November 1. It’s holiday back in my country. I miss my family, the warm weather, nature, and of course, my favorite food, fresh seafood. The year is almost coming to an end, and I thought the best way to kick start the month of November is to visit one of my favourite places in Korea--the lively port of Busan. Busan always feels like home to me. I grabbed my bag with just my phone, wallet, camera and a few pieces of clothes. I put on my favourite jacket and shoes and dashed out of my apartment. It’s an hour bus ride from my apartment to the train station of Daejeon. While on the bus, I booked my train ticket using the Korail Talk mobile application. I find it so easy and convenient since I can just buy my ticket anywhere at any time.

The three-and-a-half hour ride using Mugunghwa train gave me a plenty of time to plan for my itinerary. I knew that it would be around Haeundae area and I had it in my mind to search through a reliable website. Korea Tourism Organization official website gave me most of the information I needed to plan for this trip. Planning was easy peasy. A few hours later, I arrived in Busan station. I took the Line 1 subway which is just outside Busan Station transferring to Line 2 at Seomyeon Station going to Haeundae.I walked out from exit 5 of Haeundae Station.

Haeundae beach: beachfront

Numerous shops, restaurants and hotels happily welcomed me. I found myself being attracted to the vitality and energy of Haeundae. I knew from then that this will be a fun adventurous trip.

Haeundae beach: telescope to view nearby places such as Dongbaekseom Island

Haeundae beach: panoramic view

It was as if all my stress from the graduate school, the homesickness, and loneliness were all washed off along the lively waves of the sea. The sun was setting behind the towering hotels, yet it painted the sky with romantic hues. I felt peace and calmness deep inside me. Night fell and I was still on the beach when my friends finally arrived. We took pictures and chatted a little. By then, I remembered I was not able to eat the entire day. I was really starving so I told them that for this dinner, I shall eat like a king (or should I say a queen?). I was craving for fresh seafood so we headed to the Haeundae Traditional Market, which was conveniently located near the beach.

Haeundae Traditional Market: flower shrimp

There was a long street lined up with various seafood restaurants and food stalls.

One restaurant had a unique display of flower shrimp in front. From this restaurant, we ate raw fish slices and seafood hot pot along with other seafood side dishes. Unforgettably satisfying indeed. With full stomachs, we went around Gunam-ro where there are plenty of places to shop around. Who would have thought this city would still be bright and lively even into the late night?

Haeundae Traditional Market: street food

Our first night in Busan ended with winning a plush toy at a balloon dart game, playing along the streets, buying facial masks for a beauty rest, sweating out in the hotel’s jjimjilbang, watching a movie with popcorn and chips, and finally a comfortable sleep.The next day, we started with the complimentary breakfast from the hotel, checked out, and headed back to Haeundae Beach. It was a perfect time to see the beach in a broad daylight. Autumn is coming to an end so we brought our coats thinking that it will be cold. But, to our surprise, Busan weather was really sunny and warm. For our convenience, we stored our luggage and coats at the locker room in the Information Center of Haeundae Beach.

Haeundae Beach

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Haeundae Market

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We walked along a trail of pine trees to Dongbaekseom Island. This place was said to be an island long ago, but it was eventually connected to the mainland by natural force.

Dongbaekseom Island: a view of Haeundae Beach from Dongbaekseom Island

It was noticeably different from the mainland, as if it was a world of its own, with its beautiful cliffs, lush forests and hiking trails. Every corner and climb was picture-worthy as several attractions can also be found here--the famous Haeundae mermaid statue, lighthouse from which the view of Gwangandaegyo bridge and beautiful Busan shores can be seen, and at the top, the Nurimaru APEC House (now made into an exhibition museum). he other end of Haeundae Beach has another tourist attraction called theDalmaji-gil Road. We rode a bus coming out from Dongbaekseom Island and got off at the Moon Tan Road bus stop. Going up this road is worth to be experienced. You can have a refreshing view of the Haeundae Beach as you go through a walking trail amidst a forest.

Dongbaekseom Island: coastal walkway

Dalmaji-gi Road: at the Dalmaji moon viewing road

My favorite part was the fact that you can view both nature--the towering columns of pine trees against a view of the great blue seas. In the middle of the forest, there are lamps with different phases of the moon.

Here, we came to know the melancholic story behind the mermaid statue, known as Princess Hwangok, on Dongbaekseom Island as she sadly watches over her underwater kingdom illuminated by the full moon. It was actually comforting to think that it wasn’t only me who badly misses her hometown. Who could have thought that such homesickness created a legend that people commemorate until now? It was quite amusing, yet consoling for me. Someday, we’ll be able to find our way back home, I thought, although I certainly love where I am now.

Dongbaekseom Island: suspension bridge

Perhaps if we were to stay until night, we might be able to see the waxing full moon that was said to be clearly visible on this Dalmaji hill. Nevertheless, the afternoon walk was worth the time as we came at the top of the hill where a traditional Korean gazebo was overlooking the sea, as well as various shops and restaurants can be visited. We ended up eating bulgogi and grilled mackerel at the Majong restaurant where we also got free lattes from the owner herself as she told us her experience visiting the Cebu island in my home country. It was really an exquisite and satisfying meal after taking a long walk over the hill. A short chat over my favorite desserts, nutty chocolate bars and chocolate cake, at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory right next to the restaurant concluded this short trip.

Dongbaekseom Island: Nurimaru APEC house

Dongbaekseom Island

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Dalmaji-gil Road

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Located near Busan Metro Station and Haeundae Beach with many shops and restaurants nearby, Indy Hotel and Guesthouse is one of the most convenient accommodations I have ever stayed at.

Indy Hotel: outside view

Although there are numerous hotels nearby, Indy Guesthouse kept up to par with other towering hotels nearby. Its convenience and clean facilities have a good value for your money, making it one of best affordable hotels in the midst of the popular and luxurious Haeundae seaside. I checked in the hotel at around three in the afternoon. To go to the reception, you can climb the stairs or take the elevator to the second floor. I went up and got my card key to the room. The room was not very spacious but enough. The scent of fresh laundry captured me as I buried myself on the bed sheets. I really liked that scent of cleanliness, as it made me feel comfortable. There’s a small cubicle for the toilet and bathroom. I found it amusing that the sink and with a large mirror was actually inside the bedroom and not inside the bathroom. On the desk, there were mugs, an electric kettle, spoons, and a few packets of tea and coffee.

Going down on the first floor, the guesthouse function of this hotel, there is a common lounge where some youths were gathered as if they were having an event.. I figured that they booked as group since this is a guesthouse anyways.

Indy Hotel: free computer use

This common lounge is also a dining area where the complimentary breakfast is served. Behind the small countertop is a simple kitchen to wash the plates. No staff were staying there as we were supposed to wash the plates ourselves.  It made me feel as if it is really a home. The breakfast menu was very simple--a bowl of iceberg lettuce next to kiwi dressing for the salad, some plain toast which you put on cheese slices, strawberry jam or butter, some citrus fruits, tall containers of milk or juice, and a coffee maker.

TIP: Since this is a common pantry, you can buy your own food from the convenience store in front and prepare them here as you want. Moreover, there was a terrace outside, a non-smoking area, which, according to what I observed, can be used for barbecue or simple outdoor dining experience.

Indy Hotel room: deluxe twin, view from the entrance

One thing that sets this hotel apart from others is the fact that it is not an ordinary hotel but a guesthouse with a small dry sauna facility. This charcoal-heated room is called Jjimjilbang where you can stay warm, relax your body, and sweat out. To use this facility, you can borrow the locker keys from the front desk and they will also provide sauna clothes similar to those in the common jjimjilbang. I tried it with my friends before we sleep, but we had to use it earlier since it is only open until 11 o’clock. In front of the sauna, there’s a laundry and dryer area but I did not need to use it since I did not stay for a long time.

Indy Hotel: porch

The staff were accommodating and helpful. This hotel is very convenient for English-speaking foreigners since most of the staff can speak basic English.

From the time I did reservation, asking for directions on how to go to the hotel through phone calls and KakaoTalk, up to the time of checking out, we did not have any problem communicating with all the staff. They gladly assisted us with a warm smile. What delights me the most is the fact that Indy Hotel is only within a 5-minute walk to the places that a tourist could ever wish for--bus stops, subway station, Haeundae beach, cafes, various shops, restaurants, local market, and other famous tourist spots in Busan. A 5-minute walk to every place I would have to step into. Everything is so accessible that I feel like I can already live there. Moreover, since it is a guesthouse and hotel at the same time, it is easy to feel comfortable as if it is one’s home. Adventurous as it sounds, Indy Hotel is an affordable, accessible and comfortable hotel that feels like your cozy home in Haeundae.