A meaningful story tour around the original downtown of Busan

Themed travel tours can be wonderful. If you’re interested in various themed trips, then a gourmet tour for trying must-visit restaurants, an activity tour for exploring various experiences, and a story tour around the original downtown of Busan would be perfect for you. There are not only many things to eat and see but also various old stories about Busan to hear. The tour takes place across Jung-gu, Seo-gu, Dong-gu, and Yeongdo-gu, and it is especially guided by local seniors who have been residents in these areas for a long time. Let’s take a journey filled with interesting stories that will remind adults of the good old days as they reminisce about the old town of Busan, and give children a meaningful opportunity to gain new experiences. Choryang Ibagu-gil Along the Ibagu-gil Trail in Dong-gu, Busan, you will find traces of Busan in modern times. Taking pride in the glorious past of this area that played a key role in opening ports to foreign trade, the former Baekje Hospital, which has turned to a café with a great atmosphere, and Choryang Church have great historical significance because they show modern Korean architectural styles. On the other hand, the mesmerizing, panoramic view of the Busanhang Port, from Kim Minbu Viewing Point to Yoo Chihwan Postbox, will leave you breathless. Furthermore, the 168 Stairs that connects the upper and lower mountain roads are well- known for preserving the heartwarming atmosphere of this old village. Gamcheon Culture Village / Korean War Heritage Trail Saha-gu and Seo-gu, Busan, are where you can feel what it was like to live as a refugee from the Korean War. In Gamcheon Culture Village, which was formed as Korean refugees settled down on a mountain slope, you can appreciate beautifully crafted murals while walking along the meandering alleys. This village only with the heartbreaking traces of the war eventually turned into a great piece of art that evokes strong emotions, thanks to the endless efforts of local residents and artists. Tombstone Culture Village where the Korean refugees built their homes on top of the tombstones for survival, Choi Min-Shik Gallery that exhibits photos capturing the lives of manual laborers at Jagalchi Market, and the Provisional Capital Memorial Hall, the former presidential residence, have become important cultural heritages of Busan, the wartime capital. Yongdusan Trail / Gukje Market Trail No place can show Busan’s modern history than Jung-gu, as it connects Busan’s past and present, with famous cultural heritages, including Choryang Waegwan (a trading platform for Japanese people) built when Korea opened its ports to foreign trade, Busan Department Store with an architectural style influenced by Japan, the Busan Modern History Museum that vividly captures the moments of Busan in modern times, and Daegaksa Temple. Whenever you feel hungry during the tour around this area, you can simply visit Gukje Market, which is previously known as a place for Korean War refugees. The market is also filled with delicious local snacks that look as if there were heartrending and sorrowful stories behind them. Yeongdo Bridge Trail / Huinnyeoul Village Trail Once you have your fill of delicious local snacks, it’s time to visit Yeongdo Bridge, an iconic symbol of Busan. Connecting Jung-gu and Yeongdo-gu, it is Korea’s first bascule bridge used as a meeting point for the refugees of the Korean War. As this area was filled with ship repair facilities in the past and often made the “ping (Kangkang)” sound, it was called “Kangkangee-gil Trail” Huinnyeoul Village Trail formed along the coastal cliffs in Yeongdo Island has become the most visited tourist destination throughout the year because it is widely known as a filming location. Walking along the coastal trail below the village, you will feel as if the sea in front of Yeongdo Island embraced you in its arms.