Silversea Luxury Cruises À BUSAN

Discover Beomeosa Temple and the picturesque Haeundae beach, with the renowned Nurimaru APEC House on this half-day adventure outside of Busan.

Depart the pier for the 50-minute journey from the port area to Beomeosa Temple, one of the largest and best known temples in the forest outside of Busan City.

Beomeosa Temple

Located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, Beomeosa Temple was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the year of 678. Renovated in 1713, the temple is one of the most delicate and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Features include Iljumun, the three-storey pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and eleven hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, beautiful wisteria woods and valleys surround the temple.

Nurimaru APEC House

The name Nurimaru APEC House was created by combining the Korean words nuri, meaning 'world' and maru or 'summit' with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference hall. Located on Dongbaekseom Island, which is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees, this three-storey building is a modernistic expression of jeongja, a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style, with a visual display of Korea's creative traditional culture inside.

Haeundae Beach

View the famous beach named by scholar Choi Chi-Won in 857. It is likely the most famous beach in Korea. Spanning an area of over 14 acres (58,400 square metres), the beach is known for its white sand that originates from the Chuncheon Stream. Its Folk Square features traditional games such as neoldduigi (seesaw jumping), Korean wrestling, tuho (arrow throwing), tug-of-war and yutnori. The beach also includes the Beach Culture Centre and the Beach Library, and hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Afterwards, re-board the coach and make your way back to the pier.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Located in the Korean coastal city of Busan, is nestled into the side of a mountain, the former slum a mishmash of pastel-colored, Lego-like houses, painted in 2009 to lure visitors up steep slopes and through its tiny alleys. Gamcheon Village, once a dilapidated neighborhood that housed refugees following the Korean War, it was transformed in 2009, when the government's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism launched an initiative to turn the area into a creative community. Under the theme, "Dreaming of Busan Machu Picchu," painters and sculptors added their artistic touch to the streets, homes and businesses of Gamcheon. Nowadays, tourists flock here to look at some of the street art in the country.

Yongdusan Park

Yongdusan Mountain (49m) in downtown Busan is one of Busan's three famous mountains. The mountain held shrines for the mountain gods built by the Japanese before the 8.15 Liberation. Now the mountain is home to a variety of monuments, including Cheokhwabi Monument, Chunghontap Pagoda, 4.19 Revolution Monument, a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, and the Busan Tower. During the Korean War, refugees built houses on the side of the mountain all the way to the summit but these neighborhoods were burned down twice, leaving the mountain bare. Since then, fierce efforts of planting trees have led to transforming the burnt mountain to a beautiful park. The park was called Unam Park at the time of the Liberal Party‟s ruling but was renamed to Yongdusan Park after the April 19 Revolution in 1960. The park offers views of Busan Port and the surrounding scenery. Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan that stands proudly at 69 meters above sea level at a height of 120 meters. The top of the tower is modelled after the Baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju.

Gukje International Market:

Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls in order to make a living, and this was the beginning of the Gukje Market (gukje meaning "international" in Korean). The Gukje Market is one of Korea‟s largest markets; each alleyway is crowded with stalls, and it connects to Bupyeong Market, Kkangtong Market, and other smaller markets. The market stocks such a wide variety of goods, that you can find almost everything you need right here.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Depart the ship for a one hour coach ride to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

It is located along the beautiful shore lines as most Korean temples are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the three sacred places related to the Goddess of Buddha of South Korea. Its motto is "at least one of your wishes will be answered here through sincere prayers‟. The temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Monk Ungang of Tongdo Temple rebuilt the temple in the early 1930's. In 1970, the main sanctuary of the temple was reconstructed with careful attention to the colors traditionally used in such structures. Walking down 108 steps, get close the water's edge with scenic views towards the main temple building.

Ananti Cove

Ananti Cove is a large town consisting of the most unique hotel, Hilton Busan; Korea‟s best hot spring, Water House. It is a resort compound and is made up of 15 unique brand shops, including restaurants, a bookstore, a coffee house, an anti-aging clinic and a pet care center, all of which are rarely seen in other places. The Osiria Coastal Walk wraps around Ananti Town.

Ahopsan Forest

Ahopsan Forest has been owned and gardened by one family. They have kept it unopened to the public for over 400 years throughout the Japanese occupation, liberation, war, and industrialization. "Ahopsan" of Ahopsan forest is a pure Korean word that means embracing nine valleys. The place became known to the world after becoming the filming location for the movie Kundo: Age of the Rampant in 2014. In 2016, the owners who managed the forest for 400 years decided to open to the public. The forest was designated as a green belt and water source conservation area for a long time, preserving the healthy natural environment and ecosystem. Inside the Ahopsan Forest are the bamboo habitat, red pine trees, hinoki cypress trees, oak trees, and other trees. A total of 116 trees are designated as protected trees, showing how long and precious the history of the forest is. Even though the forest is home to many types of trees, what represents the place is the bamboo habitat.

Experience a more in-depth look at Busan's surrounds on this full-day exploration of the UNESCO site of Gyeongju, with a visit to the Bulguksa Temple and the taste of a Korean-style buffet lunch.

Gyeongju

Leaving the pier, drive through the city and countryside for approximately 90 minutes towards Gyeongju. Located on the eastern coast where the morning sunlight first touches the Orient, Gyeongju was once the capital of the Shilla Kingdom and centre of Korea when Shilla unified the peninsula in 676 A.D. It was designated by UNESCO as one of the world's ten most historically significant sites and is known as the 'museum without walls'.

Tumuli Park

Arrive at Tumuli Park, a collection of royal Shilla tombs located in the middle of Gyeongju. The park contains 20 tombs, of which Chonmachong (Flying Horse Tomb) is the most famous. Its name comes from the picture of a flying horse found painted on white birch bark when the tomb was excavated in 1974, and the tomb yielded more than 10,000.

Gyeongju National Museum

Gyeongju National Museum, a place of compelling interest, preserves much of the Shilla heritage including magnificent gold crowns, pottery, Buddhist artefacts, and stone sculptures. The museum also houses the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great, also referred to as the legendary Emuille Bell, one of Asia's largest and most resonant bells, 19 tons of bronze standing 11 feet (3.4 metres) high. Afterwards, the coach takes you to a local hotel for a buffet lunch offering Korean and Western-style cuisine. Relaxed and refreshed, continue with a visit to Bulguksa Temple.

Bulguksa Temple

One of Korea's best well-known temples on the western slope of Mt. Tohamsan, Bulguksa Temple is a monument to both the skill of the Shilla architects and the depth of Buddhist faith at the time. While most of the wooden buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries, all the stone bridges, stairways and pagodas are original. In 1995, Bulguksa Temple was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Re-board your coach one last time for the 90-minute journey back to Busan and the awaiting ship.

Become acquainted with some of the basic sights and sounds familiar to the city of Busan on this half-day orientation.

Depart the pier by coach for the 30-minute drive into Busan. The city highlights seen or visited include the following:

The Busan Museum

The Busan Museum, offers seven regular exhibition rooms spread over three floors in addition to the Kiln Exhibition Hall, and the Outdoor Exhibition Hall. Opened in 1978, the museum has taken on a leading role in preserving traditional culture in Busan by obtaining a wealth of relics from strong excavation efforts, generous donations and purchases, and by meticulous research.

The museum was remodeled in 2002 along with the opening of Exhibition Hall 2. The wide array of relics ranges from the Prehistoric Age to the modern period. The Outdoor Exhibition Hall is home to precious pagodas, Buddhist statues, and monuments. There are over 6,000 items from excavations in Busan and the Gyeongnam area in addition to items that have been purchased, donated, and collected. Those relics reveal the important historical and cultural heritage of Busan.

Jagalchi Fish Market

Experience the local atmosphere at the harbour-side fish market, which stretches into downtown. As a seaport, the Busan fish market offers a variety of fresh seafood, including a large shellfish section in the middle of the market. Boats unload their catches very early each morning, and sell them on the spot. By the time you arrive, mountains of fresh seafood will be attractively arranged on ice. The sea air and fresh fish mingle with the resonant voices of the market folk to create an unforgettable experience.

Gukje Market (International Market)

Busan's largest and most central market area, Gukje Market was formed by merchants descended from refugees of the Korean War. The alleyways are divided into six market districts dealing in a wide variety of goods such as silk, linen, clothing, bags, glasses, and curtains. After exploring with your guide, some free time is afforded, allowing you to browse.

Following this overview, re-board your coach for the 20-minute drive back to the pier

Discover the secrets of preparing a traditional Korean meal during this informative, half-day culinary excursion.

Busan City Drive

Depart the pier for a scenic, approximately 60 min round drive through Busan 's landmark Gwangan Bridge, also know as Diamond Bridge. You will be amazed the breathtaking view of the mixture of Busan's modern and nature beauty

Cooking Institute

Upon arrival at the Cooking Institute, begin your interactive cooking lesson. Learn to prepare bulgogi, a Korean barbecue dish that typically consists of grilled marinated beef, or bibimbab, a signature Korean dish consisting of warm white rice topped with namul (sautéed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste), and soy sauce or doenjang, a salty soybean paste. A raw or fried egg and sliced meat (usually beef) are common additions. Following your cooking lesson, dine on the meal you helped to prepare.

Jagalchi Fish Market

Experience the local atmosphere at the harbour-side fish market, which stretches into downtown. As a seaport, the Busan fish market offers a variety of fresh seafood, including a large shellfish section in the middle of the market. Boats unload their catches very early each morning, and sell them on the spot. By the time you arrive, mountains of fresh seafood will be attractively arranged on ice. The sea air and fresh fish mingle with the resonant voices of the market folk to create an unforgettable experience.

Lotte Lotte Mart

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the Lotte Mart at the Lotte Department Store. Some free time is made available here for shopping and enjoy and experience Korean local grocery mart. Before re-boarding your coach and commencing the approximately 20-minute drive back to the pier.

Makgeolli, Korean Rice Beer Tasting

Koreas oldest folk liquor. Korean rice beer. The signature brew is a favorite among Koreans and foreigners for its clean and refreshing taste. Loved for generations and recently updated with the addition of bananas and honey, makgeolli is an iconic drink with appeal across age groups. Its place in Korean culture isn't likely to change any time soon.

From here proceed to a local restaurant to experience a delicious Korean dinner.

Busan Tower & Dinner

A symbol of Busan that stands proudly at 69 meters above sea level at a height of 120 meters. The top of the tower is modeled after the Baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju. Loved by Busan citizens and tourists alike, the tower offers a stunning night view with plenty to see.

Gukje International Market

Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls in order to make a living, and this was the beginning of the Gukje Market (gukje meaning "international" in Korean). The Gukje Market is one of Korea‟s largest markets; each alleyway is crowded with stalls, and it connects to Bupyeong Market, Kkangtong Market, and other smaller markets. The market stocks such a wide variety of goods, that you can find almost everything you need right here.

Busan's Bupyeong Market

Also known as Kkangtong (tin can) Market. It earned that funny name when it had a variety of imported canned goods from the United States for the US forces stationed in Korea during the Korean War. It was also known as "Dottegi (bustling plea) Market." All foreign products found in the country at that time were supplied from this market. A night market opens from 19:30-24:00. There are 11 kiosks selling Korean food, 6 kiosks selling international foods such as Japanese and Filipino foods, and 13 vendors selling clothes and accessories.

Explore Busan at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Busan at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Busan at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Busan at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Your tour starts from the panoramic Busan Harbor bridge drive. This bridge took six years to complete and connects the Yeongdo District and Nam District. At night it lights up at in various colors.

Taekwondo performance

You will be amazed by the beauty of Korean Fan Dance. The traditional dance "Buchaechum" origin is unknown, but it is also said to have influences from thousand years old Korean shamanism dance rituals or from the traditional Joseon Dynasty court performances. During this dance, which Koreans use during many celebrations, dancers use large fans painted with pink peony blossoms and represent shaped images using the fans e.g. birds, flowers, butterflies and waves. Then, it's time for the Taekwondo performance. Taekwondo is Korea's most representative martial arts and is a globally recognized sport. Not just an important defensive art that has played a key part in Korean history, Taekwondo also improves the physical abilities and mental strength of its practitioners. You'll be entertained by its characteristic head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques all in all an exciting performance.

Experience the coastal beauty of Busan and one of its most beautiful Buddhist temples during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Busan City and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive through Busan City en route to the magnificent Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the visited and revered Buddhist temples in Busan. Founded in 1376 and restored in 1970, this Buddhist Temple is located atop a huge rock emerging from the ocean. This spectacular site houses a number of temples along the shoreline, along with dozens of statues and sculptures. The sound of the East Sea ocean waves and melody of sutra chanting from the temple create a magical effect, and further enhance the appeal of this stunning architectural marvel.

Oryukdo Skywalk

Next, re-board your coach and drive along Haeundae Beach to the Oryukdo Skywalk. Opened in 2013, the skywalk is located in the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea. This incredible iron-and-glass structure is perched above a 115-foot (35-metre) high coastal cliff, and its transparent floor and walls offer stunning panoramic vistas of the coast, sea and distant Daemado Island on clear days. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.