Life
[My Busan Story] UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT IN BUSAN
"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 Angelia R. R. Pardede from Indonesia.
UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT IN BUSAN
I've been living in Busan for almost a year. I faced difficulties at the first time I arrived here. Adjusting time was quite challenging for me since I didn't understand Korean Language at all, and I didn't have any friends at the beginning. Moreover, the changing role from busy office worker back in Indonesia changed into full-time Mother staying at home, accompanying my Husband, who's appointed here in Busan at Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), with 2 toddlers (5 years old, twins) is really something for me.
However, these tough times become easier when I try to find more information about the community in Busan. I still remember that at the time, I made a move by contacting the Busan Global Center and asking what programs were provided by the Busan government for foreigners or expatriates like me. Thankfully, they offer me so many programs to help me settle down here. One of the programs was a free Korean Language class. Of course, that's the most important thing I need to learn, especially for daily conversations. Thankfully, through that program, I not only gained knowledge of the Korean Language, but also made new friends from many countries. And even some of them become my 'hang-out bestie' until now.
One day, I applied for the Global Internship Program regarding Busan Cultural and Tourism Experience. This program is held by the Government, which is organized by Busan Start-up Investment Agency (BSIA). So basically, this program aims to introduce Korean culture and history specifically through tourism places in Busan. First, we visited "Haengdong Yonggungsa Temple". It's a very beautiful Buddha temple with a sea view and stunning cliff rock scenery that blend beautifully. I saw one big golden statue of 'Laughing Buddha' as a symbol of happiness, contentment, and prosperity. After that, we visited "Cheongsapo Daritol Skywalk". It's a skywalk located on the Cheongsapo coast, offering a thrilling experience of walking above the sea on a high transparent glass floor. We went there by taking "Blue Line Park Beach Train," which is a unique experience that offers a breathtaking view of a wide-open ocean operating from Mipo to Songjeong. At the end of the program, we visited "APEC Nurimaru House." It was the venue for the 2005 APEC Summit. Since then, it has been used as a memorial hall and a conference center. In the middle of the program, we stopped by to take lunch of the famous Busan cold-seafood noodle, Milmyeon. And had a coffee time at Café Riff – a café with a great panoramic view of Songjeong beach. Their coffee is made by using Riff's own signature.
Along the way to each place, we were accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide who really helped us to understand all things better. I would love to learn Korean culture and history more. I can say that this program is a wonderful opportunity for me, and I can't wait for my next adventure in Busan. It was one of my unforgettable moments.