Last updated on January 4, 2026
It’s interesting how many relationships South Korea shares with other countries. The internationality and popularity of South Korea didn’t just start with K-pop, K-dramas, Korean skincare, or cosmetics. The Korean wave (Hallyu) dates back to the Korean War, when South Korea received support from 22 UN member states. Americans were one of the largest groups residing in Busan at the time. In this chill Busan travel day guide, I’m walking you through the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan Citizens Park, and Gorilla Brewing Co. to give you a glimpse of Busan’s history and local attractions. You can make this one of your non-exhaustive exploration days in Busan, South Korea.
Tranquility at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in South Korea honors the soldiers who took part in the Korean War. It is quite a sentimental place, as the lives lost in the war are commemorated here. The cemetery is near the hustle and bustle of the city, yet far enough that you can have a quiet, relaxing walk.
Admission Cost and Directions
The admission cost is free. Since I went as part of a small tour group, the group leader called a taxi to get to the site from our guesthouse in the Haeundae area. I recommend taking a taxi because the memorial cemetery is far from any bus stop or subway station.
Inside the Chapel at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery
Once we arrived, I could feel the peacefulness and hear the quietness. There is a chapel where you can watch a short documentary about the Korean War and the countries that participated in it. The documentary is quite interesting. You can see the soldiers being interviewed and people who lived through that era. There was a man from a rural part of Europe telling his experience and story of the Korean War.
I sat on a bench to watch the documentary. There were about two other tourists there besides my small group. After the chapel, there is a memorial hall where you can learn about the fallen soldiers.
Memorial Hall at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery
Upon the walls are pictures and names of those who served during the Korean War. A lot of memories lie here. This memorial hall is filled with information and memories of significant figures.
Afterward, you can find a path towards the cemetery. You can take your time to leisurely stroll here.
You might find yourself spending 1 to 2 hours at this historic site if you are a history junkie. You can also feel the tranquility of this site on a beautiful sunny day, surrounded by bright green grass and blue skies.
A Walk at Busan Citizens Park
Our next stop was Busan Citizens Park (부산시민공원)! Before it became a park, it was a U.S. military base. Now, you can also take another stroll at this site. From the UN Memorial Cemetery, it can take approximately an hour to get to Busan Citizens Park by bus. By taxi, it takes about twenty minutes. My group took a taxi so we could have more time to walk around the park.
The park is large as it was a military base. There are a few paths you can take. Each path leads to different areas of the park. Some of the paths even intersect. You can walk all of them if you are spending the whole day here. You are also allowed to play, have a picnic, or rest on the grass. The park is free to enter. There are also lots of families and children hanging out. You will see kites flying, children playing and riding bikes, and adults chatting. I recommend going here on a cool sunny day. Nobody wants to be sweating out in the scorching sun! Make sure to stay hydrated!
We spent about an hour walking around the park. There were snack stalls, rest areas, benches, and cute outdoor decor. The park is very well kept.
Local Busan Craft Beer at Gorilla Brewing Co.
The last stop that our tour leader brought us to as the day turned into the night was a Craft Beer Brewery. We went back towards Gwangalli Beach to check out Gorilla Brewing Co. These guys create their own local beer. They also have BBQ on their food menu! If you like craft beer, make sure you check out Gorilla Brewing Beach Branch (30 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea) or any of their other locations near you.
I’m not much of a beer person, but they have different flavors you can choose from and give them a try! It’s a nice place to hang out with your friends if you enjoy the pub vibes.
To end the night, I met up with my friends at Gwangalli Beach and played with sparklers and fireworks! It’s one of the best ways to end the night. Just listening to the waves and laughs of happiness while sitting on the sand as the cool ocean breeze blows through you.
Amy’s Thoughts of the Day
Which place do you want to visit the most? When I travel, I love learning about the country’s history. What about you?
Sincerely,
Amy♡
20180923. Sunday.
AMY HANG IN BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA. Day 2.
