Daily Busan
Explore Busan’s past and present on foot
source: www.biacf.or.kr
Why not spend your weekend exploring the art and science of building design and construction? The “Ttu-buk Ttu-buk Walking Architecture Tour” (뚜벅뚜벅부산건축투어) has returned to showcase Busan’s unique architectural charms. This engaging program invites participants to walk through diverse neighborhoods across the city and discover the history and value behind treasured buildings.
There are five courses to choose from:
1) Centum City
This tour provides an overview of Busan’s modern urban architecture. A key highlight is Space Lee Ufan at the Busan Museum of Art, where visitors can immerse themselves in the restrained aesthetics of the Mono-ha art movement. The route also includes BEXCO, Shinsegae Centum City Mall and the Busan Cinema Center.
2) United Nations Culture Zone
Participants will undergo a detailed exploration of Busan during and after the Korean War, featuring sites such as the Busan Cultural Center, the U.N. Memorial Cemetery, the National Museum of Forced Mobilization Under Japanese Occupation and the U.N. Peace Memorial Hall.
3) Old Town
This tour gives visitors a look at Busan’s storied past—and budding future—via its historic downtown. Buildings include the Baeksan Memorial Hall, the Busan Provincial Meteorological Administration and the Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum Annex.
4) Dongnae
Dongnae-gu District, located in the center of the city, has a long history dating back to the Silla Kingdom. It was once the southernmost gate of the peninsula and featured military installations intended to protect the main road leading north to modern-day Seoul. The tour covers several landmarks of historical importance, including the Janggwan-cheong (Office of Military Affairs), the Dongnae-bu Magistrate’s Office and the Dongnae-hyanggyo Local Confucian School.
5) Sanbok Road
Discover winding hills where the old town and harbor mingle like a framed painting. Kicking off at the Busan Eurasia Platform, this route showcases Busan’s port-city identity and features the iconic inclined elevator to the 168 Stairs Observatory.
Tours begin at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays; each course takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete. Each tour costs 5,000 won per person, which includes a souvenir. Groups of more than 7 people are welcome on weekdays, and registration should be made via the phone number provided below. Tours are not available on Mondays and national holidays.
Visit the Busan International Architecture Festival's official website to book a tour. Note that participants under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.
※ Ttu-buk Ttu-buk Walking Architecture Tour
◎ Busan International Architecture Festival: Click
◎ Participate: Click
◎ Contact for group tours: 051-744-7762
<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>
construction: 건축물 diverse: 다양한 neighborhood: 지역 restrained: 절제된 aesthetic: 미학 souvenir: 기념품 guardian: 보호자
Editor: Song Soomi
Copy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy