Short and Sweet Busan

The bus from Namwon pulled into the Busan Central Bus Terminal after a peaceful 3-hour ride. I jumped off and entered the terminal, dropping my wallet in the process. As I stopped to pick it up, another traveller approached me, and as it turned out, we had matching wallets.

This was great grounds for introductions, and I got to meet world travellers, Pem and Ben, who were travelling through South Korea, one of the stops on their year-long travel adventure.

2 days in Busan Meeting Travellers

After agreeing to meet up at some point over the next two days, we parted ways temporarily. I got into a taxi and headed to my accommodation at Arban Hotel for the next three nights.

Only a few minutes walk away from a metro station, I found the hotel to be a great base for my short stay in Busan. Over the next few days, I explored parts of the city during the day and wandered around in search of delicious street food at night.

Short and Sweet Busan: Exploring the City

I planned to spend one full day in the city and started out by visiting Busan’s most famous beach, Haeundae Beach. The weather was lovely, and it felt nice to walk along the shore. As it was still early in the day, no one was in the water, but I saw several residents in their hiking gear, taking walks along the beach.

Heaundae Beach Busan

I imagine that there’s a huge contrast when visiting this beach during the day versus at night, but I did enjoy the fairly quiet morning on the beach. Later, I walked to Heaundae Sky Capsule Mipo Station and rode the slow but scenic ride along the coastline to Cheongsapo Station.

Upon getting off, I attempted to meet up with Pem and Ben at another beach but failed to do so after a series of missed directions. I decided to take the beach train back to Haeundae Beach, but somehow ended up in Waikiki Beach instead.

After spending some time watching people surf, I tried to find my way back to a point I recognised. But then, I began to see signs pointing towards ‎Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. So I followed them instead…

‎Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan

Short and Sweet Busan: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

My missed directions turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I had resolved to skip a visit to this temple, due to a few strong reviews I had read about it earlier. That would have been a shame because I actually did enjoy my visit and found the views of the temple from the coast to be quite stunning!

Surprisingly, on this beautiful fall day, the temple was devoid of a crowd, and my visit was generally pleasant.

I was able to find my way back to the hotel quite easily from here, and then, later in the evening, I met up with Pem and Ben for an evening stroll through Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market. There weren’t many stalls open when I arrived, but we found some delicious street food anyway.

Short and Sweet Busan: Gamcheon Culture Village

The next morning, I headed out to visit Gamcheon Culture Village, a colourful art-themed village in Busan. I enjoyed my time strolling around the hilly village and taking in all the beautiful views from different vantage points.

Things to do in Gamcheon culture village

After wandering about on my own, I visited the tourist centre, bought a map, and retraced my way around the village. I visited places I had missed out on earlier and collected free postcards along the way.

Soon, it was time to leave Busan for Seoul. I bought a ticket on the high-speed KTX train and arrived in Seoul in a little over 3 hours.

My visit to Busan was quite short, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would visit again if given the opportunity.

2 comments

  1. This was such a wholesome read.😅 Glad your missed directions landed you in good places.

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Close
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg!

I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers!

Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg! I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers! Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mount Kilimanjaro and giraffes - I could cry! 🥹

If you're looking for a great weekend trip from Nairobi to change the pace, Amboseli National Park is truly one of the best places to visit!

For a road trip that's only about 4-5 hours from Nairobi, you get epic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, large elephant herds and if you pick the right lodge, you can watch incredible wildlife come and go, right from the comfort of your dining table or even your room!
Mount Kilimanjaro and giraffes - I could cry! 🥹 If you're looking for a great weekend trip from Nairobi to change the pace, Amboseli National Park is truly one of the best places to visit! For a road trip that's only about 4-5 hours from Nairobi, you get epic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, large elephant herds and if you pick the right lodge, you can watch incredible wildlife come and go, right from the comfort of your dining table or even your room!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
💙
💙
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
A not-so-hidden gem in South Korea 🇰🇷 

Suncheon Bay National Garden is absolutely worth visiting.😍
A not-so-hidden gem in South Korea 🇰🇷 Suncheon Bay National Garden is absolutely worth visiting.😍
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Everyday is a pleasant surprise! 🌻🥹
Everyday is a pleasant surprise! 🌻🥹
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷

It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. 

When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets.

Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷 It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets. Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙

The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji!

Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙 The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji! Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Oh, this charming town! 💙

Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku 

If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm.

We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
Oh, this charming town! 💙 Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm. We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • 2 Weeks South Korea Travel Itinerary for First Time Visitors

  • Slow Days in Fast-Paced Tokyo

  • A Serene Weekend at Tawi Lodge, Amboseli

  • Top 10 Easiest Countries for Nigerians to Visit (Visa-Free or Easy Visa)

  • 1000 Days of Learning Swahili – I Quit!

Translate
Become an Insider!
Archives
Close

Travel with a Pen

Seek out New Adventures, Travel Differently

Travel with a Pen © Copyright 2025
Close