TRIP TO BUSAN
The second most populous city of South Korea is now becoming a
popular tourist destination. With direct
flights from Manila to Busan through Cebu Pacific Air, a time-constrained
discovery of the large port city of Busan becomes an easy feat.
This is my first time in Busan City and we will only be at the
city for 2 full days.
Our focal point is the Haeundae.
We arrived late at night from Manila and checked-in at our confirmed hotel booking at Haeundae. The area is lit by
neon signboards with aligned bars and restaurants crowded by both locals and
the sojourners.
Along the way, art installations are prominent in the main
thoroughfare and side alleys with unique architectural designs of skyscrapers,
bordered by the sea and the mountains at one end.
Judging from its topographical features,
Busan City will be about mountains, beaches and the temples.
GAMCHEON
CULTURE VILLAGE
The village is
actually a mountainside slum made famous for its bright colored paints that
appears like Lego-shaped houses from a distance. There
are cafes and galleries as well alongside the steep hill leading to the village
with apparent murals and art installations.
How to Get There:
1. Take Subway Line 1 (accessible from Busan Station) to Toseong
Station.
2. Get out at Exit 6.
3. There will be an intersection.
Turn right at the corner and walk straight.
4. Take either Bus 2 or 2-2.
5. There will be a bus stop to Gamcheon Culture Village at the top
of the hill.
HAEDONG
YONGGUNGSA TEMPLE
This Buddhist
temple is located right next to the sea and situated at the foot of a
mountain. Most temples are actually
situated at the mountains, which makes this temple a rare find.
There are
sculptures of animals upon entering the temple complex with shops and food
stalls along the way, and on the temple itself, there are different statues,
sculptures and a stone pagoda. The major
temple is situated on the rocks facing the ocean. On a few spots, one can just lounge and hear
the sound of the waves, making the landmark a recommended place to simply
lounge and meditate.
The temple has a
long history which dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376. This was destroyed during the Japanese
occupation but was reconstructed in the year 1970 using the original colors and
designs.
We opted to have
the visit as the first agenda for the day, mainly because we are anticipating a
horde of tourists not to mention the long walk to the temple itself.
How to Get There:
1. Take Subway Line 2 to Haeundae station.
2. Leave at Exit 7.
3. Get on Bus 181 and get off at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
HAEUNDAE BEACH
The Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan. The white sand on a shallow bay creating a
panoramic coastline is perfect for swimming that spans roughly 1.5km long.
All kinds of accommodations from luxury hotels to private
guesthouses have developed in the area around the beach and throughout the
year, the same has also been a good venue for cultural events and festivals.
Notable feature of the beach are the kit of pigeons that
visitors feed, which enhances the landmark when photographed with the tourists.
How to Get There:
1. Take Subway Line 2 to Haeundae Station.
2. Leave at Exit 5.
3. Walk directly to the beach from the station and use Busan
Aquarium as landmark.
GWANGALLI
BEACH
Before we head out
to the Busan Train Station enroute to Seoul, we decided to lounge and stop by
one of the famous beach destinations of Busan at night. The Gwangandaeyo Bridge,
stretching across the horizon is lit up to provide a panoramic view of the
area.
But even on
daytime, the Beach is also popular for the youth. The stretch of fine white sand is a good
place to stroll and relax.
The area is
likewise filled with restaurants, cafes and stores selling varied merchandise. We stayed at one of the coffee shops facing
the beach and the bridge for a more relaxing remaining hours in Busan.
How to Get There:
1. Take Subway Line 2 to Geumryeon Station.
2. Leave at Exit 1 or 3.
3. Make a u-turn and turn on the first street toward the beach.
BUSAN
TRAIN STATION
The train to Busan
has been made popular by the critically acclaimed Korean film that goes by the
same title. But contrary to the zombie
apocalypse scenes, the train station is an important railway line in the country,
which links Busan with Seoul in just under three (3) hours using the KTX line.
The best way to
wander in Busan is actually to get acquainted with their subway lines. Transport is effective and efficient.
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