The city is divided into districts with mountains physically separating some of these districts. Busan is an appealing mix of natural beauty and modern city life. The coastline offers scenic cliffs overlooking popular beaches whilst mountains offer excellent hiking and extraordinary views. The Geumjeongsan Mountain to the west of the city is a popular weekend hiking spot for Busan residents whilst Dongbaek Island is thickly covered with pine trees and great for walks. It was an island in ancient times but is now joined to the mainland by an accumulation of sand and earth that has formed a land bridge. The area of Dongnae Oncheon is a natural spa with hot springs channelled into a small bathing area.
Busan is famous for its seafood with a busy fish market that comes alive in the early hours of the morning when trade is at its peak. As you would expect from any large metropolis, Busan is not short of sights. The 17 acre Yongdusan Park is home to an art gallery and aquarium, and various cultural events are held here throughout the year. The Buddhist temple of Beomeo-sa is one of the largest in the south-eastern part of Korea. The three-storey stone pagoda is a popular feature of the temple. The Chungnyeolsa Shrine is dedicated to the patriotic fighters who died between 1592 and 1598 whilst resisting Japanese aggressors.
