Busan or Nami Island: Which to Visit

Busan is South Korea's second- city. It is a bustling port city, with a vibrant mix of modern urban life and natural beauty, mainly beaches and coastline.

It has held on to Korean traditions better than Seoul's fast-paced atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those who want to mix some beach-hopping with traditional Korean life.

For example, in Busan, you often see vans on the street selling Korean traditional snacks- something I hardly see in the central parts of Seoul now.

For suggestions on what to do in a day in Busan, click here.

Nami Island, or Namiseom, is a picturesque half-moon shaped isle located in Chuncheon, very close to Seoul.

It is popular because it has beautiful trees and plants, and has been featured on several popular Korean dramas.

Sounds like it should be peaceful, no? Unfortunately, it's swarmed with visitors, so it is pretty crowded, especially on the weekend!

The island became widely popular after being featured in the Korean drama "Winter Sonata," making it a must-visit for fans of Korean pop culture.

It's also good for people who enjoy adventurous activities, as you can take a zipline across instead of the ferry.

• By Train: The KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is the most popular choice. It connects Seoul to Busan in about 2.5 hours, offering a fast and comfortable journey. Note that if you take the cheaper fare, the travel journey time will increase. (I always go to Busan by KTX.)
• By Bus: For budget travelers, buses from Seoul to Busan are available, taking about 4-5 hours.
• By Air: Flights from Seoul to Busan are quick, around 1 hour. However, once you factor in airport transit and security, trains often emerge as the more convenient option, as there won't be much difference in travel time.

• By Tour/ Shuttle Bus: The most convenient- and most expensive way- to visit Nami Island is with a tour group. The tour will often bundle Nami Island with other places such as the Garden of Morning Calm and maybe a meal of Dak-Galbi (Chuncheon is famous for this dish.)
• By Train: If you don't want to splash the cash, the second best way is to take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station to Gapyeong Station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to the Nami Island ferry wharf.
• By Car: Driving from Seoul to the ferry wharf takes about 1.5 hours, suitable for those who like a road trip. Driving in Korea is not for the faint-hearted, though, especially if you can't read Korean!

1. Haeundae Beach: Known for its picturesque coastline and vibrant nightlife, this is the most famous beach in Busan and possibly South Korea. It’s a must-visit for beach lovers and party-goers. I enjoy walking the Haeundae Blue Line Park broadwalk.
2. Jagalchi Fish Market: You can eat fresh seafood and buy dried seafood (for cooking) at Korea’s largest seafood market. There's also a great view of the sea from the top floor.
3. Gamcheon Culture Village: Often called the "Machu Picchu of Busan," this area's colorful houses and artistic vibe offer a unique visual experience, as well as wonderful views all the way to the coast. It's a wonderful story of how it is possible to rejuvenate an area. (The area was flooded with refugees after the Korean war but has since become an artists' haven.)
4. Huinnyeoul Culture Village: located by the coast, this is a less famous but equally fascinating Culture Village in Busan.
5. Beomeosa Temple: A serene escape nestled in the mountains, showcasing traditional Korean architecture and spirituality.
6. Jeonpo Cafe Street: perfect for those who love cafes!

1. Zip Line: Taking the zip line from mainland Korea to Nami Island is a thrill for many.
2. Metasequoia Lane: Famous for its towering Metasequoia trees, creating a breathtakingly beautiful avenue.
3. Ginkgo Tree Lane: A stunning pathway lined with golden ginkgo trees, especially mesmerizing in autumn.
4. Central Korean Pine Tree Lane: Offers a peaceful walk through lush greenery.
5. Winter Sonata Statues and Memorabilia: This is one of THE original Korean dramas. However, the statues will only be of interest if you're a fan of Winter Sonata (or fanatical about K-dramas.)

• Busan is renowned for its fresh seafood. Must-try dishes include fishcake (eomuk), hoe (raw fish), seafood stew, and grilled eel. (When I had samggyetang in Busan, it came with octopus, something I've never seen in Seoul!)
• It has a special ssiat hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) filled with nuts that you can find at BIFF Square.
• Another famous dish is Dwaeji Gukbap, a pork and rice stew.

• The food at Nami Island is nothing special, other than the local injeolmi (Korean rice cake.)
• However, it's very close to Chuncheon which is the hometown of Dak-Galbi, my favorite Korean chicken dish! It's stir-fried on the table, slightly spicy, and oh-so-flavorful. (Many tours will throw in a Dak-Galbi lunch on a Nami Island trip.)

From 5-star luxury hotels in Haeundae (and Lotte Hotel Busan in Seomyeon) to budget hostels, Busan caters to all types of travelers. I've stayed at Signiel Busan in Haeundae before and LOVED the infinity pool (shown above.)

Nami Island is usually done as a day trip from Seoul.

However, overnight stays are possible in nearby Chuncheon, offering a range of hotels and guesthouses. (No 5-star hotels.)

Busan’s nightlife is vibrant, with a variety of bars, clubs, and cultural performances, especially around Haeundae and Seomyeon. (As a port city, it does feel a lot rougher than Seoul though.)

Pretty much non-existent in Nami Island, but you have some options at Chuncheon. Don't expect anything too cosmopolitan though. (Think Drinking Soju, singing at Noraebangs, and soaking at Jjimjibangs.)