A Weekend in Busan, South Korea

Busan can be reached in 3 hours from Seoul by a KTX fast train. The length of travel time varies depending upon the cost of the ticket.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Dating back to 1950, Gamcheon Culture Village, is a town of refuges and artists visited by over 140 million tourists each year. Stacked, brightly colored houses, cafés, and shops line the mountains’ narrow streets and staircases.

Trick Eye Museum

The Trick Eye Museum, Busan’s optical illusion paradise, allows visitors to step inside the 3D paintings. Located on the 9th floor, there are 7 stories to experience inside the museum: Amazing Adventure, Secret of Masterpieces, Fantasy Water, Joyful Life, Safari Exploration, Fantastic Trip, and Believe it or Not.

Currently, the Trick Eye Museum has 4 locations throughout Singapore, Mexico, and South Korea. We think the price of 8,000 Won per person is worth the 2 hours of laughs.
Directions to the Trick Eye Museum from Gwangalli Beach: Take line 2 to Seomyeon, transfer to line 1 to Jagaichi Station, and walk to Nampo Plaza.

In the Fantasy Water story, complete the paintings by riding on a dragon, cross a rickety wooden bridge over a treacherous whirlpool, stay afloat on a log at the base of a waterfall, ride a magical unicorn, and hide from a hungry seagull in a small glass bottle.

In our favorite story, Fantastic Trip, climb up buildings with Spider-man, take a beach trip to Busan, fish with the natives, ski down a snow-covered mountain, walk the red carpet, and cause a bit of mischief.

Believe It or Not, take a relaxing gondola ride through Venice, salsa dance in Spain, escape from a Tyrannosaurus Rex, sit on the moon, survive a hurricane, and drive a horse-drawn carriage into the next story.

Cross a river with help from angels, sit patiently as your self-portrait is painted, go on a picnic, walk the cobblestone streets with local towns people, and drink wine with a cherub in the story of Secret of Masterpieces.

Participate in the Olympics in the story of a Joyful Life. Try out ice skating, excel at synchronized swimming, and hop on a bike with ET.

Bathe in a male community bath, practice floating meditation, and enjoy a tea party on a giant dancer’s tutu in Amazing Adventure.

Nearby Areas to Explore:

Nampo-dong Street: Near the Trick Eye Museum is Nampo-dong Street, a centralized commercial shopping center in Busan with shops, cafes, art exhibits. Tables of $12 USD pairs of shoes, $10 USD shoulder bags, cell phone cases, .80 USD socks, and local food line the sidewalks.
Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center: Resembling an indoor mall, it’s easy to forget we are inside a very popular metro station. This shopping center also connects to the Lotte World Shopping Center.
Haeundae Beach: East of Gwangalli Beach is South Busan’s most popular beach, Haeundae Beach.

Gwangalli Beach

Mexican, Vietnamese, Korean, American bars and restaurants line Gwangalli Beach.

Cook your own Bulgogi: Although Korean barbecue will always be our favorite, Bulgogi is a must try while in South Korea. Plates of chicken, vegetables, rice, and kimchi are brought to the table. Meals in South Korea are a time to bring people together and enjoy cooking with friends, family, or coworkers.
Unlike the United States, buttons are pushed on the table to get a waiter’s attention. Drawers under the table hold chopsticks, glasses, and napkins.

Diamond Bridge

The Diamond Bridge, also known as Busan Gwangandaegyo Bridge is a suspension bridge stretching 4.5 miles over the ocean. It has thousands of LED lights that change color with the seasons.

Gorilla Brewing Company

We love to try new breweries when traveling. Gorilla Brewing Company was just a short walk from Gwangalli Beach. There is a modern concrete bar and seating with a great view of the street below. The staff speaks great English and is extremely knowledgeable.