Situated about 210 mi/340 km southeast of Seoul, Busan is South Korea's largest port and second-largest metropolis.
There's plenty in Busan for a full day of sightseeing: Take in the view from Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park, and visit the Yi Sun-shin statue, the Jagalchi fish market (best seen 6-7 am), the U.N. Cemetery (where fallen U.N. soldiers from the Korean War are buried), the Municipal Museum and the Busan Museum of Modern Art (which has the largest exhibition space in the country).
Taejongdae Park, a jagged spit of land in the city's south, has wonderful sea views and great seafood. Busan's beaches are far too crowded in good weather to be enjoyable, but its hot-spring spas (especially in Dongnae) are fun and relaxing.
Also in the area are Geumgang Park (a massive mountaintop fortress with beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring) and Beomeosa, a seventh-century temple. Busan is also a departure point for Jeju Island.
Busan is too large to explore by foot, but there are plenty of taxis. Many South Koreans speak English, especially those in the younger generations, but it is advisable to carry printouts of where you want to go.
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