BUSAN

Busan's 3.6 million citizens make it South Korea's second largest city - but that's still about 20 million citizens less than Seoul so it's a bit of a stretch to call Busan a "Second City".  Seoul seemed to be the center of everything - business, politics, entertainment, etc.  Busan offers a more serene atmosphere.  The city felt a bit more weathered; aged but not old.  It lacks the modern buildings and glitz of Seoul. On the first day in Busan I headed to the beach area. 

I also watched my second Korean baseball game. For a longer breakdown see the page on Korean Baseball.

There are a few good restaurants, particularly on the street by my "hostel".  There was a noodle place had a long line that stretched around the block. An American studying abroad in South Korea who was staying at the hostel directed me to a hot pot restaurant.

The next day I went to the "Forty Steps" area.  It was a bit overcast while I was there so I didn't stray too far from the metro stations.  Busan has an antiquated metro system that runs to all the major city locations.  Finding a hostel and a place to stay can be difficult - there are limited options which is one of the reasons I was dissuaded from stopping in a few other cities on the train ride between Seoul and Busan.  From Busan you can catch a night ferry to Shimonoseki or there are high-speed ferries to Fukuoka.

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For additional Busan photos see FLICKR ALBUM.