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Best Places for One-Day Trips from Busan

Jessie Kang

Are you planning to travel to Busan? If you are currently residing in Busan, are you looking for something more exciting? Then why don’t you take day trips to places near Busan? Even though many places are not known as much as Busan, you will be surprised by tourist spots around Busan!

1. Gyeongju: The Colorful Chapter of Korean History

1) About Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a time-honored historic city in Korea and is one of the must-visit cities in Korea. It was the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty for almost 1,000 years and the epitome of Korean history, culture, and tradition. Besides, the whole big city is on the UNESCO cultural heritage list, named Gyeongju Historic Areas. Therefore, you can feel the breath of ancient Silla in the city itself.

In Gyeongju, you can appreciate not only the cultural heritage representing Buddhist culture but also the culture of the Korean old dynasties. Also, numerous relics have been excavated from Gyeongju and a lot of relics are still preserved at these historic sites.

2) Places to Explore in Gyeongju

You can travel around Yangdong Village, Seokguram Grotto, Bulgulksa Temple, and Anapji Pond which are the most remarkable historic relics in Gyeongju. (If you are interested, check what exists.)

  • Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple was built in 528, had been under reconstruction in 751-774, and was finally rebuilt in 774. It is well known for the beauty of the wooden temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics. Also, a large number of National treasures such as Dabotap Pagoda, Seokgatap Pagoda, Baegun-gyo Bridges, and the Golden Seated Amita Figure are left in the precincts of the temple.

  • Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto is a stone cave that holds a statue of Buddha. There is a majestic stone statue that is one of the most valued stone statues in Korea. It is located close to Bulguksa Temple, both in Tohamsan Mountain. It is recognized for its outstanding architectural techniques and artistic merits.

  • Anapji Pond

Anapji Pond is an artificial pond with small mountains inside the palace walls and beautiful plants. It was built around 661-681 AD and is well known for its charming views both in the daytime and at night.

  • Cheomseongdae


Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia and was used for observing the stars to forecast the weather. This cylindrical stone structure is a harmony of straight lines and curves.

  • Daereungwon Royal Tomb

Daereungwon Royal Tomb is a tomb complex of royal families of the Silla Dynasty. It includes Cheonmachong tomb where a painting that contains a flying horse was discovered. Numerous burial accessories that show the essence of Silla culture and lifestyles of the time were discovered at these ancient tombs.

  • Yangdong Village

 

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Yangdong Village is the largest traditional village in Korea, which demonstrates the typical culture of the Joseon Dynasty. There are about 160 old houses and 500-year-old thatched-roof houses in this beautiful village. You can also enjoy elegant surrounding views that blend with old houses.

  • Bomun Tourist Complex

Bomun Tourist Complex is an international tourist complex located in the vicinity of Gyeongju downtown. It owns luxury hotels, condos, hot springs, golf courses, outdoor concert halls, and amusement facilities. Also, this area includes Bomun Lake, a big artificial lake, featuring well-laid-out walkways and bike lanes along the lake.

  • Gyochon Hanok Village

Gyochon Hanok Village consists of a lot of hanok, which is a Korean traditional house. Since it was home to the Choi Clan of Gyeongju, you can look inside the life of the Choi Clan and admire the beauty of traditional houses.

[Recommended Tours to Gyeongju from Busan]

2. Tongyeong: The Naples of Korea

1) About Tongyeong

Tongyeong, titled “The Naples of Korea”, is one of the must-visit cities in the southeast region of Korea. It faces the southern coast of Korea and is composed of around 570 islands including uninhabited islands. Due to its scenic ocean views, this port city deserves its nickname. Tongyeong is reachable (by car or public transportation) from Busan and you can travel around this city in one day.

2) Places to Explore in Tongyeong

  • Hallyeosudo

Hallyeosudo means ‘the southern coast with 360 islands like gems in the indigo-blue sea’ in Korean. It was designated as the National Park of Korea, and a significant number of islands in Tongyeong are included in the park. To view the breathtaking scenery of the shoreline, islands, and Mireuksan Mountain all at once, you can ride the Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway cable car which is the longest cable car in Korea. After you reach the peak of Mireuksan Mountain, you can follow the walking routes and stop at the observatories to take photos and spend some time.

  • Dongpirang Village

Dongpirang Village is made up of winding alleys and is famous for colorful wall paintings. When you mount to the village, you can look down at the harbor of Tongyeong. Though it was once in danger of demolition, it is now well preserved through the efforts of people who drew amiable mural paintings on the walls of almost every house and alley.

  • Tongyeong Jungang Market

Tongyeong Jungang Market is located in front of Dongpirang Village, and right next to the port. It is a popular local market famed for fresh seafood and sweet honey bread filled with red bean paste. Do not miss a chance to try appetizing Korean street food!

  • Skyline Luge Tongyeong

Skyline Luge Tongyeong is one of the places where you can ride skyline luges! Luge is an amusement facility that runs the track in a cart using the slope and gravity of the ground. It is safe and easy to ride since all you need to do is to wear a helmet and ride it like a sled. Look forward to it as a wonderful scene will unfold before your eyes!

  • Yi Sun Sin Park

Yi Sun Sin Park is a representative shrine of Tongyeong and was built to honor the ideals of Admiral Yi Sun Sin of the Joseon Dynasty and to commemorate the victory during the Imjin War(Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592). At the park, you can feel the patriotic spirits of a lot of people at the time.

[Recommended Tours to Tongyeong from Busan]

3. Geoje: City of Magical Islands

1) About Geoje

Geoje is a city of islands, placed next to Tongyeong, facing the South Sea of Korea. Geoje offers marvelous sceneries of coastal cliffs and surrounding mountains, as well as numerous photo spots. You can enjoy the time being surrounded by splendid islands.

2) Places to Explore in Geoje

  • Oedo Island

Among numerous islands, Oedo Island is the most famous one known for its European-inspired botanical garden and stunning views of the ocean. On Oedo Island, there is Oedo Botania, a marine botanical garden where the feast of flowers and trees is held. If you would like to appreciate wonderful views of the botanical garden islands and the crystal blue sea, consider a tour where you can see all of these.

  • Haegeumgang Island

Besides, you can look at the scenery of Haeguemgang Island, which is a huge rocky island that embraces caves and rocks in various shapes. Windy Hill is also one of the must-visit places in Geoje. It is picturesque with a steep cliffside, a lush green lawn, and a wooden-crafted windmill where you can overlook the ocean view. After a short hike to it, you will meet eye-opening views. Due to its beauty, it became popular in several Korean dramas such as Carousel (2003, MBC) and Eve’s Garden (2003, SBS).

[Recommended Tours to Geoje from Busan]

4. Daegu: Korea’s 4th Largest City

1) About Daegu

Located in the southern part of Korea, Daegu is a wonderful city full of modern and historical sites. It’s the 4th largest city in Korea and it’s also known as the hometown of SUGA, a member of BTS.

2) Places to Explore in Daegu

  • Palgongsan Cable Car

Palgongsan Cable Car is one of the best ways to enjoy the magnificent view of Palgongsan Mountain in Daegu.

  • 83 Tower Observatory & E-World

This 83 floor-building with a great viewing point of Daegu’s cityscape is the landmark of Daegu. It’s located in Daegu E-World theme park, which is worth visiting for thrilling rides! You can book your entrance tickets at a discounted price here.

  • Seomun Market

Seomun Market is one of the 3 main markets during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) and it’s where the past & present coexist. You’ll be able to find and buy almost everything here!

Don’t forget to try Korean local street foods as well.

  • Donghwasa Temple

Located on the Palgongsan Mountain, Donghwasa Temple was built during the Silla kingdom (57 BC-AD 935). The temple owns the world’s biggest stone Buddha, which is 33 meters tall.

[Recommended Tours to Daegu from Busan]

5. Pohang: A Beautiful Port City with K-drama Spots

1) About Pohang

Pohang is a beautiful port city with a stunning ocean view. Many famous K-dramas were filmed in Pohang, such as ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ and ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’. It’s a highly recommended travel destination for those who like K-dramas and rural atmospheres.

2) Places to Explore in Pohang

  • Hwanho Park SPACE Walk

SPACE Walk at Hwanho Park is the largest art piece in Korea that was installed by POSCO for the citizens of Pohang. It’s one of the must-visits if you are in Pohang!

  • Homigot

Homigot Sunrise Square is one of the most popular spots to see the sunrise in Korea. Watch the sunrise over the sculpture of Sangsaeng’s Hand which symbolizes reconciliation and coexistence!

[Recommended Tours to Pohang from Busan]

6. Andong: The Capital City of Korean Spirit

1) About Andong

Andong is best known for its remarkably well-preserved beautiful old villages listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You’ll get a glimpse of the traditional Korean culture, architecture, religion, and lifestyle in the 15~16th century.

2) Places to Explore in Andong

  • Andong Hahoe Folk Village

 

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Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a well-preserved clan-based folk village from the Joseon Dynasty. It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also watch a traditional Hahoe mask dance performance and learn about its history at the Mask Museum.

  • Manhyujeong Pavilion

 

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Manhyujeong Pavilion is known as the filming site of the K-drama ‘Mr. Sunshine’. Take a memorable picture on the single wooden bridge to the pavilion, built during the late Joseon Dynasty!

  • Byeongsan Seowon

Byeongsan Seowon is a Confucian academy established in the Joseon Dynasty to teach the work and virtues of the scholar Ryu Seong Ryong. It’s also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Woryeonggyo Bridge

 

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Woryeonggyo Bridge is a beautiful wooden bridge that crosses the Nakdong River and has a pagoda in the center, which makes it a jaw-dropping scene against the calm waters. It’s very popular to ride unique and cute moonboats on the Nakdong River against the backdrop of Woryonggyo Bridge. The nighttime ride can also be enjoyable as the bridge is lightened into vivid colors.

You can book the Andong Moon Boat Experience here.

[Recommended Tours to Andong from Busan]

7. Yeosu: A Tranquil Small Port City

1) About Yeosu

Yeosu is a beautiful small port city in Jeollanam-do province in the southwestern part of South Korea. It offers numerous attractions that boast picturesque ocean views.

2) Places to Explore in Yeosu

  • Yeosu Art Land Culture & Resort

Yeosu Art Land Culture & Resort is an art culture complex with various artworks, photo zones, and an observatory facing the beautiful southern sea of Yeosu. You can also enjoy exciting activities, such as carts and zip coasters.

  • Yi Sun-shin Square

Yi Sun-shin Square is located in the center of Yeosu city, which is a place to commemorate Yi Sun-shin, the great admiral of Korea, who built his famous battle ship, ‘Turtle Ship’. You can also taste a variety of local specialties at the traditional local market next to it.

  • Yeosu Marine Cable Car

 

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Yeosu Marine Cable Car is a sightseeing cable car that connects Dolsan Island and the mainland over the ocean. You can also enjoy the peaceful trekking around Odongdo.

  • Arte Museum Yeosu

 

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Arte Museum is an immersive art museum filled with exciting media arts. It offers 12 unique media art exhibitions for all ages through a creative mixture of light and sound.

[Recommended Tours to Yeosu from Busan]

8. Suncheon: A Scenic City in Jeollanam-do

1) About Suncheon

Located in the southwestern part (Jeollanam-do province) of Korea, Suncheon is a marvelous city filled with historical and natural sites.

2) Places to Explore in Suncheon

  • Suncheonman Bay Wetland

Suncheonman Bay Weland is Suncheon’s most renowned travel destination. It offers spectacular natural scenery including rare birds and wildlife that reside in the wetland.

  • Suncheonman National Garden

 

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Suncheon Bay National Garden is a garden that boasts a variety of species of trees and flowers and offers a picturesque scene throughout the year. The garden of also a way into the Suncheonman Bay Wetland.

  • Naganeupseong Folk Village

 

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Naganeupseong Folk Village is a historical village comprised of chogajip, Korean traditional houses where the roofs are made of rice straw instead of tiles. As you stroll down the road in between the houses, you can appreciate the village’s calm and serene tranquility.

[Recommended Tours to Suncheon from Busan]

9. Boseong: Endless Green Tea Fields

1) About Boseong

Boseong is famous for having the largest green tea-growing plantation in Korea. It spreads over the entire hillside making it one of the most picturesque views in Korea.

2) Places to Explore in Boseong

  • Boseong Green Tea Plantation

 

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Boseong Green Tea Plantation is the largest green tea-growing plantation in Korea accounting for 40% of Korea’s green tea. The tea bushes cover the whole area like a soft green carpet which is a breathtaking scenery to watch. It’s also listed on “31 Beautiful Sights on This Incredible Planet” by CNN.

[Recommended Tours to Boseong from Busan]

10. Ulsan: An Industrial Port City with Nature

1) About Ulsan

Ulsan is an industrial port city located in the southeast coast of Korea with stunning views and beautiful nature.

2) Places to Explore in Ulsan

  • Ganjeolgot

Ganjeolgot is one of the most popular sunrise destinations in Korea where you can enjoy the endless horizon and the magnificent scenery of the east coast.

  • Taehwagang National Garden

 

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Taehwagang National Garden is a downtown park with the largest riverside flower garden in Korea. A green bamboo forest and Taehwaru Pavilion are the places you shouldn’t miss out on in the park!

  • Daewangam Park & Suspension Bridge

Daewangam Park is an amazing aromatherapeutic coastal trail through a magnificent 100-year-old pine grove. The highlight of the trail is a stunning suspension bridge that sways in the ocean wind.

[Recommended Tours to Ulsan from Busan]

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[Photo Credits]

Yangsan Eden Valley Luge Facebook
Skyline Luge Tongyeong Facebook

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