Decided to rest for a while before meeting up with Daeun and her friend.
It was such a pity that my trip to Busan [ 부산 ] was kinda of short so could only meet up with them once but I'm sure we will meet again in the near future.
Wake up early the next day as Jamie had planned to bring me around Busan [ 부산 ] and explore as much as we can for the only day we had in Busan [ 부산 ].
Walked to Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] from our guesthouse as it was kinda of near. We dropped by Haeundae [ 해운대해수욕장 ] as it was just next to Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] .
Haeundae Beach [ 해운대해수욕장 ] is one of the famous beach in Busan [ 부산 ] and it is always crowded with people during summer [ 여름 ]. It is also well-known for the various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
The name of Haeundae Beach [ 해운대해수욕장 ] came from Choi Chi Won ( A scholar from the Silla Kingdom ). It was said that Choi Chi Won was fascinated by the scenery as he was walking past Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] , and he left 3 words - Hae [ 해 ], Un [ 운 ], Dae [ 대 ], curved on a stone wall on the island.
It was quite empty but I guess maybe it is early in the morning and also it is winter thus not much people will choose to explore beach at this timing.
Although the weather is not as cold as Seoul, but when the wind blows, it can be really cold. Despite having to fight against the wind and the cold, the scenery at Haeundae Beach [ 해운대해수욕장 ] is really beautiful.
How to get to Haeundae Beach [ 해운대해수욕장 ] :
Haeundae Station [ 해운대 역 ], Line 2 [ 2 호선 ], Exit 5 [ 5번 출구 ]
Walk straight and you will arrive at Haeundae Beach [ 해운대해수욕장 ]
After taking enough pictures of Haeundae Beach [ 해운대해수욕장 ], we head on to Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ].
Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] was an island in the olden times but as the accumulation of earth and sand which form a bridge connecting Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] to the mainland, now makes Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] an island in name.
It is very easy to navigate Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ], as there is a walking path built around it. There are several points of interest on Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ], including the statue and monument of Scholar - Choi Chi Won ( Right at the top of the island ) and also a statue of a mermaid ( Based on the legend of Princess Hwagok ) which is located near to Haeundae Beach [ 해운대해수욕장 ].
Hanging bridge which is going to be remove soon
Mermaid Statue
Did not explore the whole of Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] due to time constraint but will complete the exploration the next time I visit.
How to get to Dongbaekseom Island [ 동백공원 ] :
Dongbaek Station [ 동백 역 ], Line 2 [ 2호선 ], Exit 1 [ 1번 출구 ]
Walk straight for about 700m
Head off to Jagalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ] after lunch. Passed by Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] while we are making our way to Jahalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ].
Went into Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] to have a look. Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] is the largest traditional market in Busan [ 부산 ]. There are many alleyways in Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] and each alleyway is crowded with stalls and each alleyway is connected to Bupyeong Market and other smaller markets.
You can find anything that you want, from electronic items, household stuff, fish, fruits, clothing and even liquor.
Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] was set up during the Korean War in 1950 when the refugees fled to Busan and in order to make a living, they set up stalls and it soon grew into a large and busy market.
Entrance of Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ]
One of the many shops which sell liquor
Spent a short time wandering around Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] as the market is really big and confusing with the number of alleys in the market. Decide to head off to look for Jagalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ] instead.
Will recommend you to pay a visit to Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] if you are in Busan [ 부산 ] as the market is not only a place steeped in history but also a place whereby you can get almost anything at inexpensive pricing.
How to get to Gukje Market [ 국제시장 ] :
Jagalchi Station [ 자갈치 역 ], Line 1 [ 1호선 ], Exit 7 [ 7번 출구 ]
Walk straight for 30m and turn left, and walk straight for 5min
Additional Information :
Opening Hours : 8.30am - 8.30pm
Closed on 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month
Finally found Jagalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ] after some time of losing our way.
Entrance of Jagalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ]
Jagalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ] is the largest seafood market in Korea and is the top ten landmark of Busan [ 부산 ]. The market is located beside Nampo Port [ 남포항 ] which means that the seafood can be delivered to the stalls fast and also kept fresh.
As you walked around the market, you will be amazed by the variety of seafood that are selling, Most of the market is indoor in a huge building but you can still see stalls selling various kinds of fish at the surrounding area.
I felt that Jagalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ] is an interesting place as you would be able to see different kinds of seafood being sold in the different stalls and I did not even ever seen some of the sea creatures throughout my life.
Did not had the chance to explore the building with the various restaurants but would love to come again in the future to have a taste of fresh seafood.
How to get to Jagalchi Market [ 자갈치시장 ] :
Jagalchi Station [ 자갈치 역 ], Line 1 [ 1호선 ], Exit 10 [ 10번 출구 ]
Turn right onto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gil Street.
Walk for 5min and turn left to arrive at the market
Additional Information :
Opening Hours : 8am - 10pm
( Some shops vary )
Closed on First and Third Tuesday of every month
After some sights of traditional markets, it's time for something different. Head off to the lotte department store nearby. Went straight up to the 13th level of the department store and there is Angel-In-Us Cafe located at the rooftop. You can choose to have a cup of coffee in the cafe while enjoying the rooftop view of Busan and the Port of Busan.
The view is really beautiful and magnificent and you will never get tired of it.
How to get to Lotte Department Store :
Seomyeon Station [ 서면역 ], Line 2 [ 2호선 ], Exit 7 [ 7번 출구 ]
Walk straight for 100m and the department store is on your left
Had a good rest for the night and head off to the final destination of my Busan trip [ 부산행 ] - Gwangalli Beach [ 광안리해수욕장 ].
Gwangalli Beach [ 광안리해수욕장 ] is a beach that is famous for it's fine sand and the magnificent view of the Gwangan Daegyo [ 광안대교 ]. It is also a gathering place for young people especially in the night due to the beautiful scenery of the Gwangan Daegyo [ 광안대교 ] when the lights are being turned on.
Although I do not have the chance to visit Gwangalli Beach [ 광안리해수욕장 ] for the famous view at night, but the scenery view in the day is also breath-taking as well.
Gwangalli Beach [ 광안리해수욕장 ]
Gwangan Daegyo [ 광안대교 ]
Would recommend you to go in the night instead as the view will be more special and charming with the various lighting effect from Gwangan Daegyo [ 광안대교 ].
How to get to Gwangalli Beach [ 광안리해수욕장 ] :
Gwangan Station [ 광안 역 ], Line 2 [ 2 호선 ], Exit 3 or 5 [ 3번출구 / 5번출구 ]
Walk for about 10min to get to the beach
Busan [ 부산 ] is a city that you should really consider paying a visit. But do note that there are just so many places to visit so a 2 day trip is definitely not enough. So do consider planning your trip longer to have a more relaxed trip and that you will be able to explore more places with a longer trip planned.
