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Monday, June 2, 2014

[An Itinerary A Local Suggests] One Day in Busan

You've got only one day in Busan?
Here's an itinerary a local(me) suggests.

Most visitors to Korea arrive in Incheon Airport, and skip Busan as it is far from Seoul. However, Busan is such a beautiful city to miss out!
I've spent almost 20 years here in Busan, and I've shown many of my friends around this city.

Let's suppose that you get off at Busan Station.(via KTX or normal trains)

1. Take a bus/subway and go to Nampo-dong (+lunch)

Nampo-dong is one of major downtowns along with Seomyeon. I recommend Nampo-dong to tourists as there are more to see.
(Busan International Film Festival Square & Jagalchi Market and etc.)
You can check Gukje Market(aka International Market).

If you guys plan to visit Busan in summer, how about trying Milmyeon?
Milmyeon is just like Nangmyeon, cold noodle, but the only difference is that the noodle in milmeyon is made from flour.
If you love Nangmyeon(냉면), you will love Milmyeon(밀면), too.


(할매가야밀면 is one of famous and original milmyeon restaurants. It's also cheap)

2. Dessert Time, SulBing

You need some dessert? You gotta go to SulBing, a Korean dessert cafe. I already posted about SulBing. SulBing is now all over Korea, but it started here in Busan.



The photo is 오미자빙수 topped with cranberries and dates. However, the signature one is 인절미빙수(Injeolmi Bingsu)

Busan is also famous for 씨앗호떡(Hotteok filled with nuts), which unfortunately I don't have a picture of. You will see people queuing at some vendors in BIFF Square. Try if you love hotteok and nuts!

3. Yongdusan Park(용두산공원)

Walk towards Lotte Department Store, and you will see the elevator on your left side which will take you to Yongdusan Park. 
There is Busan tower, from which you can enjoy the amazing view of that area like mountains, sea and ports. 
The entrance fee for Busan Tower is 4000 Won.


'
(that is flower clock, and it's pretty)




4. Gamcheon Village(감천마을)

Personally, I don't find this place highly fascinating. Well, I don't know why... maybe it's because I'm a local?
Anyway, Gamcheon Village has become a must-go place in Busan among tourists. You will see lots of Koreans and foreigners there.
Gamcheon Village is a poor village on the hill, but it's got famous recently due to its colourful murals and houses












tip 1) How to get to Gamcheon Village : From Nampo-dong, just take a cab/taxi. It takes about 5 minutes. Yes, it's that close. 
You can take subway/bus, but if you're a tourist who doesn't have lots of time, I recommend you to take a taxi.

tip 2) They sell a map.
You can buy a map of this village at 2000 KRW at the Information Center located at the entrance of the village. There is stamp section where you can get a postcard with all the stamps. (You can get stamps at designated places).
It is not necessary to buy a map. You can just roam over the village. It's up to you!

5. Haeundae(해운대)

Take the mini town bus 1-1 or 2-2 and go to Toseong Subway station.
There is a direct bus which goes from Nampo/Gamcheon area to Haeundae.
Bus number 1003.
The bus stop is across the road. 
It takes about 40 minutes to get to Haeundae from Gamcheon. 

YOU CANNOT MISS HAEUNDAE IN BUSAN!




Yes, it's the Haeundae, the most famous beach in Busan. 
No explanation needed, right?
I took those pictures last summer. 

This is Nurimaru. It's on DongBaek Island.
How to get here : Walk towards Westin Chosun Hotel, and you will see the routes to go to DongBaek Island, or Nurimaru area. It's very nice to walk around this small area.
Some people miss here, only focusing on Haeundae.
However, don't miss it coz I'm telling you NOW!
You can see Gwangan Bridge from a distance.
It's perfect to stroll.

6. Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge

Take a subway and visit Gwangan Beach!
It's more beautiful at night because of glittering Gwangan bridge.(sometimes it's called Diamond Bridge in English)






You may run into a busking group in summer.


And it's time for you to go back to the Busan Station and take KTX back to Seoul!

This is an itinerary which I recommend, but recommendation is only recommendation. You can change it if you want for sure. 

Actually there are more places that I'd like to introduce, but it's almost impossible to include all of them in one-day course. 

The more time in Busan, the better :)


If you have any question, feel free to comment!
Thnx for reading.