Busan Favorite Tips by amambaw Top 5 Page for this destination

Free weekend music

Favorite thing: Every weekend, you can find a free concert in the central hall of the Semyeon subway station. The music varies from week to week; so far, I've seen several rock groups, individual singers, and a few traditional music groups. There is always a crowd, so expect to stand if you want to watch. There are stools set up around the show area, so if you're lucky, you might just snag a seat. Also, if you go during the summer, bring a paper fan. The AC isn't that great, and the station can get pretty hot.

The Busan Aquarium

Favorite thing: Okay, I would have put this in the must see activities, except that aquariums are aquariums no matter where you go. Even so, this was super fun!

The site isn't very big, only 2 floors down, but there's lots of stuff to see. Tropical, freshwater and deep-sea species, they're all here. There are two tanks that are particularly cool. The first is the two-story high fish tank that you can view from either floor. While we were visiting the aquarium, one of the staff was in scuba diving with the fish. She had a mic hooked into her mask, so she could talk to the kids outside. Fantastic! The second great feature is the huge shark tank. There is a curved tunnel that runs through the tank. We had the opportunity to watch a giant sea turtle glide right over top of us. Apparently, the aquarium offers shark dives where you can get into the tank and scuba dive.

We also did the virtual underwater ride. I really don't recommend this at all. Basically, it's a screen and a hydrolic lift stage that jostles you around in time to the film. The jostling is enough to make you want to have an intimate relationship with your chiropractor. It's cheesy, short, and not worth the five bucks you pay for it.

The aquarium is located in Haeundae, right down on the beach. If you take the subway, get off at #203 stop, and head for the beach. The aquarium is right there, next to the lifeguard/police station. Enjoy!

UN Cemetary for the Korean war dead

Favorite thing: I visited the Korean War UN Cemetary in Daeyeon, Busan. It was a very peaceful, somber place, but beautiful nonetheless. The cemetary is home to several hundred soldiers from all over the world who fought in the Korean War. There are several memorials, and also a plaza of flags with the flags of all the nations who fought.

One thing I enjoyed the most about this place is that it is one of the quietist places I have found in Busan. The many trees help damper the sound from the street, and there aren't many visitors. You can walk peacefully through the area and admire the flowers. Paying hommage is easy due to the quiet.

To visit the cemetary, take the subway line 2 to Daeyeon (stop #13). Take the exit for the Busan Museum. Walk towards the Museum and cultural centre, about .7 km. Stay on the left side of the road. You'll see the War Memorial in the large intersection. Head up the hill on the left, and over the traffic tunnel. The cemetary is on the left on the far side of the tunnel.