J+L in Transit

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Korea. In the summertime, it’s packed with people and umbrellas — but when we visited, the beach was nearly deserted even though it was 80 degrees outside.

Sunny Haeundae Beach

Dongbaek Island

Dongbaek Island isn’t a true island, it’s connected to Haeundae Beach by a small stretch of land. The island boasts rocky coastline, a peaceful walking trail, lighthouse, and the 2005 APEC Summit House. There is also a great view of the Gwangan Bridge.

Dongbaek Island Coastline

Suspension Bridge on Dongbaek Island Trail

Lighthouse on Dongbaek Island

APEC House on Dongbaek Island

APEC House & Gwangan Bridge Panorama

View of Gwangan Bridge from Dongbaek Island

Haedong Yonggungsa

Haedong Yonggungsa is one of few Korean Buddhist temples located on the seashore — most others are in the mountains and forests. The temple was impressive and the giant golden Buddha was one of the highlights.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Panorama

Entrance to Haedong Yonggungsa

Anyone Stand Out in This Crowd?

Buddha of Granting a Son

Temple Main Building

Temple Buildings

Temple Door

View from the Temple

Lin with Giant Golden Buddha

Lanterns Hang Inside a Temple Altar

Temple Grotto

Statue of Merciful Goddess

These Figures Surround the Merciful Goddess

James Living High on the Hog

Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge

Gwangalli Beach is another popular Busan beach. The surrounding skyscrapers give Gwangalli more of an urban feel, but it was still very pretty. Off shore is the Gwangan Bridge, one of Busan’s most recognizable landmarks. We snacked on coffee and dessert at Gwangalli while the sun went down. At dusk, the bridge is illuminated by a fantastic light show.

Visiting Gwangalli Beach with Gwangan Bridge in the Background

Removing the Beach Umbrellas for the Coming Rainstorm

Gwangalli Beach Area at Twilight

Gwangan Bridge at Night, Viewed from Gwangalli Beach

Watch the Gwangan Bridge Light Up at Night

40 Steps, Coffee, Kimchi, and Friends

We had plans to hike to the Seokbulsa Temple in Busan, but a typhoon rain storm forced us to stay mostly indoors. We spent the day drinking coffee, eating delicious Korean food, and splashing through rain puddles to visit the “40 Steps”. The “40 Steps” is a staircase in Busan where families would meet during the Korean War. Since many families were separated by the chaos and violence, the stairs became the place to look for a lost wife, child, or other loved one. Famously, one man brought his popcorn cannon to the “40 Steps” to entertain children as they waited to be reunited with their families. Just across the street, we found a great coffee shop: Urban Coffee. The staff were very cool, and the coffee was delicious.

What's Almost as Good as an Umbrella? A Statue of an Umbrella.

Bibimbap in a Stone Pot

The "40 Steps"

Statue of Popcorn Cannon Man

Busan Neighborhood Street on a Rainy Day

Delicious Maple Latte from Urban Coffee

Nate from Urban Coffee Pours a Mean Cup o' Joe

Excuse Me, I Thought I Ordered the LARGE Kimchi-jigae?