Category: Travel

Barrier-Free Opera ”La Traviata”

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One of the greatest Italian operas called La Traviata is coming to Busan, but with the title Barrier-Free Opera: Opera for All – La Traviata. 

Barrier-Free Opera means a performance that includes everybody. 

The Busan Cultural Center will host the performance on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 7:30 pm. This one-night-only performance will have live music, sign language interpretion and voice acting. 

The performance is approximately two hours long and there is no cost for admission.

Director / Jeong Heejeong

Producer/ Noh Irum

Conductor / Youn Seungup

Violetta / Lee Younkyoung

Alfredo / Lee Beomju

Germont/ Byeonghak Choi 

Music / Barrier-Free Opera Chamber 

Chorus/ Barrier-Free Opera Choir

Grand Josun Busan [Hotel Review]

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We had two long weekends earlier this month. One was because of Korea Foundation Day on October 3rd and the other one was because of Hangeul Day (aka Korean Alphabet Day) on October 9th.

My family and I decided to take advantage of the three day weekend and go on a staycation. We should have planned in advance, but we didn’t. Since it was a last minute decision, our options were pretty limited when if came to finding a hotel room. We ended up choosing to stay at the Grand Josun Busan which cost us 880,000 won (around US$800) per night. Was it worth $800? Well, I think so! Let me elaborate.

What is Grand Josun Busan Like?

Grand Josun Busan is a 5 star hotel located right next to Haeundae Beach. This 16 story hotel has been in the Haeundae area forever. When it first opened about 30 years ago, it was called Hyatt, then the name changed to Marriot, then Novotel. Shinsegae Group purchased it just before the pandemic hit, and after undergoing renovations, it became the new Grand Josun Busan.

Despite the recent renovations, some areas in the hotel still felt outdated. For example, the size of the parking lot and elevators seem unable to accomodate the average number of guests that use them. However, the hotel has redeeming qualities such as the ocean front view from the rooms.

What Are the Rooms Like?

I made a reservation for one of the Premium Twin Rooms with an Ocean View. As the name suggests, it was a little more spacious than a regular twin sized room and it even featured a separate living room. I loved having an extra living space, instead of just having a table next to the bed.

The room itself was clean and well decorated. The light wood furniture and black and white bathroom décor complimented the white walls very well.

The bedside area had a Balmuda air purifier, plus a pair of power outlets.

I loved my time at the Grand Josun Busan, but there were a couple of downsides to our stay there. First was the slow draining shower. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice it when we first checked in, so I was unable to request a room change. Also, a complimentary breakfast was not even included in the cost of my $800 room.

Instead of eating at the hotel we went to a nearby restaurant that was in a building called Pale De Cz. If you didn’t want to leave the property for breakfast, there was a Starbucks and convenience store located on the 4th floor.

What About the Hotel Facilities?

Let me begin with the indoor and outdoor swimming pools that were located on the 7th floor. The water in the outdoor swimming pool was the perfect temperature and life jackets were provided for kids who needed them.

There was also a fitness center and sauna on the 7th floor. Also, it is worth mentioning that anyone who does not stay in a premium room has to pay extra to use the sauna.

Along with the Starbucks and convenience store, there is also a gallery on the 4th floor.

What Else Can You do in the Area?

Beach: Haeundae Beach is right next to the hotel.

Gunam-ro (Gunam Boulevard): Gunam Street is packed with restaurants, pubs, and street artists. We happened to see a fire show performed by Jongwon Park when we were there.

Haeundae Street Market: It’s an old traditional street market located in Gunam-ro.

Busan X Sky Observatory: Busan X Sky Observatory is located in the Haeundae LCT Complex, which is the tallest building in Busan and the second tallest in Korea. When the sky is clear you can even see parts of Japan’s Tsushima Island from the top of the building.

How Do I Get to Grand Josun Busan?

The hotel is quite accessible via public transport. If you want to use public transportation, I would recommend taking subway line #2 and getting off at Haeundae Train Station.

Take the 3rd exit and keep down on Gunam-ro. The hotel is about a 5-10 minute walk from the station.

Conclusion

I had a pleasant time at the Grand Josun Busan and I would recommend it to anyone who may be looking for a hotel in that area. One thing to keep in mind is that If you don’t mind about the view, I would also recommend the room with the city view, since the price between the room with the ocean view and the city view quite differs. I also learned recently that there are rooms for kids on the 8th floor. I booked a kids themed room for next month. I will let you know my reviews after our next stay.

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Two Gomtang (Beef Bone Soup) Restaurants You Must Try in Haeundae

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Beef bone soup aka Gomtang (곰탕) is the ultimate comfort food in Korea. There are many Gomtang restaurants in Busan, but you cannot go without trying these two!

1. Yireok [이레옥]

Yireok is one of the most well-known restaurants in Marine City. The restaurant serves fresh Gomtang with kimchi, radish kimchi, pepper & bean paste (된장), thin noodles and white rice. Put the noodles into the soup as soon as it is served. Then, after eating a few scoops of rice, the noodles will be soft enough to eat.

Yireok is always crowded with both locals and tourists eager to try their dishes. In 2018, it was named the best Gomtang restaurant in Busan by MBN.

Also, Yireok overlooks the Gwangan Bridge and the ocean, so you can admire the view while you eat. Prices start at 16,000 won ($15), and it is well worth the visit!

Location: 1st Floor of the Haeundae Adelis, The Sharp Apartment Complex, Marine City.

Hours of operation: 24/7

2. Geodae Gomtang [거대 곰탕]

In Busan, Geodae has been the name for Geodae Galbi (Korean beef bbq), but also a Gomtang restaurant has opened. On the restaurant’s menu 한우 곰탕 뽀얀 국물 is their signature Gomtang , which costs 20,000 won. The broth is so rich that it looks like milk and the beef is extremely tender. It pairs nicely with their kimchi and fish sauce. If this does not appetizing to you, I recommend trying their Pyeongyang Noodle (평양냉면), which costs 15,000 won. Geodae Gomtang is also available at the B1 food court in the Shinsegae Department Store Centum City.

Location: Inside the Hyundai Benecity Apartment Complex, Haebyunro 163

Hours of operation: Open from 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 9 pm on weekends

(They take orders until 8:30 pm)

[This is NOT a sponsored post]

A Day at Busan Biennale 2022

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What is Busan Biennale? 

Busan Biennale is an international contemporary art show that is held every other year in Busan. This year, Busan Biennale theme will be, “We, On the Rising Wave.” The show will be running until November 6th so check it out!

Where in Busan is Busan Biennale Being Held?

Busan Biennale is taking place at four different venues: The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, Pier 1 Busan Port, an abandoned shipbuilding factory in Yeongdo, and a house in Choryang. 

A total of 239 artworks created by 64 teams of artists from 25 different countries will be displayed at these four venues. Along with paintings, other small installations and video works will be displayed in the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan. Larger pieces of art can be viewed at other outdoorsy locations like the port and the factory. 

How Much is the Entrance Fee? 

Tickets cost 12,000 won for adults, 6,000 won for students and 4,000 won for children. Do not throw away your ticket because you can use it to visit both The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan and Pier 1 Busan Port. It is free to visit Yeongdo and Choryang. 

How Long Does It Take to Tour Busan Biennale? 

Since the venues for Busan Biennale 2022 are scattered throughout the city, I recommend that you take a few days to visit all of them. 

It took me a little more than an hour to just tour The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan. Also, I suggest checking out the Eulsukdo Ecological Park behind the museum after your tour. 

What is The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan Like? 

The Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2018 on Eulsukdo Island. The exterior of the building is covered in vegetation which helps add natural art to the architecture. The Biennale will take place in the basement and the 1st and 2nd floor. Here are some pieces of art that are currently on display.

Are You Allowed to Take Photos at The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan?

Yes, just no flash photography.

Are There Tours Available? 

Not exactly, but you can scan a QR code at each exhibit that will provide you information.

How Should We Get to The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan? 

There are a lot of parking spaces available for 100 won per 10 minutes, so no need to worry about parking your car. 

Also, Busan City Tour Bus Orange Line is now an option.

The bus travels from the Busan Train Station and stops at Songdo Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, and Yongdoosan Park.

Behind the Scenes of the Opening Night Red Carpet at the BIFF 2022

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Biff has returned and so has the red carpet!

The 27th annual Busan International Film Festival kicked off last night in the Busan Cinema Center located in the Centum area. The festival is expected to run through Friday, October 14.

Founded in 1996, Biff has become one of the most prestigious events within the film industry in Asia.

Nearly 250 films from around the world will premier during the festival, but before that is the red carpet!

Check out who walked the red carpet on the Biff this year.

한예리 (Yeri Han) did not disappoint in this black dress.

Tony Leung, the recipient of the Asian Film Maker of the Year award, looked dashing in this bright white look.

정해인 (Haein Jung) also looked handsome in his dark tuxedo.

김규리 (Gyuri Kim) had heads turning in this purple blue dress.

이윤지 (Yoonji Lee) looked stunning in this A-line yellow dress.

한지민 (Jimin Han) made an appearance wearing this beautiful dress.

Here, 송강호 (Kangho Song) and Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda, are seen arriving at the Busan Cinema Center.

<Photos taken by News1, Seoul Economics & Mydaily>

Songdo Cable Car Review

Posted in Entertainment, Natural Attractions, Things to do with Kids, TravelLeave a comment

I have lived in Busan for a long time, but just recently, I visited Songdo Beach for the first time. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for the Songdo area. However, I ended up loving this place so much. It felt calmer than other popular beaches in Busan, it had a nearby suspension bridge, walking paths around the cliffs and lots of cafes and restaurants to try. The view of Busan and Songdo Beach from the cable car was wonderful, too. I recommend you check this place out!

Anyways, let me share a little but about what it was like on the Songdo cable car.

General Information

Hours 9 am–9 pm daily

Location Songdo Haebyun-ro 171, Seo-gu, Busan

How to Get There Songdo Beach is a lot closer than you might think. You can get there by crossing two bridges (Gwangan Bridge & Busan Port Bridge). If you use public transportation, take bus number 1011 at Bexco Station and get off at Songdo Entrance (송도입구). It is about an hour commute.

Parking Free one-hour parking is available during the week and free two-hour parking is available on the weekend.

In addition, there are two public parking lots nearby. One parking lot is called the “Namhang Parking Lot (남항주차장)” and the other is the “Songnim Parking Lot (송림 주차장).” The price for parking is 300 won for 10 minutes on weekdays and 500 won for 10 mins on the weekend.

Price As you can see, it costs 20,000 won to ride the “crystal.” I thought that was a reasonable price, but if a family of five rides it together, you could end up spending nearly 100 US dollars for a ten-minute ride. (Admission is free for babies under 36 months)

What to Expect

There are two different types of cable cars that can take you to the other side of Songdo Beach (which is Anmam Park).

The first car is called “air,” while the second one is called “crystal.” The difference between the two is the floor. The “air” car has a metal floor, and you can’t see the ocean under your feet. The “crystal” car has a glass bottom, which enables you to see the ocean below you.

I took the “crystal” car when I visited, and the ride lasted about 10 minutes. It was a short, but a nice ride with a wonderful view. Halfway through my ride, the car stopped right above the ocean due to a regular maintenance check. I was a bit surprised when it happened, but things quickly went back to normal.

When you get to the other side, you can walk around Anman Park before heading back. There is also a small dinosaur park nearby for kids to enjoy.

The cars can hold up to eight people at a time, but I was lucky enough to ride with just my friend. The attraction would have been too busy for us to have our own car on the weekend. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday.

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Befm’s Halloween Parade

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Busan’s one and only English radio station, Befm has prepared for the Halloween Festival to help promote the city for the World Expo 2030 Busan. Come on out to enjoy a family friendly Halloween event filled with games, activities, a drone show and the famous costume parade!
Here is a sneak peak of what to expect from this exciting FREE event.

  • Costume Parade
  • Military Band
  • Citizen Parade Contest
  • On-site Autonomous Participation Parade
  • Halloween Drone Show
  • A photo zone
  • An invited concert


Date: October 29, 2022
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Gwangalli Beach Strip
Participation Fee: FREE!

A contest will be held to find the best costumes.


How to Participate

Befm will accept Halloween Parade applications until 3:00 pm, October 7. If you are interested in showing off either of your costume or your talent, don’t hesitate to participate in the contest. Winners will take home a cash prize!
For more information, visit busanparade.com.

Gwangalli M Drone Light Show (Line-up for October)

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Gwangalli M Drone Light Show is a FREE attraction held every Saturday in front of Gwangalli Beach. They always have a variety of fun themes for their shows. The month of October will have some must see performances!

October 1st The Drone Light Proposal event will take place. The district selected two couples last August through the so-called “Love Proposal Contest.” During the event, the question, “will you marry me?” will be displayed in the sky. Also, a “love photo zone” will be installed, allowing anyone to take pictures after the performance.

October 8th To celebrate Hangeul Day (Korean Alphabet Day), 500 drones will put on a Hangeul Day themed performance at 7 pm and 9 pm.

October 14th (Friday) There is usually no drone show on Friday, but to celebrate the 20th Gwangalli Eobang Festival (광안리 어방 축제), a drone show will be held at 7 pm.

October 15th The drone show at the Eobang Festival will begin at 7pm. The show at 9 pm will be BTS themed, since BTS is holding a concert in Busan to help promote the city for the 2030 World Expo Busan.

October 22nd Things relating to autumn will be displayed in the sky.

October 29th In line with the Halloween Parade by Befm 부산영어방송, hundreds of drones will put on a Halloween themed performance at 8 pm.

Also, the drone show happens twice every Saturday in the Gwangalli Beach area. Starting in October, the show times will change to 7pm and 9pm.

Busan International Film Festival 2022: All You Need to Know

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The 27th annual Busan International Film Festival is quickly approaching!    

Last year’s festival had to be significantly downsized due to the pandemic.  

However, this year’s festival will include more live events, red carpet appearances and movie theater screenings. There will be plenty going on, so let me summarize it for you.  

When & Where is the 2022 Busan International Film Festival?  

This year’s event begins on Wednesday, October 5 and will run until Friday, October 14.  As always, the event will be hosted mainly in the Busan Cinema Center.

What About the Red Carpet?

Yay! BIFF red carpet glam will be making its return this year.

There will be many celebs making their way to Busan, including 하정우, 이영애, 한지민, 라미란, 정일우, 정해인 and others.

Hong Kong movie star Tony Leung Chiu-wai will also attend the opening ceremony of the 27th BIFF to receive the “Asian Filmmaker Of the Year” award.   

Since the red carpet event is being held outdoors, masks will not be required.

Which Films Are in the Official Line-up at BIFF 2022?  

243 films from 71 countries are scheduled to be screened.  Among them, here are some special films to look out for.

October 5th (Opening Night Film) “Scent of Wind” by Iranian director, Hadi Mohaghegh will be screened.   

Actor Ryu Junyeol and Jeon Yeobeen will co-host the opening ceremony.

October 6th A 15-minute preview of “Avatar: The Way of Water”, a squeal to James Cameron’s “Avatar” will be shown for the first time at Theater 4, CGV Centum City. The movie is scheduled to be officially released in December in Korea. Jon Landau, the producer of the film, will hold a press event on the day of the premiere. James Cameron is also scheduled to join via Zoom and meet with the audiences.

October 7th Tony Leung Chiu-wai, the winner of the “Asian Filmmaker Of The Year” award will speak during a hand-printing event.

October 14th (Closing Night Film) “A Man” by Japanese director, Ishikawa Kei will also be screened.

How to Buy a Ticket   

Tickets for the opening /closing night are already available online.

Tickets for the rest of the movies being featured at the festival will become available on September 27th at 2 pm.  

Tickets can be bought through the BIFF website or on their official app. Remaining seats can be purchased on-site.  

Hanok Cafes in Busan

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It is safe to say that you can find a café on almost every corner in Busan, but I’ve realized that there are not many hanok (Korean traditional building) cafes here in the city. So today I would like to introduce you to six hanok cafés that are in Busan!

1. Bibibidang [비비비당]

“Bibibidang” is a tea house located in Dalmaji Hill. While the exterior of the building looks modern, its interior features a hanok style.

This place has a wonderful ocean view! I hope you get a table next to the window.

My favorite dish is their “patbingsu.”

There is parking available on the first floor of the building. You can also get there by taxi, or you can take the village bus No. 10 from Haeundae Subway Station. It is about a 10 minute commute from Haeundae Subway Station to Woosung Villate.

Location: 4th Floor, 239-16, Dalmaji-gil, Jung-dong, Haeundae

Hours of operation: 11 am to 10 pm daily (closed on Mondays)

2. Soowolkyoungwha [수월경화]

“수월경화” is one of the most popular cafes in the Songjeong area, which means that it is usually flooded with people. I would recommend visiting this place on a weekday. The interior is decorated in a hanok style, and it has a wonderful view of Songjeong Beach.

In “수월경화,” coffee and tea are available. Two people can enjoy “Korean Styled Afternoon Tea” for 63,000 won.

If you use public transportation, get on bus number 63 (or 100-1, 181) at Haeundae Subway Station and get off at “Jugong Apartment Songjeong 1 Complex (송정 1단지 주공).” It will take about 30 minutes.

Location: 4th Floor, Songjeong Jungang-ro 6-gil, Haeundae

Hours of operation: 11 am to 9 pm daily

3. Café Hito [카페히토]

“Café Hito” is located in Haeridan-gil, which is one of the most well-known strips in Busan.

A 30-year-old house was recently renovated and turned into a café. It has a mix of Hanok and traditional Japanese style throughout it.

You can walk there from the Haeundae Subway Station.

Location: Woo-dong 1-ro, 21, Haeundae

Hours of operation: 11:50 am to 9:30 pm through Monday to Friday / 11:00 am to 9:40 pm on weekends

4. Munhwa Gongam Sujeong [문화공감 수정]

“문화공감수정” was featured in the IU’s music video, “Through the Night.”

This used to be a house owned by Japanese in the 1940s when Korea was still under Japanese occupation. When Korea gained its independence, many of these houses were bought by new owners while others became abandoned.

This is now recognized as a cultural heritage.

The café used to serve drinks, but now it is only open for house tours.

Location: Heunggok-ro 75, Dong-gu District

Hours of operation: from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays and on national holidays.

You can take subway line 1. Get off at Busan Jin Subway Station. The house is a 10 min walk from the subway station.

5. Choryang 1941 [초량 1941]

This was also a house owned by Japanese when Korea was under Japanese occupation.

This place had been abandoned for many years. It is now one of the most well-known cafés in Ibagu-alley.

Location: Mangyang-ro 533-5, Dong-gu District

Hours of operation: 11 am to 7 pm through Monday to Friday / 11 am to 8 pm on weekends

If you use public transportation, take line 2 and get off at Gaya Subway Station.

From Gaya Subway Station, take bus number 186 and get off at Geumsusa Temple.

After getting off the bus, you will need to walk up a little hill before finding “Choryang 1941.”

6. Angro Gotaek [앙로고택]

This is a hanok café located on the outskirts of Busan relatively near the Gimhae International Airport. If your travel plan allows, I would recommend checking this place out before your flight.

Location: Sikman-ro 122, Gangseo-gu District

Hours of operation: 11 am to 9 pm daily

[This is NOT a sponsored post]