On the northern part of the Geumjong-gu district at the edge of Mount Geumjeongsan lies Beomeosa Temple. This beautiful Buddhist respite was originally constructed 1,300 years ago under the guidance of monk Ui Sang. Although the original temple was

On the northern part of the Geumjong-gu district at the edge of Mount Geumjeongsan lies Beomeosa Temple. This beautiful Buddhist respite was originally constructed 1,300 years ago under the guidance of monk Ui Sang. Although the original temple was destroyed during the Imjinwaeran Invasion of 1592, renovation efforts proved successful. Today, several structures, such as the DaeWoongJeon Grand Shrine and One Pillar Gate, occupy the gorgeous grounds.

Buddhist teachings and lifestyle are captured in the temple's diverse programming, which includes ceremonial services, monk talks, Zen meditation, Buddhist bead threading, a tea ceremony and tours of the hermitages, among other activities. People of all religions are also invited to participate in Temple Stay, a Buddhist cultural immersion program.

Beomeosa Temple is open year-round. Admission is KRW 500 for children ages 13 and under, KRW 700 for youths ages 14-19 and KRW 1,000 for adults. Special rates are available for groups of 30 or more people.

Housed in a building that was formerly the Oriental Development Company during the Japanese occupation, the Busan Modern History Museum strives to educate visitors on the diverse developments of the port city. Recent exhibitions include Busan After

Housed in a building that was formerly the Oriental Development Company during the Japanese occupation, the Busan Modern History Museum strives to educate visitors on the diverse developments of the port city. Recent exhibitions include Busan After 1876 Opening of a Port, Exploitation of Busan by Japan andKorea-U.S. Relationship.

The Busan Modern History Museum is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Admission is free for all visitors.

Since first opening in 1978, the Busan Museum continues to bring its organizational mission to the masses by preserving and promoting the history of Busan and other world cultures. In 2002, the museum underwent a major expansion, creating a more

Since first opening in 1978, the Busan Museum continues to bring its organizational mission to the masses by preserving and promoting the history of Busan and other world cultures. In 2002, the museum underwent a major expansion, creating a more modern space to showcase its comprehensive collection of archeological artifacts, paintings, ceramics and other interesting items. Today, special exhibitions extend beyond the borders of Busan, with recent focuses including gold treasures from the Han period and the civilization of Egypt.

The Busan Museum is open March to October from 9 AM to 6 PM and November to February from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under, KRW 300 for youths ages 13-19 and KRW 500 for adults. Every Saturday is free for all visitors. Special rates are available for groups.

A major commercial and recreational district situated on the eastern part of Busan, Haeundae Beach boasts nearly seven miles of coastline between east and west and nearly seven miles between north and south. Good times are guaranteed at the beach,

A major commercial and recreational district situated on the eastern part of Busan, Haeundae Beach boasts nearly seven miles of coastline between east and west and nearly seven miles between north and south. Good times are guaranteed at the beach, thanks to the numerous attractions and activities in the area. Popular points of interest include the Busan Aquarium, Yachting Center, Haeundae Hot Spring, Songjeong Beach and Dongbaek Island.

As for big events, the Haemaji Festival (New Year's Festival), the Busan Biennale and the Busan International Film Festival are just a few that attract the crowds each year to Haeundae. Shopping is also an adventure, with Paradise Duty Free Shop, Save Zone and the Haeundae Traditional Market among the options for retail therapy.

Haeundae Beach is also home to the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, or BEXCO, the leading venue for meetings and events in the city.

Located on Dalmaji Hill, the Korea Art Gallery is quickly becoming one of the most popular contemporary art institutions in Busan. Founded in 1999, the gallery contains four floors of exhibition space and lives up to its mission of exposing and

Located on Dalmaji Hill, the Korea Art Gallery is quickly becoming one of the most popular contemporary art institutions in Busan. Founded in 1999, the gallery contains four floors of exhibition space and lives up to its mission of exposing and promoting internationally established artists.

About to become even more impressive, the Korea Art Gallery is on the verge of expanding its Busan location with a museum-scale exhibition space designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. This expansion will further solidify Busan's place as Korea's government-designated art capital.

The Korea Art Gallery can be booked for group functions. It is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

The Busan City Bus Tour offers visitors a leisurely way to learn more about the 2nd largest metropolis in Korea. The exploration begins at the Busan Station, where groups board the bus that will travel to such key attractions as the Busan Museum,

The Busan City Bus Tour offers visitors a leisurely way to learn more about the 2nd largest metropolis in Korea. The exploration begins at the Busan Station, where groups board the bus that will travel to such key attractions as the Busan Museum, Nurimaru APEC House, Busan Aquarium, Busan Museum of Modern Art, Gwangan Bridge, Yongdusan Park, and Jalgachi Market, among other highlights. The hop-on, hop-off tour experiences allows people to sightsee at their own pace.

The Busan City Bus leaves every 40 minutes from Busan Station. Travel time for a complete typical tour is one hour and 40 minutes. Fare for the Busan City Bus Tour is KRW 5,000 for children and teens and KRW 10,000 for adults. Special group rates are also available.

Home to the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, Busan Metropolitan Dance Company, Busan Metropolitan Chorus, Busan Metropolitan Theatre Company and other arts organizations, the Busan Cultural Center has top billing when it comes to staging world-class

Home to the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, Busan Metropolitan Dance Company, Busan Metropolitan Chorus, Busan Metropolitan Theatre Company and other arts organizations, the Busan Cultural Center has top billing when it comes to staging world-class performances and productions in the city. Architects drew inspiration from the traditional Korean house, modeling the center's beautiful three-building complex after one. The Main Theater rests at the center and a medium theater and smaller theater flank each side similar to sarangche, or detached houses.

The Busan Cultural Center offers the space and infrastructure to host exhibitions, conferences and meetings. Among the possible venues for group events are the Grand Gallery, Medium Gallery, 128-seat Conference Hall and the 600-seat Outdoor Amphitheater. The Main Theater, Medium Theater and Small Theater are also available for rental.

Hours and ticket prices vary based on performance. Free performances are offered every Saturday.

Combining business with pleasure is a possibility aboard the Tiffany 21, an elegant cruise ship that caters to the meetings, conventions and special events market. While onboard, passengers can enjoy a unique vantage point of Busan from the water

Combining business with pleasure is a possibility aboard the Tiffany 21, an elegant cruise ship that caters to the meetings, conventions and special events market. While onboard, passengers can enjoy a unique vantage point of Busan from the water while dining on a seafood buffet, watching a concert, singing karaoke or mingling with other guests on the open plaza. While tour operator Covea Cruise can create custom tours, the typical route travels by Dongbaek Island, Haeundae, Gwangan Grand Bridge, Igidae and the Orykudo Islets.

The Tiffany 21 accommodates parties up to 300 people. On-site facilities include a stage, a conference room with audio-visual capabilities and a movie room.

Cruises originate from the Busan Coastal Ferry Terminal. Day cruises depart at 12:30 PM and evening cruises depart at 6:30 PM. Prices vary based on experience.

Shopping central is located in downtown Busan on the streets that surround the busy Gukje Market district. The historic retail area has survived and thrived through the years, enduring first the liberation of Korea and then the Korean War. Today,

Shopping central is located in downtown Busan on the streets that surround the busy Gukje Market district. The historic retail area has survived and thrived through the years, enduring first the liberation of Korea and then the Korean War. Today, visitors to Gukje will encounter all types of vendors selling everything from traditional Korean goods to jewelry and clothing to original crafts.

If buying souvenirs strikes up an appetite, visitors can take advantage of plenty of quaint and inexpensive restaurants in the area. One place to note is Mokja Golmok, better known as "Let's Eat Alley." As evening approaches, the nightclubs and bars in the area begin to attract a lively crowd of people, many of whom stay until the early hours.

As Korea's largest seafood market, the Jagalchi Market is famous throughout the country for its astounding array of fresh fish. Vendors, mainly women, can be found selling everything from dried fish to shellfish, mackerel to sea squirts to whale meat

As Korea's largest seafood market, the Jagalchi Market is famous throughout the country for its astounding array of fresh fish. Vendors, mainly women, can be found selling everything from dried fish to shellfish, mackerel to sea squirts to whale meat on wooden boxes along the narrow roads next to Pusan Harbor.

Along with the extraordinary selection of seafood, visitors will get a sneak peek into the lives of the indigenous Busan natives who work in Jagalchi Market. Visitors during the month of October can also enjoy the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival, which celebrates the area and its products.

Jagalchi Market is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Busan's hot spot for youth, music and energy is MURPII. Located in the Novotel Ambassador Hotel, the club features DJs, a large dance floor, popular live music acts and private karaoke rooms where friends can let loose and channel their inner

Busan's hot spot for youth, music and energy is MURPII. Located in the Novotel Ambassador Hotel, the club features DJs, a large dance floor, popular live music acts and private karaoke rooms where friends can let loose and channel their inner crooner. The club strives to bring about a new culture, provide maximum excitement and host the hottest music for Busan's young and hip. Since its opening, it has quickly become the trendiest spot on Busan's coastline.

MURPII is open from Sunday through Thursday from 6 PM to 2 AM and Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 5 AM.

Host to the celebrated Pusan International Film Festival, this lively district lives up to its reputation as one of the city's most exciting boroughs. Much like Hollywood's Walk of Fame, the sidewalks along Nampo-dong Street are lined with copper

Host to the celebrated Pusan International Film Festival, this lively district lives up to its reputation as one of the city's most exciting boroughs. Much like Hollywood's Walk of Fame, the sidewalks along Nampo-dong Street are lined with copper plates imprinted with the hand and foot prints of winners from the festival.

Here, visitors will also find an eclectic mix of movie theaters and playhouses mingled in with shops and eateries. Also nearby are the Jagalchi Fish Market and the Choryang Arcade for Foreigners. Travelers arriving in Busan in October should not miss screening some of the renowned festival's films at local theaters along Nampo-dong Street.

Whether dancing or socializing, Starface provides the perfect casual space for enjoying a night out in Busan's Haeundae neighborhood. This friendly neighborhood bar features drink specials, live music acts and pool tables amidst a comfortable setting

Whether dancing or socializing, Starface provides the perfect casual space for enjoying a night out in Busan's Haeundae neighborhood. This friendly neighborhood bar features drink specials, live music acts and pool tables amidst a comfortable setting with plenty of room to lounge and talk with friends. Starface is a popular hangout for Americans in the area and features local bands consisting largely of expatriates. Also notable is Starface's Friday night all-you-can-drink special for KRW 15,000.

Starface is open daily from 7 PM to 4 AM.

One of Busan's longest-running clubs is Vinyl Underground. With its high ceilings, funky rhythms and popular dance floor, Vinyl Underground has proven to be the standard bearer for Busan nightlife and remains popular with locals and visitors alike.

One of Busan's longest-running clubs is Vinyl Underground. With its high ceilings, funky rhythms and popular dance floor, Vinyl Underground has proven to be the standard bearer for Busan nightlife and remains popular with locals and visitors alike. The club features live music on weekends and offers drink specials for reasonable prices. Visitors can easily identify the club by its large sign featuring Andy Warhol's painting of a banana.

Vinyl Underground is open from daily from 6 PM to 2 AM.

For a little taste of Turkey in the heart of Busan, visitors can head over to Cappadocia. After opening its doors in 2006, this trendy eatery has become increasingly popular with locals and tourists alike. Guests dine on a fusion of both Asian and

For a little taste of Turkey in the heart of Busan, visitors can head over to Cappadocia. After opening its doors in 2006, this trendy eatery has become increasingly popular with locals and tourists alike. Guests dine on a fusion of both Asian and Turkish cuisine with selections such as the popular Kimchi kebab.

At Cappadocia, guests not only enjoy a great meal, but are offered a chance to learn about Turkish culture thanks to on-site books and other visuals. Korea and Turkey have a long history of being "brother countries." The two were allies during the Korean War and both participated in the 2002 World Cup.

The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM. Entrees average KRW 7,000.

With several locations across Asia, Coca Suki caters to those craving a taste of Thailand. The quintessential Thai restaurant in Busan, Coca Suki has been serving up its delectable specialties for 50 years. Its dish du jour is called the Shabu Shabu,

With several locations across Asia, Coca Suki caters to those craving a taste of Thailand. The quintessential Thai restaurant in Busan, Coca Suki has been serving up its delectable specialties for 50 years. Its dish du jour is called the Shabu Shabu, a steamboat specialty that combines fresh seafood with organic vegetables and fish balls in a delicious soup. Other menu highlights include Kow Pad Talay, or Thai-style fried rice with seafood, and Yum Woon Sen, a Chinese rice noodle salad with shrimp. Upstairs on the third floor, guests will find dishes served from the three different provinces of Thailand.

Coca Suki is open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Entrees range from KRW 15,000 to KRW 30,000.

Situated inside the luxurious Paradise Hotel Busan, the trendy restaurant Kaya specializes in Korean cuisine. Menu highlights include popular fare, such as Bulgolgi, Galbi, Bibimbap and of course the country's signature creation Kimchi. The chef's

Situated inside the luxurious Paradise Hotel Busan, the trendy restaurant Kaya specializes in Korean cuisine. Menu highlights include popular fare, such as Bulgolgi, Galbi, Bibimbap and of course the country's signature creation Kimchi. The chef's special Jeyuk Bossum, a seasoned pork wrap, is also highly recommended. In the evening, patrons are treated to entertaining performances showcasing the traditional Korean instruments of the Kayakeum and the Haekeum.

For private dining, Kaya offers two Ondol-style rooms. One spacious room seats 38 guests, while the other more intimate venue accommodates parties of up to six people.

Kaya serves lunch from noon to 5 PM and dinner from 6 to 11 PM.

Located in Haeundae Beach in a three-story log cabin, Morning Calm is a restaurant known for its savory steak and seafood selections, such as lobster, tenderloin steak and grilled prawns. Discerning guests will find the plates pleasing to the palate

Located in Haeundae Beach in a three-story log cabin, Morning Calm is a restaurant known for its savory steak and seafood selections, such as lobster, tenderloin steak and grilled prawns. Discerning guests will find the plates pleasing to the palate and the ocean views a welcome addition to any meal. Oenophiles will be glad to know the knowledgeable staff is happy to provide pairing recommendations.

Morning Calm accommodates up to 100 guests. Entrees average between KRW 35,000 and KRW 45,000.

Another dining destination at the Paradise Hotel Busan is Sakae, a fine choice for those craving fresh sushi and other Japanese specialties. Recently opened with a new, creative interior and improved menu, Sakae boasts a sleek look accented by cream

Another dining destination at the Paradise Hotel Busan is Sakae, a fine choice for those craving fresh sushi and other Japanese specialties. Recently opened with a new, creative interior and improved menu, Sakae boasts a sleek look accented by cream and red walls and decor. Among the popular plates are the Purple Puffer Dish and the Yeongdeok King Crab.

Sakae can accommodate group gatherings in its special Hot Stone Floor Rooms. One room can accommodate 18 people and three rooms can fit parties of up to six people each. All in all, the restaurant seats 117 people.

The restaurant serves lunch from noon to 5 PM and dinner from 6 to 11 PM. Breakfast is served daily from 7 to 10 AM.

Families and archeology enthusiasts will appreciate spending time at the Bokcheon-dong Museum, where remarkable excavation finds from the tombs of Bokcheon-dong are on display. From earthernware to armor to accessories, the burial findings are

Families and archeology enthusiasts will appreciate spending time at the Bokcheon-dong Museum, where remarkable excavation finds from the tombs of Bokcheon-dong are on display. From earthernware to armor to accessories, the burial findings are expected to offer insight to the mysterious Gaya kingdom and the origin of ancient cultures in Japan.

With items spanning the prehistoric age to the Three Kingdoms Era, the museum features various exhibitions, including displays on tomb styles over time. An outdoor exhibition hall is dedicated to exploring burial customs.

The Bokcheon-dong Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, March to October, from 9 AM to 6 PM and Tuesday through Sunday, November to February, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is KRW 200 for children, KRW 300 for teens and KRW 500 for adults. Special rates are available for groups.

Situated on Haeundae Beach, the Busan Aquarium is an aquatic fantasy come true with its kaleidoscope of marine life and other colorful creatures on view. Among the 35,000 animals that consider the aquarium home are sharks, piranhas, penguins, sea

Situated on Haeundae Beach, the Busan Aquarium is an aquatic fantasy come true with its kaleidoscope of marine life and other colorful creatures on view. Among the 35,000 animals that consider the aquarium home are sharks, piranhas, penguins, sea otters and more, all of which inhabit the 40 separate exhibits. Educational programs and entertainment allow for further exploration. The 80-meter-long underwater tunnel stands out as one of the major attractions allowing visitors to feel as though they are walking the ocean floor with sharks, octopus, stone fish and more swimming above them.

The aquarium is available for private events. The Busan Aquarium is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 9 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM. During high season from July 14 to August 26, the aquarium stays open Saturday and Sunday until 10 PM. Admission is KRW 11,000 for children ages 4-13, KRW 13,500 for youths ages 12-19 and KRW 16,000 for adults. Group rates are available.

Golfers of all levels can spend time practicing their game at a number of courses throughout Busan. The Asiad Country Club, featuring the Lake Course, Pine Course and Valley Course, is one of the most popular and famous places for play. Each is a

Golfers of all levels can spend time practicing their game at a number of courses throughout Busan. The Asiad Country Club, featuring the Lake Course, Pine Course and Valley Course, is one of the most popular and famous places for play. Each is a nine-hole, par-36 course. Views of the East Sea coupled with the lush green natural landscape make for a scenic afternoon.

Facilities at the Asiad Country Club include a clubhouse, teahouse and golf practice range. Private lessons are also available. Green fees vary. Other Busan golf courses include the Kaya Country Club and the Dong Nae Country Club.

The scenic beauty of the Oryukdo Islets looks different depending on the level of the tide. The name of the striking rock formations explains it all, with Oryukdo, meaning "five or six islands," a reference to the number of islands that appear at any

The scenic beauty of the Oryukdo Islets looks different depending on the level of the tide. The name of the striking rock formations explains it all, with Oryukdo, meaning "five or six islands," a reference to the number of islands that appear at any given time. During low tide, the causeway between Bangpaesom and Solsom islands is visible, giving the illusion of one single island, versus high tide when the causeway is camouflaged showing both islands and their smaller counterparts as separate entities.

Curious onlookers can get a better view of the islands on board a ferry that departs hourly on weekdays and every half-hour on weekends from Mipo Dock. The ride lasts one hour and 12 minutes and also offers views of Dongbakedo Island, the Yacht Race Reserve and Yohodong Cliff. The price of the ferry ride is KRW 6,600 during the day and KRW 4,500 at night for children ages 5-12, and KRW 9,900 during the day and KRW 7,700 at night for passengers ages 13 and up.

A relaxing respite for the people of Busan, Yongdusan Park is a 69,000-square-meter breath of fresh air in the city. In addition to the beautiful collection of 70 different types of trees, the park's most notable attraction is the 120-meter-high

A relaxing respite for the people of Busan, Yongdusan Park is a 69,000-square-meter breath of fresh air in the city. In addition to the beautiful collection of 70 different types of trees, the park's most notable attraction is the 120-meter-high Busan Tower, which offers stunning views of the city. The park also features a statue of General Lee Sunsin, a commander from the Joseon Dynasty, along with a monument to the student's anti-government revolt. Nearby attractions include the Busan Aquarium and Jagalchi Market.

Yongdusan Park is open year-round. Schedules and fees for attractions vary.