South Korea Trip 2013: Day 8 in Busan (Pusan Int'l University Street, Oncheonjang, Busan Trick Eye Museum)

Busy crossroads with more than one zebra crossing is common in South Korea

It's finally my last day in South Korea, and it's a pretty much packed one, what with all the sightseeing and shopping packed into a full day. Since we have yet to explore many of Busan's shopping districts, our first stop of the day is Pusan Int'l University Street.

Big breakfast at Whoever Coffee and Herb

But before we head off on our journey, breakfast is a must. My travel partners and I decided to try breakfast at a cafe nearby our hotel, Whoever Coffee and Herb. Weird name, I must say, but their western breakfast was a huge portion and above average.

My favourite was the garden salad. It came with a huge orange in it, something I've never tried. It was pretty delicious, and I savoured the whole bowl. The breakfast set comes with a coffee, garden salad, soup, and toast for 4500 won (approximately RM13.50) if I recalled correctly. Pretty decent price by me though some might say it's a bit expensive just for breakfast.

Pusan Int'l University entrance gate

After taking the subway from Jungang Station to Pusan Int'l University Station, I arrived at Pusan Int'l University street. The atmosphere here is similar to that of Edae and Hongdae since they cater more towards the youth market.

Shoe shopping at Pusan Int'l University street

I saw plenty of boots on sale here, and thought of buying one home. I didn't buy one in Seoul since luggage space was a problem, apart from mobility getting onto the KTX. Nothing caught my eye, but in general, the clothings and shoes sold here still can't beat those in Seoul. So much for fashion forward me.

Post box looking thing on the street

Anyway, I came across a few of these post box looking things on the street. I'm exactly sure what these are, but it sure does look like some sort of box for mails. If anyone knows what are these, please do share with me! :)

Yoogane's artsy wall deco

We had lunch at a Yoogane outlet located on one of the main roads in Pusan Int'l University area. It looked pretty decent, so we just gave it a go. After entering and seeing some familiar K-drama faces, then I realized that I might have heard of the restaurant's name somewhere...

Yoogane fried kimchi rice and ramen

Anyway, my travel partners and I had 2 portions of ramen and one portion of fried kimchi rice. It's pretty much a one to one ratio per person at Yoogane, but you can always call for more. The helpful staff will help with all the frying work, so you only have to enjoy the meal. I can't remember the prices exactly here, but it's pretty much affordable. It's even cheaper than having a set meal at food courts I think :)

Cute little take away cafe

After lunch, I walked around to do some more shopping. There was a cute little take away cafe along one of the main streets, and I couldn't help but wonder why we didn't have these type of cafes in KL. There are plenty of them in South Korea, but none to be found in Malaysia.... maybe a sign to open one of these in KL? :p

M.A.C. store selling clothing. Now that's a first

There were also plenty of stores in South Korea bearing names of famous brands. I saw a clothing shop with the Twitter logo, and also a M.A.C. store selling clothing. Copyright infringement anyone?

Charlie Brown Cafe at Pusan Int'l University street

And the highlight of my trip here to this street is the Charlie Brown Cafe! I actually stumbled upon this cafe though, since it was located way deep in an enclave which is connected to one of the main streets. Look out for the banner which they set up along the main street!

Charlie Brown Cafe's tiramisu

Of course I had to stop for a tea break over at Charlie Brown Cafe (it's like Hello Kitty Cafe all over again) and I shared a tiramisu. We were still quite full but nothing beats having Charlie staring back at you from the tiramisu :)

Hotel Nong Shim, of the famous Korean noodle brand

We took the subway and stopped at Oncheonjang Station since we wanted to visit the Busan Trick Eye Museum. After a long and tiring walk, we arrived at Hotel Nong Shim (yes, it's the famous Korean noodle brand, but it's definitely legit, not a ripoff) only to be told by the counter staff that the museum has moved to its new location in Nampodong. What?? Looks like they have to step up their up-to-date information more!

Nevertheless, although we felt cheated since we went so far just to be told the museum is just a walk away from our hotel, we just have to cool ourselves down because we wouldn't want to spoil all the fun on our very last day!

Map to Busan Trick Eye Museum in Nampodong (latest location)Pic credit: http://busanhaps.com/events/trick-eye-museum-saturday-nampodong

To get to Busan Trick Eye Museum in Nampodong, look out for the CGV building. If I recall correctly, the best way is to get to BIFF Square and find the Artbox outlet located on the street towards the left of the main entrance. The CGV building should be opposite the Artbox outlet, across the street.

Busan Trick Eye Museum greeting

Once you enter the CGV building, you will see a sign at the lobby to lead you to the lift up to the museum. The first sign you'll see is the Trick Eye Museum greeting board.

Trick Eye Museums in South Korea

If you are not planning to visit Busan, fret not because there are also Trick Eye Museums in Seoul and Jeju as well.

One of the many 3D portraits you can take pictures with

After paying the entrance fee of 7000 won (approximately RM21), we kept our bags in the rental lockers provided before heading into the exhibit room.

The actual entrance fee is 10,000 won for adults, but thanks to the staff at Busan Tower Hill Hotel where I stayed, I got a discount coupon for a cheaper rate. Thank you! :)

Art Toys on display

There was also a little space where you can come and paint these porcelain dolls and take them home as a souvenir. They are called Art Toys and although I didn't have some time to spare, I saw a few couples drawing on the dolls. Great place to spend some quality time with your loved one!

Art Toy

So apparently the fee for the Art Toy is 5000 won (approximately RM15) according to this tiny banner above. Quite affordable for a day's outing instead of going to the cinema. Plus you get to keep the doll and take it home! :)

Seoul Samgyetang for dinner

For the last dinner in Busan, my travel partners and I headed to Seoul Samgyetang, since it was on the walk back from BIFF Square to the hotel. I find that it's ironic that we're having Seoul Samgyetang in Busan. Anyone knows of a Busan Samgyetang outlet?

The samgyetang was just pretty much like our Chinese ginseng chicken back home, just that it was served without salt. Luckily we only ordered one portion to share, though I must say it was a welcome to eat hot food in superbly cold weather. The meal came with rice and ginseng liquor too. We paid around 17000 won (approximately RM51) for it though!

As we were leaving the next morning, we bought all our groceries from a nearby grocery store just opposite the hotel. The shop was named Big Sale or something similar and the proprietor was a friendly ahjussi who nodded at my choice of Bokbunja (6500 won), Peperos (800 won), kelp, and some yukgaejang soup bases.

So that ends my 8 day trip to South Korea and I hope you have enjoyed my recollections of the places I have travelled to. Look out for more mini-bites of my trip (I'll post more on my shopping hauls once I get some time off my busy schedule)!

Read about my experience in Nampodong, BIFF Square and Gwangbok Street (Busan) here!

Read about my experience in Chungmuro, Namdaemun and Myeongdong here!

Read about my experience in Edae, Hongdae, D-Cube City and Dongdaemun here!

Read about my experience in N Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Garosugil and Go-To Mall here!
 
Read about my experience in Gyeongbukgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, Changdeokgung and Insadong here!
 
Read about my experience in Busan (KTX and Busan City Night View Tour Bus) here!

Read about my experience in Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Haeundae Beach and Seomyeon here!

The author is planning another trip to South Korea in the future, and is contemplating the cherry blossom season or the hot summer where the sales are bound to be crazy!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

South Korea Trip 2013: Day 7 in Busan (Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Haeundae Beach, Seomyeon)

View of the port from top of Jagalchi Market building

It's been a week 'living' in South Korea and I think I can get used to some things Koreans do everyday here. Public transportation is a like a gift from the heavens (compared to KL's train and bus services) and the weather is fine on most days (unlike the unpredictable rain in KL). A quick check on the daily forecast to decide on how warm to dress is a habit I've adopted, and I sorely miss that ritual once I'm back in tropics.

Houses up the hill in the distance near Gukje Market

After a quick breakfast near the hotel, I ventured to Gukje Market to get some pots and pans to bring home. It's pretty much like Namdaemun Market in Seoul, but with far less hustle and bustle and variety merchandise for sale.

GM Music store in Gukje Market, arguably the cheapest shop to get your K-pop albums in Busan

I managed to find a gem in the middle of Gukje Market as I strolled along. In the middle of one of the main intersections of the market you'll see this K-pop CD store, GM Music. It's quite difficult to miss since they are the only shop selling CDs (I think) in this market. The prices here are also lower than that of CD shops in Seoul. I really regretted buying my CDs in Seoul and lugging it back all the way on the KTX...

Jagalchi Market, seafood haven

From Gukje Market, it's just a short walk passing BIFF Square before crossing over to Jagalchi Market. If you are a seafood lover, you must make a stop here when you are in Busan. Sea creatures, alive and dead, are for sale and also for on-the-spot consumption.

Ladies selling fresh catches from the sea outside the main Jagalchi Market building

Since I love seafood, I wanted to visit this place very much. But, I really dislike going to wet markets since young (bad experience, yo) and I really tried my best not to get my shoes wet. You can see ladies selling fresh seafood even outside the main Jagalchi Building.

Huge mussels on sale

I'm a huge of mussels and I see them selling huge nets of them! So tempted to buy but how would I cook or bring them home? Just walk past, just walk past...

Sea squirts

Wriggling live seafood are displayed for sale everywhere you look once you enter the first floor of Jagalchi Market.

Huge snow crabs

A Korean couple who manned a stall wanted to sell some snow crabs to my travel partners and I. Thinking we're from Hong Kong, they asked for a really high price for one snow crab. I think they mentioned around RM200+ for one snow crab, inclusive of cooking fee in their food stall upstairs. We waved them off, saying we'll look around. They were quite friendly even when we didn't make a purchase, and gave us their name card before we walked off.

Live abalones!

There were also abalones on sale, all wriggling away. I felt it was cruel to see them displayed for a customer to come and buy and send it for the cooking pot, yet I was fascinated to see a real live abalone for the first time. I'm a city girl at heart, no doubt!

Fresh huge scallops

I also saw these fresh and juicy scallops that really made me want to eat them on the spot. They were so huge I think I could only fit 2 of these on my palm.

Oops... here's the octopus!

And don't forget those huge octopus swimming in the tanks! The only octopus I see daily is those small and cute little ones sold at Japanese sushi joints in KL...

Oase Seafood Buffet at Jagalchi Market

Probably the most lunch I've ever eaten in South Korea is my buffet lunch at Oase Seafood Buffet at Level 5, Jagalchi Market. Some friends recommended this place to my travel partner since they had a bad experience with the seafood served by those small little stalls (Level 2) which cooked the seafood bought straight from the market (Level 1).

Lunch is served from 12pm to 2.30pm and since I went there on a weekend, I paid a higher price than for weekdays. The buffet lunch costs 37,500 won (approximately RM113) for adults, but for that price I get to taste all types of fresh seafood as opposed to only 1 type if I buy it straight from the marketplace downstairs.

Assortment of seafood and others served at Oase Seafood Buffet

The variety of food served is quite vast and better than most buffets I've been to KL. The seafood was very fresh, but apart from the sushi counter, other counters served the seafood cooked for hygiene and health purposes. Their kimchi variety was quite good, but still lacking in terms of taste compared to those served at traditional Korean restaurants.

Butter grilled abalones! Yums!

The chefs served the butter grilled abalones around 1pm, when most guests have had their fill of almost half of the variety served. Although most diners were full, there was still a long queue at the counter where they grilled the abalones on the spot. It's super yummy, so obviously people kept going back for more.

Grilled prawns and snow crabs

The grilled prawns and snow crab were just so-so compared to the abalones. I so did not regret for not buying the snow crab at the stall downstairs earlier. Imagine how much crab I would have to eat in a meal... and how many hours I would have spent eating!

For more information on Oase Seafood Buffet, do click on the link.

Exiting Jagalchi Market

After lunch, I left Jagalchi Market and walked across to BIFF Square. You can see it from the picture above. The umbrellas in the distance is where BIFF Square is from Jagalchi Market.

All types of octopus / squid ready to be grilled

My travel partner just must have her grilled octopus since we were in BIFF Square. A cup of grilled octopus like in the picture above costs 5000 won (approximately RM15) and it's really a great chewy snack as you stroll along people-watching or goods-buying!

Busan Tower in the background at Gwangbok Street

After BIFF Square we walked back heading towards our hotel, passing by Gwangbok Street. The street has a lot of upmarket brands and strolling along during the day is as exciting as during the night since all the shops are open for business. The prices here are quite high though, so I did not purchase anything here.

Charles & Keith store along Gwangbok Street

Even Singaporean brand Charles & Keith has a store on Gwangbok Street. It really is a 'global' street in terms of brands as they have a good mix of renowned local and foreign brands here.

From Gwangbok Street we took the subway to Haeundae Beach. It's a really really long ride during peak hour without seating the whole way! My travel partners and I were tired by the time we reached our destination.

The tagline says 'Sun & Fun' at Haeundae Beach, but there is none during autumn

And we realised that it's no 'Sun & Fun' at Haeundae Beach in the middle of autumn. But that doesn't stop us from visiting the famous beach to revel in all it's glory!

Haeundae Beach

Although summer is over and winter is on its way, there are still people lingering around on the beach. Locals and tourists like myself came just to get a glimpse of this famous beach. In autumn, one of the best activities is going shopping at the nearby Haeundae Market, sipping coffee at one of the many cafes facing the beach, or even try your luck at the casino at Paradise Hotel, as pictured in the background above.

Not sure what it is, but I guess it's Bbopki (caramel sweet)

I passed by a stall selling sweets carved into shapes, but there wasn't anyone manning the stall so I couldn't buy one. I guess it's called Bbopki? I'm not 100 percent sure but it looks pretty similar though.

Haeundae Market

Next up is shopping at Haeundae Market! My travel partner found some tin lunch boxes similar to the ones we had at Miss Lee Cafe for 5000 won (approximately RM15) each at a shop selling pots and pans. There are also many shops selling groceries, seafood and vegetables in the marketplace, as well as fried snacks to keep warm.

A replica of Trevi Fountain in Lotte Dept Stores, Seomyeon

From Haeundae Beach, I took the subway and decided to stop at Seomyeon for dinner before heading back to the hotel. If you take the subway, stop at Seomyeon Station and you'll be connected directly into Seomyeon Lotte Departmental Stores and Daehyun Underground Mall.

Youths relaxing while on their mobile phones near the Trevi Fountain

I realised that when Koreans do stop walking and take a rest, they'll definitely flip their phones out, scrolling away. They are really so into online surfing that I finally understand why they are such a fast-paced nation since information gets disseminated really quickly.

I didn't really buy anything at the Daehyun Underground Mall since I've done my fair bit of shopping (and the luggage bag looks like it's gonna burst already) but I managed to get a Hello Kitty tumbler at 12,000 won (approximately RM36) from Lotte Departmental Stores. It's quite a steal compared to those sold at the Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae, Seoul.

That ends my seventh day in Busan, South Korea and look out for more posts on my travels in the Land of the Morning Calm!

Read about my experience in Nampodong, BIFF Square and Gwangbok Street (Busan) here!

Read about my experience in Chungmuro, Namdaemun and Myeongdong here!

Read about my experience in Edae, Hongdae, D-Cube City and Dongdaemun here!

Read about my experience in N Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Garosugil and Go-To Mall here!

Read about my experience in Gyeongbukgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, Changdeokgung and Insadong here! 

Read about my experience in Busan (KTX and Busan City Night View Tour Bus) here! 

The author is already missing the daily Banana Milk and Chocopie she takes for breakfast, and is wondering when she'll be able to return to South Korea again.

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!  

South Korea Trip 2013: Day 1 in Busan (Nampodong, BIFF Square, Gwangbok Street)

Lotte Dept Store at Nampodong

My dream holiday to South Korea finally came true! When AirAsia first launched their new route to Busan in April earlier this year, I chanced upon the cheap airfares and managed to book a return ticket for approximately RM800!

After months of researching on the internet and tedious planning (since I'm on a self-guided tour) on my maiden visit to South Korea, I was ready to experience the country that I've only been to see on my television and through K-pop songs I loved to listen.

Busan Tower Hill Hotel

I booked a 4 night stay at Busan Tower Hill Hotel in Jungang through Agoda, for approximately RM300 per night. My stay was split into 2 parts, the first night in Busan, then another 4 nights in Seoul, and another 3 nights in Busan before heading home to Kuala Lumpur. They have a luggage storage service too, so that's another brownie point from me, since I left my luggage with them before leaving for Seoul via KTX.

Cozy beds and warm ambience in hotel room

I loved the service provided in Busan Tower Hill Hotel. The beds were cozy and comfortable, and all necessary amenities including toiletries were provided. Counter staff were polite and friendly, and very helpful too!

Clean bathroom and toiletries are provided

I loved that they were generous with their body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Not many hotels provide such huge bottles of toiletries. The best of the toilet was the warm bidet! Never fear of sitting on a cold toilet seat during autumn or winter again!

Gwangbok Underground Shopping entrance just outside the hotel

After checking into the hotel at 4.30pm, I had a stroll around the surrounding area. Since it's autumn, the sun sets around 5.30pm and by around 6pm it's already completely dark. With nothing much to do, I had a walk looking for dinner. Jungang Station is the nearest subway station to Busan Tower Hill Hotel, take exit 1 since it's the nearest. 

Next, I found Gwangbok Underground Shopping Center just a short walk out the hotel. It's somewhere where Lotte Departmental Store is in sight, to be precise.

One thing great about Korea is there are many entrances to their underground shopping centers or subways, so just go down any entrance you encounter because you'll eventually end up in the same place no matter where you enter from.

Nampo Underground Shopping entrance

Nampo Underground Shopping Center is linked to Gwangbok Underground Shopping Center, if you walk along following the signs, you'll end up here from where Lotte Departmental Store is. If you exit from Nampo Underground Shopping Center, you'll find yourself closer to BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market.

Buzzer given when you order food or drinks

I had my first dinner at Lotte Departmental Store since it was Sunday and not many shops around the hotel were open. I had a great first experience with the buzzer! It will buzz when your order is ready. Then you proceed to collect your order at the designated counter. 

Jeonju Bibimbap at Lotte Dept Store food court

The Jeonju Bibimbap (approx 7000 won; RM21) I had was quite similar to the bibimbap that I've tasted in KL, so there's nothing to shout about. What I loved was every other meal I had in Korea came with free refillable drinking water, so that's savings in terms of drinks. Their meals are usually around 7000 won, which means it's a budget of RM20 every meal, (thank goodness food in Malaysia is cheap!) but of course it's a huge portion each round with many side dishes (kimchi!).

BIFF Square entrance opposite Jagalchi Market

Next up after dinner I went to BIFF Square to get a glimpse of night market life. There was a particular hotteok stall that was popular and has a long queue. 

Look out for this hotteok stall with a long queue somewhere outside the Eight Seconds store

The hot hotteok (1000 won; RM3) was delicious and was a perfect snack in the cold weather. 

Hotteok, the perfect hot snack in the cold weather

I also tried the spicy grilled chicken (2000 won; RM6) on a long stick, but unfortunately I was too busy eating to take pictures!

Entrance to Yongdusan Park (Busan Tower) along Gwangbok Street

Next I had a stroll back to the hotel from BIFF Square through Gwangbok Street. This street is quite nicely done up and I find myself thinking that I was in some European country. Many branded stores, both international and local, lined this street.

Hollys Coffee next to Teenie Weenie on Gwangbok Street

There seems to be no shortage of coffee chains on Gwangbok Street too. Hollys Coffee, Coffine Gurunaru, Tom N Toms Coffee, and Caffe Bene are among the coffee shops you can opt to stop for a hot drink here.

Caffe Bene along Gwangbok Street

I stopped at Caffe Bene for a drink before heading back to the hotel. It's endorsed by Crayon Pop in very Christmassy red uniforms, which is sure to put you in the Xmas mood. Next up for Day 2 is the KTX ride to Seoul!

Read about my experience in Chungmuro, Namdaemun and Myeongdong here!

Read about my experience in Edae, Hongdae, D-Cube City and Dongdaemun here!

Read about my experience in N Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Garosugil and Go-To Mall here!

Read about my experience in Gyeongbukgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, Changdeokgung and Insadong here!

Read about my experience in Busan (KTX and Busan City Night View Tour Bus) here! 

Update: Check out my latest account of my trip to Japan in 2015 here. Stay tuned for more updates on this trip!
 
The author was thrilled to be able to step on the grounds of the Land of the Morning Calm. Busan was a pretty much laid back town and next up is the adventurous shopping experience in Seoul! Look out for the next post!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!