Busan does not get a lot of attention when South Korea is mentioned. Most of the time you hear about Seoul, South Korea’s capital city. This is a bit unfortunate, though, because Busan has plenty to offer. Located at the bottom of the Korean peninsula, this city offers beautiful scenery and great attractions.

1) Korea is a peninsula, and as such has many beaches, but Haeundae Beach is quite possibly its nicest and most famous. Don’t go there during the summer, though, because you won’t be the only one who wants to check it out. In fact, it gets so crowded during the peak season that most people can’t swim in the waters as much as just stand. Haeundae Beach is also where the Busan International Film Festival is hosted, which is Asia’s most successful film festival.

2) You’ve heard of fish markets, but you probably haven’t experienced anything like the Jagalchi Fish Market. It’s stunning and beautiful, and full of old Korean women selling buckets of fresh fish just caught that morning. You will see live crab clawing and crawling out of their sandboxes, and live octopuses thrashing their way out of their new fishtanks.

3) For those of you that are into shopping, it would be foolish not to check out the Shinsegae Department Store. It’s huge. So huge, in fact, that it has a banner across the front touting how it’s the biggest department store in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s so big that you’ll find movie theatres – some with professional chefs catering for you during the movie – luxurious spas, and even a full ice rink.

These three points have barely scratched the surface of Busan, as there are many other places and things for you to see while you are there, such as breathtaking temples and amazing markets. If you do have the chance to go three hours south of Seoul, you won’t regret the trip.