Visiting downtown Busan: Song Sang-hyeon Square and Seomyeon (Day 3)

The Song Sang-hyeon Square  (송상현 광장), a newly-open public square on Jungang-daero Avenue, Busanjin-gu.

The square is Busan’s answer to the other symbolic squares found in world class cities such as New York's Time Square, London's Trafalgar and Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Before our Busan trip, I read that there was a Lotus Lantern Festival to be held there but alas, I must have gotten the dates wrong, because when we went there, there was nothing there! I think the festival must have been held on the previous week. Darn.

enjoyable public space where kids can play in water

 Nonetheless, we explored the area a bit. It’s a nice little urban oasis in the middle of the city, complete with lush greenery and many neat rows of trees. There is also a large, well-manicured lawn where people can picnic and a stream where little kids can play. It’s quite a nice place to cool down and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This place comes alive especially during the weekends when there are flea markets and live performances from local bands.

a wide open atrium that can hold large scale outdoor events

trickeye mural

From Song Sang-hyeon Square, we walked towards the famed Seomyeon district which is Busan’s most happening entertainment and shopping area. Above ground, the place pulsates with youthful energy with tons of street food, trendy shops, departmental stores, nightclubs, cool bars and restaurants where the young and hip flock to. Underground, it morphs into a ladies shopping paradise with endless rows and rows of irresistible cheap clothing, accessories and cosmetics. Be prepared to spend a very long time here (and don’t forget your wallet too). Shopping in Busan seems as good as Seoul, and somewhat cheaper too!

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

By evening time, we pulled ourselves away from the lure of Seomyeon and cabbed to Samgwangsa Temple (삼광사) to catch the biggest Lotus Lantern Festival (for real this time). Check out the next post to read more! :)

How to get there: 
The nearest subway stop to Song Sang-hyeon Square is Bujeon station. From the Square, it is a 10 minute walk to the Seomyeon shopping district.