For a quieter dose of culture, head to Haedong Yonggungsa, a breathtaking Buddhist temple built on rocks overlooking the ocean – one of two seaside temples in Korea – or don your hiking shoes and head out hike to the top of Mount Geumjeongsan, home to Geumjeongsanseong. Fortress built in the early 1700s in response to repeated foreign invasions. Afterwards, relax over a bowl of makgeolli rice wine and black goat bulgogi at one of the family restaurants in Sanseong Village, located in a picturesque mountaintop valley.

Finally, pay your respects at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (unmck.or.kr), where foreign soldiers who fought in the Korean War are buried, including 892 men from the United Kingdom. A stroll through its tranquil gardens is a fitting reminder of the sacrifice made by so many to ensure the freedom and prosperity that modern South Korea enjoys today.

Where to eat and drink

For seafood, look no further than Jagalchi Market, the 600-year-old stock exchange that is the living heart of Busan. Its bustling lobby houses vendors selling marine life in all its glory of scales, fins and tentacles.

Although it is a fish town, Busan’s signature dish is actually dwaeji gukbap, a savory pork soup. Just a short walk from the United Nations Cemetery is the legendary Ssangdungi Dwaeji gukbap, serving rich and satisfying bowls, plus generous unlimited side dishes of peppery kimchi and kkakdugi (radish kimchi).