Lol all three answers so far were so ridiculous. Busan has always been the second most popular palce to visit, and it being summer probably helped. Unless we have statistics, its probably just anecdotal numbercounting. No amount of instagrammer fauning over this so called "culture village" or a movie that is now almost a decade old made a significant difference.
And I can't help but laugh at people who say "its more authentic."

? It's the second most visited city in Korea, what do you mean? It's like asking why Kyoto or Osaka or Kansai region in general has a surge of tourists, when in reality it has always been like this. It's always Seoul + Busan/Jeju or another city like Gyeongju or Tokyo + one area in Kansai and another city like Nagoya. Pretty sure most second timers that visit Korea will go to Busan, maybe it's that time now where most people have already visited Seoul.

Train to busan has nothing to do with it for sure.

Busan is always writing articles about how popular Busan is.

The world is discovering Korea and with Japan filled with tourists South Korea becomes an unique and appealing experience.

Kpop is still not that popular in the west and there is still space to grow, add in the skin care and some health tourist, I think South Korea tourism is growing a lot and will grow a lot in the next 5 years.

“New” media like Solo Leveling, Parasite and K-Pop Demon Hunters do play a role, no joke! (also train to Busan - again no joke)

So Seoul, Busan, Jeju it is.

The movie train to busan was very good

Tl; dw?

I love Busan. Check Gwangalli beach, Jagalchi market, maybe the UN cemetery.

I love Busan because I love beaches and water. It’s worth it in my opinion.

Have you been to Incheon? It is 3rd biggest city and you can visit it on way to airport. Busan airport isn't as popular so flights going to be more expensive from there. It makes a difference if you are flying far away.

I just came back from 14 days in Korea, including 4 in Busan. I loved it even more than Seoul, the direct access to the ocean and beaches really added sth for me. Went by train from Seoul station, stayed in Seomyeon

I also heard Centum city is a must visit, especially to Spa Land to relax and rejuvenate.

For food, I recommend milmyeon (밀면)! It is similar to naengmyeon and sounds so refreshing right now in hot weather

I recommend trying seafood and abalone porridge at a place called Haenyeonchon near Yonggungsa Temple!

https://preview.redd.it/an9c99o3mu5f1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=314e3e1befbac70c2fd337afe9a12e81038faba6

Centum City? Outlet mall?

I love the vibes in Busan! ✨Maybe you can watch this travel vlog to get some inspirations: https://youtu.be/JZnYufY_74E

Stay in Seomyeon. Both lines 1 and 2 of the train come through the station. Great shopping and food options in the area. Can go to Busan Station, Nampo, Jagalchi etc on Line 1 and Gwangan and Haeundae on line 2. So many must dos, depends on what you like to do. Landmarks? Walks? Shopping? Cafes?

I enjoyed staying in the Gwangan area - booked a cheap airbnb with a wonderful view of the sea and it was nice to wake up in the morning with that right there and the night view is equally as breathtaking. Lots of restaurants and cafes in the area also, buses and subway also there.

Depends on what you’re into - Haeundae beach area has a lot of things to do. There’s a traditional market there with foods and shopping. In the area, we did the blue line park walk in contrast to getting on the train or capsule, it was about 1.5h long and it was so good with lots of sights to see and stop at but it won’t be so enjoyable if you don’t like walking a lot. In front of the blue line park entrance across the road there is a salt bread shop called Jayeondo, that’s all they sell and it’s soooooo good. You’ll see as usually there’s a little line but they process quickly.

If you enjoy walking, we continued all the way to the Haedong Yonggunsa temple which is a beautiful seaside temple. We just got an Uber back to our area after this destination.

As for food, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice - anywhere, everywhere is gonna be good.

Download naver maps and kakao maps - google maps is not as good in Korea but those two are so helpful. Kakao taxi is also good but I’ve also had good luck with Uber.

Anyways, it really all depends on what you’re into but there is no doubt you will have a wonderful time. Give yourself some pockets in your itinerary to just be and not over plan. 🥰

1. Gamcheon village 2. Gwanganri(beach) 3. Haeundae(beach) - great place to enjoy yacht tours 4. Nampo - streat food , shopping

Gwangan Beach - Nammè is a great jazz bar. Don't know if HQ Gwangan is still around but it's a great foreigner bar with live music

Any where I can watch drone show?

does anyone know how I can get tickets to the game on sunday for me and my girlfriend? i dont have any account with them and it seems difficult to do.

Explore the bustling markets, visit scenic beaches like Haeundae, and experience cultural landmarks such as Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan.

Get on a train.

Capture point ASAP using a teleporter

Seek shelter from the zombies..

There is so much to see and do in Busan! Be sure to visit famous beaches, sample local delicacies, explore cultural attractions, and enjoy breathtaking views from the city's observation decks

I really enjoyed Makgeolli and Soju tastings from air bnb.

I can recommend a couple I tried if you like.

There's also walking tours which is a fun way to meet people and get familiar with the city sights.

Hiking bukhansan

Check out the cute cafes in Ikseondong

I’d like to recommend biking along the Han river

I'm having trouble getting links but if you search Makgeolli tasting in Seoul, you'll find them.

The hosts names are:

• Sam (he does Soju tastings and other experiences too). Well organised, professional, yet very relaxed experience. He knows a lot about food and drink and Korea in general - the tasting was awesome and Sam gave out a lot of great recommendations for other things in Seoul too.

• JaeKyung - an experienced somellier and Makgeolli lover! I had an incredible time with him, one of the kindest, most passionate, and most knowledgeable people I met. I was the only one who booked the tasting so we basically just chatted all things alcohol for 90 minutes. Genuinely such a fun and heartwarming experience.

Definitely felt like it was very worth it!! Suyang cooks everything and it was the best food I had in Korea and soooo much food

https://www.guruwalk.com/seoul

I think I did one from here!

It was just a really fun way to get to know the city a bit and to engage with history, and other people.

The host was a Spanish woman who has been living in Seoul for years. She was lovely!

It's quite informal so it's a great way to meet people and have a chill day.

Yees, there are many places around Han river, i remember i rented mine near the “I SEOUL U” sign, it was easy, you just need to show any ID and pay for the time you’ll use it :)

My favorite part of my whole Korea trip was the air bnb experience going to Jagalchi fish market with Suyang!! Called "Enjoy Korean Seafood with Busan Oppa". I also really loved staying in a hanock house in Jongno-gu and being able to walk to all the Palaces nearby

Book a ride on the Sky Capsule! (Be sure to book a return on the train! Otherwise you will be stuck in the outskirt area). We enjoyed it and had dinner around the area afterwards.

If I had to choose just one spot, I’d recommend visiting Jayu Market. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s full of fascinating items to browse. The area is also packed with jewelry shops, so there’s plenty to see! Since it’s located downtown, it’s easy to explore other nearby spots as well.

this for more info!