See the new South Korea in 20 days – Busan

Stop 3 – Busan, South Korea. Visited 27 – 31st October 2024

From Gyeongju, I traveled a further 80 km south to the southern coastal city of Busan, Korea’s second-largest city.

It had been drizzling. I wanted it to be a lazy day. When I emerged from the hostel, it was already the afternoon. I went first to BIFF Square to see how glamorous it was, where actors and actresses left their handprints. I then walked to the nearby Jagalchi Fish Market, which was already late afternoon. Some fish stalls were still selling the latest catches, some dead and others swimming. An octopus decided to make a run for it by jumping out of the pail onto the street – he could smell the sea. It was immediately hauled back to the paiI. Octopuses are believed to be highly intelligent. Unfortunately, their tentacles and suction cups are not good for the road.

Handprints of Korean actors and actresses, BIFF Square

The street food stalls and shops at BIFF Square — Handprints of Korean actors and actresses, BIFF Square

Busan is about romancing the sea. The best place to enjoy it is at Haeundae Beach. You could walk, ride the beach train or the Sky Capsule, from Mipo to Songjeong, altogether about 4 km. The three tracks are next to each other along the same route. Riding the train and capsules is romantic, but walking is the best, to get closest to the sea – to relish the breeze and smell of the sea. The uninterrupted wooden track with hardly any incline, is made for an easy stroll. A few enormous observation decks arch their way out to sea, taking you further out. Some parts were laid with glass floors, thrilling you with heights and the churns below. As I walked back toward the city in the late afternoon, the sun began to sink behind the city’s building blocks. The golden hue scattered the sky with its glow. It was romantic.

The trails along Busan coastline - walking, train, and Sky Capsule trail — The trails along Busan coastline – walking, train, and Sky Capsule trail

Beautiful sunset on the Haewol Observation Deck

At dusk in Haeundae, high-rises lit up, the Sky Capsule still running

Another beach to enjoy the sea is Gwangalli Beach. It is a bustling beach, full of restaurants, performances, and recreational activities. When night falls, the Gwangan Bridge connects the lit-up high-rises on both ends of the bay, glittering in changing bright colors and curtsying to those enjoying the evening at the beach.

Near the Jagalchi Market is the Gamcheon Cultural Village. Exploring the quiet narrow alleys and steep steps connecting the houses is frequently rewarded with great views. Its vibrantly painted houses will light up anyone’s day.

Busan, the place to be at sea.