Jess Mutter's Travels: Busan Weekend

Busan is on the southern tip of Korea on the coast, so many things are sea-related.
We came to check it out the weekend of June 21st. Here we are at Busan Station. ☺

After checking into our guesthouse, we had dinner and walked to the Seaside area of Gwangalli.

The views of Gwangalli bridge looking towards Hyundae beach were dazzling!

As we walked the long seaside area we saw an outdoor workout area by the area apartments;
these are very popular with Koreans of all ages and are even busy at night. ☺.

The next morning we took a harbor cruise from the Hyundae beach area. Here you can see the beach with people and umbrellas in the background. This is the most famous beach in Korea and home to many 5-star hotels.

We cruised past hotels and apartments in the Hyundae beach area..

... and the fog lifted as we cruised along the coast by Busan.

Around the bend is a beautiful park with a scenic coastline.

The rock formations are impressive. Here you can see some hikers at this park by the fenced walkway in the middle.
Taking in the view.

In typical Korean style, friends picnicked and shared soju on the deck of the boat.

We cruised past some unique islets at the entrance to Busan harbor.

There are many lighthouses on the coast to warn mariners of all the rocks.

Many of the rocks from this area were formed from volcanoes long ago and are quite amazing- almost surreal-looking.

It was a relaxing little cruise.

Here's another view of the world-famous Hyundae beach, from where we docked after the cruise.
It is not a super-big beach, but it is special.

Busan is known for fresh seafood and there was lot to be seen everywhere, like these king crabs...

The waterfront area is colorful and crowded.

We headed to the U.N. Memorial cemetery. At the entrance, Korean Army guards were going to a ceremony...

2,300 fallen soldiers from the Korean War are buried in The U.N. cemetary in Busan.

We happened to be there for a raising of the U.N. flag, representing 17 nations who fought in the Korean War. The Army guard was accompanied by a military band.

James in the U.S. section here, saying thanks.
A beautiful place, well-tended and cared for.

There are rose bushes blooming by every grave.
The respect, care and admiration for the deceased soldiers here is quite moving.

The Wall of Remembrance at the U.N. cemetery.
There is a second wall behind this one, also covered with names.
They list all the people who died in the Korean war: 34,000 were from the U.S.
The list just goes on and on.
It is a beautiful tribute, with fountains all around. The soldiers are deeply appreciated here.

We also took in Busan museum which has some good interactive displays,
like this Korean village under the kids.
We learned about how Busan was basically a big refugee camp during the Korean war,
because it was the only area that never fell to the North Koreans.