The new open-top, double-decker buses the city introduced recently for the first time in Korea are gaining popularity with visitors, becoming a mainstay in the tourism scene. The buses allow those on board to enjoy a cool breeze while exploring the city and its beautiful coasts and beaches. The Open-Top City Tour buses, which started operating on April 27, can accommodate up to 65 passengers at once — 47 on the open-air second level and 18 on the first. With a top speed of just 50 kilometers an hour, the buses present visitors with a relaxing, enjoyable way to see the city.

Unlike other city tour buses decorated with a red wave on the outside, the double-decker bus contains images of the beach and movies to reflect Busan’s reputation. The bus has introduced a new route around the city that incorporates the top sights on the previous circuit - Haeundae and Taejongdae. The open-top, double-decker city tour bus began cruising the streets of Busan at the end of April. The picture shows the bus passing by Gwangalli Beach.

The Haeundae course includes Gwangalli, Gwangan Bridge, Haeundae, BEXCO, Nurimaru APEC House, Shinsegae and Lotte Department Store, which combines the international feel of Busan with its famous coastlines. The Taejongdae route features Jagalchi Market, Mt. Yongdu Park, PIFF Square and Taejongdae, highlighting the region’s history and tradition. There’s also a downtown bus that operates every two hours starting at 9:40 a.m. The Haeundae and Taejongdae buses depart numerous times a day at set intervals.

Following are some additional tourism bus options.

Tips>Does the open-top bus operate on rainy days?

The bus does indeed operate even when it’s raining. For those who still wish to sit on the second level, raincoats will be provided.

■Eco tour

With the introduction of the new open-top buses, the current routes for the city tour bus have changed a bit. A new course - the Eulsukdo eco tour route - has been designed to visit spots in western Busan.

The bus operates twice a day, leaving at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Passengers are given an hour to watch migratory birds, presenting another side to Busan.

The bus departs from Busan Station and hits Yeongdo Bridge, Songdo Beach, Amnam Park, Dadaepo and Molundae, Mt. Ami Observatory and the Eulsukdo Eco Center.

■Night tour

This option offers a romantic way to see the city. The tour runs once a night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in May through September, visiting Gwangalli, Haeundae Beach, Gwangan Bridge, Mt. Geumnyeon and Dalmaji Hill Haewol Pavilion. The open-top bus does not serve this route.

■Double-decker tour

In 2007, officials added new technology to the double-decker city bus, allowing users to wirelessly access the Internet while on board.

RFID chips are now installed at major bus stops so passengers with portable wireless device can access information on tourism spots, restaurants, accommodation, train schedules and other data.

With a 10,000 won ($9) ticket, visitors can enjoy both the Taejongdae course and the Haeundae course in the afternoon, hopping on and off whenever they’d like.

■Useful info.

▷Admission: Adults 10,000 won, children and teenagers 5,000 won. Those with KTX tickets holders or in groups of 10 or more can receive a 20 percent discount.

▷Closed: Mondays (the bus will operate on a normal schedule if Monday is a holiday)

▷Tickets: On the bus, on the Web (www.citytourbusan.com), via ARS (1688-0098) or telephone (051-464-9898). Tickets for the eco circuit and night route are only available at the city tour bus booth at Busan Station.

▷Departure: In front of Arirang Hotel in the Busan Station Square

▷How to use the bus: The bus will stop at various spots across town. You can get off at any of the stops, look around and board a later bus.