How is Busan like?

Travel Info
I was wondering how the city culture of Busan is like? I read that it has strong urban character and Lonely Planet mentions a 'brash urban panache'. I was wondering if you had any insight on what this means? Thanks!

Travel Tips

I lived in Busan for nearly a year, I really enjoyed it for the most part. I wasnt working, so I was living with a rather non existant budget, but it didnt stop me from having fun.
When I first arrived there, a friend picked me up from the airport and did all the touristy things with me. It has some beautiful temples, and the mountains are worth walking or driving to the top of, as you have such an extensive view! There is minimal (but still existant) smog, much less than Seoul, so you are guaranteed to get a fairly good view.

City wise, it kind of feels more like a whole lot of towns, rather than focusing on 'city' feel... hard to explain, but even downtown (Seomyeon) doesnt have a big city feel to it. There are approximately 4 million Koreans living in the Busan area, yet it doesnt feel so over crowded.

Its more relaxed than Seoul, the people seem to have more time to help, and more patience. Not too sure where they got the 'brash urban panache' from... Hmmm...
Some parts do seem awfully backwards for Koreas second biggest city though, but on the most part, its a great place, and somewhere I hold dear in my heart.

Its quite a mystical endearing city, surrounded by mountains, and the sea, nice in the summer time. It does pay to avoid the masses of people though haha.
Definately go there for a visit if you are in the country.

Others
The person above me provided a pretty good info. I won't repeat what she/he said, but I know them Busan-saram speak a different dialect in Korean that even I can't understand them sometimes.
Hanguk-in
I only spent 2 weeks but i had a great time.

Food- great cheap and interesting for the most part, tons of restaurants, cheaper to eat out than to cook, lots of coffee houses,

Travel - cheap, close to Souel and Korean islands

Shopping- eveything you could ever want 24 hours a day, great knockoffs, cheap electronics, dont buy a cell phone it wont work in another country

Be aware eveyone is Korean except for military and school teachers so you might get some strange looks if you are not korean

children are very friendly and will want to speak english

Dont go during a monsoon, but there is underground shopping
me