Seoul may be the most well-known city of South Korea, as it is the capital as well as the largest metropolis in the nation, but if you're looking for something different this summer, considering visiting the city of all kinds of fun--Busan!

For those of you who got 'Busan' as your city in our "Where do you belong in South Korea?" quiz, you'll know that Busan is the city of adventure and spice. There are plenty of things to do in South Korea's second largest metropolis--from witnessing big, glamorous events, om-noming (eating) your way into happiness, to viewing its natural beauty by the sea. 
 

Here's a list of five places you definitely should check out in Busan, if not anytime soon, then at least within your lifetime! C'mon, you only live once; get your pen and bucket list ready! 

Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)

If you're going to visit Busan in the fall (specifically during the dates 10/02 to 10/11/2014), you should definitely check out the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)! Although the West has a history of dominating the film festival scene, BIFF was launched in 1996 to introduce new films and promote young artists particularly from Asia. It's a must-see event for artists, film-lovers, and fans alike, as it is a gathering of talent, glitz, and glam. Who knows, you may even see your favorite K-Pop idols attend!

Song Ji Hyo and Jaejoong attending the BIFF 2012. 

Seomyeon

Seomyeon is the most crowded area in Busan--and for a good reason. Aside from being the transportation hub of the city and having three underground malls, it is also the famous hotspot for a particular, delicious Korean dish--pork and rice soup (dwaeji guk bab).

There are many restaurants in Seomyeon that sell this steaming perfection. Although one might be tempted to say that pork and rice soup is similar to samgyupsal (Korean pork belly), it also has a twist to it that sets it apart as a cuisine of its own. If you're traveling through Seomyeon anyway, you should definitely treat your mouth and tummy to this bowl of yummy! 

Hwarozari

Still hungry for more? Hwarozari, a famous Korean restaurant, has got you covered! Go here for dinner and order their cheese fondue pork belly. An Asian fusion dish that combines the traditional Korean pork belly with the global love for melted cheese, it is enjoyed by both local residents and foreign visitors alike. (Make sure to check out other food combos Koreans love to eat here!) 

 

Hwarozari is open until the late hours--3 AM--so it's the best place to go when you want to rendezvous in the night with friends. Try this dish with some soju, and you got a perfect playdate with a satisfied stomach under the Busan night lights! 

Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO)

Built in May 2001, BEXCO is a decade-old concert venue in Haeundae--the beach district of Busan. BEXCO holds a variety of events, from concerts, international exhibitions, conferences, business meetings, conventions, to even motor shows. Notable international celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Jason Mraz have performed here. 

Make sure to check out a show at BEXCO and--who knows--maybe a K-Pop star might show up, like A Pink did at the Busan Korean Games Expo G-Star 2013!



Defense of Ancients (DotA) 2 cosplay at a gaming convention held at BEXCO.

A Pink at the Busan Korean Games G-Star 2013.

 

Haedong Yonggung Temple

While the urban life in Busan is certainly hip, fun, and even tasty, Busan has some dazzling historic sites to offer as well.

Busan has three famous temples--Beomeo Temple, Taejong Temple, and the Haedong Yonggung Temple. Among these three, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is considered even by South Korean residents as one of the must-go-to-before-you-die-places. And it's a no-brainer why. The temple is a beautiful sight to behold. As you walk down the 108 stone steps to the temple, you will feel as if you are descending into a sea palace due to its location by the water. 

According to legend, if you pray at this temple, you could be granted one wish! You know all that "future-hubby delulu" talk? Well with a visit to this temple, it might not be such a delusion after all. (Wink, nudge.) 

 

Or you could pray for world peace too. I don't know. Either one. #priorities.

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There you have it, 5 awesome places to visit in Busan! How is your to-do list looking? Let us know in the comments below!