Daily Busan
[My Busan Story] Jeonpo: The Place That Makes Me Feel Most at Peace
"My Busan Story" is a special series by Busan's English-language newspaper, inviting foreign residents to share their unique perspectives on life in the city. From unforgettable experiences and travel episodes to small everyday joys, these stories highlight the diverse voices that make Busan feel like home. This month, we introduce the story of Ma Alicia Louise Manganti from philippines.
Jeonpo: The Place That Makes Me Feel Most at Peace
There’s a certain kind of excitement I feel every time I go to Jeonpo.
It’s not by the beach, and there aren’t any big tourist spots—but it’s quiet, steady, and grounded.
I end up there no matter how I’m feeling. Happy, restless, tired, or just in need of a break—Jeonpo is always where I go.
Even though I’ve been there so many times, it somehow feels new with each visit. I’ll turn a corner and suddenly find a cafe I’ve never seen before, or a tiny restaurant quietly calling me in. That’s the charm—there’s always something new to discover, as if the neighborhood’s streets are endless.
My favorite thing to do? Find a cozy cafe, sit by the window, and just be.
Sometimes I study. Sometimes I read or journal. Most days, I just sit—no earphones, no scrolling—listening to the hum of conversations and the coffee machine.
And even though my Korean still isn’t great, hearing people speak around me reminds me that life is happening outside of textbooks and language classes. Somehow, it comforts me—this glimpse into everyday lives unfolding in a language I’m still trying to understand.
It’s never lonely. If anything, it’s where I feel most like myself.
Jeonpo gives me peace in a way no other place does. And in a world that moves so fast, that’s exactly what I’m looking for—a place that lets me slow down.