Sights in Gyeongsangnam Do
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Seokbulsa Temple
Hard to find but a wonder to behold, Seokbulsa Temple is a hermitage carved into rock. Massive boulders stretching 40m in height jut out from the mountainside to form a U-shaped enclave with three rock facings that is now a place of worship. Inside the enclave enormous Buddhist images have been meticulously etched into stone. Visually powerful in scale and impact, it's the kind of work that moves first-time visitors to exclaim 'Wow' as they step back and arch their necks to get the full picture.
Quietly walk past the women bowing on the shoes-off platform and step into the small caves for a close-up look at the Buddha glowing in soft candlelight.Getting to Seokbulsa is a…
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B
Busan Tower
In the centre of the humble Yongdusan Park stands the 118m Busan Tower. If the haze is not too thick, daytime views of container-ship traffic in the harbour provide a sense of the port's scale of operations. Other things to do: buy corn from a kiosk, watch pigeons swoop for food.
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C
Geumjeong Mountain
Travellers climbing Geumjeongsan - Geumjeong Mountain - expecting to see a fort will be disappointed because there isn't one. Geumjeong Fortress (금정산성) is a long stone wall with four gates serving as expensive trail markers. Not all is lost because this is where you'll find some of the city's best hiking. Outdoor enthusiasts seeking an intimate experience with nature should avoid the mountain on holidays and weekend mornings - peak times for maddening crowds of fashionable hikers.
The journey to Geumjeong Mountain is as good as the destination. Most hikers start at the north end of the trail that begins with a mildly steep climb along the left side of Beomeosa…
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D
Beomeosa Temple
A magnificent Buddhist temple, Beomeosa is perhaps the best sight in Busan. Founded in AD 678, all of the original buildings have been rebuilt at some point during Korea's history of invasions. Despite its city location, Beomeosa is a world away from the urban jungle, with beautiful architecture neatly set against an extraordinary mountain setting.
The temple was founded in AD 678 by priest and Buddhist scholar Uisang during the reign of King Munmu, one of the most enlightened rulers of the Silla dynasty.
Much of the original temple was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592-93, but not before priest Seosan had defeated a Japanese army here.
It's a busy place, as…
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E
Gwang·an
Among the city's seven beaches, Gwang·an is the best option for access and quality (the other beaches are Dadaepo, Songdo, Songjeong, Ilgwang, Imnang and Pebble Beach). Although the ugly wall of commercial development behind the beach diminishes the daytime experience, Gwang·an really shines at night. The multicoloured light show illuminating the bridge is grand. The shortest route to Gwang·an is Line 2 to Geumnyeonsan station, Exit 3. Rotate 180 degrees at street level and turn right at the corner; the beach is five minutes down the road.
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F
Hae·undae
Hae·undae is the country's most famous beach. During the peak travel season in August, umbrellas mushroom across the 2km beach while frolickers fill the water with truck-size inner tubes rented from booths behind the beach. It's a fun family outing with 500,000 friends, though the marketing bumph portraying Hae·undae as a world-class resort is bunk. Line 2 to Hae·undae station, Exit 3, and walk to the beach.
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G
Busan Metropolitan Art Museum
Busan frowns upon bourgeois pursuits like art and urban design, so it isn't surprising that the arts scene is, well, lacking. The Busan Metropolitan Art Museum is hardly a must-see but it does come in handy during typhoon season when you need a place to escape the rain. Line 2 to Metro Art Museum station, Exit 5, and walk 150m.
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UN Cemetery
The UN Cemetery appeals to history enthusiasts, though the photo exhibition is an embarrassingly modest tribute. English-speaking tour guides are inside the kiosk beside the cemetery's main gate. Line 2 to Daeyeon station, Exit 5. At street level turn 180 degrees and you'll see a sign pointing to the UN Cemetery.
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Heosimcheong Spa
Reportedly the largest hot spa in Asia, Heosimcheong is packed with soaking tubs and saunas on the 4th floor, with a capacity of 2000 people. Massages are available for an additional fee. Guests are welcome to stay as long as they like and take a break in the 3rd floor snack bar.
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J
Busan Modern History Museum
In Jungangdong, the Busan Modern History Museum is a modest effort but it does display hard-to-find information about Busan's development. The museum is located north of Yongdusan Park 300m west of the Jungangdong central post office.
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K
Busan Aquarium
In Hae·undae, the Busan Aquarium is a large fish tank with 50,000 creatures. The aquarium also hosts a shark diving class open to nondivers. Visit www.scubainkorea.com for details.
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Asiad Stadium
The Busan Icons of the Korean soccer league play in Asiad Stadium which is located behind the Asiad Home Plus department store, and is a 10-minute walk from Sajik baseball stadium.
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Sajik Stadium
Professional sports provide a day of fun. Perennial bottom feeders the Lotte Giants play baseball at Sajik Stadium .
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Busan Municipal Museum
In Uamdong, the Busan Municipal Museum has a small collection of Korean War photos and film footage.
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Geumjeong gymnasium
From October to March, the KTF Magicwings play pro basketball at Geumjeong gymnasium .
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