Haeundae District

Haeundae is a district on Busan's eastern coast, stretching across a large area with a wide sandy beach and modern high-rise buildings. The waterfront zone, lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops, forms the heart of this thriving area.

The name comes from the ninth-century scholar Choi Chi-won, who settled near the beach and left his mark on local rocks. This historical connection continues to shape the area's identity.

The district hosts the Busan International Film Festival, drawing film enthusiasts from around the world to its venues and theaters. Throughout the year, various cultural events shape the rhythm of daily life here and bring together locals and visitors.

The district is easily accessible by public transit, with several subway lines and rail services stopping nearby. The waterfront itself serves as a natural reference point for getting your bearings and exploring.

The Nurimaru APEC House was built for an international summit and blends modern architecture with design elements inspired by an ancient Buddhist temple. This structure shows how contemporary design can respect and incorporate traditional Korean forms.