4D3N The Best No-Nonsense #Instaworthy Busan Itinerary

My wife and I are the biggest Korean fanatics. Even with two kids, we find time to binge watch k-dramas all these years. 50 series would be an under estimation. We did Seoul, but frankly, it's Singapore with a river in between, and with a different season. Last year when we started on Busan, many including us would think that Busan is a third-world fishing village or a zombie town (geddit?).

But after doing our homework, our eyes are opened. Now we absolutely fell in love with Busan, so much so we travelled there twice in two months.

If you have been reading my humble blog, you would know that we are always looking out for the best photo opportunities. And yes, that means missing out the humble malls and local roadside stalls. But time is limited, it is what it is.

We have stayed in a couple of places - Gwangalli (BAMU + AirBnb) and Haeundae (Signiel). Both are fantastic as they are beside the beach, so you can wake up to the sea breeze. Gwangalli is famous for the long stretch of cafes and bars, while Haeundae for its upscale hotels and night activities. For us, we LOVE Gwangalli, I even joked about getting a holiday house there.

BAMU (Boutique hotel with this sick view)

Signiel Busan (Upscale hotel with free flow Diptyque)

Unlike the other itineraries, I will leave out the flights but list suggestions on places to go.

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Day 1: Gwangalli

There is no better way to start than to chillax at the famous Gwangalli Beach, lined with countless beautiful cafes and bars. For breakfast/brunch, I suggest:

Working Holiday (>2000 reviews, 4.9 stars) - The vibes is strong with this, you'll be getting a lot of sentiments if you are from or love Australia. If you are craving for a Western brunch - Egg Benedict, pasta, cakes, this is the place. 

La feuille - A coffee and bakery place with many queuing for their freshly baked pastries. It's those kind of shop when you walk past, the smell of bread hits you in the right spot. You must try their croissant and salt bread.

Spend the day exploring their local shops or lazing at the beach. It's a pretty long stretch, so there's lots to see. For meals I suggest:

Modern British Fine Dining at JAAN By Kirk Westaway

JAAN By Kirk Westaway has been sitting on our to-go list for the longest time. Back then, with limited funds in our accounts, a dinner close to $1000 seem almost impossible, after all we had two children and stacks of bills to pay. Years passed, we thank God that we made it, so on our recent 8th wedding anniversary, we finally checked JAAN off the list.

There are restaurants that you go for a simple dinner. But there are also restaurants that you go for memories. JAAN is no doubt the latter. The moment you exited at level seventy of Swissotel, you will be greeted with a vast, panoramic view of Singapore's city skyline. The tables spaced comfortably, dressed in premium white. Sculptural chandelier hung just overhead.