Busan for Dummies

As most of us know, there’s life outside Seoul. Busan is often an overlooked city, as several flock to Seoul, bright lights, big capital. But ask any Korean and they will tell you – Korea’s second largest city Busan is by no indicates the ugly sister in the family members. In reality, Busan is the actual Korea. Colorful, brash but endearing, Busan is a rough diamond that undoubtedly speaks for itself, as spending time with the locals will show you. Busan may feel like second fiddle for now but it’s time is coming.

What to see?

Haeundae Beach

If you’re going to head to the beach then there are seven in Busan to choose from. You need to see Haeundae Beach – the most well-known beach in Korea. Crowds cram this location each day in August and umbrellas mushroom across this 2km space but it has to be seen to be believed. Do not expect any fantastic shakes as far as quiet beach resorts go, just enjoy it for what it is, it is an expertise you won’t forget. If personal space is far more your factor, stay away from July and August, there are much less crowds and it is a more tranquil location – you may possibly not be able to swim but a stroll along the white sands and the sounds of seagulls is ideal on a cool spring day. Just opt for exit three from Haeundae station, turn left and walk 250m.

Heosimcheong Spa

Situated just 15 minutes from Oncheonjang train station, Heosimcheong Spa is a complete chill out zone. Supposedly, the biggest hot spa in Asia, it has a none too meek capacity of 2,000 men and women. Based on the 4th floor, it is packed with tubs and saunas. You can grab a robe and kick back for a couple of hours, all for the princely sum of 8,000 won. Body scrubs and massages are extra and last entry is 9 pm.

Beomeosa Temple

If you’re into temples check out this majestic Buddhist temple which is one of the major highlights on a trip to Busan and doesn’t fail to impress. Situated at the base of the renowned Geumjeongsan Mountain, it’s the stairway to heaven.

In “Donggukjeojiseungram” (historical text) the origin of the temple is told and has an intriguing legend behind it. They say, there was a well at the leading of the mountain and the water was, nicely, gold. Apparently, the golden fish in the nicely rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky (sounds feasible to me). That is why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named “fish from heaven.” Maybe the story does sounds rather far fetched but the serenity and beauty of the location is remarkable and good for the soul. The idyllic setting truly makes you want to experience psychedelic issues, such as gold fish riding candy colored clouds.

The original temple was destroyed throughout the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 but was renovated in 1713. It is one of the most ornate temples from the Joseon Dynasty. Despite its city location, it is set against a lush, mountainous backdrop. To get there take the subway to Beomeosa train station (exit five), walk 200m to the tiny bus station and finally take bus No.90 for 15 minutes.

Where to sleep?

Splashing out

If you want to splash out then aim for The Westin Chosun Beach Hotel, the chief of Busan’s deluxe hotels. Established in 1978, and Busan’s first international hotel, its excellent service, panoramic views, idyllic beachfront position and modest forest to the rear, are nicer than nice. The hotel has the feeling of a grand old hotel, and the only downside is that it could do with an upgrade in design, for a a lot more modern really feel. With six restaurants to decide on from, all of them looking onto the rippling ocean, it’s simple to delude your self you’re not component of the urban massive, nicely for a night or two anyway. Sipping cocktails over white sands in the Panorama Lounge, you could literally melt into the ocean. The seafood at Kuromatsu, the hotels sleek and contemporary sushi restaurant is affordably priced and has a vast array of succulent raw and cooked fish. In Camellia, the innovative buffet chefs can prepare your customized dish on the spot for you. If you want to take it easy, the sauna, spa, pool, and well being centre, are all included. There are unique discounts, when traveling off season.

Mid range

The Riviera Hotel is situated in Haeundae, strangely enough, over the Riviera department store. The appealing, spacious and clean rooms have well off peak rates.

Low-cost as chips

If you’re on a limited budget, there is no will need to worry, as there are a myriad of low-cost yeogwan around Busan from 20,000-30,000 won. 1 worth mentioning is Tae Yang Yeogwan. From the outside it looks a bit shady, but the rooms in this motel are clean, spacious and come with queen size beds for 25,000 won a night. It is just behind the Arirang Hotel, just exit Busan train station and turn left. There are plenty more alternatives around the area.

Where to eat?

The local specialty here is salty, spicy, raw fish, and numerous come from all over the country to sample the fare. This however can be a shade expensive. Head for Seomyeon or Nampo-dong, where you can discover all sorts of restaurants to suit all budgets. Millak Town Raw Fish Centre has an authentic Korean buzz. Based at the northeast end of Gwangalli Beach, you can buy a fish for 20,000-30,000 won from the vendors on the 1st floor and whisk it upstairs an additional floor where the food is spruced and served for you in minutes for a further 10,000 won. Ride the subway to Gwangan station and take exit five. Cho-won Blow Fish serves, yes, blowfish, in this out of the way restaurant. The bokmaeuntang (spicy blowfish soup) is tasty indeed. Take exit 3 from Namcheon station and walk to the second corner. Turn left and continue ahead for 300m.

Drinks?

There are literally thousands of bars ranging from smooth hotel bars to your local pub, and a vast array of Noraebang (Karaoke rooms), they are primarily concentrated around the Haeundae beach region. Mi Wharf is at the most easterly point of the Haeundae beach promenade, its outdoor drinking region has prize sunset views. Soon after 10 pm Moo Monk is a retro bar if you are looking for some thing funky.

Take me there

The most memorable journey to Busan is by bullet train, a small high-priced but nicely worth the price of 45,000 won each and every way for the sheer expertise of speeding down to Busan in two and a half hours.