City Break: Busan, South Korea

In honour of the winter Olympics which finished today in Pyeongchang, South Korea. I thought I'd do a little travel guide for my second home-town of Busan, South Korea. For those who don't know, I used to live in Korea and I think of it as my second home as I spent most of my childhood growing up there. Slightly different to your average childhood!

South Korea, is honestly, one of the most beautiful countries I've ever been and is so rich in culture and heritage. Busan, is a city, sited on the southern coast of the Korean peninsula, it's the second biggest city in Korea next to Seoul, the capital. Seoul, by the way, is a beautifully enriched metropolis and well worth the visit too- I'd definitely recommend. Especially as you are able to go to the DMZ (de-militarised zone) between South and North Korea.

Busan is a gorgeous city and below is a list of a few of my must-see places:

Beomeosa Temple

Beomeosa Temple is situated on the outskirts of Busan and up the side of a mountain. You can take a taxi there, but the walk up is beautiful and well worth the exercise! When you get to the temple you are greeted with an intricate gate and inside a beautiful temple. One of my favourite places to go, be quiet and contemplate life!

Nampo- Dong Market and Jalgalchi Fish Market

If you're anything like me, markets are a must in other countries and Korea is certainly no exception. Nampo-Dong market is known for it's fake goods and accessories. Accessories are insaaaane in Korea! The road to the market is also lined with Korean beauty stores so this entire area is like my haven.

Jalgalchi fish market is a cultural experience in itself, I feel like it's an insight into "old Korea", as adjumas (elderly women) run the market and chop fresh fish right in front of you. All types of fish ranging from Sea Bass to Sea Cucumbers are available and it's definitely an experience not to miss!

Haeundae Beach

I will always have fond memories of Haeundae Beach as I spent many of my childhood summers playing in the sea and building sandcastles. With it's luscious white sands, it's the ULTIMATE beach. The beach front is lined with hotels and restaurants so you'll never be without but, you do still get beach sellers wandering along selling KFC (Korean Fried Chicken!) and cold drinks (Sang Mechuuuuu!- Cold Beer!) which is fantastic.

Gwangan Beach

Another beach, and slightly quieter than Haeundae Beach, but perfect to chill out on the beach with a cold one.

Centum City- Shinsegae and Spa Land

Centum City Shinsegae and Spa Land is a must. First up, Shinsegae is the largest department store in the world and hold's the guiness world record so it's filled with high class stores and it's incredible! But, within Shinsegae, there is the gem which is Spa Land. You can get the full Korean Spa experience here, although be aware- in the gender-segregated pools you must go fully starkers. I honestly love Spa Land and you can spend four hours going through the pools, steam rooms, cold rooms, saunas for only £6. YES. £6. Do not miss this!

United Nations Memorial Cemetery

The UN War Memorial cemetery contains over 2,300 graves of those who lost their lives in the Korean War. The largest proportion of bodies that this cemetery holds, are those of British soldiers who lost their lives fighting for South Korea. 885 to be precise. As a British national, it was incredibly important for me to go and pay my respects.

Busan Museum of Art

Busan Museum of Art is a fantastic building and there are often so many wonderful exhibits and on a typhoon-kind-of-day it's the perfect place to mill around and check out the art work and exhibits which range from traditional artwork to more modern artwork.

Dongbaek Island

Dongbaek Island is situated just behind the Westin Chosen hotel in Haeundae and is essentially an exercise park (which are big in Korea!) and has incredible views. This pagoda sits just up some stone steps off of Dongbaek and I used to enjoy sitting there, reading and looking out over the sea. A definite place to go to chill out.

Galbi (Korean BBQ)

Okay, so this isn't really a must-see but it's definitely a must try. Korean BBQ. It is quite frankly DIVINE. Basically, you BBQ your own meat (beef, pork, tofu, pretty much anything) and vegetables whilst you have lots of different accompaniments like rice, kimchi (fermented cabbage in a spicy paste) and onions soaked in like a vinegar sauce. It's to die for. My favourite spot in Busan is No.1 restaurant near the tunnel. If you get the opportunity, definitely give it a go! (ps. if you aren't planning on going to Korea anytime soon- then they also have Galbi restaurants in England- especially London/ Bristol/Manchester).