Haeundae facts for kids
Haeundae Beach is a super famous beach in Busan, a big city in South Korea. It's one of the most popular beaches in the whole country! The beach is about 1.5 kilometers (almost a mile) long. It has white sand, which can feel a bit rough and sticky. This sand is a mix of river sand and tiny pieces of shells.
The name "Haeundae" has a cool story. A long time ago, a scholar named Choi Chi-Won from the Silla Dynasty visited the area. He was so amazed by the beauty of Dongbaek Island that he carved "Hae Un Dae" into a stone wall there. That's how the beach got its name!
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A Growing City Spot
Haeundae Beach used to be a quiet place, far from the busy parts of Busan. But since the 1990s, many new buildings have popped up. Now, you'll find lots of hotels, shopping centers, and other fun places for tourists. This has made Haeundae a very lively and rich area.
Modern Developments
- Haeundae New Town: This big project started in the 1990s. It brought new homes and businesses to the area.
- Centum City: This development began in the early 2000s. It's now a major part of Busan.
- Shinsegae Department Store: Centum City is home to the world's largest department store, Shinsegae. It's a huge place to shop!
- BEXCO: The Busan Exhibition and Convention Center is also here. It hosts many international meetings and shows.
- Marine City: This area was built on land taken from the sea. It has many tall apartment buildings.
Fun Things to Do
Haeundae Beach is not just for swimming and sunbathing. It's also a popular spot for many events and activities. Its beautiful location and tourist facilities make it perfect for big gatherings.
Famous Events
- Pusan International Film Festival: Haeundae is one of the places where this big film festival happens every year.
- APEC Conference: In 2005, a major international meeting called the APEC Conference was held on Dongbaek Island, right next to Haeundae Beach.
- New Year's Sunrise: Many people gather at Haeundae on January 1st. They come to watch the first sunrise of the new year. It's a beautiful way to start the year!
- Polar Bear Club: Every January, when it's super cold (around 0°C), a special event takes place. People bravely jump into the chilly ocean! This "Polar Bear Club" event has been happening since 1988.
Exploring Nearby
- Dongbaek Island: This island is at the south end of the beach. You can drive around it and enjoy amazing sea views. It's also a good spot for fishing.
- Oryuk Islets: From Dongbaek Island, you can see the Oryuk Islets in the distance. These small islands are a famous symbol of Busan.
Summer Crowds
During the hot summer months, Haeundae Beach gets very busy. Thousands of people visit from all over South Korea and other countries. The beach fills up with colorful parasols and happy visitors enjoying the sun and sand.
Images for kids
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APEC House and Guangan Bridge
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Marine City on a Cloudy Day
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Lighthouse at Haeundae Beach
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Dalmaji Hill
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Marine City
