Share The Article
Aging is a real drag. The way I discovered I’m exiting my youth was when Korean pop icon PSY released what would become a global hit with Gangnam Style.
My hips never lied with Shakira, but they sure did trying to nail that invisible horse dance.
Yep. Game over, childhood.
South Korea is one of Asia’s most captivating countries despite being nestled up against a rather unpredictable neighbor, and one could argue the Gangnam Style craze and the seemingly overnight Korean BBQ sensation spread across the U.S. have put South Korea on travelers’ radars more so than ever as it’s often overshadowed by other Asian powerhouses like Tokyo and Hong Kong.
With dynamic urban sprawls like Seoul and surprising islands like Jeju, South Korea can easily jam-pack a week or two’s worth of your vacation time.
But, Lonely Planet says hold your (Gangnam) horses. There’s a lesser-known city being hyped as Korea’s top destination to visit this summer, giving you plenty of time to warm up your pipes and belt out your favorite K-Pop tune as the array of entertainment in Busan is electric!
Busan: Korea’s Underrated Entertainment Hub
Being a San Diego local, maybe it’s just me because I love people-watching at world-famous Comic-Con, but this year more than ever, it wasn’t just cheaply made Superman costumes and anime wigs representing every possible shade on the color wheel. There’s been an obvious surge in global K-Pop fandom.
If you trace it back, it’s all deeply rooted right here in Busan, a vibrant seaside city ready to rock your socks off this summer.
Mirroring Seoul, Korea’s second largest city is brimming with K-drama locales, dynamic K-Pop dance groups, and a plethora of K-beauty shops, but toned down a smidge and more affordable than Korea’s capital city.
It’s a lot to take in — even more so when glancing at Busan’s event calendar ranging from magic festivals to drone light shows, but the glory of K-Pop is the city’s claim to fame, especially for locals.
It’s got me inspired enough to write my own K-Pop tune and I haven’t even booked my South Korea trip yet!
Here’s an original little ditty for ya:
Busan’s city skyline, shining so bright
Like our hot romance, it’s taking flight!
Scenic train rides, in our hearts we feel,
This Busan connection, you know it’s real!
(Yeah!)
Gamcheon’s colors, a sweet design
Just like the way our hearts intertwine
Sharing japchae, beneath the summer sky
With Busan’s magic, our feelings multiply
(Ooh baby!)– a Travel Off Pizzle productshizzle
Cherry Blossoms & Blissful Beaches: June Is A Great Time To Visit
Let’s be real. Either my impromptu artistic expression just inspired you to book a flight to Busan or completely deterred you.
Either way, K-Pop karaoke is a year-round spectacle, but come summer, the city beaches glow with sun-kissed golden sand, and the rows and rows of cherry blossom blooms rival some of Tokyo’s scenic parks.
‘Some’, I said, not all. Daejeo Ecological Park is your best bet.
Lonely Planet recommends June as the best time of year to visit Busan — a perfect kick-off to summer whether Korea is your sole destination or a stepping stone to galavant across Asia.
The popular travel guide publication highlights Haeundae as the best beach to visit, even going as far as calling it Korea’s ‘most famous beach’.
June and July see mid-day temperatures ranging from 79 to 84 degrees, providing splendid weather for beach trips or wandering the city, which you definitely should.
Once you see Busan’s quirky ‘Sky Capsules’, it’s basically an open invitation to explore the cityscape with one line (Haeundae Beach Train) going straight to the aforementioned beach.
One place not to skip is Gamcheon, a vibrant village set atop a steep hillside and believe it or not is dubbed as Korea’s “Machu Picchu” — you be the judge.
Getting Here & Where To Stay
Unlike Seoul, there are no direct routes to Busan from the States. And don’t let the Jeju Air flight crash in 2024 that took over headlines deter you from connections.
One, South Korea’s history of fatal crashes is remarkably low. Two, does America’s airline industry have any right to cast stones?
For those who are weary, however, the KTX train can get you from Seoul to Busan in under 3 hours.
As for where to stay, Busan is notoriously more affordable than Seoul given how it flies under the radar for many Westerners.
For upscale stays, 5-star Ananti at Busan Cove is going for just $153 the last week of June or take it down a notch with a 4-star beachfront stay at Shilla Stay Haeundae for only $75 the same week on Agoda.
There are numerous boutique hotels that hover around the $50 mark as well as cheap, high-rated hostels for solo trippers who want to save money for soju shots to muster up their K-Pop courage.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor