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Multicultural family support available
Family support centers in Seo-gu (district), Saha-gu and Nam-gu are conducting home-visit educational services for multicultural families. Specialists from the centers offer a variety of educational support including lessons on childcare, language and culture. Parenting education services consist of classes detailing nurturing and information necessary to life in South Korea for stages of life ranging from pregnancy and infancy through childhood. Lessons in reading and culture are also available for children aged three to 12. Saha-gu's multicultural family support center is running a project for marriage immigrants until December. The aim is to provide classes to help foreigners assimilate to life in Korea by giving assistance with child learning, local culture, getting jobs and the TOPIK Korean language test. This course will run with 50 people for two hours every Monday and Wednesday either in person or without contact. Centers supporting multicultural international families in Busanjin-gu and Haeundae-gu have begun to run language classes. The center in Busanjin-gu encourages interaction between parents and children and offers groups bilingual lessons for parents-to-be and families with preschoolers. The center located in Haeundae-gu provides bilingual-based activities such as nursery songs and fairy tales to marriage immigrants and families with children up to 12 years old.▲ Scan to access the centers' homepages
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Students must enroll in insurance
Laws on health insurance and how they apply to the nation's population of foreigners are continuously evolving. The latest change affects students and their national health insurance requirements for enrollment into the system. As of March 2021, foreign students staying in South Korea for over 180 days are required to register for health insurance. To help students better cope with any excess financial burden, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has decreed that students need only pay half of the normal insurance rate. This, however, will be rolled out slowly. For the year 2021, students will pay 30 percent. From March 2022 to February 2023, the rate will increase to 40 percent. Following that, the rate will be 50 percent the usual charge. The time to enroll for insurance varies depending on students' visas. Students with D-2 and D-4-3 visas, as well as students in primary and secondary school and those seeking a diploma, are required to enroll in the national health insurance plan immediately. Foreign students in the country who are taking any additional courses, including language ones, are required to enroll when staying for a sojourn exceeding a period of six months. To renew visas, foreigners living in the nation must regularly and promptly visit the Busan immigration office before their visas expire. Those who default on their payments for health insurance may be negatively affected when attempting to increase their period of sojourn during their visit.
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Busan tourist sites in nation's top hundred
▲ Taejongdae Park ▲ Gamcheon Culture Village ▲ Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams ▲ Songjeong Beach ▲ Huinnyeoul Culture Village ▲ Haeundae Beach▲ Songdo Beach ▲ Yongdusan Park The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization have finalized the fifth biennial list of 100 must-visit locations in South Korea, eight of which can be found in Busan. Taejongdae, Gamcheon Culture Village, Yong-dusan Park and Jagalchi, Songdo Beach's skywalk and cable car and the Huinnyeoul Culture Village are all on the list, as are Songjeong and Haeundae Beach and Dadaepo's Sunset Fountain of Dreams. With only Taejongdae and Haeundae Beach being selected in 2013, Busan's presence on the nation's 100 must-visit attractions has grown four-fold in eight years.■ Winning streaks While some sites make the list for the first time, others are being featured in at least one repeat appearance. Taejongdae and its historic and beautiful cliffs have been mentioned since the list's inception in 2013. Former-shanty-town-turned-art-hub Gamcheon Culture Village made it onto the list in 2015 and has been on it ever since. Haeundae Beach enjoys its fourth appearance on the list, with its only snub occurring in 2017. ■ New sites Newly selected spots are the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams, Huinnyeoul Culture Village and Songjeong Beach. Dadaepo's Sunset Fountain of Dreams is one of the city's proudest achievements, holding the distinction of being the largest fountain in the country and featuring a highly popular sound and light show in the spring, summer and autumn months. The Huinnyeoul Culture Village is another spot enjoying its first appearance on this prestigious list, and it may be one that Busanites are not quite as familiar with. Here, visitors can take in colorful mountainside homes and witness the result of a decade of development. Thanks to government renewal projects and its recent role as a setting in numerous major film releases, the Huinnyeoul Culture Village now enjoys its full potential as a top Busan tourist attraction and a spot on the nation's 100 must-vist locations. Rounding out the list of newcomers is Songjeong Beach, the city's go-to location for surfing. Suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers, the beach enjoys boatloads of visitors annually seeking out its refreshing water, fun beach town vibes and great summer weather. With two years until the next list is published, only time will tell if more Busan sites will appear in the year 2023.
Enjoy Busan
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Busan Metropolitan Library is old, new, traditional and innovative
▲ The Busan Metropolitan Library is a state-of-the-art library that is warm, cozy and inviting. It features thousands upon thousands of books on paper and electronically, as well as movies and additional media. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)The classic image of a library is one of quiet study: Long lines of desks filled with students and readers that lie in the foreground amid innumerable shelves filled with old classics. A space so quiet you can hear the faintest of sounds. While that is the traditional library, the Busan Metropolitan Library near Samnak Ecological Park turns the usual on its head. Opening last November, the library puts its focus into creating an open space, one replete with windows and access to the outdoors. This library is not exclusively for reading or studying. In addition to providing the traditional library experience with thousands of books and pieces of digital content, it also serves as a community space complete with an outdoor performance area. ◎ How to get there: Deokpo Station (metro line 2, exit 2). Walk about five minutes to the library. ◎ Hours: Hours vary from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. depending on day and section of library, Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on holidays.■ The exhibition hall To begin, we visit a small exhibition hall on the second floor. The hall changes exhibitions quar-terly, so there's always something new to see. There is no fee to pay, and it makes for a lovely calm stroll before moving on to the rest of the library. Running until May 9 is "Gomgomi Boda," a gallery of bear-themed art. Right away, it is evident that the Busan Metropolitan Library is no ordinary place.▲ Visitors get work and reading done at Chaekmaru.■ Chaekmaru When getting out of the exhibition hall and passing through the lobby, you'll come upon Chaekmaru, an area filled with bookshelves that are packed with things to read. In fact, the shelves present library visitors with over 40,000 books in world and domestic literature and history to peruse at their leisure. The center of Chakemaru, called the Sea of Wisdom, goes up through the third floor to climax with a fabulous glass window that lets natural sunlight in. Here is the traditional library complete with a warm interior, soft lighting and desks for reading and studying. Whether you're looking for a classic novel, a young adult work of fiction, a centuries-old Korean poem or a transcript of a political speech, you're likely to find it at Chaekmaru. But, Chaekmaru also houses much more than paperback and hardcover books. Explore the area's collection of cartoons, newspapers and magazines at your own pace. ■ Digital Zone Whereas Chaekmaru is a traditional section of the library, Digital Zone is where its modern aspect really shines. Also located on the second floor, Digital Zone provides over 43,000 e-books, audiobooks and DVDs for visitors to use as they please. Digital Zone is also an area useful for students and anyone seeking a little peace to get their daily tasks done. Computers are available for anyone wishing to work, print and scan materials or just enjoy a little quiet while taking a break. The movies that the Busan Metropolitan Library has on offer aren't limited to a small computer screen. To watch the DVDs, Digital Zone provides a theater available for up to four people at once for up to three hours a day. Reservations should be made prior to its use. ▲ Shelves filled with books line Chaeknuriteo's halls. ■ Chaeknuriteo On the library's third floor, Chaeknuriteo may appear to be the same as Chaekmaru. It is, however, a different experience. Despite the similar atmosphere and surface-level appearance of bookshelves with almost 60,000 books, Chaeknuriteo specializes in more scholarly matters. Those seeking books in religion, philosophy, art or science may find what they're seeking thoughout the packed shelves. Books that deal in practical matters related to hobbies and foreign languages also call Chaeknuriteo home. Chaek-nuriteo is also a bit more spacious than its neighbor Chaekmaru, and it shares the same Sea of Wisdom space to make the experience of the library's patrons as comfortable, warm and inviting as possible. ■ Busanaetteul Linked to Chaeknuriteo, Busanaetteul is where you can find all things related to our city. Indeed, it feels as much like a museum as it does a library. Look through Busanaetteul to get a complete picture on Busan's history. Old books, posters and even past administration data are available across over 4,000 items waiting to be discovered and delved into. ▲ A child climbs a staircase looking for a great book to read.■ Kkumtteurak Children's Library But, the Busan Metropolitan Library isn't limited to adults. The Kkumtteurak Children's Library provides everything kids need: over 23,000 books and encouragment to play and be curious. At the children's library, kids are able to dive into stories, fairy tales, and materials in many languages that help them learn to read, improve their skills and play with pictures and sounds. Those just young enough to enjoy colors and those looking to find a book in a foreign language are perfectly suited to enjoy Kkumtteurak. This is also one part of the library that doesn't have to be quiet; playing and reading aloud are encouraged to give children a fun and healthy learning environment.▲ The Busan Metropolitan Library is a busy place filled with those looking to better themselves and get some work done.
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A Trip to the Moon in Busan
▲ Haewoljeong pavilion in Haeundae is one of Busan's best spots for moon viewing. (Source: Haeundae-gu office)The full moon might be a spooky symbol in Western culture, but in Asia it's a symbol of prosperity. The first full moon of the lunar new year is a holiday in Korea called Daeboreum. In the past, before adopting the solar calendar, Koreans celebrated for 15 days between Lunar New Year's and the first full moon, when resolutions were made and people tried traditional ways to attract good fortune in the new year. One tradition we can all enjoy is finding a spot to admire the full moon, not just in the clear winter sky, but reflected in the scenic water of the sea that surrounds our coastal city. Let Dynamic Busan introduce you to some of the best spots for viewing the moon in Busan. ▲ A visitor to Haeundae's Dalmaji-gil road enjoys the sweeping sea view.● Dalmajigil Road Dalmajigil is a scenic road that climbs Wausan Hill under a canopy of cherry blossoms, pine trees and camellia from the eastern end of Haeundae Beach. Walking is the perfect way to take in the scenery while reaching the top. The route is especially good for nighttime walks. Stop at Haewoljeong Pavilion, halfway along the road, to take in a moonrise that is considered one of the seven best night views in Haeundae. From Haewoljeong, you can see the moon shining above the white sand and blue water of Haeundae beach. It seems so close you can reach out and touch it.How to get there: Haeundae Station (metro line 2), exit 4. Take bus 100, 141, and 200 and get off at Mipo Moontan Road stop. ▲ A woman stands in front of the glowing moon statue near Songdo beach. (Source: Seo-gu office)● Songdo beach Songdo is the oldest public swimming beach in Busan and one of the city's best places to view the moon while hearing the calm crashing of waves. It opened in 1913 and was Busan's most popular vacation spot before Haeundae and Gwangalli surged in popularity in the early 2000s. Now new attractions are bringing vacationers back. Songdo Marine Cablecar was Korea's first when it opened in 1964 but sadly closed after decades of operation in 1988. In 2017 it reopened. Now called Busan Air Cruise, it now travels four times as long as the original and features glass floors for unparalleled sightseeing. Also not to be missed are the beach's restored pedestrian suspension bridge, auto-camping site and coastal walking trail. Get extra close to the moon and take some signature Songdo pictures at the glowing moon statue in Songdo Ocean Park which lights up each night at 8 p.m.How to get there: Busan Station (metro line 1), exit 7. Take bus 26 and get off at Songdo beach stop.▲ The colorful Busan Harbor bridge and the statue of Jesus atop Donghyang Catholic Church make Uam-dong Urban forest feel like a romantic movie set. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)▲ A couple takes a perfect silhouette photo at Uam-dong Urban Forest. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)● Uam-dong Urban Forest Uam-dong's Urban Forest is a moon-viewing spot that is trending on social media. Overlooking Busan Port, it was picked as one of the 100 best non-face-to-face fall tourist attractions by Korea Tourism Organization. The colorful lights of the Busan Harbor Bridge and the statue of Jesus at Donghyang Catholic church, which resembles the one in Rio de Janeiro, make the area feel like the set of a romantic movie. Find the glowing moon statue near the scenic viewpoint in Uam-dong's Urban Forest to take a perfect silhouette photo.How to get there: Beomil Station (metro line 1), exit 8. Take Nam-gu village bus 3 and get off at Asan Apartment stop.
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You gotta go to Gadeokdo
▲ Busan's largest island is a historical site in the city and is equipped with a strong tourist infrastructure for solo hiking, sightseeing and visits with families. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)With Busan's new airport now within reach, Gadeokdo Island is the talk of the town. As the largest island in the city, it is the natural choice for the site of a new gateway to the Korean peninsula and the world. ▲ Gadeokdo Island is home to a new airport the city has needed for over two decades. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)■ Strategic location Gadeokdo Island is located in southwestern Busan and is the city's largest island. It was a peaceful fishing village until the mid-2000s, when the island's transportation infrastructure developed to make it a container terminal for Busan's New Port. By then, Gadeokdo Island had been a major marine transportation hub for centuries. From the seventh to 10th centuries, it was a strategic location for trade with China. In the late 16th century, Japanese forces fixed the island as a strategic location during their invasion of Korea. The Joseon Dynasty also knew that Gadeokdo Island had potential as an important point of marine transport; Heungseon Daewongun, the father of King Gojong, set up the cheokhwabi, coastal defenses that still remain on the island. While on the cusp of war with Russia in the early 20th century, Japan pointed to Gadeokdo Island as a prime location to prepare for battle against Russia's navy. Guns and artillery were set up around the island, which was further expanded militarily after the conflict. To this day, the island remains important for South Korea. The country's naval academy and submarine force command are both located there, and now it will be the site of Gadeokdo International, Busan's brand new state-of-the-art airport.▲ Gadeokdo Island's New Port is Busan's beating heart. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)■ Driving growthGadeokdo Island is now representative of Busan's bright future. Along with the airport, the site is also home to the Busan Newport project, which is being hailed as the new heart of the city. The current port has reached capacity, and the New Port project aims to make room and improvement for the cargo of the future. Unlike the current port, the Newport will feature reprocessing and port automation facilities. The Newport is also connected by rail. While used exclusively for cargo at the moment, it is possible that the train will accept passengers once the airport is constructed and operational. The Noksan National Industrial Complex, which aims to become the center of Busan's industry, is also under development on Gadeokdo Island. The new airport on Gadeokdo Island will repair many problems currently plaguing Gimhae International Airport. Despite being an international airport for commercial flights, Gimhae airport is shared by civilian airlines and the nation's air force. This is problematic on its own, but especially when noise pollution makes flights possible exclusively between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m and is a problem residents have complained about for years. Furthermore, large aircraft have difficulty taking off and landing from its shared runways. The landings in particular can be bothersome due to the turbulence. Gadeokdo Island's new airport will make it possible for large planes to take off 24 hours a day, which will mean that passengers will be able to travel internationally from Busan whenever they choose and without having to travel to Incheon International Airport beforehand. The new airport in Gadeokdo will also go a long way in improving logistics for Busanites and travelers, and it will also help to attract more people to the city for tourism and transfers. Overall, Gadeokdo Island will become Busan's economic and transportation hub, connecting the land, sea and sky into perfect synergy for Busanites, Koreans and citizens of the world.■ Gadeokdo's futureWhile Busan eyes 2021 as the year it puts the pandemic in the ground, it also plans tourist development of Gadeokdo Island. Already, the island features convenient and picturesque roads for driving, trails for walking and sights for seeing. The island's main attractions are Yeondaebong Peak, Dahang Observatory, Saebaji's artificial cave, Oeyangpo Port and local lighthouses.◎ Yeondaebong Peak Grab your hiking boots and reach Yeondaebong Peak via its beautiful hiking trail, which is the island's most famous. Historically, the summit was used for signal fires warning of imminent foreign invasion. At almost 500 meters high and taking two to three hours to scale, visitors to it, will see why the peak was given this most important job in the line of national defense. From the top, take in the gorgeous view encompassing Oeyangpo port. ▲ Marvel at the emerald sea that sparkles at Saebaji. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)◎ Dahang Observatory and Saebaji Dahang Observatory is a must-visit on Gadeokdo Island. Once here, you'll be able to see a view you may very well have never seen before. A quiet fishing village sits below waiting for the eye of your camera. Look upon the scenic view and walk along the path to Saebaji, a small and picture-worthy fishing village. Take photos at its local dock and unique lighthouse that serves as the village's mascot. ▲ The island is home to some beautiful natural beaches. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)At the end of the village, you can visit Saebaji's man-made cave, which was built by the Japanese to defend themselves against aerial bombings and other assaults during World War II. Explore what the cave has offer, then take a stroll along the coast, and listen to the elegant sound of the waves as they crash along the shore.※ How to get there: Hadan station (metro line 1), exit 3. Take bus 520, and get off at Dahang Observatory.▲ Busan's past comes to life on Gadeokdo Island. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)◎ Oeyangpo PortOeyangpo Port is the former home of households that were kicked out by Japanese forces in the past. In preparation for what would be known as the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, Japanese soliders set up Howitzers and light guns as coastal defense against Russia's imposing navy. While the locals were able to return to their homes after Japan's defeat in 1945, many of the military installations, such as a spot used to fire artillery, may still be seen today. As a result of Gadeokdo Island's use as a strategic military position and South Korea's own past with foreign powers, Oeyangpo Port and the island serve as a fascinating tourist attraction and a sobering history lesson.◎ LighthousesGadeokdo Island is also famous for lighthouses both old and new. One structure, constructed in 1909, stands next to its modern sibling, built in 2002. The former is regarded to be the oldest lighthouse in the country. At two stories, it was built in the contemporary Western style. It is said that a Japanese lighthouse keeper resided in it, and so an old tatami mat is still inside. In September 2003, it was designated as one of the nation's tangible cultural assets. The newer lighthouse is about 40 meters tall, making it the country's second tallest. Permission in advance is required to visit either lighthouse, because they are both under military care and supervision. Visitors to the lighthouses should sign in upon entry, and while photographs are restricted, they are not entirely forbidden, so make sure your phone is charged!COVID-19 has put further limitations upon visitors. For more information, visit the website of the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Port Office. Website: portbusan.go.kr
Food
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South Korean salted pollack roe is second to none
▲ Korean Myeongnanjeot is pollack roe seasoned with incredible spices, and it can be enjoyed by itself or in a pasta.Italian bottarga? No, thank you. Russian caviar? Please. All you need is a delicious plate of Korean salted pollack roe. Known as myeongnanjeot, it's one of many Korean salted seafoods, and it's a perfect dish. Soft and savory to serve as an appetizer but not so salty or fishy to be overwhelming. And though it's prepared in a red pepper seasoning, it's not too spicy. It also goes with everything. Want to eat it with rice? The natural choice! How about some bread? That'll do, as well! Want to go crazy and enjoy it with some pasta? A match made in heaven. So, it goes without saying that myeongnanjeot is simply superb▲ Myeongnantjeot is seasoned to perfection.(Source: Kookje Newspaper)■ OriginsMyeongnanjeot is made of roe of pollack, a fish that lives in cold waters like South Korea's East Sea. Indeed, Koreans have eaten the fish for ages; the earliest known recipe for it can be found in a Joseon-era cookbook from the late 19th century. Busan itself has also experienced a long history with the fish. Choryang-dong (neighborhood), Dong-gu (district) was known as the go-to spot for Busanites to get some delicious myeongnanjeot. The dish was even introduced to Japan as "mentaiko," where it's still popular.■ How to eat itThe most common method of preparation is to enjoy myeong-nanjeot with rice, sesame oil and minced green onion. But, as previously mentioned, it can be consumed in a wide variety of ways. One way is to make it into a paste that is delicious on eggs or bread, which makes for an excellent breakfast or snack. One surprise is that it can even be cooked together with pasta. This is how restaurant Ibagu Chungjeonso lets you eat it. In fact, the restaurant, which is also a guesthouse in Choryang-dong, lets you cook the pasta in any way you please. All it takes is 15,000 won and, if your party is larger than two, a reservation.◎ Ibagu Chungjeonso※ How to get there: Busan Station (metro line 1), exit 5. Go 50 meters right from the top of the 168 stairs past Choryang Elementary School. ※ Phone: 051-469-4113※ Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed Mondays)◎ How to make myeongnanjeot oil pasta at home (one serving)※ Ingredients30 grams of myeongnanjeot, 100 grams of pasta, one quarter onion and three cloves of garlic. Pepperoncino, parsley and olive oil to taste 1) Boil pasta.2) Meanwhile, chop the garlic, onion and myeongnanjeot into small pieces.3) Mix together the pep-peroncino, parsley and olive oil.4) Fry the garlic and onion with the olive oil and mix.5) Add the pasta and myeongnanjeot to the pan and fry.
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Tteokguk is a savory bowl of New Year's luck
▲ A hot bowl of tteokguk is topped with beef, egg, and dried laver and served with kimchi. (Source: Image Today) Many Koreans ring in the new year with a breakfast of tteokguk, a traditional rice cake soup, on both solar and lunar New Year's Day. This dish of broth with chewy slices of rice cake, garnished with egg, thin sliced vegetables and mushrooms, tastes great on a cold winter's morning. It's thought to bring good luck for the new year and also soothes a New Year's party hangover. Tteokguk is soft and soothing like the full moon.◎ Food for New Year's Day Rice cakes start out as a long white bar. The length of the rice cake bar is symbolic of a long life. The bar is then cut into small oval medallions before being added to the soup. These resemble coins and represent prosperity for the new year. Since in the Korean way of counting one's age, everyone turns a year older on New Year's day, there's a saying that you can't turn a year older until you finish your tteokguk. Children are said to put down multiple bowls to gain additional years and seniority over their peers, while older women leave a little left in their bowl and thus avoid aging.※ How to make Tteokguk (1 serving)Ingredients: rice cakes, beef bone stock (traditional or instant), one egg, soy sauce, salt, sesame oil, garnishes of your choice1. Soak rice cakes in cool water to soften (20-30 minutes)2. Bring beef stock to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan 3. Add rice cakes to the boiling broth4. Turn off the heat and season to taste with soy sauce or salt 5. Gently pour the raw egg into the hot soup to cook it 6. Add a dash of sesame oil and your choice of garnishes. ※ How to cook Gyeongsang-do style kkumiIngredients: minced beef (300g), tofu (1 piece), grated garlic(1 tablespoon), soy sauce, salt, sesame oil, ground black pepper (to taste)1. Pan fry minced beef and grated garlic with sesame oil 2. Add Soy sauce, a dash of black pepper, then mix in a little water 3. Add diced tofu and gently mash it into the beef. 4. Simmer until the sauce is reduced and tofu has absorbed the flavor
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Busan's history and innovation represented in eomuk
▲ There's nothing better than a stick of eomuk and some steaming hot broth to warm your belly and soul in an unusually cold winter. Ask any Busanite what the best food of the winter is, and they'll likely say eomuk, or fish cake that's served on skewers with piping hot and flavorful broth. With the long nights and short days of January and Februrary now upon us, find out where you can stay warm, full and satisfied with Busan's eomuk. ■ From Kamaboko to EomukEomuk has long been loved by Koreans. The dish traces its roots to kamaboko, first introduced to Korea by Japan in the 18th century. While similar, kamaboko was different to the eomuk we know today. Kamaboko is steamed white fish in flour, whereas eomuk is fried in oil. Nonetheless, the dish began to become commonly found on the peninsula in the early 20th century. The earliest known kamaboko stores are from 1915, according to a monthly newsletter published by Busan's local government at the time. After the Korean War, fish cakes became a popular street food due to their low prices and high protein and would evolve to become the beloved dish it is today. Not everyone knows it, but Busan eomuk is more expensive than its regional counterparts, and that's because there's something a bit more special about the Busan variant. In fact, the city's fish cakes are 70-percent fish fillet, which is a higher concentration of fish than other forms of eomuk. Undoubtedly, this is due to Busan's relationship with the sea, which it has long appreciated. As a result, many of Busan's eomuk stores have been around for decades and satisfy diners to this day. ▲ Eomuk comes in both traditional and innovative forms.(Source: Samjin Amook)◎ Samjin AmookEstablished in 1953, Busan's oldest fish cake establishment is Samjin Amook in Yeongdo. The company offers premium eomuk and other fish cake products that put a new and innovative spin on the traditional street food. Have a taste of the conventional eomuk you know and love or try Samjin Amook's delicious fish cake croquette. No matter what you choose, it's impossible to go wrong. In 2013, the company modernized itself and re-opened. Now, its main branch presents such a clean interior that it is hard to imagine that it was once a factory. Samjin Amook is one of the greatest symbols of how Busan's past and its present can be seen in the same place.○ How to get there: Nampo Station (metro line 1), exit 9. Take Yeongdo-gu bus 5 and get off at Bongnae Market stop. Go 70 meters into the first alley.○ Website: samjinfood.com▲ Enjoy eomuk in its purest form or shredded into delicious noodles. (Source: Kookje Daily News)◎ GoraesaGoraesa has been around since 1963 and also dabbles in the traditional and innovative. Here, you can marvel at the taste of noodles and sushi that incorporates eomuk into their flavors and combine it with black sesame, cheese, bacon and other amazing combinations. Goraesa is located in Bujeon Market, which is the city's largest, near Seomyeon, and it's worth a trip no matter how far away you live. Enjoy the meal and see the amazing sights of the historic Bujeon Market!○ How to get there: Bujeon Station (metro line 1), exit 5 of the Underground Shopping Complex. Enter the first alley and walk about 80 meters. ○ Website: goraesa.com
Life
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No need for travel when Dokdo comes to you
▲ A Dokdo event runs until March 28. (Source: Busan National Science Museum) With travel difficult to come by these days, one thing we can do is bring the destinations to us. Without the ability to travel to Korea's beautiful Dokdo Islands, we are thankfully able to enjoy them right here in town. A special exhibition named "Four Seasons of Dokdo, Korea" will display the islets' stunning landscapes at the Busan National Science Museum until March 28. The exhibition will showcase 120 pictures throughout the four seasons on Dokdo. Everything from Dokdo's foliage to the gulls and canola flowers that live and grow there will be on display. A live feed of Dokdo can also be seen, and visitors of all ages will have the chance to read books and engage in arts and crafts related to this faraway jewel of South Korea. The exhibition will run on the first floor in the Kim Jinjae Hall for free. It operates four times a day (10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.). Due to social distancing, only 50 visitors may be present at a time and only for up to 90 minutes. Reservations may be made on site or via the museum's website at sciport.or.kr. The event may be changed or canceled, depending on the COVID-19 situation. ◎ How to get there: Osiria Station (Donghae line), exit 1. Cross the street, and take bus 185. Get off at Busan National Museum stop.◎ Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Last entry is at 4:30 p.m.
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Busan Museum opens ox exhibition in honor of new year
▲ 2021 is the year of the white ox. (Source: Busan Museum)With every lunar new year comes a new animal and color. Such is the Korean tradition, and 2021 is the year of the white ox. To celebrate the new year, an exhibition has opened at the Busan Museum, and it will continue to operate until March 31. The exhibition will provide audiences of all ages with artwork, folklore, proverbs and educational resources pertaining to oxen and Korea's history with the animal. Children and their parents can learn about great figures who were also born in the year of the ox and will learn much about the Chinese zodiac, from where Korea's lunar calendar derives.The exhibition is free, and reservations are available online on a first-come-first-serve basis. Up to 22 visitors are allowed at once for an hour. The exhibition may be changed, postponed or canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.It's said that those born in the year of the ox Oxen are honest, subtle and never seek praise or attention. Those born in the year of the ox are also said to make good leaders. ◎ How to get there: Daeyeon Station (metro line 2), exit 3. Walk about 10 minutes to UN intersection. ◎ Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
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[INTERVIEW] Your Korean language lessons are in capable hands
▲ Korean language teacher Hong Minjeong.The Busan Foundation for International Cooperation (BFIC) does its utmost to assist foreigners living in the city. In addition to its "Life in Busan" guidebook, it is running a Korean class for those who wish to learn the local language. Hong Minjeong is an instructor teaching Korean to those wishing to improve their language skills and hoping to pass the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Q.Greetings! Tell us a little about yourself!A.Hello, I'm Hong Minjeong, and I've been a Korean instructor at the BFIC for six years now. I'm in charge of the basic communication class called "Ga", and I teach students hoping to pass the TOPIK. Tell us about the classes. Korean classes have been operating since the BFIC was established in 2006. Since the BFIC aims to help foreigners settle in Busan, we only teach basic Korean conversation, because we want to help foreigners adjust to Korean life quickly and easily. About 500 foreigners take the class annually, and we've been running non-contact courses through an online system we developed last year. Things change in the summer, though. In the summer, we combine Korean language with culture. So, in addition to speaking, we also go over K-Dramas, movies and folk tales. We try to do new things every year, so we're planning on doing something else with non-contact this year. Do you have difficulty teaching different nationalities? I don't have any difficulty. I prefer to have classes with people from all over the world. If they're from the same place, then that gives them more chances to speak their own language, which can make them lose focus. Also, it's nice to learn about different cultures through writing or presentations. A lot of housewives participate, some of whom are marriage immigrants or who came with their husbands. I am so happy when I see my multicultural students have lunch together after class, exchange recipes for Korean food with each other and invite each other over to their homes. What do your students talk to you about? Their difficulties and their lives. They say dialects are hard to understand, even though they can speak during class. But, some have told me it's a little easier to understand the dialect from Seoul. They also let me know about their favorite Korean restaurants and tell me where I can get the best food from their countries. They also teach me some of their languages! I can say "hello" and "thank you" in about 10 languages now! Is there anything you'd like to say to those thinking of taking your class? Students don't always know about my classes, even though they've been here for a year or more, and that makes me sad, because it can really make people's lives better here! Also, our classes are open to all foreigners who live in Busan. Classes are free, but you need to pay for your textbook. We've learned a lot about running classes online the last several months, so we'll be even better at it this year. We're also aiming to begin online classes over the weekend, which would be new and a little different from our usual Korean classes. If you're new to the country or have been here for many years or just want a new hobby, visit our website at bfic.kr if you're interested in a great Korean class! ▲ Hong Minjeong runs Korean language classes at the BFIC.
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Spring arrives at Busan's ecological parks
▲ The canola flowers that are planted every year at Daejeo Ecological Park are an annual spring highlight for Busanites.With spring on the way, it's best to be informed as to which parks have the prettiest flowers in town. Look no further than Busan's four ecological parks along the Nakdong estuary. Tulips, canolas, cherry blossoms and more await your senses to help you climb out of the winter doldrums! ▲ Visitors to Daejeo Eco Park in 2016 have fun in the flowers.■ Daejeo Eco Park: A place to see beautiful canolasDaejeo Eco Park is Busan's most famous. Practically a botanical garden filled with cherry blossoms and bamboo, the main attraction is its grand collection of bright yellow canola flowers. It is, in fact, the largest single collection of canola flowers in the entire country. The area is usually filled with people visiting with to take a plethora of photos, but this year may be different.At the end of March, both canola flowers and cherry blossoms are present for viewing, so don't forget your camera! ※ How to get there: Gangseo-gu Office Station (metro line 3), exit 3. Walk about six minutes to Gupodaegyo Bridge.▲ Hwamyeong Eco Park is home to tulips of many kinds.■ Hwamyeong Eco Park: Tulips of incredible colorsBusan's northernmost eco park features festivities and fun all year long. Water sports in summer, beautiful leaves in autumn and sledding in winter. But, in spring, the tulips are the undisputed main attraction! Colorful gardens greet visitors in the north and populate the Aquatic Botanical Garden in the south. The number of tulips planted by the city is staggering: All in all, you're looking at around 120,000 tulips of amazing colorful variations and combinations! ※ How to get there: Sujeong Station (metro line 2), exit 3. Walk about 10 minutes to Korean National Open University. ▲ Walk under an amazing tunnel of cherry blossoms in Samnak Eco Park.■ Samnak and Macdo Eco Park: A tunnel and river with cherry blossomsSamnak Eco Park is competitive as one of the very best spots to see the annual cherry blossoms that so briefly bloom. Samnak's status as a cherry blossom haven is earned, but Macdo Eco Park isn't going to go down without a fight. Take a deep breath as you walk through a tunnel of these trees, and feel your stress disappear. ※ How to get there (Samnak Eco Park): Sasang Station (metro line 2), exit 3. Walk about 10 minutes from there until you reach the riverside.※ How to get there (Macdo Eco Park): Seobusan Yutongjigu Station (Busan Gimhae Light Railway). Take Gangseo-gu village bus 13 and get off at Macdo Eco Park.
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"Super Nature" exhibit mixes art with ecology
▲ Museum guests stand in room of HD digital art at Museum DAH: in Centum City, Busan. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)A new exhibition titled "Super Nature" has opened at Museum DAH:, Korea's first digital media art museum. Focusing on environmental issues, it will be on display through August 31, 2021. ▲ "Eternal Sunshine" uses a floor of art tiles and glass ceiling. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon) ■ Focus on Biodiversity "Super Nature" explores biodiversity, the theme of World Environment Day 2020. The display addresses environmental problems and suggests the importance of environmental preservation and is sponsored by Busan Environmental Corporation, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Daejayon, an NGO composed of university students from around the world. "Super Nature" seeks to make people realize the importance of biodiversity through a combination of visual art and science. Museum DAH: shows us a vision of the future where humans and the natural world coexist sustainably. Visitors learn why we should protect the environment using all five senses at this exhibition. Works by 21 Korean and international modern artists. Over 150 works are on display, including video, installations, furniture, design, photography, paintings, sculpture, fashion and sound. ▲ Art flows from the wall to the floor of a unique digital installation. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)■ Time for Nature Passing through the entrance and turning the corner, guests are greeted by a fancy door with a shark sculpture hanging above. This flower-patterned piece titled "Heaven's Gate" is decorated with glass and is the sparkling starting point of the exhibition. Next comes "Eternal Sunshine", a digital visual piece that is projected on both walls to catch the viewer's eye and feels like entering a mystical cave with art tiles on the ground and glass on the ceiling. "Miracle Space" is the the centerpiece of the exhibition. It's Korea's first and largest exhibition hall where full HD LED screens shine on digital art walls. It focuses on nature and combines technology and aesthetic imagination to mesmerizes guests. Audience members can move around or sit to take in the exhibit. At first, viewers might be overwhelmed by the gorgeous video display. As the piece progresses, they come to realize the importance of environmental preservation through the captivating details and metaphors in the video. ▲ Museum DAH: is in Centum City, Busan. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)※ How to get there: Centum City Station (metro line 2), exit 6. Walk toward Busan Cinema Center.※ Website: museumdah.com
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Rebuilt Nambu rail is the best way to chill out
▲ The Nambu railway, up until recently barely more than a walking trail, is once again home to a train, and tickets to ride are available now. (Source: Moon Jinwoo)You may think that the experience of taking a train by the coast is one reserved for a European vacation, but you'd be wrong! This sort of magical adventure is perfectly accessible to those in Busan. Haeundae Blue Line Park officially opened after a long period of exhaustive redevelopment of the nearly five-kilometer-long section of the old Donghae Nambu railroad track. Now, the once abandoned area features a walking trail, a functioning train and a scenic park. Whether you take the train or go for a stroll, you won't go wrong with this amazing coastal view.Course: Mipo Station, Dalmaji Tunnel, Cheongsapo Station, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, Gudeokpo and Songjeong Station (four-and-a-half kilometers)▲ The Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory snakes over the sea.The Haeundae Beach Train is the highlight of Blue Line Park. The exterior of the train's four cars are red, green, yellow and blue and feels more European than Asian. Inside, the train is equipped with large glass windows designed to give you the best view of the sea and the coast as possible. The train runs at a leisurely pace with sights of Marine City, Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Cheongsapo and Songjeong. Even at its moderate speed, the ride isn't too long and is perfect for those who want to see the sights in a short time. It departs every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends and peak seasons. A one-way trip from Mipo Station to Songjeong Station takes about half an hour. A pass from one station to another is 7,000 won per person. A ticket for two stops is 10,000 won. This ticket is also good for a round trip. Those who want to visit all six stops will need to pay 13,000 won. Tickets are available digitally at every station. The Haeundae Beach Train is up and running, but another attraction is also noteworthy: the Sky Capsule. Going back and forth between Mipo and Cheongsapo Station, the Sky Capsule shuttle travels the two-kilometer distance at five kilometers per hour along an elevated track. Prices for the Sky Capsule vary depending on party size. A round trip for one or two passengers costs 55,000 won. How to get there: Jangsan Station (metro line 2), exit 7. Go straight for 600 meters. Cross the road in the direction of Haeundae Wonjo Halmae Gukbap at the five-way intersection and walk for an additional 140 meters. Website: bluelinepark.comPhone: 051-701-5548▲ The many colors of the brand new attractions add to the area's sense of wonder. ▲ The Blue Line is perfect for a quick tour.