Autumn 2024. Ten years after my first trip to Seoul in 2014, I am returning to the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Not solo this time, but with Oriol, who has never been to Korea. On the itinerary: flying with Qatar Airways to Incheon via Doha, the capital Seoul, the historic city of Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island and a second stint in Seoul, where we are joined by Sehyeon. We’re spending two weeks in South Korea. The ROK is such a popular destination now. Will we experience overtourism?  

After the Haedong Blue Line Park, we wanted to see a few areas before dinner and going out. We had gone to Kuma, a gay bear bar, and the bartender had suggested Shinsegae Centum City Department Store and Gwangalli Beach.

Shinsegae Centum City Department Store

Shinsegae Centum City Department Store (신세계센텀시티) in Busan is recognised as one of the largest shopping complexes in the world. In 2009, Guinness World Records recognised it as the biggest.

The department store is located the Haeundae district. This massive retail and entertainment hub opened in 2009 and has become a landmark attraction in the city. Covering over 500,000 m², the store combines luxury retail, entertainment, and lifestyle amenities, providing an all-encompassing experience that goes far beyond traditional shopping.

The department store features a wide range of luxury and designer brands, as well as popular international and local labels, offering something for all types of shoppers. 

It includes dedicated sections for fashion, beauty, and home goods, as well as specialty shops. The store is known for its impressive layout and interior design, with each floor tailored to different themes and shopping needs.

 It also houses a sprawling food court, filled with a wide selection of Korean and international cuisine, alongside upscale restaurants and cafes that offer scenic views of the surrounding cityscape.

Beyond retail, Shinsegae Centum City offers extensive entertainment and relaxation facilities. One of its most famous attractions is the indoor ice rink called Ice Rink, which operates year-round and provides a unique leisure activity within the shopping complex. 

The store also has a large spa and sauna, known as Spa Land, which features numerous hot spring baths, saunas, and relaxation areas, drawing visitors who seek a luxurious escape. 

Additionally, the complex includes a multiplex cinema, a bookstore, a large-scale supermarket, and even a rooftop garden, making it a one-stop destination for various interests and age groups.

The scale and variety of Shinsegae Centum City exemplify South Korea’s trend toward multi-functional shopping complexes, catering to consumers who look for both shopping and entertainment in one location. 

The department store’s emphasis on luxury and experience-based shopping has helped solidify its reputation as a premier retail destination not only in Busan but in South Korea. Its combination of high-end retail, diverse dining, and leisure activities has made it a popular site for tourists and locals alike, setting a high standard for what a modern shopping center can offer.

A visit to Shinsegae Centum City

I was still looking for Korean underwear and Oriol was still on the hunt for cheap and original clothes. Original as in not to be found back home. 

Perhaps we didn’t look well enough, but we found nothing our liking. Most brands we saw were high end. 

Gwangalli Beach

Nxt up was Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) or Gwangan Beach. Gwangalli Beach is a popular beach located in the Suyeong district of Busan. It’s known for its soft sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. 

Stretching 1.4 kilometres along the coastline, the beach is famous for its picturesque views of the Gwangan Bridge (Gwangandaegyo), which spans across the bay and is beautifully illuminated at night. This dual-level suspension bridge, stretching over 7.4 kilometers, adds a unique scenic backdrop to the beach, with multicolored lights that create a spectacular sight, especially during the evenings.

Gwangalli Beach is popular not only for swimming and sunbathing but also for its array of water sports and recreational activities. 

The waters are relatively shallow, making it suitable for families, and visitors often engage in activities like paddleboarding, jet skiing, and windsurfing. The beachfront is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops, giving the area a lively vibe that appeals to both locals and tourists. 

The neighbourhood around the beach is also known for its trendy, laid-back culture, with street performances, festivals, and art installations frequently taking place along the shoreline.

One of the highlights of Gwangalli Beach is the annual Busan Fireworks Festival, held every autumn. The event attracts large crowds who gather to watch spectacular firework displays that are synchronised with lights on the Gwangan Bridge. This festival has become one of Busan’s major events, drawing spectators from across the country and internationally.

In addition to its entertainment and recreational appeal, Gwangalli Beach is known for its water quality initiatives. In recent years, the city has implemented measures to improve the water’s cleanliness, using eco-friendly practices and advanced technology to monitor and maintain its standards. This dedication to water quality has enhanced Gwangalli’s reputation as a clean and safe beach, contributing to its popularity.

Busan Tower

And finally, we ended our sightseeing at Busan Tower (부산타워). 

Busan Tower is a landmark observation tower located in Yongdusan Park in the heart of Busan. Standing at 120 metres, the tower offers panoramic views of Busan’s urban skyline, harbour, and surrounding mountains. 

Built in 1973, it was designed in a traditional Korean architectural style, inspired by the aesthetic of a pagoda, giving it a unique look compared to more modern observation towers.

The tower serves as a popular attraction, especially in the evening when the city lights illuminate the landscape, providing a vibrant, nighttime view of Busan. The observation deck, accessible by elevator, offers a 360-degree view of Busan, including landmarks like Jagalchi Fish Market, Gwangalli Beach, and the iconic Gwangan Bridge. Inside, there are various exhibits and multimedia presentations that showcase Busan’s history, culture, and landmarks, adding an educational dimension to the experience.

Surrounding Busan Tower is Yongdusan Park, a green space with traditional statues, flower gardens, and sculptures, which make it a peaceful spot for both tourists and locals. 

The park also features monuments commemorating historical figures and events, further enriching the cultural experience of the visit.

South Korea 2024

1. QUESTION | Should you be scared of travelling to South Korea?.
2. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – Brussels to Doha.
3. QATAR | Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
4. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Airbus A350 – Doha to Seoul / Incheon.
5. SOUTH KOREA | Landing at Incheon, retrieving the Wowpass and taking the AREX to Seoul Station.
6. REVIEW | Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul near City Hall.
7. SEOUL | Deoksugung Palace by day.
8. SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum.
9. SEOUL | Bukchon Hanok Village – Insadong Culture Street – Jogyesa Temple – Gwangjang Market – Cheonggyecheon Stream.
10. SEOUL 2024 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
11. SHOPPING IN SEOUL | Myeongdong – Lotte Young Plaza – Avenuel – Lotte Department Store.
12. SEOUL | Namsan Mountain Park and N Seoul Tower.
13. SOUTH KOREA | Seoul Station.
14. REVIEW | Korail KTX Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan.
15. GYEONGJU | Daereungwong – Cheonmachong – Cheomseongdae Observatory – Banwolseong Fortress – Anapji Pond – Woljeonggyo Bridge – Gyo-dong.
16. REVIEW | Hotel Palace in Gyeongju.
17. GYEONGJU | Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
18. GYEONGJU | Woljeonggyo Bridge – Gyeongju National Museum – Eupseong Fortress – Shopping.
19. REVIEW | Korail KTX Gyeongju to Busan 1st class.
20. BUSAN | Gamcheon Culture Village.
21. BUSAN | Jagalchi Fish Market.
22. REVIEW | Commodore Hotel Busan.
23. KOREA | Haedong Yonggung Temple in Busan.
24. BUSAN | Haedong Blue Line Park, Sky Capsules, Beach Train and Haeundae Green Railway.