Things to do in Hayu

Join the city residents and tourists that escape the sweltering summer heat of downtown Busan at Songdo Beach. Created in 1913 and upgraded in the 2000s, Songdo Beach is Korea’s first public beach. The name Songdo means pine island and is a reference to pine forests that were once thought to flourish in the area. It presents a quieter coastal experience to Busan’s other beaches such as Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach.

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or not, a walk through the Jagalchi Market is an enjoyable sensory experience. Visiting the sprawling multistory market is like exploring an aquarium without the glass walls. Octopi splash from buckets. Escaped fish flip on the pavement. However, there’s one important difference; everything at Jagalchi Market is destined to be someone’s meal. Jagalchi Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea. It will take an afternoon to fully explore. Be sure to tour both the outdoor section along the port and the indoor section in the massive market hall.

Dadaepo Beach is Busan’s most famous stretch of sand. Join locals at this delightful beach where the waters are shallow and gentle, there are plenty of facilities and the scenery is beautiful. There is also the rather impressive Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dream spectacle to enjoy too.

Prepare yourself for a sensory overload at Gukje Market. This vast street market has hundreds of shops packed tightly together along a network of both covered and open-air lanes. Browse for electronics, fashion trends and sundry household goods. Enjoy the traditional flavors of Korean snacks. Gukje Market began during the Korean War of the early 1950s when refugees sold their wares as a way to make a living.

BIFF Square is one of Busan’s unique highlights that makes the city popular for international tourism. Starting more than 20 years ago as the home for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), the area has continued development as a center for Korea’s popular film industry as well as shopping, dining, nightlife and eclectic attractions.

Gujora Beach is a favorite with those who visit the island city of Geoje in the coastal province of South Gyeongsang. On a sunny day, the soft sandy beach is nice to relax on or you can join the locals who play soccer or throw frisbees around. During the warmer months go for a swim in the shallow water of the bay.