The second largest city in South Korea with a population of more than three and a half million people, Busan is known primarily for its magnificent beaches, hot springs, national parks in the surrounding area and the bustling life of the port city. Sailors from all over the world give Busan a peculiar atmosphere of "crossroads of the Earth". However, Busan is not as cosmopolitan as it might seem at first glance — compared to Seoul, it is charmingly shy in the provinces, and the "pale-faced" tourist here will be surreptitiously viewed, giggling among themselves. Local attractions include a huge fish market that easily gives Tokyo a head start, the magnificent Buddhist temple of Pomos and, of course, excellent beaches that are considered among the best in Korea.
