Busan and Back

Just to start: WOW! I never though that a Korean city would be on my list of places to visit or live in. Busan(부산) is better in every way, architecture, tourists, locals, attractions, and vibe, than anywhere else I've been in Korea. The older buildings that seem to have had their own architects that are nestled on the lush mountains right on the sea is a refreshing sight. Even the way the locals sound less whiny that those in the north.

Getting to Busan from Incheon is easy but a little bit of a headache. The trip between Incheon and Seoul Station is about 90 minutes by bus (without traffic) or subway and then three hours by KTX highspeed rail to Busan Station. Tickets on the KTX range from 48,100w to 71,100w depending on if you get economy or first class. You get there just as quick and even with the extra leg room I couldn't sleep well in first class, so the value is your call. In town I skipped the subway, but I hear it works well. Taxis were similarly priced to those in Seoul, but it seemed traffic was even worse here and I would advice agains traveling across town via taxi.

For a weekend trip, this was a great deal. KTX can be cheap enough if you get economy and the hotel was w40,000 a night for three people and was across the street from the beach. It was too cold to swim or sunbathe, but not to enjoy a brew or two on the beach. Eats were varied with us trying Chinese shabu shabu, k-style tacos, and a western place that thought it was New York style. We tried the Paradise casino where I left up 100%, Andrew ~150%, and Renee down everything. The casino is nothing compared to Vegas, but they had baccarat, black jack, slots, and roulette. Jagalchi fish market was interesting to see and The Piff is a nice place to have drinks in the Nampo area.