An Outdoor Concert Will be Held on June 3rd and 4th

An outdoor concert, titled “Classic Park Concert” will be held at the lawn square of the Busan Citizens’ Park on June 3rd and 4th. It will help promote the Busan International Art Center and the Busan Opera House, which are scheduled to open in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

On June 3rd, the KBS Symphony Orchestra will perform with Jung Myeong-hoon as the conductor.

On June 4th, the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra will play world-class masterpieces under the conducting of Choi Sooyeol.

The concerts are free to anyone, and seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Haeundae Blueline Park (Sky Capsule Train)

Haeundae Blueline Park is a park that stretches all the way to Songjeong from the Dalmaji area. There is a track that you can walk along, and also a mini train you can hop in. So, if you are interested in this mini train (aka the sky capsule train), keep scrolling!

General Information

Hours: Open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (May, June, and September)

        Open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (March, April, and October)

        Open from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm (July and August)

Location: Mipo Station, Dalmaji-gil 62, Haeundae  

How to Get There

The Blueline Park is located at the end of Haeundae Beach where the 101-story Haeundae LCT is located. If you don’t mind walking, I would recommend traveling from the Haeundae subway station.  

Parking

If you drive there, I recommend you park at Moontan Road public parking lot. The parking lot is only a five minute walk from the Haeundae Blueline Park. Parking costs 300 won for every 10 minutes.

Price

If you visit bluelinepark.com, you can find detailed information about pricing and how to make a reservation. If you travel a route from Mipo to Cheongsapo, the one-way ticket for two people costs 35,000 won, three people costs 45,000 won and 50,000 won for four people.

The maximum number for each car is four people.

What to Expect

  • I highly recommend you make a reservation online prior to your visit. It is almost impossible to find a ticket available on site. As mentioned above, visit bluelinepark.com to make a reservation. Information is available in both Korean and English.
  • If you travel from Mipo (fyi, Mipo is in the Dalmaji area. The bottom entrance to the Dalmaji area near the Haeundae Beach is called “Mipo”) to Cheongsapo, it takes about 15-20 minutes.
  • The sky capsule car comes in four different colors: yellow, green, red and blue. Recently a few cute designs featuring Boogi, the mascot for the World Expo 2030 Busan, have been added.
  • Initially, I wanted to travel from Mipo to Cheongsapo by the sky capsule train and walk back to Mipo along the track, which I think is the best option. However, when I went, the weather was a lot colder than I expected, and I ended up taking the beach train back.
  • The beach train was a good choice, after all. As the beach train accommodates more people, I had no problem finding a ticket. The beach train fare is 7,000 won for adults and 4,900 for children. All the seats face the beach and the auditorium styled seating provided an excellent view. The arch shaped window made the view a bit more special.

When the train got to the Haeundae Beach, many people were wowed by the scene.

  • If you want to walk along the track, you better bring a jacket, as it is sometimes windy.

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Tanaka is Coming to Busan for His Tour!

Tanaka will be going on a tour in April, called “Tanaka over Flower.”

Starting in Daejeon on April 1st, the tour will go to 10 cities, including Incheon, Seongnam, Busan, Suwon, Changwon, Daegu, Gwangju, Ulsan and Jeju.

Tanaka is a YouTuber who has gained so much popularity for acting Japanese and being interested in Korean culture. He is currently active on YouTube and TV.

The Seoul concert which was held from January 27th to 29th was sold out and was also broadcasted live to 12 theaters nationwide.

His Busan concert will be held on Saturday, May 13th and Sunday, May 14th at 6 pm and 3 pm, respectively.

Ticket prices may vary depending on the venue, but the Busan tickets are 77,000 won or 88,000 won, depending on where you sit. Reservations can be made at www.interpark.com.

  • Fyi, “Tanaka” is a character played by Korean comedian, Kim Kyoung-wook.

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Danny Cho is Coming to Busan For His Stand-up Tour!

Korean-American comedian Danny Cho will be going on a short tour, called American Dream, starting in Busan on March 4th.

While the concept of stand-up comedy has not gained much popularity in Korea, Cho is considered one of the most successful comedians in the business.

He will perform at KT&G Sangsang Madang in the Seomyeon area, Busan on Saturday, March 4th.

The other shows are in Daegu on March 5th,  Daejeon on March 10th, Gwangju on March 11th, Incheon on March 17th, Wonju on March 18th, and finally in Seoul on March 24th and 25th.  

Ticket prices may vary depending on the venue, but Busan tickets are 44,000 won. Reservations can be made at www.interpark.com.

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Busan Concerts in February 2023

  1. Show Me the Money 11 Concert

Show Me the Money is a very popular Korean Hiphop reality competition show.

Performers will hold a live concert in Busan next month.

Date: 6:00 p.m on Saturday, February 4th

Venue: Busan KBS Hall

2. Jang Yoonjeong

Jang Yoonjeong, one of the top female kpop solo artists in the Trot genre will be going on tour. Her Busan tour information is as follows.

Date: 2:00 p.m. and 6 p.m on Saturday, February 11th

Venue: Bexco Auditorium

3. Maksim Mrvica

Maksim Mrvica, one of the most popular classical crossover pianists, will hold a concert in Korea for the first time in five years. His Busan tour information is as follows.

Date: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 25th  

Venue: Bexco Auditorium

A Visit to the Dermatologist [Wart Removal]

We all occasionally get warts, right? In Korea, they are called either “쥐젖,” meaning “mice’s breast,” or “편평사마귀.” In the past, I have had them on my neck and chest. I also noticed on outbreak after I gave birth. They were not painful and looked somewhat insignificant. However, once I learned that they could spread and/or get bigger, I wanted them removed immediately. 

This led me to visit the dermatologist. If you would like to do something about your warts, keep reading!

General Information

The name of the clinic: The First Dermatology Clinic

Location: 3rd floor, Luminus Tower Building, Suyeong-ro 299, Nam-gu District (The clinic is only about 3 to 5-minute walk from Kyungsung and Pukyong National University subway station.)

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm through Monday to Friday / 10:00 am to 8 pm on Friday / 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday

Normally when I visit the demonologist, I see Dr. Chae, but this time I saw Dr. Choi. I felt more comfortable with the female Dr. Choi because my warts were on my neck and chest.  

Once I was in the clinic, a consultant took a careful look at my warts. 

I recommend wearing a zip-up jacket with a tank top underneath so that the nurses can easily examine you.

Next, the nurse explained how the procedure would go and how much it would cost. After counting the number of warts, I was told that it would cost around 120,000 won, which sounded reasonable to me. (1 wart=a little less than $10) 

Also, I would keep in mind that the national medical insurance company does not cover wart removals, so how much you pay depends solely on how many warts you have.

So, after changing into a robe, I was taken to a room where the numbing cream would be applied. I was told to wait around 30-40 minutes for the numbing cream to take effect.

Finally, I was led into the operating room, and I was given a plush doll to squeeze just in case the procedure became too painful. Luckily, the procedure only took around 10 minutes and barely hurt. However, I was told that there might still be a few dark spots on my skin where the warts used to be. 

They put a derma band on where I had my warts removed and I was told to change the bandages after two days. These derma bands are available at any pharmacy and could also be purchased at the clinic. 

It has been a month since the producer and just look at the before and after pictures! 

I hope that they will never come back! 

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Eight Things to Do in the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store

The Shinsegae Centum City Department Store is not only a landmark in Busan but one of the largest department stores in the world!

If you are looking for some indoor activates to keep you out of the cold weather in Busan, you should consider checking out the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store. There is so much more to do than just shopping!

1. Spa Land

While Busan is known for its high-quality spas, Spa Land located in the Shinsegae Department Store may be the best!

They offer a variety of baths and saunas in their separated men and women facilitates. After enjoying the spa, you can head over to their entertainment zones. Children under six years old are not allowed to enter the facilities.

Spa Land is open for longer than the rest of the department store. They open at 8 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. Ticket cost 20,000 won for adults and 15,000 won for children.

(Pictured below is an image from their website.)

2. Movies

While the CGV movie theatre is located on the 6th floor, the special theater equipped with memory foam seats and pillows is located on the 5th floor, inside the Cine de Chef restaurant.

Complimentary drinks and adjustable seats can be yours for 40,000 won.

3. The Shinsegae Ice Rink

The Shinsegae Ice Rink located on the 4th floor of the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store offers a wide range of sessions for kids and adults.

The ice rink is open from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm on weekends.

Admission: 13,000 won for those above middle school age/ 10,000 won for kids on weekdays,

14,000 won for those above middle school age/ 11,000 won for kids on weekends

The price for renting skates: 4,000 won

You must wear a pair of gloves to enter the ice rink. If you don’t have any, you must buy some at the shop near the entrance.

4. Kizania

Kizania located on the 4th floor of the Shinsegae Mall is a chain kids indoor theme park where they can experience nearly 100 different occupations, including a pilot, surgeon, dentist, firefighter, TV announcer… and many more! The kids look super cute wearing their different job uniforms!

The park is best suitable for kids ages 3 to 12. There are two available play sessions per day. The morning session lasts from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, while the afternoon session runs from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The price for admission is 49,000 won for children and 20,000 won for adults.

5. Food

Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Italian cuisine are all available inside the department store. There are restaurants located on the 4th of the Shinsegae Mall and on the 9th floors of the Shinsegae Department Store. There is also a food court on level B1. So many choices!

There are many cafes, including a Starbucks on the 4th floor, a Café Kitsune on the 3rd floor, and a Layered on level B1.

6. Outdoor Park on the 9th Floor

This outdoor park is free for anyone who wishes to use it. The playground overlooks the city of Busan and can be enjoyable to both children and adults. It reminds me of the park at the Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.

7. Lego Brick Live Kids Café

If you are a parent who needs a couple of hours to shop by yourself, I recommend dropping your kids off at the Lego Brick House on the 4th floor. There, trained employees will watch your kids while you shop, but keep in mind that they must be at least four years old. It costs 12,000 won for one hour, 20,000 won for two hours, 40,000 won for a whole day.

8. Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!

You can’t complete your visit to the Shinsegae Department Store without shopping, right?

This department store sells everything from international luxury brands to little souvenirs.

If you are a traveler, check out Duty Free located on the level B1.

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Special Event? Why Not Try a Makeup Artist in Busan?!

Have you been in a situation where you felt so frustrated because you could not find a makeup artist for an upcoming event? This was the very situation that I was in recently.

I was the MC for a networking party and was in desperate need for a makeup artist. Luckily, I was introduced to Une of “A Makeup“, who was able to create the perfect look for me.

So, if you are looking for a makeup artist in Busan, keep scrolling!

General Information

Location: 2nd floor of the Centum Hotel, Centum 3-ro, Haeundae 

Hours of Operation: Open from 5 am to 7 pm (Closed on Wednesday)

Parking: Free parking is provided.

Contact: 010 4474 6696

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.makeup_official/

Price

Makeup on weekdays costs 99,000 won.

Makeup on weekends 121,000 won

Makeup + dry-styling your hair = price for makeup + 33,000 won

Makeup + upstyling your hair = price for makeup + 55,000 won

For men (hair & makeup) is 55,000 won

For weddings (hair & makeup included)

Bride makeovers cost 550,000 won.

Wedding photography costs 330,000 won.

For the parents: 220,000 won each

What to Expect

I brought some photos to my appointment so that I could better communicate my ideas with the makeup artist. After seeing the photos, she immediately understood what I wanted. I liked that she checked in with me and gave suggestions on the look.

The place was neat and decorated with all white. The place featured a fitting room, a makeup room and a salon.

The first question I was asked was if I want my skin to glow or to be bbosongbbosong (뽀송뽀송 in my rough translation, meaning, matte). Both sounded good, so I asked her what the difference was. She said that if I wanted to look good in person, I would want my skin to glow, but if I wanted to look good in pictures, I would want my skin to be bbosongboosong. (How Interesting!)

I was the MC for two days, so we decided to go with glowy skin/ hair down one day and bbosongbbosong skin / hair up the next day.

Both looked super nice. Let me share the photos of myself so that you can see the results.

The makeup took about 45 minutes and the hair took about 20 mins.

I felt comfortable being around Une. After getting to know her, I learned that she has been in this industry for more than 10 years and now also teaches at a private college in Busan. She is available for any occasion, including weddings and job interviews. Those interested in her work can also take makeup lessons from her.

How to Get There

If you drive, park your car in the Centum Hotel parking lot. Parking is free when getting a makeover.  

If you use public transportation, take the subway line #2. Get off at Centum City and use exit 3.

Conclusion

If you have a special event in Busan and want to look super good, I 100% recommend seeing the makeup artist, Une while you are here.

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Busan Concerts in December 2022

1. Geomi (거미)

Geomi, one of the top female kpop solo artists is holding a concert in Busan.

  • Date: 6pm on Saturday, December 3rd and 4 pm on Sunday, December 4th  
  • Venue: KBS Hall, Busan

2. Lim Jae-beom (임재범)

Legendary kpop singer, Lim Jaebeom will hold a domestic concert tour for the first time in 6 years. His tour information is listed below.

  • Date: 6 pm, on Saturday, December 10
  • Venue: Bexco  

3. La Poem (라포엠)

La Poem is a South Korean male crossover vocal group, consisting of four classically-trained singers, Chaehoon You, Gihun Park, Minsung Jeong, and Sunghoon Choi. La Poem was formed in 2020 via a reality TV auditioning program called, “Phantom Singer.”

  • Date: 6 pm on Sunday, December 17 and 5 pm on Sunday, December 18
  • Venue: Dream Theater (located in Munhyeon-dong, Nam-gu District)

4. MeloMance (멜로망스)

MeloMance is a South Korean duo. Since debuting in 2015, they have sung many OSTs for K-drama programs.

  • Date: 5 pm on Saturday, December 17 and 4 pm on Sunday, December 18
  • Venue: Bexco, Auditorium

5. YB

The rock band YB will be holding a nationwide tour entitled, “Lights.” They will perform twice in Busan.

  • Date: 6 pm, on Saturday, December 17 and 5 pm on Sunday, December 18
  • Venue: Shinhan Card Hall of Sohyang Theater, in the Centum City area

6. GOD (지오디)

All five members of the kpop boy group, G.O.D will go on tour for the first time in four years. 

  • Date: 7 pm on Saturday, December 24th and 5 pm on Sunday, December 25th
  • Venue: Bexco

7. K will (케이윌)

Famous Korean ballad singer, Kwill will be touring for the first time in three years. 

  • Date: 6 pm, on Saturday, December 24 and 5 pm, on Sunday, December 25
  • Venue: KBS Hall, Busan

8. Ailee (에일리)  

Korean-American singer Ailee will tour the country to mark the 10th year since her debut.

  • Date: 6 pm on Saturday, December 31
  • Venue: Bexco, Auditorium

9. Lim Chang-jeong (임창정)

Lim Changjeong’s tour will be themed, “Multiverse.”

  • Date: 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 31
  • Venue: Bexco

Ikebana One Day Class in Busan

Hwarangchae Flower

Do you like flowers?

If you do, try this one-day class, and learn “Ikebana” during your stay in Busan!

What is Ikebana?

Ikebana is traditional Japanese flower arranging.

You may be wondering, what is the difference between Ikebana and western flower arranging?

Let me show you a picture of my work.

On the left is my Ikebana arrangement. Notice how the emptiness and balance play an important role in the design. Western floral arrangements (pictured right) are generally fuller.

I was told that there are hundreds of styles of Ikebana, but Ohara and Ikenobo are the most popular, so I made the Ohara design.

General Information

One Day Class Price: 100,000 won per person

Price Includes: Ikebana lesson/ seasonal flowers, branches, leaves, tools and one drink

Class Type: Private class

Class Location: In the View Raum Building, Centum City, Haeundae

Additional Information: The class is also open for kids and adults.

What to Expect

The class will take about an hour, and the first 15-20 minutes will be dedicated to learning the basics of Ikebana. After learning the basics, the teacher will ask the class to “imitate” her work, which I quickly learned was harder than I thought. After finishing, you will be able to take some pictures of your work. Then, you can take your flower home (minus the provided vase) so that you can practice later.

How to Get to the Class

The class is being held on the 32nd floor of the View Raum building in Centum. There are three elevators for the store complex and two for the officetels, so make sure to use the ones that are for the officetels (오피스텔).

If you want to use public transportation, I would recommend taking subway line #2 and getting off at Centum City Subway Station. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the exit 11.

How to Sign Up

Visit this website: Message them through Instagram: hwarangchae_flower.

Conclusion

In Busan, there are many great flower arrangement classes, but when it comes to Ikebana classes, the options are quite limited. So, I recommend taking this class if you are interested in learning Ikebana.

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