Birthday in BUSAN

Beautiful beaches + stunning scenery + warm weather + wonderful people = Busan, South Korea.

Austin and I jetted off, or rather KTX'ed off, to Busan for a birthday getaway! The KTX is a high speed train that got us to the other end and side of the country in a mere 2 and a half hours! I know Korea is small, but not THAT small. That train was a rollin'!

We stayed in an area called Haeundae Beach. It almost had a jersey shore-esque or Miami feel to it- A little tacky, yet amazing all at the same time!
The beach was FILLED with people even though it wasn't quite beach weather yet. Some of the people were building sand art, many couples and young Koreans were snapping pictures left, right, and centre and children were pretending to be brave as they ran into the water until it hit their toes and they ran back out again. (okay, okay..so Austin and I may have done those things too... :p )

Dongbaek Island (that is no longer technically an Island) is off of Haeundae beach and although it is Tourist central, it was eerily peaceful. It is famous for the mermaid statue that sits off of its shores (the sister of the famous Mermaid statue in Denmark) watching the ships in the distance, but one cannot forget about the rest of the Island's beauty too.

For comic relief: One thing I have noticed about Korea, is that every restaurant, hotel, coffee shop etc, has amazing decor, even when it is not a high-class joint! Our hotel was very nice and we were in an Indian themed room, and something like that at home would cost much more money. Although Korea is not cheap in general, hotels can be which is nice. One morning, we really wanted a big breakfast so we found the ritziest place in town (The Westin, located right on Dongbaek Island ) to ask where we could FIND a relatively inexpensive breakfast meal. We walked in, a little out of place and asked the clerk behind the desk about breakfast. The arrogant front desk manager told us to maybe look for TGI Fridays. We were so offended, thinking they thought we were gluttonous, but poor North Americans and unworthy of being in the swanky Westin resort. We walked out and continued our way along the beach, only to find out that there really was a TGIF's in town and yes, we enjoyed it completely (hah!)

Another fun thing we did in Busan was go to the largest Aquarium in Korea. Penguins, sharks, lots of fishies, not to mention the worlds longest indoor underground tunnel, made for lots of entertainment!

My actual birthday was spent at Beomosa Temple. We took the subway a little outside of the main part of the city and then got into a very hyperactive cabbies taxi to make our way up a steep mountain to the temple. The thousands of colourful lanterns celebrating the birthday of Buddha, spectacular mountain views, and a gorgeous outdoor hike through a wisteria-filled forest, made the ear-popping taxi ride more than worth it!

Finally, we spent some time in Gwangali beach area. We went to a fair where we managed to get ourself into some funny situations, such as riding on this mechanical bear contraption around the fair grounds and not being able to stop it or steer it, while Korean children and adults alike laughed hysterically at us.


We finished up the trip by soaking in the sun. I can't wait to go back when the summer heat hits Seoul hard and some beach relief is needed! All in all, an unforgettable birthday I am entirely thankful for <3