Busan

Busan is South Korea's second city and its most relaxed — a port city where mountains, beaches and seafood markets all squeeze along one coastline. It balances a Seoul trip perfectly: fewer palaces, more sea air, and Korea's most photogenic hillside village.

The KTX train makes it easy. At 2.5 hours from Seoul, Busan slots into any Korea itinerary as a 2-3 day extension.

Gamcheon Culture Village is the postcard: a hillside maze of candy-coloured houses, murals and tiny cafes. Give it a half-day, wear comfortable shoes for the stairs, and go before noon to beat tour groups.

Ride the Sky Capsule at Blueline Park. These little coastal capsule cars roll along the old Haeundae rail line above the sea — Busan's most loved photo experience. Pair the ride one way with the beach train or the walking path back.

Haeundae Beach is Korea's most famous stretch of sand, backed by skyscrapers and the SEA LIFE aquarium. In the evening, cross town to Gwangalli Beach for the lit-up Gwangan Bridge view — and on many Saturday nights a drone light show over the water.

Haedong Yonggungsa is that rare thing, a major Buddhist temple built on ocean rocks. It sits north of Haeundae and gets crowded by mid-morning, so make it your first stop.

Round things off at Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's biggest, and the streets of BIFF Square and Gukje Market for street food — try hotteok (sweet stuffed pancakes), usually ₩1,000-₩3,000 ($0.70-$2) apiece. The Songdo cable car with its glass-floor cabins over the bay is a good final-day pick, and the Songdo Skywalk below it costs nothing.

A note for vegetarians: Busan is a seafood city, so veg meals take some hunting. Temple-food restaurants and bibimbap shops (ask for no meat) are the reliable options, with more choice around Seomyeon.