Busan had given me the green light, fresh my 'Beside The Sea...' experience I was ready to embark on my second phase of the day. Little did I know that next part would see me scaling a very steep hill and to a fish market, of course live octopus would be for lunch! Naturally, I was able to see a hillside village and then after a short break, well things became very boozy! Oh, B!
Busan's own transport system hooked me up as I entered into that 'New Era!' I was able to zip from the beach at Haeundae on the subway to '다이아몬드타워/Diamond Tower'. I tell a lie because upon alighting at that subway station, it had me walking to a far-flung exit! Overall, Busan's own subway had served me well but something had to give during that moment! Getting back on track, I surfaced onto street level to be greeted with a small scale city scene with people slowly going about their lives. The right amount of city life was being served, Busan kept things chilled unlike Seoul. I would later find out that my maps made me do some serious steps up what felt like a mountainous hill! It didn't take me long to reach that 1970's tower but I had no intention to see the view from the top of the tower, I had to be smart with my time. The weather continued to be blessed, I had no complaints regarding that sunshine weather. I was already been served another type of view but in the opposite direction. Sure, Busan kept it real! So real!
The view from the top of Busan's '용두산공원/Yongdusan Park' pleased me all the same, clocking that contrast of a view allowed me to see a red pavilion within my immediate view. I enjoyed visiting 'Busan Tower', it was a lot more intimate than Seoul's N Seoul Tower! It was a complete steal because I had not needed to pay for any sight nor attraction thus far. Busan knew that I was trying to be cost conscious, this South Korean city didn't play with my time! How, I needed a breather after climbing that hill but the view was ace! Let's go! I had zero percent of that day planned out, stepping down from the mountain park didn't take much energy because those downward stairs looked after me! Back to the lack of a plan, Busan served a whole host of places to see within Nampo and I had decided to stay in that area. It was maddening in the best way, that part of Busan knew that this 'Era' would be crazy! Heading to the next point of interest saw me checking my map not twice but thrice! I trusted and believed in Busan, all good! 갑시다!
Busan had me embracing that ocean looking location with a visit to '부산 자갈치시장/Jagalchi Market', Korea's largest fish market was ready for me! I had been told about a raw octopus/squid dish that apparently I had to try for myself, for the culture I did just that! The obvious smell of dried fish on the roadside told me that I had reached my destination, those vendors were selling a wide array of dried fish. Not for me thanks, I was not sorry! I already knew what I wanted, walking through what looked like the right door. I was ready for that extraordinary Korean lunch! I was bamboozled by the sheer amount of fish that were in such tanks, I didn't know where to look let alone know which one to choose! A rather dashing Korean man came to my rescue, he saw that I didn't have a clue with my confused face telling him everything that he needed to know! A damsel in distress? Don't ever tempt me with a good time! The beautiful stranger was about to hook me up with my living lunch! San-nakji, who? Don't lie!
There were no language barriers, that kind fish seller spoke immaculate English. I asked him if he knew where I would be able to find some live baby octopus. He kindly escorted me to the correct stall with the same live sea creatures for sale, it was a very easy experience! Of course, he was very easy on the eye! He wasn't stupid because he told me to take the bag upstairs to his Grandma's own fish restaurant where she would prepare it for me, only a small fee would need to be paid to her. He was a diamond and a top Grandson! Tucking into my live lunch saw me chewing for my whole life, that completely raw meal was an interesting taste test. I loved the markets upper level because everyday people were enjoying their lunches. The view over the harbor wasn't bad either, Busan was the gift that kept on giving as my lunch kept on living! Oh, I made every moment at that fish market count, the help of that handsome man was much appreciated! Having not climbed to the top of that tower, I wanted to see a certain village view!
The day carried on with another port of call, this next place had been the reason why I had chosen Busan! Getting to Busan's '감천문화마을/Gamcheon Culture Village' saw me taking another taxi because I would not be scaling that super incline by foot! No, not at all! Busan knew that I wasn't mad, well only at that point! Dubbed as Korea's own 'Machu Picchu' or 'Santorini', I had no idea that this sprawling vision of 'rainbow colour' started off as a home for refugees after the Korea War. Getting out of that taxi had me feeling like I was Gamcheon's 'Number One', the ocean-like view of colourful houses had me speechless! Being speechless isn't something that I am particular used to being. I felt blessed that I was able to take such wonderfully panoramic photos from a free point, I didn't want to endorse that tourist cafe with a view. I had my own plans! Now, it felt like I had walked into a make believe cartoon setting, I had to pinch myself! I knew why Busan had saved this place for that part of my day! Damn, I was having the best day!
I walked down those steep hills with respect for the local area, remembering that this tourist spot doubled up as a real life neighbourhood. Keeping those beliefs straight, I even took a couple of photos for some excited Chinese Mainland tourists who were living their best lives during that October Holiday moment! We were all having the best time! The views were unstoppable, in every single direction I was blessed with color and culture, both of which were in abundance! Returning to the Korean Peninsula proved to be a winner in that 2023 moment. I found myself walking down a hill, those houses reminded me of something Spanish! Alicante and Callosa D'en Sarria flashbacks galore were being served up good and proper! Taking a breather, I knew that portion of 'Gimbap' would come in handy before the night happened! My visit to Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village was peaceful, choosing to visit during the late afternoon felt right, it was calmer than calm. Busan had me tired but I knew '범일/Beomil' would be hectic much! Oh!
I decided to walk down the hill from that culture village because I wanted to be a part of that almost dusk moment. I loved those brightly lit Busan streets as I walked along a path that was unknown to me. Seeing those ordinary non-tourist signs made Seoul feel like a million miles away, there was something pedestrian that I appreciated about Busan. I stopped at one of the many convenience stores because I needed some Soju in my life, since lunch I only enjoyed one beer with my baby octopus lunch. I was feeling tired but knew that I needed to make the best of that Busan night, I had no idea what was in store for me! I was clueless! Getting back to the hostel felt correct, I didn't feel the need to change outfits because getting back out needed to be the priority! I knew that I had the sauce, I still have thank you very much indeed, I was ready for the night! The night wasn't ready for me! I knew that Beomil stood as Busan's own Gaybourhood, I needed to check that place out! I had one place in mind from a websites advice!
Taking several twists and turns in the dark, I was then able to find 'ROCK'. Make whatever evaluation as to what form of 'ROCK' this bars name is referring to because I was about to find out! An over friendly bar tender? Please, no! He just recognised a sterling choice of UK prime specimen! Those Long Island Iced Tea drinks were stronger than strong, after the second drink had hit my system I knew that a change to my trains would be necessary! With another drink ordered, I was able to make that night last longer with Daegu shelved for a third South Korea visit. ROCK was what I needed and more, it was great to kick back before heading to Seoul for my China bound flight. After what felt like a mammoth day filled with exploration and life, I needed to find my hostel because sleep needed to happen! Busan had me entertained from beginning to end, those gloomy weather conditions had been switched for sunshine and you know the rest! As mentioned before, Daegu will be visited in 2024! Berserk Busan or what, K?!
I Want Another 'Era!'
Desperately Seeking Adventure