Hey everyone! Today I'm going to talk about Yongdusan Park, which was one of the most impressive spots during my trip to Busan. This place, one of the most iconic landmarks when you think of Busan, was absolutely amazing!
As soon as I arrived at Yongdusan Park, I was greeted by fresh air and lush trees. This urban oasis allowed me to take a break and regain some peace of mind. Just sitting on one of the benches scattered throughout the park felt so rejuvenating.
Enjoying the Fantastic View from Busan Tower, the Symbol of Busan
Now, let's head to Busan Tower, the highlight of Yongdusan Park! This 120-meter tall tower is a landmark of Busan, and from the observatory at the top, you can see the entire city of Busan at a glance. My heart was racing with excitement as I rode the elevator up.
The moment I reached the observatory, I couldn't help but gasp. The panoramic view of Busan Port, Haeundae, and Gwangan Bridge was truly breathtaking. I went up just as the sun was setting, and the night view of Busan against the red-tinged sky was so beautiful I couldn't take my eyes off it. It's the perfect spot for taking that Instagram-worthy shot!
The glass windows in the observatory have information panels pointing out Busan's main attractions, making it easy to identify different buildings. There are also telescopes available, allowing you to see distant places in detail. Watching the city lights come on one by one as dusk fell felt like being in a fairytale world.
I also recommend enjoying a cup of coffee at the cafe on the first floor of the tower. The taste of coffee while admiring the view through the window was truly exceptional. When I posted the photos I took here on Instagram, the response was incredible!
Around the tower, there's also a space where you can hang "love locks." It looked so romantic seeing couples writing their names on locks and hanging them. Even though I came alone, I thought I'd love to come back with a girlfriend someday and hang a lock!
The time at Busan Tower was really special. This place where you can take in all of Busan's beauty at once is definitely worth a visit!
Exploring Gukje Market, Stirring Nostalgic Memories
Our next destination after the awe-inspiring Busan Tower was Gukje Market. Just a 10-minute walk from Yongdusan Park, this place is steeped in Busan's history and culture.
As soon as I entered the market, the lively atmosphere and diverse goods caught my eye. From old-fashioned snacks to unique trinkets, there was so much to see. The food corners scattered throughout the market offer Busan specialties like seed hotteok (sweet filled pancakes) and bibim-dangmyeon (spicy glass noodles). The sweet and nutty taste of the seed hotteok is truly unforgettable!
Gukje Market is more than just a market; it's a place that holds Busan's history. Formed by refugees during the Korean War in the 1950s, you can still find traces of that era all around. There's a shop called "Kkotbunine" that has been in the same spot for over 50 years. Tasting the homemade fish cakes there made me feel like I was on a time travel journey.
There's also an alley in the market called "Arirang Street." It's decorated in a retro style, giving you the feeling of stepping back into the 70s or 80s. It was so much fun trying on old school uniforms and looking at classic items.
Here's a tip! Make sure to check out "Kangtong Market" inside Gukje Market. It's full of trendy shops perfect for finding cute souvenirs. I scored a few adorable keychains there! They also have lots of handmade accessories and unique postcards, great for picking up gifts for friends.
And don't miss the "International Guinness House of Horrors" at one corner of the market. It's a haunted house attraction where you can go with friends, scream, laugh, and let off some steam.
Gukje Market is truly a place full of things to see, eat, and enjoy. I was so engrossed in exploring that I didn't even notice the sun going down.
Nampo-dong Beef Street, Filled with the Delicious Aroma of Grilling Meat
After shopping and filling our stomachs, it's dinner time. Our last destination is Nampo-dong Beef Street. This is a famous meat alley that locals love. As soon as we entered the street, the aroma of grilling meat tickled our noses. Drawn by the delicious smells, we entered a restaurant, and wow... it was amazing! Grilling and eating the tender beef melted away the fatigue of the day. Especially when paired with their special sauce, the flavor was incredible.
Having a cool draft beer with the meat felt like heaven. It would be great to come here with friends, or it could be a perfect date spot for couples.
From Yongdusan Park to Busan Tower, Gukje Market, and finally Nampo-dong Beef Street! It was a packed course covering the essence of Busan. I was so happy to be able to see Busan's beautiful scenery, feel its history, and enjoy delicious food all in one day. I hope you all visit Busan and try this itinerary. You won't regret it!
