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Things to do in Busan: Autumn Temple Festa at Hongbeopsa, Oct. 30-31

source: visit busanHongbeopsa Temple in Geumjeong-gu District will host the Autumn Temple Festa on Oct. 30 and 31. Festivalgoers can experience Korean Buddhist culture through temple cuisine, live music and hands-on activities.The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. on both days. A shuttle bus will offer transportation between Nopo Station (metro line 1) and the temple starting at 2 p.m.Hongbeopsa Temple is home to the Amitabha Great Buddha, the largest seated bronze Buddha statue in Korea.During the festival, visitors can meet the temple’s monks, who will offer life counseling and guided meditation. Venerable Simsan, the temple’s abbot, will also take visitors on a walk and discuss the Buddhist concept of Zen. One major draw of Autumn Temple Festa is a culinary session by monk Daean, a recognized master of temple cuisine. Daean will present an exhibition of 108 temple dishes and give a lecture titled “Temple Cuisine and Natural Healing.” Visitors who purchase special packages can enjoy a specially prepared lunchbox featuring “yeonnipbap,” rice wrapped in lotus leaves.Programs include singing bowl and mindfulness meditation, tea ceremonies, natural dyeing, a demonstration of 108 prostrations, lantern lighting and an evening concert.While attendance and most activities are free, visitors can purchase special packages for exclusive benefits.The event schedule and additional information can be found on the Visit Busan website or Instagram account.※ Autumn Temple Festa at Hongbeopsa Temple, Oct. 30-31◎ Hongbeopsa Temple: 202, Dugu-ro 33beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu◎ Google Maps: Click ◎ Hours: 3 to 8 p.m.◎ Purchase Festival Packages via NOL App : Click - Chaeum (Filling) Package: 35,000 won for two people (includes yeonnipbap and other benefits)- Bium (Emptying) Package: 15,000 won per person (includes yeonnipbap and other benefits) - Meomum (Staying) Package: 15,000 won per person (available on-site only; includes bibimbap and other benefits) ◎ Visit Busan: - Notice: Click - Instagram: @visitbusan.kr<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>recognized: 유명한 meditation: 명상 demonstration: 시연 exclusive: 독점적인Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Dongnae Hot Spring District Named Korea’s Fourth Hot Spring Town

□ On October 1, 2026, the Dongnae Hot Spring District in Dongnae-gu was recognized as the country’s fourth “Hot Spring Town” by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.○ The first three areas to become Hot Spring Towns in 2023 were Suanbo Hot Springs in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do; Onyang Hot Springs in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do; and Bugok Hot Springs in Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. Dongnae Hot Springs is the sole addition in the second phase of the project.○ The ministry reviewed the application documents, conducted field inspections and expert evaluations, in addition to considering available resources, accessibility, future prospects, and proposed strategies before making its final decision.○ Pursuant to the Hot Spring Act, the Minister of the Interior and Safety grants Hot Spring Town status following a holistic assessment of water quality, efforts to promote the hot spring industry and tourism, and economic benefits to the community.□ With a heritage dating back to 1,400 years to the Three Kingdoms period, Dongnae Hot Springs is known for its high-temperature, silica-rich spring water, which reaches up to 70.3°C. The Dongnae Hot Spring District is a signature hot spring hub in the heart of the city.○ The district is conveniently connected by Busan Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4, as well as the Donghae Nambu Line. With well-established hot spring facilities and supporting infrastructure, it welcomes two million visitors annually.○ It is also close to natural and historical landmarks such as Geumjeongsan National Park and Dongnaeeupseong Fortress. By linking hot spring visits with nearby points of interest, the Dongnae Hot Spring District is anticipated to encourage extended stays.□ As a next step, Busan seeks to position Dongnae as an urban hot spring tourism destination that goes beyond traditional bathing to combine wellness, relaxation, hands-on programs, and sightseeing.○ The Hot Spring Clinic will specialize in aquatic therapy; the Hot Spri

Visit Busan Mate Debuts

□ A kick-off ceremony for Visit Busan Mate, a tourism concierge team comprising foreign residents and international students in Busan, was held at the Busan Global City Foundation at 10:30 on October 6, 2026.○ Visit Busan Mate is an initiative in which local ambassadors with an understanding of and appreciation for Busan meet overseas tourists face-to-face and deliver relevant information and assistance.□ Visit Busan Mate is operating on a two-month trial basis from October to November.○ At Busan KTX Train Station, 14 participants from 10 countries share tips on major attractions, transportation, and amenities and guide visitors through any difficulties that may arise during a trip, drawing on their native-language skills, cross-cultural perspectives, and personal insights into life in Busan.□ The initiative is valuable because it enables foreign nationals, as local community members, to contribute directly to enhancing the overall travel experience in Busan.□ The city will examine the pilot’s performance, service satisfaction, and opportunities for improvement. The findings of the trial program will inform next year’s plans and pave the way for the gradual expansion of Visit Busan Mate.