The City of Busan, famous for its world-class port as well as ocean-tourism, has recently announced its intention to revamp the port, which serves as a major gateway to Northeast Asia.

The five old-fashioned piers, and the equally archaic International Yeonan Passenger Pier, have been transformed into tourist-friendly areas, creating a foundation for Busan to expand its ocean tourism industry. Thanks to its many natural attractions, Busan attracts a large number of visitors from around the world.

The Busan Aquarium, located in front of Haeundae Beach, is a landmark destination and one that many tourists love. Opened in 2001, the aquarium is the largest of its kind in Korea and home to some 35,000 oceanic creatures. The aquarium has a number of unique features, including an acrylic underwater tunnel and a pool where visitors can reach out and touch the creatures inside. The aquarium is considered to be at the center of Busan's ocean tourism and leisure industries.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of facilities that incorporate cutting-edge technology. A visit is not only fun, but also educational. Traveling around Taejongdae from aboard the DANUBI tourism train is another activity favored by many tourists. The Taejongdae Amusement Park is just one place where visitors can enjoy scenic ocean views. Listed as a national treasure in 2005, it boasts a picturesque view of spectacular cliffs and rocks of various shapes.

This year's Busan Port Festival took place recently to raise awareness of the significance of the Port of Busan, as well as to draw visitors. The port is currently one of the top 5 cargo ports in the world. During the festival children got to release flounder into the ocean, an activity aimed at increasing children's love of ocean dwelling creatures. Releasing the fish into the ocean, the children were able to get a sense of the need to protect the ecosystem and the sea.

As Busan evolves as a world-class tourism destination, the area's search-and-rescue activities have also become more sophisticated. A rescue demonstration was held involving helicopters, naval vessels and motorboats. The event was a highlight of a festival and showcased Busan's true colors as a world-class port city.

Lots of visitors, especially families, swarmed over to a torpedo destroyer to see the rare object on display. Children were given the chance to look inside the latest naval vessel while listening to a guide's detailed explanation of the facilities. The Busan Port Festival wrapped up recently after attracting some 75,000 visitors. It's no doubt one of the key festivals here in Korea's second-largest city, and one that left visitors with a sense of contentment, as well as a story to tell.

Back in 2007 the port opened Korea's first international cruise terminal. This was done as part of the city's effort to establish itself as a hub of oceanic tourism and international commerce in Northeast Asia.

A cruise is a must-do activity while in Busan, offering visitors not only a view of the ocean, but also of the surrounding mountains and urban center. The cruise itinerary includes a sail-by of Dongbaek Island, and the multi-colored Gwangan Bridge. It's the perfect getaway from urban stress. The cruise also includes regular cultural performances by artists from around the world. The cruise is something much more than just a boat trip, providing passengers with education and a unique international experience.

Busan opens as Korea's gateway to the world. It is in the process of reinventing itself as an ocean tourism mecca for Northeast Asia. The city has prepared a variety of year-round tourism and leisure activities that utilize its natural resources. Already a host to shipments from around the globe, Busan will soon move to capture the hearts and minds of international tourists.