Around the country

The cities, one by one

Pick a city: you get what makes it special, how to get there from Seoul, and the places genuinely worth the trip.

Busan

부산

The country's second city and its largest port. It has the energy of a metropolis but with the sea everywhere, a milder climate and a looseness Seoul doesn't have. Mountains to the north, beaches to the east, legendary markets in the middle — and a metro connecting all of it.

Getting thereKTX from Seoul, about 2 h 30. Once there, four metro lines cover the city — more reliable than buses, as traffic is every bit as bad as in Seoul.

Jagalchi Market

자갈치시장

The country's largest fish market and a national institution. Pick your fish downstairs, they cook it for you upstairs.

Metro line 1, Jagalchi station · Maps ↗

Gamcheon Culture Village

감천문화마을

Multicoloured houses stacked up a hillside, turned into an artists' village. Wear comfortable shoes — it climbs.

Metro to Toseong, then local bus · Maps ↗

Haeundae Beach

해운대

Korea's most famous beach, framed by skyscrapers. Packed in summer; off-season the coastal walk is still lovely.

Metro line 2, Haeundae station · Maps ↗

Beomeosa Temple

범어사

A large Buddhist temple clinging to Geumjeongsan mountain, founded in the 7th century. The contrast with the city below is striking.

Metro line 1 to Beomeosa, then bus · Maps ↗

Nampodong district

남포동

The shopping and entertainment quarter in the south. Pedestrian streets, street food and cinemas — this is where the city goes out.

Metro line 1, Nampo station · Maps ↗