Enchanted Evenings

Busan boasts a stylish mix of neighborhoods to explore.

- By Elyse Glickman. Photography by Korea Tourism Organization

Based on their respective locations and divergent personalities, it’s inevitable there will be New York vs. Los Angeles (or San Francisco) comparisons when discussing the South Korean cities of Seoul and Busan. While Seoul is known as the nation’s business and government hub, Busan is defined by its coastline, beaches, cliffs, mountains and a slower — but by no means sleepy — pace. The city’s public hot springs, historic temples, ornate parklands, regional South Korean flavors and spins on global trends (like craft beer) also distinguish it from its Western counterparts.