BUSAN

BUSAN makes a great alternative to Seoul for entering Korea. Getting in and around on the subway was a breeze. Many of its sights are walkable. The people are more laidback (by Korean standards anyway…). Food of course rocks. Access by ferry from Japan. And one of the country’s finest temples is a couple of hours away in the mountains.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN dragon Haedong Yonggung Temple buddhist seaside temple religion asia — South Korea's second biggest city, Busan, is a lot more user-friendly than Seoul.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN street scene art skewers downtown hip area shopping town asia — It has no shortage of funky, areas and upmarket shops, but without the population crush.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Haedong Yonggung Temple buddhist seaside temple religion asia — There are several interesting Buddhist temples, some like Haedong Yonggung Temple are scenically located by the sea.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Jagalchi Market trade commerce seafood tourists fish Asia — But Busan's most famous attraction is Jagalchi seafood market.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Jagalchi Market trade commerce seafood tourists fish — All manner of weird and (?)wonderful things from the ocean are peddled here. You can order fresh from the market and eat upstairs.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Jagalchi Market trade commerce seafood tourists fish — The market(s?) sprawls out of buildings, into the street, round corners and down roads. All along, stalls sell freshly cooked stuff.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Jagalchi Market dried goods for sale trade commerce seafood tourists fish — It's hard to tell where one market ends and the next begins. There are hours of wanderings to be done.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Jagalchi Market delivery bike rider overloaded motorcycle trade commerce seafood tourists fish — Some folks are stern and serious, a common trait in Korea, others more relaxed and welcoming.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN street scene street food food cart vendor downtown hip area shopping town asia — And downtown Busan has an incredible array of eateries too. Over-eating in Korea is a risk!

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Haedong Yonggung Temple buddhist seaside temple religion asia — Getting out to Busan's temples and places is so easy, thanks to Naver Mapp app, which actually covers the whole country.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA river Hadong Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — So, when you want to get out to the countryside, ask your app, and you'll be bussing along in no time.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA temple grounds and mountain views Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — One of the best places to visit not so far from Busan is Ssanggyesa (temple) in the Jirisan mountain area.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA rock god statue Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — The temple was originally founded in 772.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN Haedong Yonggung Temple buddhist seaside temple religion asia — Invading Japanese forces destroyed most of the original buildings in the 7 Year Wars of the 1590s.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA gates painting colour Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — What you see now dates from the 17th century.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA murals paintings colourful tales Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — Set beatifully in the hills, with many halls over a large area, the temple is a typical, but fine example of eastern Buddhist architecture.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA murals paintings colourful tales Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — Lots of bright colours, murals, ornate ceilings, dragons and fish.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA murals paintings colourful tales Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — Beyond the temple are higher peaks of Jirisan National Park, including some of Korea's best hiking.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA tea plantation Hadong village scene Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — At town at the base of the temple hosts hotels along the sakura-lined river.

SOUTH KOREA SSANGGYESA local produce restaurant meal wild greens mushrooms Buddhist temple mountains Jirisan — The town's restaurants serve much local produce like mushrooms and wild greens, in the usual way-too-much Korean style.

SOUTH KOREA BUSAN carving Haedong Yonggung Temple buddhist seaside temple religion asia — Busan makes a much better entry point to Korea than Seoul. And has the best ham & cheese toastie!