By Honorary Reporters Alexandra Taseva from Bulgaria and Dana Tugambekova from Kazakhstan

Photos = Alexandra Taseva, Dana Tugambekova

Because the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly hampered travel, we look back on our trip to Korea last year in November. Attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Republic of Korea Summit in Busan, we and other Honorary Reporters from the Philippines, Indonesia and Egypt over four days met many people, visited many places and collected memories to last a lifetime.

Tugambekova: It was November when we arrived in Korea, and that mean it was autumn, the best time to be in the country. I saw from the window incredible autumn colors and stunning foliage.

Taseva: It took us an hour to get to our hotel. While looking at the buildings and the people there, I remember thinking "I'm home. This feels like home." Because we arrived late, I initially didn't see the beautiful fall colors, but I remembered that a light festival was close, and we took many cool photos there.

 

Taseva: We were in Busan for just four days but visited many places. I recommend starting with Gamcheon Culture Village. We had little time there so I recommend allowing a full day to visit this place because of the numerous places to take photos, stores and a museum full of history.

Tugambekova: I knew before that the village was a colorful town renovated by artists in the area. The image of the village was on my smartphone wallpaper and I badly wanted to visit. It truly is a beautiful and unusual place and I highly recommend going there.

Tugambekova: The second place we visited was the Buddhist seaside temple Haedong Yonggungsa. The view from the temple was amazing. I made a wish there and hope it comes true. The staff also told us of the story of the temple.

Taseva: Yes, the temple is also a must-visit place in Busan. I heard mantras from one side and the ocean from the other. I also had the chance to touch Deuknambul, the statue of a buddha who allows the birth of offspring. Legend has it that a woman who touches this statue will have a son as her first born.

Taseva: My next recommendation is Busan Tower, which was built in 1973 and has an amazing view at 69 m above sea level and 120 m high. You can also try on Hanbok (traditional costumes) and buy souvenirs for family and friends.

Tugambekova: I recommend Haeundae Beach, the most famous beach in Busan. We stayed at a hotel there and walked on the beach every evening. The Haeundae Light Festival was held at the time, so I took pictures of all the beautiful places.

Taseva: We couldn't visit many places because of lack of time. I really wanted to visit the Museum DAH and the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, but couldn't.

Tugambekova: All Korea.net staff were so attentive and always asked us what we wanted to see, where to go or what to eat. They took us to the best places and sights. I'm a big fan of Haha, a musician and entertainer, but had no time to visit his restaurant in Busan.

 

Tugambekova: I honestly liked all the dishes in Busan I ate. What I enjoyed most and recommend to visitors is the delicious seafood.

Taseva: I always recommend bibimbap (spicy rice mixed with vegetables). For those into a more extreme experience, I suggest going to Geumsubokguk and trying delicious puffer fish.

Taseva: I had an unforgettable funny incident in Busan. After a long day, we had dinner at a pizzeria near Busan Tower. My colleague from Bulgaria and I each chose a pizza, and the server asked, "Are you sure that each of you can eat a whole pizza?" I answered yes. He showed me what a pizza looked like at another table and I proudly said, "We are Bulgarians, we can eat a whole pizza in one meal. I'll bet you if you want." He was speechless but declined to make the bet.

A waitress wrote our order and left. In under 30 seconds, she came to check our order because four customers had never ordered three pizzas there before. After we confirmed this order, she was even more shocked. The funniest thing is that neither I nor my colleague could finish our pizzas because they were too big.

Tugambekova: My funniest moment in Busan was also related to food. We went to a few restaurants and always had chopsticks to eat with. Unfortunately, I didn't know how to use them and my attempts to eat with them were humorous. I hope I can learn how to use them soon.

Tugambekova: Visiting Korea was great because I saw many stunning places and became friends with beautiful people who also love Korea. That's why I was a little sad to leave. The most precious things from my trip are a photo album and things I received from Korea.net staff. I hope to see everyone again in Korea after the pandemic.

Taseva: I will remember this trip for life. The morning of my departure was so depressing. Before leaving for the airport, I spent 15-20 minutes watching the sunrise by the beach. I'm grateful for this invaluable experience and hope to see all those people again in Korea after the pandemic.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.