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Hi Everyone,

Here is the blog post I wrote about Busan. Let me know what you think or if you might like to visit here some day.

Busan: A Hidden Gem Shines Bright

The secret is out—Busan has become a full-on destination. Nine years ago, when I first arrived, a fellow expat assured me I’d made a good choice. “Busan is a hidden gem,” he said. Despite setting tourism records the previous year, the city still held on to its small-city vibe; line-ups were rare, beaches and coastal trails still offered peaceful escapes, traffic was just mildly annoying. This year, Busan is set to break tourism records yet again (4+ million visitors projected)*.

So, what changed?

South Korea as a whole has been riding the hallyu wave since the 90s. Korean culture, food, beauty, technology have all made their marks on the world. But when most people think of Korea, they think of Seoul. Then, people discovered the Train to Busan, BTS, and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)—a movie, a boy band (Jimin and Jungkook are Busan boys), and the biggest film festival in Asia, respectively. And so, the wave started to crash onto Busan’s shores in the form of tour buses, cruise ships, and packed bullet trains.

Most of these travelers come to Busan for a day, maybe two. On discovering there’s more to this city than being a pilgrimage stop for the BTS army or a possible zombie sighting, most fall in love with the place. They find remnants of Japanese colonialism and the population’s flight and sanctuary from the Korean War, such as in the colourful and sprawling Geomcheon Village; they walk the beaches, including Korea’s most popular one in Haeundae; they visit traditional Buddhist temples, both on the water (Haedong Yonggungsa) and in the mountain air (Beomeosa); and they shop in the markets and malls, partake in water sports in Gwangalli, and enjoy festivals catering to all tastes.

And yes, there's plenty for the foodies to feast on. Beyond the traditional fare of BBQ’d meats, bibimbap, and bulgogi, there are the local specialties: noodles served in a cold broth (milmyeon), dwaeji-gukbap (pork soup), and some of the freshest seafood around. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, I highly recommend a stroll through the famous and lively Jagalchi Fish Market in Nampo and maybe ordering up some live crunchy baby octopi legs—feel them suck on to the roof of your mouth and not let go.

From a bustling port city to a tourist hotspot, Busan is changing fast. No doubt there are growing pains and room for improvement. But one thing is sure: the locals will be more than happy to make your visit a memorable one. In fact, foreign tourists named "the people of Busan" as the city's greatest attraction** thanks to their kindness and warmth. The numbers prove it; every day more guests arrive from Taiwan, China, and Japan, with Americans and Europeans close behind. If you’re thinking of visiting, do it soon. This highly affordable, vibrant, natural, and dynamic city is on the world’s radar. A gem indeed, but one shining bright.

(488 words)
*www.busan.go.kr/eng/ai-translated-press-releases/1…
**(Seoul Economic Daily, 2026.09.02)

3 days ago | [YT] | 13