The Sun-Kissed Shores of Busan

• Hello안녕하세요
  [annyeonghaseyo]
• Goodbye안녕히 가세요
  [annyeonghi gaseyo]
• Yes네
  [ne]
• No아니요
  [aniyo]
• Please/You're welcome부탁합니다/천만에요
  [butakhamnida/cheonmaneyo]
• Thank you고맙습니다
  [gomapseumnida]
• Excuse me/Sorry죄송합니다/미안합니다
  [joesonghamnida/mianhamnida]
• How are you?어떻게 지내세요?
  [eotteoke jinaeseyo?]
• Fine. And you?잘 지내고 있어요. 당신은요?
  [jal jinaego isseoyo. dangsineunyo?]
• Do you speak English?영어 할 줄 아세요?
  [yeongeo hal jul aseyo?]
• I don't understand이해하지 못해요
  [ihaehaji mothaeyo]

• I'd like to see the menu, please메뉴를 보여주세요
  [menyureul boyeojuseyo]
• I don't eat meat고기를 먹지 않아요
  [gogireul meokji anayo]
• Cheers!건배!
  [geonbae!]
• I would like to pay, please계산해 주세요
  [gyesanhae juseyo]

• Help!도와주세요!
  [dowajuseyo!]
• Go away!저리 가세요!
  [jeori gaseyo!]
• Call the Police!경찰을 불러주세요!
  [gyeongchareul bulleojuseyo!]
• Call a doctor!의사를 불러주세요!
  [uisareul bulleojuseyo!]
• I'm lost길을 잃었어요
  [gireul ilheosseoyo]
• I'm ill아파요
  [apayo]

• I'd like to buy...사고 싶어요...
  [sago sipeoyo...]
• I'm just looking둘러보고 있어요
  [dulleobogo isseoyo]
• How much is it?얼마에요?
  [eolmaeyo?]
• That's too expensive너무 비싸요
  [neomu bissayo]
• Can you lower the price?가격을 깎아 주실 수 있나요?
  [gageogeul kkaga jusil su innayo?]

• What time is it?지금 몇 시에요?
  [jigeum myeot sieyo?]
• It's one o'clock한 시에요
  [han sieyo]
• Half past (10)십 시 반
  [sip si ban]
• Morning아침
  [achim]
• Afternoon오후
  [ohu]
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  [jeonyeok]
• Yesterday어제
  [eoje]
• Today오늘
  [oneul]
• Tomorrow내일
  [naeil]
• 1하나
  [hana]
• 2둘
  [dul]
• 3셋
  [set]
• 4넷
  [net]
• 5다섯
  [daseot]
• 6여섯
  [yeoseot]
• 7일곱
  [ilgop]
• 8여덟
  [yeodeol]
• 9아홉
  [ahop]
• 10열
  [yeol]

• Where's a/the...?어디에 ... 이에요?
  [eodie ... ieyo?]
• What's the address?주소가 뭐에요?
  [josoga mwoeyo?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?지도로 보여 줄 수 있나요?
  [jidoro boyeo jul su innayo?]
• When's the next (bus)?다음 (버스)는 언제 와요?
  [daeum (beoseu)neun eonje wayo?]
• A ticket (to ....)표 (....으로)
  [pyo (....euro)]

Haeundae Beach, arguably the most famous beach in Busan, owes its name to the 9th-century Silla scholar and poet Choi Chi-won, who was so taken by its beauty that he named it 'Haeundae' (meaning 'Sea and Clouds'). The beach became a popular destination during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), when it was developed as a resort area. Its stunning 1.5-kilometer stretch of sand has since become a symbol of Busan and a must-visit for travelers.

Gwangalli Beach is renowned for its fine sand and the spectacular view of Gwangan Bridge, also known as Diamond Bridge. The bridge, completed in 2003, spans 7.4 kilometers and connects the districts of Haeundae-gu and Suyeong-gu. At night, the bridge is illuminated with a dynamic light show, adding to the beach's allure. The area has transformed from a quiet fishing village into a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub.

Songdo Beach holds the distinction of being Korea's first public beach, established in 1913. It was named 'Songdo,' meaning 'Pine Island,' due to the pine trees that lined its shores. During the Korean War (1950-1953), Songdo Beach served as a refuge for war-displaced civilians. In recent years, it has undergone significant revitalization, including the installation of a skywalk and cable car, restoring its status as a popular tourist destination.

Dadaepo Beach, located at the mouth of the Nakdong River, is known for its expansive sandy shore and shallow waters. Historically, it was a site of strategic importance during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and later during the Korean War. Today, Dadaepo Beach is celebrated for its ecological value, boasting a rich variety of bird species and serving as an important habitat for migratory birds. The beach also hosts the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams, the world's largest ground fountain.

Haeundae Beach plays a pivotal role in the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals, which was first held in 1996. The beach and its surrounding areas become a hub of cinematic activity, attracting filmmakers, stars, and fans from around the globe. Outdoor screenings and events held on the beach create a unique atmosphere, blending the beauty of Busan's coastline with the glamour of the film industry.

Located near Busan's beaches, particularly Nampo-dong and Songdo Beach, Jagalchi Market is South Korea's largest seafood market. The market has a rich history dating back to the Korean War, when women known as 'Jagalchi Ajimae' began selling fish to support their families. Today, Jagalchi Market is a cultural landmark, offering a glimpse into Busan's maritime heritage and a chance to savor the freshest seafood.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The primary international gateway is Gimhae International Airport, which has both domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit (BGLRT) to connect to the city’s extensive subway system. Alternatively, taxis and airport limousines are readily available. If traveling from Seoul, the KTX high-speed train is the most efficient option, taking about 2.5 hours to reach Busan Station.

Busan boasts an excellent public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis. The Busan Metro is the most convenient way to get around the city and to the beaches, with lines extending to popular destinations like Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach. Taxis are also plentiful and relatively inexpensive. For more scenic routes, consider taking a bus or renting a bicycle—many beaches have dedicated bike paths.

The official currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and street markets. ATMs are abundant and usually offer services in multiple languages, including English. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, major hotels, and banks.

Busan is generally a safe city, but it is always wise to stay vigilant. Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach areas are popular and safe for tourists, but be cautious in less crowded areas after dark. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid secluded areas and use well-lit paths when walking at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 119 for fire and medical emergencies. English-speaking operators are available. Major hospitals in Busan, such as Busan National University Hospital, have emergency departments. Pharmacies are widespread and often have English-speaking staff. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. Beachwear is appropriate at the beach but cover up when leaving the area. Religion: Do show respect at religious sites. Bowing and removing shoes before entering temples is customary. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do bow slightly when meeting someone for the first time. A handshake is also appropriate in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood dishes and street food. Don’t leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice, as it is considered bad luck.

To experience Busan Beaches like a local, visit during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. Explore Jagalchi Fish Market to sample fresh seafood. Take a stroll along the Haeundae Beach at sunrise for a peaceful start to your day. Consider attending local festivals such as the Busan Sea Festival in August. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share tips about hidden gems in the area.