A Brief Excursion to Busan

Do you ever have the feeling like you need to get away or briefly escape from your situation? Well, that's how I've been feeling recently. It's been a while since my last opportunity to leave Daegu. Don't get me wrong, I really like this city and think its a great place to leave with a lot to do, but I just needed a change of scenery. So, on saturday I made my escape. I hopped on a train to Busan in the morning and spent a few nice hours exploring the city.

I didn't know much about Busan except for the fact that it was by the beach. That point alone was enough for me to want to visit it. On my last brief visit to Busan, I went to Haendae Beach, so I made a point to go elsewhere this time.

I came armed with my guidebook and the tourist map I picked up at the train station. I decided my first stop would be Yongdusan Park because it was the home of the Busan Tower where you can get a panoramic view of the city.

My next stop was the Jagalchi Market, South Korea's largest seafood market. At this marketplace you walk down the street and see live octopus, squid, etc. You can eat the fresh seafood straight from their tanks. I did not partake because of my distaste for seafood but it was an interesting place to see.

The last place I went was Gwangalli Beach. This beach is not quite as popular or big as Haeundae, but it was located closer on the subway so it took less time to get to. Even though these Korean beaches don't really compare to the beaches I'm used to back home, they are nice enough to spend a few hours relaxing out in the sun.

So that was my saturday. I hopped a train at 10am and was back home by 8pm. Busan has a lot more to see including a few temples I hear are pretty cool to see. Busan is so close so now that the weather's finally nice, I'm sure I will go down there a lot.

Entrance to Jagalchi Market

Gwangalli Beach

A View from the Busan Tower

Another View from the Tower