A Memorable Trip to Busan
This Busan trip began as a long-awaited reunion with close friends, filled with planning, laughter, and spontaneous moments.
From the vast sea views of Taejongdae to late-night talks, street food, and coastal trains, the journey flowed naturally over three days.
It became a record of friendship, food, and discovering Busan’s charm once again at an unhurried pace.
Meeting at Seoul Station and the start of the journey
The trip officially started on January 4, 2026.
We were supposed to meet at Seoul Station at 9:30 AM, but of course, Seong-joo and Byeong-wook were late.
After finally meeting, we caught up over breakfast while I explained the travel plan I had carefully prepared.
MBTI talk before boarding the KTX
During breakfast, they insisted I had a J personality because of how detailed my plan was.
Strangely, I always test as a P, which left me questioning everything.
After eating, we headed to the platform and boarded the 10:58 AM KTX, bickering like old friends along the way.
First stop in Busan, Taejongdae
Once we arrived in Busan, we dropped off our luggage and went straight to Taejongdae.
Since it was already past 2 PM, we had to move quickly.
The sea seen from Taejongdae Observatory felt incredibly wide, different from the feeling of a beach.
It’s a place locals visit for quiet walks, and it’s perfect if you want to see an endless ocean.
Songdo Beach without the cable car
Next, we headed to Songdo Beach.
We considered riding the cable car, but the short ride and price made us decide to simply enjoy the view.
They spent time looking out at the sea from Turtle Island.
Later, I learned Songdo Beach is famous for sunrises, giving me a reason to return someday.
Dinner with sashimi and warm side dishes
As evening approached, hunger set in and we went for dinner.
The menu included yellowtail sashimi, assorted sashimi, and spicy fish soup.
The soup was made with fish parts and seasoning, simple but deeply flavorful.
Side dishes like corn cheese, grilled mackerel, and sweet potato fries were unexpectedly good.
A satisfying research success
This restaurant was one I had researched in advance.
Seeing everyone enjoy it made me feel quietly proud.
Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market timing trouble
We planned to visit Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market after dinner.
The problem was timing, since the market opens at 7:30 PM and we finished eating too early.
After an hour of chatting, we headed there and grabbed fried pork ribs.
That was pretty much the highlight, but it was still fun.
First night stay and late-night YouTube time
After checking into our Airbnb near Busan Station, we unpacked and settled in.
The place met all my criteria: affordable, clean, spacious for three people, and a cooking area.
We paid under 20,000 won per person, which felt like a great deal.
From military videos to idol performances
We watched YouTube on TV late into the night.
It started with military training videos for Byeong-wook, who is enlisting soon.
Later, it turned into idol performance debates, jumping from one group to another.
We finally went to sleep around 2 AM.
Day two breakfast at Lee Jae-mo Pizza
On January 5, thanks to my alarm, I woke up at 8 AM.
We checked out and went straight to Lee Jae-mo Pizza near Busan Station.
Since we arrived early, the wait wasn’t long.
The cheese crust pizza lived up to expectations, and the kimchi fried rice was surprisingly addictive.
Haeundae Beach and coastal views
After breakfast, we headed to Haeundae.
The tall buildings made me feel like I had stepped into a different city.
Seagulls filled the beach, making the name ‘Busan Seagull’ feel very real.
Beach train, sky capsule, and a missing wallet
We rode the beach train and later boarded the sky capsule.
On the way, I realized my wallet was missing, which made my heart drop.
Still, we continued with the plan and visited Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.
The glass floor was thrilling and slightly terrifying.
Sunset views and relief
The sky capsule ride was slow and peaceful, perfect for watching the sunset.
Afterward, I thankfully found my wallet at the luggage storage.
We checked into our second accommodation, which exceeded expectations.
Final night and last meal in Busan
We ordered pizza for dinner and watched a movie together.
On the last day, we debated between two pork soup restaurants and chose a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot.
The rich broth and boiled meat were a perfect way to end the trip.
Wrapping up the trip
Although we didn’t visit tourist spots on the final day, everyone loved the pizza I brought home.
This was my first trip of the year and my second time in Busan.
The wide sea, abundant seafood, and time with friends made it unforgettable.
I hope everyone has a wonderful year ahead.
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