Meeting the dynamic charm of Busan | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Jagalchi Market is a coastal street spanning Nampo-dong and Chungmu-dong in Jung-gu, adjacent to the downtown area, serving both market and entertainment functions. Along with the nearby Shindonga Seafood Market and dried seafood market, it best represents the character of the Busan region. The name Jagalchi originates either from the gravelly coast or from a type of fish called 'jagalchi,' which is widely traded as live fish. Along the roadside by Jagalchi harbor, vendors—mostly older women—sell rare sights of mackerel, sea squirts, whale meat, and more. On the first floor of the Shindonga Seafood Market, which opened in 1980, fresh live fish are sold and delicious sashimi can be enjoyed on the spot. The second and third floors sell dried seafood and have raw fish restaurants, becoming a new attraction of Jagalchi Market. The market grew after 1889 when Japanese residents established the Busan Fisheries Joint-Stock Company nearby to protect their fishermen. As merchants gathered there, Jagalchi Market traders gradually sought modernization. By 1922, the Busan Fisheries Cooperative built a building in Nampo-dong and started a consignment sales business, gathering Jagalchi traders around a central hub. Subsequently, Busan's fish market divided into the northern Busan Fisheries Joint-Stock Company port and the southern Busan Fisheries Cooperative consignment sales market. Later, the Busan Fisheries Joint-Stock Company developed into today's Busan Cooperative Fish Market, the largest fish market in Korea, while small-scale fishermen’s catches were handled by small traders near the southern cooperative consignment sales market, forming the current Jagalchi Market.

Gukje Market Food Alley in Changseon-dong is an outdoor food street boasting a history of over 60 years. It offers a variety of street foods including Chungmu kimbap served with tangy spicy squid salad, tteokbokki with a sweet and spicy flavor, mul guksu (cold noodles), sundae (Korean blood sausage), Busan specialty bibim dangmyeon (spicy mixed glass noodles), and patbingsu (shaved ice with red beans). Eating and enjoying food while sitting on stools at the market alley stalls is a charming scene that represents the warm atmosphere of traditional Korean markets. It is a must-visit food alley for both locals and foreign tourists. Experience Gukje Market Food Alley and enjoy shopping for clothes, shoes, accessories, and more at Gukje Market.

After the liberation on August 15, a few theaters appeared in the Nampodong theater district, and by the 1960s, around 20 theaters had clustered around BIFF Plaza. On September 13, 1996, the 1st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was held to create a small but prestigious film festival. Along with the festival, the theater district was renovated and named BIFF Plaza. BIFF Plaza hosted the BIFF opening eve events and major BIFF activities such as famous filmmakers' handprinting ceremonies. However, as the Busan Cinema Center was built in Haeundae, the main events moved there. Yet, many traces of the festival's early days remain, and film screenings continue. This concentration of premiere theaters in one place is unique not only in Asia but also in Europe and holds infinite potential. Recently, it has evolved into a complex cultural space offering shopping and tourism alongside films, attracting many young people and playing a major role in revitalizing the local commercial district.

Yongdusan is one of Busan's three great mountains. In the past, it was called Songhyunsan because the sea could be seen through thick pine trees, but it was later named Yongdusan because its shape resembles a dragon swallowing the Japanese pirates who came from Japan. Yongdusan Park features the Busan Tower observatory, Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue, Baeksan Ahn Hee-jae statue, bell pavilion, flower clock, and dragon-shaped sculptures. There is an escalator connecting Nampo-dong to the park. From Yongdusan Park, you can enjoy views of Busan Port and Yeongdo. Climbing Busan Tower, the highest point of the park, offers beautiful night views of Busan Port, Namhang, and the city. This park serves not only as a walking trail accessible at any time for citizens but also as a resting place, famous among foreigners, and frequently used by elderly people and nearby residents for walks.

Located in Jung-gu, Busan, 40 Steps is a historic landmark symbolizing the post-Korean War reconstruction. These stairs hold important historical significance as they embody the economic and social changes of Busan in the 1950s. They were the difficult passage for refugees at the time and have now become a representative tourist attraction of Busan. Climbing the stairs offers views of Busan's old street scenery along with the 40 Steps Culture Center and various exhibits. This place is special for learning about Busan's history and experiencing the lives of local residents. 40 Steps is also famous as a filming location for movies and dramas, leaving a deep impression on tourists.