Busan is South Korea’s second city. It is also the country’s largest port and is actually the sixth largest by volume handled in the World. Population is 3.3 million, there are rolling hills all around, it’s a beautiful city.
Our ship is berthed adjacent to Noordam, near the currently being built opera house, so we take a nosy as we pass, it looks like it will be a couple of years yet.
We head first towards the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park, from where the views are spectacular. There’s a silly UV section to pass through as we return, and pass a fabulous statue commemorating an Admiral who saved the country from invasion in 1592.
Soon we are out and exploring the next area where all the shops are. Next up we pass through a market area known as BIFF, after the Busan International Film Festival which has become a phenomenon.
We walk away from the city, heading uphill through residential areas until we arrive at Gamcheon Culture Village. This area was originally built in the 1920s for workers, then in the mid 1950s after the Korean War around 800 Taegeukdo religion followers moved into the area.
It has become a cultural centre after the government encouraged arts and crafts in the area with projects and other support. We enjoy the colourful and creative atmosphere, before heading onwards.
Our last tour destination is the seaside part of the city, Songdo, which is a lovely beach and resort area, out of season at the moment. There are some huge tower blocks and several international hotels.
Finally we start our return, taking the Namhang Bridge, itself quite an experience, spanning 1.2 km across the bay.
After a late lunch we watch a delightful cultural show, with traditional dance and music in the showlounge before watching Noordam set sail ahead of us.
We warm up in the forward jacuzzi chatting to fellow customers, one from Crouch End and the other Singapore.
Dinner was going to be al fresco at Earth & Ocean again, but it was completely full so we went down to MDR to enjoy Cæsar / Coquilles St Jaques, Parmentier soup, Salmon / mixed seafood special, chocolate pyramid / coffee soufflé. Everything was excellent.
