One Day in Busan
Hey girl hey!
I was lucky enough to have a childhood friend come visit me in Korea for a week and half and we did A LOT. Leading up to the trip, she sent me a ton of tik-tok’s from Busan so we made a quick trip down. To maximize our time we booked the Busan One Day Tour: Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Blueline park through Klook and it was hands down the best decision. She even said it was the highlight of her trip.
We were staying in Haeundae so we had a 9:20 pick up near the subway station. There are typically about 30-40 people on these tours but ours was a small group of only 8! It ended up being a great group of people and we all got along and had a great day. Our tour guide was personable, knowledgeable, funny and sang K-POP songs all day long.
Almost to the bottom of the 200 stairs leading to Haedong Yonggungsa
The first stop of the day was Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a popular Buddhist temple that is set on the seaside. This is rare because most temples are built in the mountains. There are 108 stairs going down, but don’t worry, you can take the incline side back up to the parking lot, you don’t have to climb the stairs again.
There’s a parking lot available with many snack vendors. They’re open all year round and it becomes very popular in the spring thanks to the Cherry Blossoms and Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.
Our next stop was Haeundae Blueline Park to catch the beach train from Songjeong to Cheongsapo. Along the way, our tour guide pointed out Songjeong Beach and we took a pit stop for a 5 minute break.
Harbor view near Cheongsapo station
Once at Songjeong Station we boarded the Beach Train towards Cheongsapo. It was such a nice, peaceful, pleasant ride and your windows face the ocean for a panoramic view. The train itself has a vintage look to it and all the beach trains and sky capsules are bright, cherry colors.
Once we got off at Cheongsapo Station we visited the lighthouse and got to see the haenyeo diving for shellfish as we walked to Daritdol Observatory. This observatory juts out over the water with a clear pathway so you can see the ocean below you. Not for the scared of heights or the faint of heart!
We stopped for lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant and then headed on to our next stop - Huinnyeoul Culture Village which is known as “Korea’s Santorini” because of its stunning scenery. The houses here stand shoulder to shoulder and were built when the Korean War Refugees had nowhere else to go. In 2011 artists started moving into the area due to the low rent and decaying buildings. They definitely brought new life into the village! There are so many cafes with stunning ocean views, movie quotes, murals, and unique shops along the way.
At one end, the Rainbow Staircase leads to the Jeoryeong Coastal Trail which is about 3km long and is painted a bright blue.
Coffee shop treats
Once we finished here, our guide asked if we wanted a “secret” pit stop and we were all up for it. Thank goodness, too, because he took us to one of the best cafes I’ve seen in Korea, and I’ve seen a lot of good ones. It is hidden in warehouse and has all the sweet and savory treats you could imagine, and more.
After our pit stop, we headed to Gamcheon Culture Village. It’s known for its layered streets and brightly colored buildings that have recently been restored. While this area was built during the 1920’s and 30’s. It was a way to relocate working class people away from the port but close enough for labor. It was post Korean War 1955 that saw over 800 families move in. In 2009 a public art renovation project took place and it’s been a leading tourist attraction ever since. You can purchase the stamp passport at the visitor center and collect stamps along your way. Don’t forget to be courteous and quiet as people do still live here!
View of Gamcheon Culture Village
If you’re visiting Korea and have time to stop in Busan, I highly highly recommend this tour! All of this is doable without a tour guide, but making friends and having someone else do the driving makes it more enjoyable. Make sure you wear comfy shoes - you’re going to be on your feet a lot. The whole day was smooth, there was plenty of time at each stop and we never felt rushed. Ask for Belet as your tour guide and I hope you also have the best time!!
