For shopping in Busan, this part of the city is superb. You’ll find traditional markets and high-end shops along with food and entertainment.

Roughly in the Busan City Centre region, Bujeon, Busanjin-gu is at the heart of Busan’s shopping attractions. Bujeon Market is one of the largest traditional markets in Busan. Come here to purchase necessities and see locals buying household items, produce, ginseng and ingredients for herbal medicine. A very limited number of hand-made eomuk fish cake croquettes are available here each day at Goraesa Company. Stop in early in the day to be sure to have a taste before these delicious creations run out.

South of the traditional market is a long shopping area along Seomyeon First Street. Poke your head into the wide variety of shops and stop for a meal or drinks at the numerous bars and restaurants. Movie theatres, casinos, concert venues and art galleries draw local residents and tourists to this very lively street. Before leaving the Seomyeon area, check out what lies below ground. Look for clothing and accessories in the Seomyeon Underground Shopping Centre, a modern mall with refreshing air-conditioning and reasonable prices.

A bit north of Bujeon’s shopping areas is Busan Citizens Park. Visit this large area to see how a one-time racetrack and later U.S. Army base has been repurposed to serve the modern needs of the city’s residents. Walk or jog along the paths of this 117-acre (470,000-square-metre) space and see fountains, a koi-filled pond, plants, sculptures and kids’ playgrounds. Visit the small museum to learn the history of the area. The park opened in its recent creation in 2014 and continues to add developments.

Just east of Bujeon is Hwangnyeongsan Mountain. Spend 2 to 3 hours climbing one of the trails to the top of this 1,400-foot (427-metre) mountain. A beacon fire station atop the mountain served as a communications post in past centuries.

Reach the Busan City Centre easily via several central stops on Busan’s efficient subway system. Shop, explore and people-watch in this bustling area.