In a nutshell

This tour takes us on a journey into Korean spirituality and everyday life, visiting an evocative Buddhist temple imbued with the deep religious culture of the local community before browsing two traditional markets bustling with local traders and shoppers.

Main stops

Beomeosa Buddhist temple
Jagalchi fish market
Gukje market

The programme

Leaving the port behind, we travel to the forested slopes of the mysterious Mount Geumjeongsan to reach our first destination: the Beomeosa Buddhist Temple, a magnificent building commissioned in 678 by Uisang, an important Korean Buddhist monk.
We will pass through the temple's impressive gateways located at various heights along the hillside, and ascend to admire the exquisite fusion of Korean and Japanese architecture unique to the site, finally reaching the main hall to marvel at its enchanting ceiling carved with intricate floral motifs.
After exploring the temple, we will return to the city to visit the picturesque Jagalchi fish market, the largest of its kind in South Korea where many of the traders are women. We will stroll through the brightly coloured stalls, breathing in the strong aromas and peering into the simple wooden crates of mackerel, squid and whale meat stacked on the floor.
Finally, we will visit the Gukje market, the largest traditional market in Busan. Once dedicated to refugees fleeing the Korean war who opened stalls and shops to earn a living, the market has since evolved into a vibrant, colourful and thriving centre that sells all manner of goods at very reasonable prices.

Good to know

There are over 110 demanding steps to negotiate at the Temple.
Care should be taken at the Temple and the markets, as the floors can be wet and slippery.
Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended.
Tour order may vary.