Korea’s hot summer, characterized by its intense humidity and intermittent monsoons, typically lasts from June to late August. Coinciding with the beginning of many summer vacations, this period is known for its vibrant events such as the Boryeong Mud Festival, Psy's Summer Swag Tour, and the Waterbomb Concert, attracting hundreds of locals and international tourists to enjoy the fun. Once the cherry blossoms start to fall and the temperatures start to rise, cities like Busan become public hubs of entertainment — with popular beaches like Haeundae packed with large crowds. Despite the torrid heat, this season of summer offers opportunities for various natural activities, making it a dynamic time for tourists that lasts a lifetime.
In addition to the renowned festivals and activities, Korea's summer is also known for its beautiful places to visit. However, despite all these hidden treasures that Korea possesses, many foreign tourists end up wasting time, money, and effort visiting only the most well-known spots. This tendency is not unique to Korea; it happens worldwide. When we travel overseas, for instance, to Canada, we tend to visit places such as the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, and Old Quebec and think we explored the entire nation. Just imagine how massive Canada is; there’s far more to explore than people believe. Take an hour's ride from Toronto in any direction, and you will discover a whole new world filled with vibrant landscapes that are not found in the "well-known spots". The same holds true for Korea.
Yet, I am not claiming that tourists make bad decisions about where they should visit. These places are known for a reason and some are worth visiting. However, most tourists choose these places because, first, they are renowned, but second, these are the primary and only recommendations that online search engines provide. Thus, my point is this; tourists don’t actually get various options to choose from despite the time and effort invested. Therefore, among all the destinations stretching across the peninsula, I would like to recommend the top 3 places everyone should visit in one of the most exciting cities of Korea: Busan.
BUSAN X the SKY
& Green Railway
753-1 Songjeong-dong, Haeundae, Busan
BUSAN X the SKY, located at the apex of Haeundae LCT Tower, is Korea’s second tallest observation deck, measuring 411.6 meters (1,350 ft). The observatory provides a panoramic ocean vista that stretches across the horizon and allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Busan fully. Since the government is officially restricting any further construction of such tall buildings near the shore, this building will remain the only structure that offers an ocean view from 100 stories high even after decades, making it more valuable. Another must-see attraction in Busan is the Green Railway, a spectacular route that stretches from Haeundae to Mipo. This railway not only offers a stunning landscape but also an amazing view of the city's tall, sumptuous skyscraper, which coexists with charming nature. A cool breeze and the sweet smell of the ocean further enhance the experience, allowing visitors to create unforgettable memories.
Taejongdae Park
24 Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Taejongdae Park is considered one of the must-visit tourist spots by many Busan residents but is not well known. The park offers breathtaking views with a sense of peacefulness coming from the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs. Taejongdae’s trail is considered a moderately challenging walk, taking around 2 hours to complete. However, due to its hot weather and sunshine, visiting during late August or June is highly recommended. With its natural beauty preserved, you can observe diverse species of plants and animals thriving in their beautiful habitats.
Songdo Beach
100 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan
Songdo Beach, known as Korea’s first official seaside resort, is recognized as a place of memories for many older generations. For the past decades, Songdo Beach has been widely admired as a popular family vacation destination due to its shallow waters and calm waves. Alongside the shore, restaurants and cafes abound, allowing tourists to easily travel within the boundary. Songdo Beach is also famous for cable cars stretching over the horizon of crystal-clear water and Yonggung Bridge where visitors can enjoy the thrill of walking above the sea.