Renowned for its trendy cosmopolitan ambience and maritime activities, Busan is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture of South Korea. Enjoy a glimpse of this with visits to the local Culture Center for a beautiful performance. Drive to the Cultural Center to experience the art and beauty of the Korean traditional dance. This unique performance is one of the main attractions of Korea. Traditional Korean music and dance are sophisticated forms that embrace the interplay of hung and mot-form and spirit. The performance includes a selection of regional dances featuring dancers in traditional costume. Visit Yongdusan Park, a favorite relaxation place for the citizens of Busan and a wonderful back-drop for many photo opportunities. Here, you can find 70 different species of trees and view the Busan Tower. The tower was built in 1973 and stands close to 400 feet above the Busan landscape. Travel to the Jagalchi Fish Market which is famous throughout the country and is a great representation of Busan. The Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea's largest seafood market and is where you can see the lifestyle of the indigenous Busan natives. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are Jagalchi Ajumma; 'ajumma' meaning middle-aged or married women. At the conclusion of your tour, if time permits you will have the option of exploring the downtown area on your own or returning straight to the pier.

Enjoy a tour that showcases Busan's main attractions and includes a fascinating look at Korea's tea culture. From the pier, you'll first drive to a near by Temple for a tea ceramony. Here, you will experience and practice the traditional way the Tea Culture is practiced in noble society. It is believed that the Korean tea ceremony was a form of meditation with its aim of purifying the soul and becoming one with nature. Several Confucian scholars shared this belief and as one said, "A cup of tea is the beginning of Zen. Continuing on, you will visit Yongdusan Park. This popular park, which harmoniously blends the Busan Tower and 70 different species of trees, is a favorite relaxation place for the citizens of Busan. Also at Yongdusan is the statue of General Lee Sunsin who was a great commander in Joseon Dynasty period (1392-1910). Marvelous photo opportunities exist at the top of the Busan Tower which soars to just under 400 ft. Afterwards, you'll travel to the Jagalchi Fish Market. The Jagalchi Market is Korea's largest seafood market and is where you can see the lifestyle of the indigenous Busan natives. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are women, so the women who sell here are called 'Jagalchi Ajumma', 'ajumma' meaning middle-aged or married women. This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. At the conclusion of your tour, If time permits, you will have the option of exploring the downtown area on your own or returning directly to the pier.

Visit an ancient Buddhist temple that dates to the Silla Dynasty before returning to Busan for a revealing glimpse into modern daily life at two bustling marketplaces. The temple is Beomeosa, a sprawling complex nestled on a mountainside surrounded by wisteria woods. Many of the buildings date from the 7th and 8th centuries, although after countless invasions they have been repeatedly reconstructed. In all likelihood, you will see the monks praying and chanting in Buddha Hall. A glimpse into two of Busan’s most vibrant markets follows. Refugees of the Korean War started Gukje, which has grown into the country’s largest traditional market. Fresh seafood is the allure of Jagalchi Fish Market, where every imaginable fish and exotic sea creature is displayed on ice. Both markets are excellent venues for people-watching and to observe daily life.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Explore a reconstructed Buddhist temple complex that looks like it did in the 7th century.
• Observe the monks at prayer or practicing an ancient, once-secret Korean martial art.
• Stroll the maze-like aisles in Korea’s largest traditional market.
• Browse countless stalls laden with exotic seafood in Jagalchi Fish Market.

Recognize how the sea greatly influences local life by visiting several representative coastal attractions. Unlike the majority of Buddhist temples, Haedong Yonggungsa was constructed right on the shore in honor of the fact that the Great Goddess Buddha lives in the sea. The temple that stands today is an exact replica of the 14th-century original. The designers of the modern APEC House believe its seaside location provides a calm setting for the meetings and international summits that are held there. Natural light bathes the airy interior, adding to the soothing ambiance. The sea’s bounty will be evident as you browse the Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market. Each morning, fresh fish and every other imaginable marine creature is delivered, iced and displayed in the seemingly endless shops and stalls. Other seafood is kept live in water tanks. Besides its incredible variety of seafood, the market is an excellent venue for people-watching.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a seaside temple that is one of three sacred places related to the Goddess Buddha.
• See South Korea’s modern side at a seaside building used for international summits.
• Browse the stalls of Jagalchi Fish Market, observing the exotic marine creatures.

Learn to prepare the most popular classic Korean dish for your lunch in a hands-on cooking class and browse the country’s largest seafood market, where you may see some of the ingredients displayed. With the assistance of a local chef at the Cooks’ Academy, you will make beef bulgogi, a signature dish of thinly sliced marinated rib-eye steak cooked with hot pepper flakes, ginger, scallions and soy sauce. The ultimate place to buy seafood in Busan is the Jagalchi Fish Market. As you browse the stalls and stores, you can expect to find every imaginable marine creature, including live eels, sea squirts and skates, which are similar to stingrays. The market is also a great venue to people-watch as the locals shop there daily.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Prepare two classic Korean dishes in a hands-on cooking class.
• Dine on the dishes—local versions of classic barbecued beef and a scallion pancake.
• Browse the stalls of Jagalchi Fish Market, observing the exotic marine creatures.

OVERVIEW

See Busan from several different perspectives and come away with an overall understanding of what makes this metropolis so attractive. You will be treated to one of the more unique points of view while crossing the 4.5-mile Gwangan Bridge, the country’s longest suspension bridge. It is among the best places to take in the modern skyline as many of the skyscrapers come right to the edge of the sea. The bridge ends near Haeundae Beach, Busan’s most popular stretch of sand, where you will be free to stroll at your leisure. The beach rims part of Dongbaek Park, an urban oasis named for its dongbaeks, the Korean word for “camellias.” You will soon ascend to the Busan X the Sky observation deck atop a 101-story tower. The views in every direction will be absolutely stunning. A stop at the Cinema Center will present a close-up look at the world’s longest cantilevered roof.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive across South Korea’s longest suspension bridge, an engineering marvel.
• Meander along Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most popular stretches of sand.
• Gaze out over Busan and the sea from the observation deck of a 101-story skyscraper.
• Pause for photos of the Cinema Center, an icon known for its massive cantilevered roof.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.