busan: gamcheon culture village

My roommate and I went on a little weekend trip to Busan over the holiday in honour of Buddha's birthday, way back on the weekend of May 25th.

I know, that was forever ago.

Our main reason for going there was to see the incredible lantern festival at Samkwangsa Temple, but before that we spent a sunny afternoon exploring the beautiful Gamcheon Culture Village.

In more recent decades it has become a major point of interest for tourists thanks to the incredible art projects, murals and sculptures all along the streets but it wasn't always this way. The village originated as a haven for refugees during the Korean War.

I took a ton of pictures but for now I'll simply share a little video to show you some of our day! It's the first one I've ever put together but hope you like it!



I definitely recommend this little place if you ever get the chance to visit!

seoul: myeongdong | street food

Since we still had a little time after visiting Gyeongbokgung, we went to a different district within Seoul called Myeongdong. It is an area that is famous for its shopping. We didn't do much serious shopping, mostly just the 'window' variety. 

We did get really lucky at an underground area where we found all sorts of wonderfully cheap and tacky Korean souvenirs that I haven't been able to find anywhere else. Splurged on an "I Heart Korea" t-shirt that I love.

And food. There was food.

It was around supper time so instead of deciding on a sit down restaurant, we treated ourselves to all kinds of different 'street food.' Shopping clearly draws a crowd and works up an appetite so there are plenty of street vendors set up all along the roads to please all sorts of tastebuds. It's all really cheap and delicious, too. Totally fat free.

I dedicate this post to all of the wonderful food finds that I was able to share with Ivonne. Foods that I definitely recommend if you ever find yourself in Korea.

We only had space in our bellies for a few things that day, so here are our favourites:

Fish Bread
Basically a deep fried, fish-shaped pastry with has a sweet red bean paste on the inside. I know, I know. Red bean paste? What even is that. Don't knock it till you try it. They smell amazing.

Tornado Potato
A potato that's been cut into a swirl, skewered, deep fried, and then dipped into magical addictive powder disguised as BBQ or Onion flavours. Don't let them fool you. This particular one is the hot dog version for a more complete meal.

Hotteok 
Kinda like a pancake with sweet syrup and nuts inside. Can be messy and is served quite hot so they put it in a convenient little cup for ya. So good.



Getting there:
(for future reference)

-Myeongdong (명동) Address:
30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul-si 
서울특별시 중구 을지로 30 (남대문로2가)

Subway options-
Take Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station, Exit 5, 6, 7, or 8. (We used this option to exit 5)
Or, take Subway Line 2 to Euljiro Il-ga Station, Exit 5.

listen to | betty who

Betty Who | Heartbreak Dream

This high energy Australian's got some fun, catchy tunes going on, but right now this song is on repeat.

In a moment
You were everything to me
In this moment 
We're living in a heartbreak dream