34 Best Sights in Side Trips from Busan, South Korea

Rising like a guardian over Tongyeong, Mireuksan mountain is accessed by the longest cable car in Korea (1,975 meters/1.22 miles). This Swiss-designed gondola not only provides jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains, islands, and ocean, but also affords passengers enough time to meditate on the raw beauty of this particular corner of the country.

This viewpoint overlooks Dojangpo Fishing Village as well as the ocean beyond, including Oedo. It's most famous as a filming location for more than one Korean drama (including Eve's Garden), and comes complete with a faux-windmill on top. While it may be tailor-made for Instagram shots, Windy Hill does afford some terrific views and the area around it contains footpaths that are well worth exploring on their own.

This ornate covered bridge dates back to the Silla period but was destroyed long ago during the Joseon dynasty and only recently rebuilt. Like other Gyeongju sights, it's lit up beautifully at night casting reflections on the river, making it a great place to stroll.

Dedicated to the legendary admiral who helped save the nation from a Japanese invasion, this lovely seaside park delivers natural splendor along with a big dose of history. Yi Sun-sin is probably Korea's greatest hero, and the 17.3 meter–high (56.74 feet) statue of the great man gazes out across the water to his base at Hansando Island, where, four centuries years ago, he put his tactical genius to work.