The original itinerary for today is a day trip to Gyeongju city, a neighbouring city of Busan about 40 minutes by Mugunghwa train or 30 minutes by KTX train or an hour by intercity bus.
But, we had to cancel the day trip because some of us are pretty much exhausted already. It's the second time, I didn't get to visit Gyeongju which is a UNESCO site and the living museum of South Korea. It is so near and yet so far away from my hope and dreams of visiting. So, a tip from me if you plan to organise a day trip or an excursion outside of the city that you are in. Have the day trip immediately the next day after you've landed. The next visit to South Korea, wherever I land, Gyeongju is a MUST GO.
So, I pretty much didn't prepare where to go or what to do for today. But we managed to finish the day with a nice supper instead.
Busan Day 3 (18/10/2014)
Starbucks, Haeundae-gu
Shinsegae Centum City Mall
Haeundae Traditional Market
Haeundae Beach
Nampo-dong Samgetang
Nampo-dong Samgetang
We started the day really late around about 11.30am (after breakfast) and we went for a stroll along Haeundae-gu and the beach. It was a gorgeous and glorious sunny day! I guess that is why Haeundae has this tag line "sun and fun".
We then drop by at Starbucks to check out their merchandise. My colleague asked for a favour as she is a collector of global Starbucks tumblers.
At Haeundae, there are 3 stops to catch the airport limousine to the airport. Novotel Ambassador, Pacific/Paradise Hotel or this one, Seacloud Hotel (opposite Novotel Ambassador).
Each tumbler purchase will come with a free drink (any drink). I guess it is the same in all countries. The only difference with the Korean Starbucks is that you can request to the staff to pack or wrap up the tumbler for you as a gift. All you need to do is say "sunmul chusaeyo" or "present please". It doesn't make sense but the staff will get what you mean. It then be wrapped up with a layer of bubble wrap followed by a pouch with ribbon. If you happened to be in Korea this year, do buy the 15th Anniversary one in white and the drink size is venti (KRW19,000).
2NE1 hotel spotted. I doubt it has anything to do with the girl group.
We then walked around Haeundae.
Then, we are off to the subways again.
CENTUM CITY!!!
It's the world's biggest shopping mall. I am not kidding. It is 11th storey high and each floor is packed with shops!
See? It has a certification from Guinness World Records, too!
It also housed SPAland
And a decent food court for some good Korean food.
Not forgetting an ice skating rink
This part of the shopping mall is I am most impressed. Living room style at the toilet as a waiting place for family members.
Their sale is also ridiculous.
At Kyobo Bookstores, Level 5.
I found Do Minjoon's Edward.
Back to Haeundae, my cousin and I explored the traditional market
Claimed our free starbucks, because I purchased two tumblers earlier.
Then, we headed to the beach for a breather. Gorgeous weather and sunset.
Icy sand. Feels like Gold Coast in spring.
Just before dinner, we went back to the hostel for a short break and shower. Snacking these as appetizer.
Our hostel recommended the ginseng chicken (samgetang) just behind the Marine Tower building. There were two. One facing the main road just beside the entrance to the hostel (separated between a small lane). and the other which faces exactly behind the Marine Tower, called Nampo Samgetang. That's the one you should go for.
To be honest, the ginseng chicken is not as good as its fried chicken. So juicy and crispy!
Anyway, the meal was very good and we really had a pleasurable time at the dining table.
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