mcrw00

Any recommendations for a short, first time visit to Pusan in July?

I have been to Seoul twice so done the very basic in terms of SK, but never left the area.

I was thinking to get a few rounds in at the casino, but otherwise no plan.

Are the beaches too crowded/hot to be enjoyed in July?

ksandness

Not an expert, but I had 24 hours in Busan after coming off the hydrofoil from Japan and before continuing on to Tokyo, and I decided that the most efficient use of my time was to take a bus tour from one of the companies that leaves from the front of Busan Station. They had two circuits, one that goes around the central city and another that goes to Haeundae.

It was a quick once-over, and we saw things entirely from the windows of the bus, but if I ever go back, I will have some ideas of what to see and do. Busan struck me as being an intriguing combination of Old Asia and contemporary, futuristic Asia.

And don't forget--there is always the option of buying a guidebook and reading up on the area. If paper books are too retro for you, many of the standard guidebooks are also available as e-books.

mikesaidyes

Stay in Seomyeon as it is central for hopping around. Also lots of nightlife and food for the evening. Also shopping.

Spend one day in Nampo-dong: Busan Tower, Fish Market, International Market, Culture Village. That is easily a whole day.

Day Two: Head out to Haeundae or Gwangali Beach if the weather is nice. Take a visit to Shinsegae Spa Land, a verrrry fancy Korean spa. Also world's largest. It is located at Centum City Complex inside Shinsegae Department Store.

B407

I have not been to the beaches in the summer, but i heard the do get crowded, but the area where the beach is does have some good restaurants. Some of them face the beach, so you can get a good view.

If you're into shopping the Shinshigae department store is massive and will occupy lots of time.

If you're into outdoorsy stuff, there are a lot of parks and hiking trails in and around Busan that are quite nice. Most are not on the subway line, but cabs in SK are very cheap.

mcrw00

Awesome ideas all, thank you!

By chance, does anyone have experience with either of the casinos in the city?

If so, which is recommended?

mikesaidyes

Unless you are willing to spend a good bit of money and don't mind pushy Chinese, I wouldn't recommend the casinos. Definitely not for the casual gamer. Very few slots and all the tables have high buy-ins. The only "cheap" table (aka a buy in under 30-50$) is roulette.

I have been to both Gangnam and Walker Hill casinos. Both same. Walker Hill had a nice free buffet actually. I am sure Gangnam does as well, just didn't see it.

mcrw00

I have been to Seoul Hilton Seven Luck as well as Walker Hill. Liked the latter much more, and they actually had several $10 / 10000 krw minimum blackjack tables which were fun for several hours. This was 2 am though, so it may be only during off-peak times...?

I'm thinking I'll go to the Busan casino that's in the same group as the Walker Hill one in Seoul.

ellyse

It's not right in the city centre so you should probably take a taxi, but I'd highly recommend Haedong Yonggungsa. The temple complex is facing the ocean and its probably my favourite temple in Korea.

Aventine

Paradise hotel and casino are right there on Haeundae beach. It's the Korean peak vacation period now so the hotel could be at full occupancy.