a Train to Busan

So, its been much longer than “soon”. I started writing this post over a month ago, and just couldn’t get the words out. To those who waited with bated breath, you can breathe again (but also, thank you!).

부산 – Busan

At the beginning of April, I took a weekend trip to South Korea’s second largest city. It’s on the southeastern tip of Korea, with a major port. I literally took a train to Busan. Luckily, no zombies snuck on-board. (If you don’t get that reference, please search “Train to Busan” on any search engine). I left Daegu soon after work on a Friday, arriving in Busan a mere 45 minutes later.

168 Stairs

Across the street from the train station, there is a large, Wild West-style sign that says “Texas Street”. My hotel was a 5 minute walk from the station. I checked in, and then headed out to see what was nearby. I walked through Texas Street -which offers a strange Chinatown meets Wild West vibe- uphill to an area called 초량 (Choryang).

Markets and Haeundae Beach

On Saturday morning, I headed to 국제 시장 (Gukje Sijang/ Gukje Market) to eat buckwheat noodles 밀면, which are famous in Busan. After a delicious meal, I explored the market and then headed to 자갈치 시장 (Jagalchi Market) the fish market. As you walk the street lined with fresh fish and vendors, you can see the colorful houses on the hills overlooking the market.

After returning to the hotel for my 1 hour Korean online lesson and a mandatory nap, I then took the metro an hour northeast to the popular 해운대해수욕장 (Haeundae Beach). On my way from the metro, I stopped by a bakery nearby which my friend had recommended.  I found pão de queijo (cheese bread) similar to that of the delicious Brazilian bread I had not tasted in over a year.

I took the bread with me to the beach, and enjoyed it as I sat and people-watched on the pier. Haeundae Beach reminds me of Myrtle Beach, with tall buildings lining the sand. I sat on the pier watching the fishermen working, and families racing the waves on the sand.

I decided to enjoy dinner as I watched the sun setting over the water.  I found a restaurant along the water, and sat down to a very, VERY large meal. For ₩ 50,000, I had 10-15 varying raw fish, along with steamed egg, soup, and fried fish. I definitely overindulged, forgetting that this was Korea, not the USA, where ₩ 50,000 was not just to pay for the location, but rather, it was an entire package of great food, and great views!

I finished my meal, and walked along the shore taking in the sunset’s colorful reflections in the water and the skyscraper windows. As the sun said its final farewell, I hopped on the metro, and returned to my hotel.

Gamcheon Culture Village

On Sunday, my final day, I took the local bus up the winding mountain roads to 감천문화마을 (Gamcheon Culture Village).  The village, now filled with vibrant colors, was previously a drab shantytown built by refugees fleeing the Korean war. In 2009, the village received an artistic makeover to create a tourist attraction and bring in money for the otherwise lifeless town. It definitely worked! Everywhere the eye can see offers rainbow views. It’s a perfect place to lose yourself along the winding alleys, stopping at the cafes, and enjoying the murals on the walls.

After walking back down the mountain, I went to the train station to head home. Despite taking 2 months to draft and post for my blog, it was delightful. Gamcheon Culture Village and sunset on Haeundae Beach were my favorite parts of the trip, and I look forward to returning to Busan.

I hope you are staying positive, and actively working to make the world a better place.