A CITY MEETS THE SEA: BUSAN PICTURES

MY VIDEO LOGS & JOURNAL

Vibrant, bustling, and wild, Busan has been one of the most lively and exciting cities I have ever had the chance to experience. The first thing that captures your attention is the sheer vibrance of the area; a city nestled in mountainous terrain against the backdrop of the sea leaves little else to be desired in terms of landscape and views. Aesthetically the area is jaw dropping with the combination of these elements.

The first place we visited was Gamcheon Village. This place reminded me of Chinque Terre in Italy. Endless colored shacks burrowed into the side of a mountain with an almost ancient patchwork of walkways throughout. There's so many it will make your head spin. The main street is full of shops and craft stores of decent quality and authenticity. One of the most unique places in Busan without question. Just make sure to get a lift to the the village itself, walking will surely burn you out before you get there.

Downtown Intersection: Busan, Korea

As we walked through the village we ended up meeting some Koreans who were also sightseeing for the day; Sun Young Moon and her friend In Seong Hwang. Between the English they knew and our phone translating we ended up making friends. Before we knew it we were off to explore the rest of the city together.

A gift from America, Girl Scout cookies!

From the village we headed over to Yongdusan Park (aka Busan Tower) for some cityscape views. This place is pretty much a solidified tourist attraction for foreigners and Koreans alike. However, it has priceless views of the city and is a must on a clear bright day. Don't waste to much time on anything else there just get in, get to the top of the tower, and get those pictures. By the way tickets are only about 4 USD so it is well worth it (pic below).

JAGALCHI FISH MARKET; YOU'VE NEVER SEEN FRESH FISH QUITE LIKE THIS...

I'm not sure what got into me but I decided to make a little dare with my new friend In Seong Hwang. I told him I wanted to eat something really crazy. Well if you say that in Korea they definitely have an answer for you. That answer is a little delicacy called Sannakji or sannakji hoe is a variety of hoe, or a raw dish, in Korean cuisine. It consists of a live small octopus that has been cut into small pieces and served immediately, usually lightly seasoned with sesame and sesame oil. The nakji pieces are usually still squirming on the plate. It can also be served whole. Usually, I'm not very brave when it comes to eating crazy stuff but I lost my mind for a second and went for it. Check it out. Unbelievably I ended up eating quite a bit of it once I figured out how to wrangle it onto my spoon! And how does it taste you might ask. My best description would be this. Take a rubber band, soak it in saltwater, and stick it in your mouth and chew, just like that...except its moving.

Final Stop: Haedong Yonggung Temple

The Haedong temple can be a challenge to get to through the city traffic but it was well worth the effort. As a westerner, the place will capture your imagination and never let go. The views are absolutely breathtaking.  When your in a place like this you realize that your not in Kansas anymore. It's fascinating to see the cultural and religious tapestry of another society. It helps you to appreciate the scope and depth of humanity across the globe. I was able to capture a little bit initially walking through the grounds.

Another more tangible reason to stop here is that locations like these are the reason expensive cameras are made.Besides the experience and breathtaking views there are some priceless photo opportunities to be had.

In summation, I would say out of all the locations I have visited in Korea thus far, Busan is my favorite. It offers a modern urban landscape, coastal views, cultural identity, and truly unique culinary wonders that you won't ever forget. If you ever travel travel to South Korea, don't pass this city by.