VI
EN
As a travel blogger in her 20s named Quỳnh Journey, Phương Quỳnh (real name) had an exciting self-guided trip through two vibrant and romantic cities in South Korea: Seoul and Busan. Returning to the land of kimchi for the second time, Quỳnh not only wanted to experience the Christmas atmosphere but also to immerse herself in the characteristic winter ambiance of Seoul and Busan.
South Korea is an attractive destination for those who love experiencing winter.
The contrasting lifestyles between Seoul and Busan.
Seoul, with its modernity and vibrancy, is undoubtedly a must-see destination for any travel enthusiast who loves the hustle and bustle. Phuong Quynh shared: “Seoul is a busy metropolis where the pace of life seems to never stop. But what I find most appealing are the peaceful green spaces amidst the city. Parks, the Han River, and national gardens help me easily find relaxation amidst this rush.”
Seoul is bustling and vibrant.
Busan is peaceful with the lush blue of the sea.
Unlike Seoul, Busan possesses a peaceful, gentle charm typical of a port city. “Busan gives me a sense of tranquility, from the cold winter air, the long stretches of white sandy beaches, and the friendly people here.” Phuong Quynh particularly enjoys relaxing moments on Haeundae Beach at sunset. She describes, “The colors of the sunset blend with the gentle waves, making me feel like I'm seeing the complete beauty of Busan.”
Busan gives visitors a feeling of peace and spaciousness.
Memorable moments on the Busan coastline
Every trip has destinations that evoke special emotions in travelers. Quynh found peace in Huinyeoul Cultural Village in Busan. This is a small village stretching along the coast, mostly visited by Koreans on weekends. Houses are built close together, interspersed with small cafes, ice cream parlors, or charming handmade souvenir shops. Because this was a "lazy trip," Quynh didn't have high expectations of checking in at many places from the start. Upon arriving at the village, immersed in its quiet, poetic atmosphere and healing charm, she felt that almost everyone could truly appreciate what Busan's essence is all about.
"This is where I spend hours just enjoying a hot cappuccino, gazing at the vast ocean and listening to the gentle waves, chatting with my travel companions, or simply sitting and admiring the scenery to let my soul find peace," she recounted.
Let yourself drift along with the rhythm of the waves, with a hot cup of coffee beside you.
Furthermore, special moments like watching the sunset at Haeundae Beach are unmissable experiences when visiting Busan. “Eating a few of Busan's famous fish cake skewers, sitting under the lighthouse, breathing in the sea breeze to witness the most luxurious moment of the day, I realized that this is the soul of Busan. Haeundae Beach was crystal clear when I visited, the sunset painted the entire sea pink, boats sped along the coast, and the super-cold winter air added to the experience… A truly unique experience that only Busan can offer,” Quỳnh shared.
A stunning sunset in Busan.
Meet friendly locals.
A trip is not just about discovering destinations, but also about experiencing the local culture and people. Quynh fondly remembers a lovely experience when she had trouble fixing her broken shoes in a small village in Busan. “Even though I couldn’t communicate in English, the locals were very helpful in repairing my shoes. They even called on vendors from nearby stalls to help.”
Or, when eating at local restaurants, the owners, knowing Quỳnh was a tourist, proactively guided her on how to eat properly according to Korean standards. One elderly owner even used Google Translate to introduce the names and uses of each dish in the panchan (side dishes) to her. These small but heartwarming gestures made Quỳnh love Busan more than ever.
Cuisine is something you can't miss when traveling to South Korea.
Helpful tips for tourists planning a trip to Seoul and Busan.
If you're a first-time visitor to South Korea, especially Seoul and Busan, Quynh offers some helpful advice: “Prepare your visa and necessary documents in advance, and always carry your passport with you. Also, using a local SIM card or Google Translate will be very helpful, as English isn't always widely spoken.”
She also suggested that the public transportation system in South Korea is very modern and easy to use. However, traveling with luggage might be a bit difficult as not all train stations have elevators. Bringing a round-pin charger or key fob is also necessary, as South Korea only uses round-pin electrical outlets.
South Korea has a temperate climate, so winters are typically cold and dry, with snow but not very biting, quite similar to Japan and some European countries.
Finally, don't forget to try the famous Korean dishes. "Korean food is delicious and affordable, so you should stop by the local eateries along the way, and add a few glasses of soju in the snowy winter to fully experience the authentic flavors of Korea," Phuong Quynh suggests.
