A Relaxing Getaway to Busan with a Close Friend
After a long time, I finally got to use my vacation days and went on a trip with a close friend.
We debated whether to go to Japan or somewhere in Korea, and ultimately chose to stay domestic.
Since it had been a while since either of us had been to Busan, we decided on that city.
We only booked the accommodation and train tickets and didn't really plan anything else, so it felt like we just went wherever we felt like.
Overall, we visited places we wanted to see, ate delicious food, and had a great time.
Busan Station
Tonshou Busan
On our first day, we arrived in Busan and planned to have lunch right away.
Since our accommodation was in Gwangalli, we decided to try the famous Tonshou.
Known for its long waits and delicious food, I used CatchTable to make a reservation.
You can start booking on CatchTable from 10 AM, and the restaurant opens at 11 AM.
Since my train departed at 9:58 AM, I waited in my seat and tried to make a reservation, but I was number 64 in line... My friend couldn't even make a reservation because the waiting list was full.
All of this happened within one minute.
It varies from time to time, but the restaurant said that it takes about an hour for 25 teams to be seated.
The wait went by faster than expected, and I used up both of my 'delay' options on the app.
When I arrived at the restaurant, they were seating customers in the 120s.
I arrived at the restaurant around 2 PM and was lucky enough to be seated right away.
Tonshou Exterior
The restaurant is located at the end of Gwangalli (near the Millak Hoe Center), and you can easily find it because the sign is large.
I couldn't take pictures inside because it was crowded, but it's a bar-style seating arrangement and I remember there being space for over 20 people.
Sauce, Pork Cutlet
I ordered the Berkshire K Loin Cutlet (18,000 won) and Curry (3,500 won), and the taste was excellent. It was worth the wait.
What was especially unique was that the cutlet was smoked at the end, giving it a smoky flavor.
Haeundae Bak Seonjang
Gwangan Bridge
After lunch, we checked into our accommodation and rested. Then, to digest, I went for a short run along Gwangalli Beach.
Since the vacation season was over and it was a weekday, the beach wasn't too crowded.
After resting a bit, we headed out for dinner.
This restaurant was recommended by a local in Busan.
It's located in the Haeundae area, about a 15-minute walk.
The special thing about this restaurant is that the owner catches the fish himself.
So, the sashimi changes daily.
They charged per person, and I thought it was quite reasonably priced.
You can also walk there from Haeundae Station.
Haeundae Bak Seonjang Exterior, Food
When we ordered a two-person meal, we received various side dishes and food along with sashimi.
(30,000 won per person)
I think it's a great restaurant to visit again if you come to Haeundae.
Sister Rice Soup (Jamae Gukbap)
On the second day, we decided to have rice soup (gukbap) for brunch.
We agreed that you have to eat gukbap at least once when you come to Busan.
After searching and searching for a place, we visited a restaurant that had been on TV.
It's about a 10-15 minute walk from Gwangalli, and parking is likely difficult as it's located in an alley.
Sister Rice Soup Meal
We ordered the Pork Rice Soup (10,000 won) and Assorted Suyuk (Small) (18,000 won).
The rice soup came with rice already inside, and they added ssamjang (a thick, spicy paste) instead of dadeagi (seasoned pepper paste).
At first, I thought it was seasoned just right, but as we were finishing, we both thought, "It's sweeter than I thought?"
So, we couldn't finish the soup.
Still, it's a decent place for suyuk and rice soup.
Cafe - Deokmi Atelier
After eating rice soup, we wanted to drink coffee, so we went to a cafe with high ratings nearby.
It opened at 11 AM, so it was perfect timing, and we were the first customers.
Personally, I thought the coffee was good, and the atmosphere was quiet, so I had a comfortable time.
Cafe Interior Photos
It seemed like they also sell brunch and desserts.
There were so few customers that we just listened to the music that the owner/employee was playing and wondered, "Where should we go today?"
Seed Pancake (Ssiat Hotteok)
Seed Pancake
In the afternoon, we visited Ggantong Market and BIFF Square.
Honestly, I just wanted to take a quick look around the market, but I didn't consider the travel time from Gwangalli enough.
Still, I ate seed pancake while I was there, and it cost 2,500 won.
(I remember buying it for 700 won when I first ate it in my 20s... Have prices really gone up that much?)
Gwangan Bridge Night View
In the evening, I returned to my accommodation and went for a short run.
I don't know if 7km is considered short, but many people run along Gwangalli Beach and there's a designated course.
There was even a road I had never seen before, and there was something I learned for the first time that day.
"The best view of Gwangan Bridge is from the right side (Samik Beach) rather than from the beach."
It seems like it would take about 20 minutes to walk there from the beach anyway, so it might be worth visiting sometime.
With that, the second day ended, and the next day, we only had lunch and returned to Seoul.
It was a truly simple and relaxing vacation.
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