Shanghai Street is Busan’s largest Chinese residential area, located in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan.
During the Japanese occupation, Chinese people moved to this location and formed the residential area. The ancient Chinese Consulate was situated here as well. Shanghai Street was designated as Korea’s only Chinatown Special Zone in 2007.

This street has been famous among SNS users who took photos of Chinese restaurants and dumpling stores, attracting domestic and foreign tourists. Every year, the Busan Chinatown Culture Festival is held in this area.

The Shanghai Gate, located at the entrance to the Shanghai Street, was made into a symbol of friendship between Busan and Shanghai. This gate is characterized by its red pillars and a Chinese-style roof. The name plaque “上海門” (Shanghai gate) written in gold shows that it is the entrance to the Shanghai Street. Meanwhile, the Donghwamun Gate on the other side of the street marks the boundary of Shanghai Street.

Its exotic red lanterns and arched gate in the middle welcome tourists. Inside the street, there are many Chinese-style buildings, including a pavilion, Chinese people’s statues, and information panels. While appreciating the scenery of the street and listening to Chinese songs, you would feel as if you are walking in a street in China. In addition, the wall painting of a famous scene in The Records of the Three Kingdoms (Chinese historical text) at the Overseas Chinese Junior School, Busan, will capture your eyes.

Shanghai Street is full of amazing restaurants. In particular, a famous Chinese dumpling restaurant is always packed with people from all over the country, as well as foreign tourists. Other Chinese restaurants and Chinese-style doughnuts are also popular among SNS users, continuously attracting tourists.

Furthermore, the Choryang Modern History Gallery is also located in the street, displaying photos of the changes in the Choryang-dong area. This building is characterized by a black roof, red pillars, and traditional golden designs, showing a combination of Korean and Chinese styles. The entrance pillars feature the paintings of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China, namely Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan, and Yang Guifei. The Four Great Beauties of China are considered to be the women who were beautiful enough to cause the downfall of a country. Farewell My Concubine, a traditional Chinese opera, narrates the story of the farewell between Xiang Yu, who lost a battle, and Consort Yu, whose creation was inspired by Yang Guifei.

The Shanghai Street, Busan’s little China, offers diverse charms, such as Busan’s modern atmosphere, the exotic mood of red lanterns, restaurants playing Chinese songs, and so on. If you want to experience another side of Busan, Shanghai Street will be an ideal destination for you.