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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Hayley Spencer

The laidback coastal city you need to add to your South Korea itinerary

Sandy beaches and skyscrapers characterise Busan, South Korea's second city - (Getty/iStock)

Think South Korea and you’ll probably picture its frenetic capital, Seoul – an centre for tech, beauty treatments and the beating heart of Hallyu (the Korean Wave of all things pop culture), encircled by dramatic mountains. Though just under 400km southeast, the country’s second city reveals a more laidback side to the destination.

Nicknamed the “Miami of Korea”, Busan is a maritime hub boasting sandy beaches as well as dramatic peaks. It shares the same rich cultural heritage of Seoul, though combines it with a coastal cool vibe, and is home to quirky neighbourhoods, and bustling fish markets serving decades-honed speciality dishes.

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