Busan is without a doubt my favorite city in Korea. My professional life brought me to Seoul. While I enjoy the hectic (sometimes too hectic) and bustling daily life in the capital, I miss the more laid-back atmosphere of Busan. A city as big as my hometown Napoli, I feel a very strong connection with Busan.

Sunset on Haeundae Beach

The sea, breathtaking views, delicious food and indeed the overall laid-back personality of Busan citizens in contrast to their strong and harsh dialect - these are some of the things that make me feel like I’m back at home whenever I visit this city.

As I am heading to Busan from Seoul Station, I am already planning my day ahead. It will be a short stay this time, but I want to make the best out of it. It was lunchtime when I arrived and I am craving some local food. 

Tteokbokki and eomuk

Dweji gukbap

Dweji gukbap is one of the most popular dishes of Busan and I know the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal located just very closely to the station, a place that I have visited before with my friends. Delicious pork soup seasoned with pepper, salted shrimps and spicy greens - a perfect meal to get your energy level back up after a trip.

Christimas lights in Busan

Heundae Beach

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On the way to my accommodation, I stop by the Busan Art Museum (5 min walk from BEXCO Subway Station Line 2). Following a local friend’s tip, I have decided to visit this museum.

Busan Museum of Art entrance

The Busan Art Museum is one of the most important centres for modern and contemporary art in Korea. The futuristic-looking structure, opened in 1998, includes galleries, a children's museum and an area for education and research. Their educational programs, for both adults and youth, have helped to develop awareness of the significance of art within the community and brought the general public closer to appreciating art history and theory.

Botanica work

Outdoor sculpture in Botanica

I was very lucky to have the chance to visit the temporary exhibition "Botanica" (open until February 2019). A collection of works of artists from Asian countries (Korea, Japan, Taiwan and so on), that explores the way the giant Asian metropolises have shaped nature by their rapid growth. An interesting point of view on how cultures that traditionally saw a close connection between human and ecology have changed due to industrialisation and urban development.

Part of the museum complex is also the Lee Ufan Space, dedicated to the artist and containing some of his most celebrated works. A must see for everybody interested in contemporary art. Tip: take a break in the museum by sitting on the benches in the garden while admiring the outdoor sculptures.

My next destination is Haeundae, probably the most known beach of Busan. In summer, the long stretch of sand is packed with people swimming in the calm and shallow water. Although I enjoy visiting beaches in the summer, I prefer visiting them during fall or winter. I have always been fascinated by the nostalgic appearance of off-season beaches, and this is why I decided to visit Haeundae Beach and the surrounding neighborhood this time of the year.

Sunset on Haeundae Beach

The temperature is mild and many people are walking the road that leads to the beach. The light installations remind me that Christmas is coming soon and that I will visit my family again in Italy. This thought fills me with joy as I walk by the numerous families and couples taking selfies along the way.
On the beach, I take off my shoes and walk with my feet in the sand, while admiring the beautiful sunset. I have been to Haeundae several times over the last few years, but the view and the atmosphere surprise me every time.

Christmas lights on the main Haeundae street

Haeundae Market entrance

It is time for dinner and I head to Haeundae Market. This local market is known for its fresh seafood and delicious street food.

Street food in the Haeundae Market

It was very hard to choose what to eat - everything looks tasty - but I finally made up my mind and enter a kalguksu restaurant. The knife cut noodles soup is one of my winter comfort food here in Korea and I enjoy every bite of it.Night comes early and most of the stalls in the market are closing down. As I walk the short distance back to my accommodation, I am already thinking about the next time I visit Busan again.

Busan Art Museum

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O' Guest & Mini Hotel is one of the best options if you decide to visit Busan. Whether you are coming during the summer to enjoy the beaches of the city or in fall for the Busan Film Festival, the hotel provides the necessary comfort to enjoy your stay in the city.

At the moment of the check-in, I was greeted with a smile by the staff, who after explaining to me the house rules, pointed me to the local attractions and how to reach them.

Twin room with window

My room on the third floor of the building is small but comfortable and luminous thanks to the big window present. I unpack my luggage and jump on the bed; I have finally found a hotel mattress that is perfect for me. I like firm mattresses and can't wait to enjoy my first night of sleep here!

The hotel has also dormitory rooms, for male and female guests, as well as a room with "ondol" (floor-heating) for up to four people.

The highlight of the hotel is indeed the common area with a shared kitchen. There you can find everything you need during your stay: from tables to enjoy your meals to a public computer, books, and a guitar. I can feel the hotel’s friendly atmosphere by looking at the many pictures on the walls. Many visitors from all over the world have stayed here and have been impressed by its unique character. Smiling faces and a positive message can be found in every picture.

Kitchen

Common area

Breakfast is included in the room fee. Simple but delicious with good quality products.

O’ Guest entrance

The hotel is in the heart of the Haeundae neighborhood near the main road, less than 10 minutes away from Haeundae Beach and a 5-minute walking distance from Haeundae Market. The area is lively and there are many restaurants, shops, and bars around.

O' Guest & Mini Hotel can be easily reached. It is located less than a 1-minute walk away from Haeundae Station (Line 2, Exit 5).