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▲ Spring markets are an excellent opportunity to support local artists - 출처 및 제공 : 문진우

Spring is here at last, and with the new season comes opportunities to venture outside after a long, cold winter. One particularly wonderful thing about spring in Busan is the re-opening of its outdoor markets.  

Busan's open-air markets close in the winter, and their return is always welcomed. They say the best things in life are free, and a visit to one of these shopping venues costs nothing, unless, of course, you want to buy something. If spending money is what's on your mind, then it's easy to be taken in by the markets' handmade goods. Wooden necklaces, brooches, bag rings, hair clips, picture frames, and more, all made by local artists are great reasons to pull out your wallet.  

Haewoljeong Pavilion on Dalmaji-gil Road overlooking Haeundae Beach is home to the Dalmaji Art Market. This venue lets patrons admire and purchase beautiful handmade woodcrafts. The art market also gives visitors a number of free activities, such as planting trees and wearing handmade hanbok (Korean traditional clothing). 

The Dongcheon Ginkgo Street Free Art Market in the Norimaru culture center in Seomyeon is another venture currently set to begin on April 20 (date subject to change). About 50 young startups are scheduled to install booths to sell handcrafts and works of art from 12 to 6 p.m. In addition, the market will feature street performances and caricature artists.  

July and August see Gwangalli Beach putting on one of the most enjoyable events Busan has to offer. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, the beach road closes in favor of busking, magic shows, puppetry, photo zones and more.