Busan is South Korea’s second city and its maritime capital. The port ranks among the busiest container terminals in the world, and shipbuilding, logistics, marine finance and steel shape the regional economy. The Busan International Finance Center in Munhyeon holds the Korea Exchange headquarters and several state financial institutions, while Centum City and the BEXCO exhibition centre host conferences, trade fairs and the Busan International Film Festival each autumn. The city is also a coastal resort. Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches line the east, the Marine City towers face the sea, and the Haedong Yonggungsa temple sits on the rocks just beyond. Jagalchi fish market and the hillside Gamcheon Culture Village give a different picture of the old port.
Gimhae International Airport (PUS), on the western side of the city in Gangseo District, handles private flights for Busan and shares its site with the Republic of Korea Air Force. From Seoul, a private flight takes around 1 hour; from Tokyo about 2 hours; from Shanghai around 1 hour 45 minutes. By road, Haeundae and Centum City are typically 40 to 50 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. A private flight suits shipping and industrial visits on tight schedules, as well as festival trips when commercial seats into Busan are scarce. The Jet Collection arranges the aircraft, handling and clearance at Gimhae, and has a driver ready to take you directly to the waterfront or the port.
