Busan (부산, 釜山) locally also known as Pusan is a city located in the province of South Gyeongsang, South Korea. It’s South Korea’s second largest metropolis after it’s capital Seoul. It also houses the largest port of the country, ranked 5th worldwide. As of latest measurement the city Busan has a population of 3.6 million people.

Busan is situated roughly 280 miles south eastern of the South Korean capital Seoul, and about 93 miles north eastern of Japan‘s main island. The city of Busan is large, and makes it profit from industry and it’s port. Though, it does have an touristic side with for example its beaches Gwangalli, Haeundae and Songjeong situated in the east, it’s active nightlife with lots of night markets, discotheques and bars in the Seomyeon area. The daytime shopping district Nampodong in the south, and the main entertainment area in downtown Busan, and of course it’s internationally known ruins of mountain fortress Geumjeong guard in the north.

Nowadays the city of Busan is mainly visited by tourists from Japan, China and Russia. International tourism has been slow for several years. Although this is for no particular reason, the city fits perfectly for any type of traveler. May you be traveling alone, searching for romance as a couple or with the entire family. It’s laid back ambiance, the natural and cultural scenes, the friendly local environment and lower prices than elsewhere in South Korea is what draws Russian, Chinese and Japanese tourists to the city.

American citizens just need a valid passport for a trip to Busan which allows them to stay for maximum of 30 days. There after a visa is required. Other nationalities may require a visa when visiting Busan. Spring, from April till June is the best time period for traveling to Busan.