After spending years in South Korea, I’ve visited many beautiful places—but Busan holds a special place in my heart. In July 2021, I went there on a three-day trip with five of my closest friends from England, Malaysia, and Myanmar, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. For those three days, I wasn’t thinking about work, responsibilities, or stress—I was just living in the moment, laughing, and soaking in the joy.
Planning the Trip: A Little Research Goes a Long Way
Before the trip, I spent time researching Busan’s most iconic and scenic spots. I looked through blogs, travel forums, and Instagram posts to see which places would give us both cultural richness and visual charm. Gamcheon Cultural Village kept coming up for its bright colors and fun atmosphere. For the sunset, many people recommended the Haeundae Yacht Tour, and it turned out to be magical. We also picked Haeundae Beach because of its popularity and peaceful beauty, especially in the summer. For food, I searched for halal-friendly and seafood options, and also made sure there was Indian cuisine available for some comfort food. Apps like Naver, Naver Map, and Kakao Map helped us find places with good reviews.
Color, Culture & Laughter at Gamcheon Cultural Village
Our adventure began at the famous Gamcheon Cultural Village, often called the “Santorini of Korea.” With its vibrant alleyways, colorful murals, and tiny art shops, it felt like walking inside a painting. We wore matching color dresses,and every corner became a perfect backdrop for photos. One of my favorite captions from that day was: “A day at the Colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village.”
The atmosphere was light, joyful, and full of artistic charm. We laughed so much, explored the tiny winding streets, and took both group and solo photos—memories I still scroll through today.
One of my favorite captions from that day was: “A day at the Colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village.”
The atmosphere was light, joyful, and full of artistic charm. We laughed so much, explored the tiny winding streets, and took both group and solo photos—memories I still scroll through today.
Sailing with the Sunset: Yacht Tour Magic
That evening, we went on a Yacht Tour, sailing on the ocean as the sun slowly dipped into the sea. The sky was painted in shades of gold, pink, and blue—it was simply breathtaking. It felt like time stood still.
I posted my photo from that moment with the caption:
“The Sunset and the Yacht.”
There was a calmness in the sea breeze and an overwhelming sense of peace. For a moment, everything felt perfect.
Seashores & Seafood at Haeundae Beach
On our second day, we visited the ever-popular Haeundae Beach, one of Korea’s most famous coastal spots. The sound of waves, the soft sand, and the cool sea breeze made me feel lighthearted and free.
Looking out at the horizon, I felt a sense of calm. I captioned one of my solo photos: “Let the Blue sky meet the Blue Sea and All is Blue for a time.”
That day, we tried Korean seafood BBQ and also visited an Indian restaurant for a taste of something familiar. As a practicing Muslim, I always check for halal or seafood options—and Busan didn’t disappoint. The seafood BBQ was absolutely delicious, and the Indian food gave a cozy, comforting taste of home.
Cultural Contrasts: Korean Public Spaces & Food Culture
Coming from Bangladesh, I’ve always found Korea’s public space culture quite different and fascinating. Public areas like beaches, parks, and cultural villages are so well-maintained, accessible, and often equipped with detailed signs, clean bathrooms, and nearby convenience stores.
Also, the way Koreans gather around BBQ grills, sitting on the floor or low tables and sharing side dishes, is very different from what I grew up with. It felt like every meal in Busan was not just about food—it was about togetherness. As a foreigner, I find these cultural touches both warming and eye-opening.
Living the Moment with My Lovely Ladies
One of the best things about the trip was the company. Being with people from different backgrounds—yet so connected by friendship—was truly special. We laughed, danced, shared stories, and captured everything on camera. I posted a photo with all of us and captioned it:
“O Ladies, Lovely Ladies!" and “나의 사랑스러운 아가씨들이” (My lovely ladies)
Every meal, every walk, every picture we took was filled with joy. For those three days, I wasn’t just a foreigner living in Korea—I was a traveler, a friend, and a free spirit.
A Trip to Remember Forever
We flew to Busan and back by airplane, but the memories we made will stay grounded in my heart forever. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a celebration of life, culture, and friendship.
If you ever need a break from routine and want to experience the coastal charm of Korea, Busan is the place to go. Go with friends, wear something fun, take photos, eat seafood, and let the sea heal your soul—just like it did for me.
Travel Tips for Future Visitors
If you're planning a trip to Busan, here are some quick tips:
✈️ Getting There: We flew from Seoul to Busan via Gimpo Airport. It's quick (approximately 1 hour) and convenient. However, if you want to get an experience of 'Train to Busan', then it has KTX (Korea Train Express) high speed train which will take a little longer (approximately 2 hours) but cheaper than an airplane.
🚌 Local Transport: Use a T-money card for buses and subways. Busan has a great public transit system.
📍 Gamcheon Cultural Village: No entry fee, but wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot of walking and stairs.
⛵ Yacht Tour: Book in advance during peak seasons. Tours usually last 1–1.5 hours. For the latest or updated details of fees and schedules, you need to search on Naver. You can even book the Yacht through this app.
🍽️ Seafood/Halal Food: Near Haeundae Beach, you’ll find many South Asian halal restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a variety of flavorful meals without any hassle. You can simply stroll through the area and discover many restaurants offering authentic halal dishes. In addition, Naver Map is a great tool for halal travelers. Just turn on the halal filter to find nearby restaurants that suit your dietary preferences. Whether you're in the mood for spicy South Asian curries, Middle Eastern grills, or fresh local seafood BBQ, Busan has something delicious for everyone.
Planning the Trip: A Little Research Goes a Long Way
Before the trip, I spent time researching Busan’s most iconic and scenic spots. I looked through blogs, travel forums, and Instagram posts to see which places would give us both cultural richness and visual charm. Gamcheon Cultural Village kept coming up for its bright colors and fun atmosphere. For the sunset, many people recommended the Haeundae Yacht Tour, and it turned out to be magical. We also picked Haeundae Beach because of its popularity and peaceful beauty, especially in the summer. For food, I searched for halal-friendly and seafood options, and also made sure there was Indian cuisine available for some comfort food. Apps like Naver, Naver Map, and Kakao Map helped us find places with good reviews.
Our adventure began at the famous Gamcheon Cultural Village, often called the “Santorini of Korea.” With its vibrant alleyways, colorful murals, and tiny art shops, it felt like walking inside a painting. We wore matching color dresses,and every corner became a perfect backdrop for photos. One of my favorite captions from that day was: “A day at the Colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village.”
The atmosphere was light, joyful, and full of artistic charm. We laughed so much, explored the tiny winding streets, and took both group and solo photos—memories I still scroll through today.
One of my favorite captions from that day was: “A day at the Colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village.”
The atmosphere was light, joyful, and full of artistic charm. We laughed so much, explored the tiny winding streets, and took both group and solo photos—memories I still scroll through today.
Sailing with the Sunset: Yacht Tour Magic
That evening, we went on a Yacht Tour, sailing on the ocean as the sun slowly dipped into the sea. The sky was painted in shades of gold, pink, and blue—it was simply breathtaking. It felt like time stood still.
I posted my photo from that moment with the caption:
“The Sunset and the Yacht.”
There was a calmness in the sea breeze and an overwhelming sense of peace. For a moment, everything felt perfect.
Seashores & Seafood at Haeundae Beach
On our second day, we visited the ever-popular Haeundae Beach, one of Korea’s most famous coastal spots. The sound of waves, the soft sand, and the cool sea breeze made me feel lighthearted and free.
Looking out at the horizon, I felt a sense of calm. I captioned one of my solo photos: “Let the Blue sky meet the Blue Sea and All is Blue for a time.”
That day, we tried Korean seafood BBQ and also visited an Indian restaurant for a taste of something familiar. As a practicing Muslim, I always check for halal or seafood options—and Busan didn’t disappoint. The seafood BBQ was absolutely delicious, and the Indian food gave a cozy, comforting taste of home.
Cultural Contrasts: Korean Public Spaces & Food Culture
Coming from Bangladesh, I’ve always found Korea’s public space culture quite different and fascinating. Public areas like beaches, parks, and cultural villages are so well-maintained, accessible, and often equipped with detailed signs, clean bathrooms, and nearby convenience stores.
Also, the way Koreans gather around BBQ grills, sitting on the floor or low tables and sharing side dishes, is very different from what I grew up with. It felt like every meal in Busan was not just about food—it was about togetherness. As a foreigner, I find these cultural touches both warming and eye-opening.
Living the Moment with My Lovely Ladies
One of the best things about the trip was the company. Being with people from different backgrounds—yet so connected by friendship—was truly special. We laughed, danced, shared stories, and captured everything on camera. I posted a photo with all of us and captioned it:
“O Ladies, Lovely Ladies!" and “나의 사랑스러운 아가씨들이” (My lovely ladies)
Every meal, every walk, every picture we took was filled with joy. For those three days, I wasn’t just a foreigner living in Korea—I was a traveler, a friend, and a free spirit.
We flew to Busan and back by airplane, but the memories we made will stay grounded in my heart forever. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a celebration of life, culture, and friendship.
If you ever need a break from routine and want to experience the coastal charm of Korea, Busan is the place to go. Go with friends, wear something fun, take photos, eat seafood, and let the sea heal your soul—just like it did for me.
Travel Tips for Future Visitors
If you're planning a trip to Busan, here are some quick tips:
✈️ Getting There: We flew from Seoul to Busan via Gimpo Airport. It's quick (approximately 1 hour) and convenient. However, if you want to get an experience of 'Train to Busan', then it has KTX (Korea Train Express) high speed train which will take a little longer (approximately 2 hours) but cheaper than an airplane.
🚌 Local Transport: Use a T-money card for buses and subways. Busan has a great public transit system.
📍 Gamcheon Cultural Village: No entry fee, but wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot of walking and stairs.
⛵ Yacht Tour: Book in advance during peak seasons. Tours usually last 1–1.5 hours. For the latest or updated details of fees and schedules, you need to search on Naver. You can even book the Yacht through this app.
🍽️ Seafood/Halal Food: Near Haeundae Beach, you’ll find many South Asian halal restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a variety of flavorful meals without any hassle. You can simply stroll through the area and discover many restaurants offering authentic halal dishes. In addition, Naver Map is a great tool for halal travelers. Just turn on the halal filter to find nearby restaurants that suit your dietary preferences. Whether you're in the mood for spicy South Asian curries, Middle Eastern grills, or fresh local seafood BBQ, Busan has something delicious for everyone.