The book introduces famous places in Busan and the stories of the people living there. Lee tells stories about the places he walked and about the people he met. He depicts, with warmth and affection, alleys full of stories and the residents who live there. That way, the places in Busan stamped with the events of Korea’s modern history touch the readers’ hearts as places where people have really lived, not just historical spots to look at.

In the first part, Lee deals not only with the history and the socio-historical background of the local neighborhoods, but also with their literature and their ecological history, with Eulsuk Island in the center. But he does not talk about vague, abstract issues. His writing reads like journal entries, easy to read and imbued with real life experiences.

In the second part, the people of Busan whom Lee met are introduced. From the real life inspiration for the main character of the movie Ode to My Father, and the first generation merchants in Kookje Market located in Jung-gu, Busan, to the master sushi chef, who remained and kept the place going, various fascinating characters make their appearances. The author asks himself if the history of Busan with all these locations is really something grandiose, or more a collection of people’s life stories. He reminds readers that history is made not by other people somewhere else, but by us.