DropTop Cafe

DropTop Cafe is one of the endless cafe's that a traveler will come across if they are in South Korea. With so many cafes it is a wonder that they all successfully operate. How do so many cafes maintain enough business to enable themselves to stay open? Well, I think it is how well each cafe caters its own atmosphere to its customers. Some cafes are great for being social, others for getting work done, and others for that delicious drink, toast, or dessert.



Upon my move to Naju, DropTop Cafe became my go-to place for all of these things. As I adjusted to my life in Korea, I found myself visiting this cafe consistently. At first it was because of the free WiFi, since I had not set up a phone yet, had no WiFi in my apartment, and was starting the life of an English teacher: an Internet connection was something I could not live without. As time moved on I realized that the atmosphere of the cafe kept me coming back. It was always clean, relatively quiet and relaxing, and the staff always tried just as hard to communicate with me as I did with them. We worked together to get over the language barrier so that I could order their delicious drinks. Sometimes it took some embarrassed laughs and apologies, but I was never disappointed in my service. Their service was beyond expectations, or maybe it just seemed that way to me because I am a foreigner...

Every time I get up to leave and throw out my trash, the staff comes, takes my tray, and disposes of everything for me. This is extremely kind of them, but I think it boils down to the fact that they don't trust me to properly separate and dispose of things considering Korea's extensive trash/recycling protocols. Either way, the fact that those types of things occur to them just goes to show how dedicated they are to their job.

I also like the design of the cafe. I love how the walls are glass, and that in the summer the walls fold and open nearly the entire cafe up to the summer breeze. Or if it is too hot, they can keep them closed and simply crank up the air conditioning. They also have an assortment of seating, from bench seating, tables, bar-style seats, and several larger tables. They even have a patio with tables and umbrellas on the rooftop for customers to enjoy the weather and the view overlooking the park nearby. The decoration of the cafe is simple and classy, with some rustic murals on the walls, woodwork, and a bookshelf for a dividing wall between areas of the cafe.

Wall Mural

I go to DropTop to use their free internet. I go there to sample all their drinks and toast. I go there to chat with friends when I should be lesson planning. I study Korean there. I watch dramas there. I lesson plan there. I see a vast majority of my students pass by as they head home...as the knock on the windows just to get my attention and wave at me. It is my place to both escape responsibilities and to dive into them, based on my mood.

Of course, with each visit I attempt to try something new from their menu. They have quite the span of drinks available, with everything from coffee, tea, fruit juices, ades, and more.

Here are some of the things I have tried:

First there is the Honey Almond Toast with whipped cream on top. By far some of the most delicious toast I have eaten in a cafe so far. The toast was already cut, allowing it to be easily eaten. The outer crust was nice and crunchy, while the inside was soft and sweet. The light whipped cream added that extra layer of texture that tied the flavors together really well. The green tea lattes were also delicious. I have ordered their green tea lattes countless times. They are probably my favorite thing to drink if I want something simple. The green tea lattes is of course, green...but it also is great for people who prefer their green tea sweet. I never liked green tea, until I discovered the sweetened version. The taste of green tea is fantastic once it is not so bitter, yet it still has that healthy and natural taste. It isn't overpoweringly sweet.

Sweet Potato Latte

This was the second drink that I tried at DropTop, a sweet potato latte. When it arrived I was really surprised, because it was purple. It was a really pretty color. It was not one of my favorite drinks, but I did like it. It was refreshing, and tasted starchy. Since it is a latte based on a starch, it also did taste healthy and more natural than artificial.

Vanilla Latte

The vanilla latte offered at DropTop is delicious as well. It had good vanilla flavor and was nicely balanced. 

Chocolate Latte 

The chocolate latte was one that surprised me when I first tasted it. I expected something that was sweet and chocolate flavored like chocolate syrup. However, what I tasted when I took that first sip was not chocolate syrup, but cocoa. The drink tasted much more like true cocoa and so it was more bitter than chocolate drinks I've had in the past. It wasn't that it was bad tasting, but it was a taste that I hadn't expected. It tasted more fresh and natural than an artificial drink. It was good, but I think it made me thirstier in the long run, longing for water. 

Strawberry Juice with whip and gelato

As you can probably tell, I like sweet drinks. This one was one of those drinks that I liked a lot because it was sweet. The strawberry juice was really fresh and authentic. The gelato was sweet, mixed with light whip cream and all together it was a very satisfying drink. 

Garlic Cheese Bread

The garlic cheese bread has an inside which is soft and buttery while the outer crust is crisp. It is cheesy and sprinkled in garlic, but is sweet at the same time. I found it very satisfying, as I've missed my garlic and cheese fix since coming overseas.

Peach Ade

The peach ade had a surprising tang to it which was refreshing with the hot summer days. It had small peach chunks in it too. I would suggest giving it a brief stir when you first drink it to sort of mix the flavors together more thoroughly.

Black Tea Latte

Creamy, milky, cold black tea in latte form. Yummy.

Not like American lemonade. If you are looking for a balanced sweet and sour lemonade this is not it. The taste is very sour and pure lemon; it was good, but as a lover of sweets it was something I had to drink really slowly. Oh wow was it sour, that first sip made me pucker up real quickly. I was unable to finish off the entire drink.

This was a seasonal cake that they began offering during the winter. It was January when I went and tried it,  it's a red velvet and green tea cake. It was good and the flavor profile was unlike the usual flavors offered. It tasted like a mix of home and Korea together: Red Velvet + Green Tea. I liked it, but I think it is something that I wouldn't eat often. Definitely it was something you'd need to eat when you were in the mood for it, it was fairly rich. I also loved the presentation of it. The employees always make the orders look so beautiful before serving them. So if you are the type of person to Instagram your food, DropTop is an Instagram-worthy cafe. Feed your subscribers. 

Ladies and gentlemen I give you the double chocolate mint Dropucino! Yayyyy. Satisfying all my winter blues with delicious minty goodness topped with whip, this seasonal beverage hit the spot. It was perfectly chocolaty and infused with mint flavor, perfect for a cold and snowy day.

As I try more of the menu, I will update this post and let you know what I think!

For the Korean website click here.

Western Style Bar in Gangnam, Seoul - Kathy's Bar and Pub

I am a bit behind in my posts, too busy living the life to find time to write about it, so I realize this post is coming a bit late. However, towards the end of September I found myself in Seoul, again, to celebrate a friend's birthday. During our time out enjoying the night in Gangnam, our mutual friends took us to a bar called Kathy's Bar and Pub. This is one of the more western style bar's that I have been to, and it made me feel very much like I was back at home having a night out near my university's campus. It was nostalgic and so I wanted to share a bit about the place.

Now, I have nothing against soju, in fact it isn't that bad at all, but it had been a while since I had any western style alcohol and I have a preference for mixed drinks. If I can't taste the alcohol, all the better. I went with five of my friends and they ordered some type of set deal for drinks. I am not sure what the set was, but I do know that it was expensive. Compared to how much it would've cost had I been in the USA though, I think it probably wasn't much different. With our set we got a large bottle of Smirnoff vodka and had various mixed drinks made from it, such as those below:


               


However, what truly made the place likable was the atmosphere.

Kathy's is a rather small bar and pub, with a few tables/booths and two or three smaller tables on a balcony overlooking the street. Decorated with alcoholic paraphernalia, it very much resembled pubs back at home for me. Simple, not too loud, a likable host, and nice drinks made it the perfect place to socialize.

This all considered, it was the owner Mr. K that tied it all together. He was a very people friendly bartender, and he made sure that anyone in his pub had an entertaining evening. He made a show of mixing our drinks for us, right at our table. When our drinks were reaching the bottom of the glass he would be right there to mix us our next one. He didn't let our glasses sit empty for long, so I guess he is quite the business man as well. Our drinks were tasty, not overpoweringly strong, pretty, and overall they satisfied. Since it was my friends birthday he also gave her a birthday shot, which we were expecting since it was a western style place.

Mr. K is also an active Instagram promoter, and often takes photos with the guests and posts them on the pub's Instagram page, so you can find photos of your group's fun night out later. Don't worry, the photos he takes are nice ones.


To see more about this pub, perhaps visit the links below:
Facebook
Naver

Napoleon Musical - 뮤지칼 나폴레옹

On the evening of September 16th I attended my very first theatrical performance at the Charlotte Theater in Jamsil, Seoul. I had never seen a true professional level musical before, and I thought it was unique that the first time I would see one it would be in a different language. Now, that did mean understanding it was very difficult, because I don't know Korean very well. However, since the actors were wonderful and I know a tiny bit of Korean, I was able to somewhat follow along, at least for the first half... I am sure it would have been more meaningful had I understood it fully, but I still think it was worth the money I paid to go.

The Charlotte Theater was gorgeous. It is small, but I thought it still was grand. I felt a little out of place and under-dressed, like I was in a place for high class people as a wannabe member of the middle class society. It was okay though, as there were many commonly dressed people mixed in with some very over dressed ones. Immediately you could pick out the die hard musical fans from those just looking for a new experience. The color scheme of the theater was soothing and tasteful, with a beautiful staircase and an escalator also. It was a harmonious mix of a classic theater and 21st century technology.

At first I was concerned that the seats my friend and I had were not optimal, because we were the 5th row back in the balcony. I was worried we wouldn't be able to see very well. However, since it is a small theater, even from our seats the view was clear and close. Now if there is one thing that I can say for certain it is that the theater does not tolerate much of anything, they are SUPER strict, especially when it comes to photos and seating. When we entered the theater a man helped us to our seats and we were told no photos were allowed inside the theater. Of course...everyone I know would try to sneak a photo... I just wanted visual evidence of my presence inside a theater for the first time. I thought taking a photo of my ticket would at least be acceptable, since it was just a simple piece of paper, one that I spent lots of money on....

However...as I took the picture...of my ticket, in my lap, I had someone approach me and reprimand me. It was a bit of a disappointment. Surely I thought at least photographing my ticket would be okay. I wanted to try and take just one photo of the stage before the performance began, but considering I had already been told twice, I certainly wasn't going to risk being asked to leave just for a stupid photo. I decided to just enjoy the show with my eyes and memory.

I noticed they also were very strict with the seating. During the showing the night I was there a majority of the balcony was empty. I was surprised by this, since when I bought tickets it had showed the rows in front of me were sold out, but upon arrival they were vacant. Now in most cases, anyone would try to sit closer, since the seats were there. I didn't; I was content with where I was and I am glad. Prior to the beginning of the show and then again during intermission every seat was checked one by one to ensure people were where they belonged. If anyone was seated incorrectly they were asked to move, even if the seat was vacant. Of course, this is because some seats are considered VIP, and the ticket prices vary depending on the seat. I was surprised because they took it seriously down to the exact seat. There was one couple sitting in front of me who were just one seat to the right of where there assigned seats were, by mistake, and they were asked to move. I guess since the theater has many sold out shows it is important that the seats are heavily and always enforced, even when there is a show with a smaller audience.

On to the show itself, I thought that it was amazing and well put together. The actors had voices that fit their parts very well and the costumes fit the time period well. What I found intriguing was the set changes. In university I had taken a class on the history of theater and how ancient Greek and Roman theaters through modern times worked. I never thought this was information I would apply to my daily life, and yet, here I was using it. It made me curious to see the actual mechanics of how they could change the set so drastically in an instant. I wanted to go back stage just to see how it all worked firsthand. I thought the set changing was awesome. Also, now days the set can change digitally too. The theater could lower a transparent screen so that the actors and set could be seen through it, but also special effects could be projected to overlay the performance. It was a pretty unique way to add to the show.



Another bonus (actually...the main reason I saw this particular musical in the first place) is that my favorite singer, DaeHyun, from B.A.P., was performing in his first musical for the part of Napoleon's brother Lucien. It was fun to see him and his musical talent in a different form from just strictly the kpop idol style of music. It was also really wonderful to be able to see him in person and his handsome, famous, and spectacular talent. Seeing your favorite celebrities in person is a whole new experience, it solidifies the fact that they are a true, living person and not just some fictional person that you idolize. It makes the experience so much more real.




The musical lasted approximately 3 hours when you included the intermission at the half way point. The first half I was able to comprehend for the most part just based on the acting, but I got lost during the second half. I am pretty sure at some point that characters died and it was focused on decisions and regret, but I can't be sure without understanding Korean. Even if I can't understand it exactly, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to go, for the experience, the set, the actors, the fancy building, and for my favorite singer.

On the staircase leading to the balcony 

Info on the Charlotte Theater:
English:Charlotte Theater
Main Website (Korean Only)

Seoul Rage Room

In the search for new and exciting things to occupy my time while visiting Seoul on the weekend, my friend and I came across the Seoul Rage Room. Located in Hongdae, it is exactly what it sounds like, a room where you can literally just smash stuff. I think it can be a very therapeutic experience to anyone who has pent up anxiety or stress. There are several different packages that you can choose from, which vary in price depending on how much you want to break. My friend and I opted for the 40,000 Won package, which was the third most expensive out of the five packages that were offered. Included with that price we were given about 20 ceramics, a printer, 2 bats and 15-20 minutes inside the room. It sounds a bit on the pricey side, but I assure you it was certainly worth it. It was so much fun. 

You can make reservations online for any specified time, and I recommend heading there early. It took my friend and I awhile to find it since it is on a side street and Korean streets can feel like a maze at times. Even following my map we got briefly lost. Once you arrive you will be asked to sign a waiver so it isn't the establishments fault if you get injured, then suit up, and smash. They provide suits so that any debris, fragments, or dust stay off your clothing, as well as a helmet equipped with a full face shield to prevent shattered ceramics from flying back into your face. If you desire, there are also headsets to block out some of the noise, but I thought the sound of shattering glass was the best part. The rules were also simple, please try to aim your throws at the target, refrain from hitting the walls with the bat, and not to hit the storage container.

It may seem like 15-20 minutes is not a long time, but I think it was more than enough time to smash what we were given. By the time 15 minutes had passed we were both exhausted, out of breath, and muscles we had forgotten existed were aching. 

When we first began, the music was turned up load and blaring, which created the perfect atmosphere for shattering things. The rules were explained and the worker showed us a place we could mount our phone if we wanted to record. It seemed to me that they really had thought things through, the phone mount was such a simple addition that showed they were up to date with modern times. Of course anyone who came would want to record themselves. Once he left the room my friend and I jumped straight into it. First, we started by throwing the ceramics at the target on the wall. The shattering sounds were really great. I was surprised a few times however, when one of the ceramics wouldn't break and I would have to try again. This pleasant surprise made it more fun. It felt like the dishes were saying, 'You have to throw us harder than that!' 

Then we moved on to the bats and played a bit of ceramic baseball, taking turns pitching each other plates to hit. When I reviewed the video I recorded later those hits were some of the most impressive to see. Out of ceramics, it was then time to smash the printer. My friend and I beat it until it was nothing but a crumpled piece of metal and shards of plastic. Finally, we assaulted the dummy in the room with our bats. The poor dummy looked like he had seen much better days; his head was nearly detached he had been hit so many times. My friend and I competed to see who could hit the dummy the hardest, so it received an onslaught of hits, attacked from both sides. 

Exhausted and out of breath, we ran out of things to break so we packed up and left. It is an experience I am glad to have tried and if I had some extra money or a bad day I would do it again. Unfortunately I think the price is too expensive for frequent visits. 

The rage room is also very close in proximity to Hongik University, which is either a coincidence or very well planned. What better way to make money than open up a rage room near a university that I am sure is filled with stressed students, and also in an area known for its popularity and foreign presence. 

This is the address for anyone interested in checking it out!

서울시 마포구 와우산로19길 15 3층

3F, 15, Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Busan Vacation Day 2

Day 2 of my Busan vacation ... 시작!

First up on the itinerary, Haedong Yonggung Temple. What makes this temple unique is that it is one of few Buddhist temples located along the shoreline. Most temples are located high and deep in the mountainside, and yet this temple boasts a rocky coastline view and the rhythmic crash of the waves. It took quite some time to get here from where our hostel was located, but it was definitely worth it. The serene atmosphere that surrounded the temple combined with its excellent design, architecture and music set me at ease. Transportation to the temple is simple, just take the subway to Haeundae station (line 2, exit 7) and then take bus 181 from there to the temple's bus stop. The bus drops you off at the roadway for the temple, and it takes about another 10-15 minutes to walk the rest of the way. Another plus to this temple is that it has free admission! Before reaching the temple you are met with various shops, restaurants, and street vendors selling everything from food, shirts, hats, and jewelry to other Buddhism related worship items. From there you enter a scenic stairwell leading down to the ocean, lined with bamboo, a tunnel, various Buddha statues for different purposes, and many stone lanterns.

Your first detour will be to the left of the stairs as you head in, here you will find the best photo point, where you can see the whole temple as it lines the ocean's rocky shore. There are many photo zones here, as well as places for prayer. I spent most of my time taking pictures in this area. The sound of the waves hitting the rocks filled me with peace and a sense of home. If it wasn't for the beautiful temple view I would have momentarily forgot where I was. I crawled down on the rocks near the water's edge, soaking in the heat of the sun, the flow of the water, and the fresh smell of the sea. Not wanting to fry my skin in the direct sun, I couldn't stay long. I headed into the actual temple next. To enter the temple you cross a very beautifully designed bridge. As you reach the bridge, to your right there are many Buddha statues and a wishing well (I missed :/ ). The inner temple was brightly colored and filled with people young and old who were paying their respects and praying. It always interests me to witness such a foreign form of prayer; so I observed from a distance to not disturb anyone.

Here I encountered one of the largest golden outdoor Buddha's that I have come across so far. It was very bright and shone in the sunlight. Something so bright and shiny made me wonder, "How often do you think that must be cleaned?" I also wondered what material it was made out of, as it has to withstand the salty ocean spray and not rust.

Lastly, I followed the stairs through another bamboo tunnel to a spot overlooking the temple from behind. Here there was another large statue, this time of the Goddess of Mercy, Gwanseumbosal (관음 or 관세음). Haedong Yonggungsa is one of three temples in Korea dedicated to this goddess, with the motto, "At least one of your wishes will be answered here through your heartful prayers" (Haedong Yonggung Temple, 2008).

Whether you practice Buddhism, want to get a sense of what the religion and its practices consist of, or you just want to visit a beautiful temple on the Korean coast, this temple is a must see thanks to its beauty and calming atmosphere.

Dongbaekseom Island (once an island, but not actually an island anymore...) was stop number two for the day. Nestled between both Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches, from the point of the peninsula is a panoramic view of the ocean and the beaches on either side. To the left Haeundae beach with its young, upbeat mood and hundreds of umbrellas can be seen. Meanwhile, to the right of the point Gwangalli beach is visible in the distance with its iconic Gwangangdaegyo bridge of lights. The walk around the island isn't too long, and if you go on a hot day like I did there is a cafe at the point near the lighthouse where you can buy yourself something to drink. The area is known for its camellia blooms, but unfortunately I visited during the one time of year they aren't blooming. There is also a mermaid statue located at the entrance which is made completely out of Pacific Ocean plastic. I found this symbolic, especially since I had just been complaining about the ocean's plastic accumulation problems and litter issues on Haeundae beach the previous day.

View from the point - toward Gwangalli beach 

To get to the 'island', take subway line 2 and get of at Dongbaek station, exit 1. Then, follow the road about 1km, over a small bridge, and past the Westin Chosun Hotel and then you are there.


Our final stop on our last full day in Busan was Gwangalli Beach. I found that Gwangalli beach had a much more laid back feel to it than the bustling Haeundae. The beach was a lot less crowded, much cleaner, had outdoor showers to rinse yourself, and even had stations to wash your feet. Gwangalli appeared more family friendly, but still stimulating enough for younger crowds. The nightlife here is equally satisfying, with many restaurants and norebang places lining the streets and a stunning night view of Gwangangdaegyo Bridge. Not to mention, it was quite easy to find lockers here, and they only cost 500 won. There is a service center along the beach and the man there not only could tell us the times the beach was open, but directed us to the lockers and changing areas nearby. Everything ran much smoother.

Finally I had my first chance to swim since leaving the USA; I could have cried I was so thrilled. The ocean helped me with that. I love swimming and the water, but I realized I have taken Michigan's freshwater lakes for granted. Man does saltwater burn your eyes. It stung like crazy and my eyes were bloodshot by the time I got out of the water. For the first time I also had to beware what was in the water that I couldn't see. In the Great Lakes I never had to worry about much in the water aside from mussels cutting my feet, yet now all I could visualize was an encounter with sharks or jellyfish. I know that it's a bit of a reach, not everyone who swims in the ocean is in danger, but just the thought that it was truly a possibility for the first time made me anxious.

Since most Koreans cannot swim, my long stokes swimming in the deep water gained me some attention as well. I had several older women and other people strolling the beach stop and watch me for a few moments before going on their way. Salty, potentially dangerous water or not, I enjoyed my swim and was refreshed, well exercised, and at peace when I finished.

Night View of Gwangalli Beach

The mood of the beach made me feel at home, so it was a refreshing way to spend the last night of my vacation. There was a festival taking place here as well, and so there was a stage set up and some sort of zumba dance contest occurring with really upbeat music. Everyone standing around and watching on the beach couldn't help but move to the beat of the music and dance. As I mentioned before, the view was also stunning. Out of all the places I have been that had beautiful night views along the coast, I think the view from Gwangalli Beach is better than places in Yeosu or Mokpo. The bridge is gorgeous to look at and has a great light show. When the bridge lights connect to all the lights of the skyscrapers lining the street it becomes one long panorama of lights. It could almost have been a scene from a movie it was so perfect. About the only thing that could have made the atmosphere and mood any better at all would have been if I were on a magical date. That would've been wonderful, but it wasn't the case. I could settle to have good times and good food with a friend instead though, it was still an amazing evening.

Below is a video of the light show on Gwangangdaegyo Bridge. 

Busan Vacation Day 1

Gamcheon Culture Village - 감천문화마을

Summer is here! Finally I was able to take my week vacation. With shoreline beaches calling to me, it was off to Busan that I went. It was a vacation well spent. After spending about 4 hours on the bus to get there, and having a somewhat rough taxi ride to our guest house, my friend and I finally made it. We payed and escaped the embarrassing argument that our taxi driver had gotten into, and safely checked in to Yusun Guesthouse. It wasn't the fanciest guest house or the nicest, but we had a room to ourselves, WiFi, free ramyeon, and nice hosts. Plus, the rooms were named after planets, and we were staying in Uranus, so the jokes were never ending throughout the trip. The guest house also was conveniently located near the Gimhae airport.

For our first night I took my friend to the one area I was already familiar with from my previous Busan trip, Jagalchi and BIFF square (Busan International Film Festival). Jagalchi was the same as the last time I visited, lively and wet. This time however, as we were waking through one of the big fish decided to make a big splash as we were passing; I had a nice, refreshing saltwater bath. I left Jagalchi a bit saltier than when I arrived. Yay for seawater. We looked around all the street vendors selling food and tried some tasty stuff: fishcakes, skewered chicken, potato spirals, and even rolled ice cream. I always watched videos of street vendors making the rolled ice cream desert on Facebook. Finally I could be one of those traveled people and make a video of it myself. I went simple with just strawberry ice cream, but it was smooth, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

The following day we started out at Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을). It was as enchanting as I had heard, although the hellish heat took some of the fun out of it. We didn't do the scavenger hunt or see the entire village start to finish, but we walked around, saw the sights and the meandering pathways from house to house. The entire village is very artistic, with murals, uniquely painted wooden fish, and crafts all throughout the paths. Aside from the stunning views, my most memorable moment at the village was the liquid nitrogen cereal that I tried. Hands down has to be one of the most exciting things I've eaten, and as a science major I could appreciate the use of liquid nitrogen for creative purposes. My curiosity had to be satisfied. It is a simple treat, cereal puffs and liquid nitrogen. You dip the puffs into the nitrogen, pick them up with your chopsticks, let them drip dry, place them in your mouth, close it tight, and crush them. When the puffs collapse they emit lots of smoke, which if you keep your mouth shut, will pour out of your nose. It is awesome. Keeping your mouth shut can prove to be difficult though, as in my case not only was it very cold, but I kept choking on the smoke. The whole experience was very fun and exciting; I highly recommend giving it a try if you stumble upon some.

Fish Say - House of Light this way

Room of Moon

Fish show you the way

Fish made of fish!

Liquid Nitrogen Cereal Puffs! 

Below is the video of the street vendor making the liquid nitrogen cereal for me. 

Village Hours:  March - November (9:00 - 18:00), December - February (9:00 - 17:00)

As the village is a residential area, they ask you only tour at specific times.

Follow the transportation directions located here. To get to the bus stop from the subway station, exit the station and go straight, following the sidewalk until you come to the first bus stop.  You shouldn't need to cross the street. The bus I took was green in color, and it will have a sign in English for the village. 

From the culture village our next stop was the Busan Trickeye Museum (10,000 won). I had been to the one in Seoul, but was pleased to see that they weren't completely the same. This one had some different murals than the one I had already been to. It was a lot of fun acting like idiots and taking ridiculous pictures in the museum, especially since everyone there was doing it. From there we went to Centum City, Asia's largest department store. Let me tell you, it is indeed large. It was HUGE. I couldn't even imagine trying to see everything in there. I also am not sure I would want to, as the prices were pretty large in there as well. I prefer the cute things I see on the street, but if you are looking for some high quality brands Centum City might be the place.

This ladies and gentleman, is a Starbucks "Real Corn Frapucinno."
Yes you probably are wondering the same thing as I did, "What in the world is a corn frapucinno...!?! Is that even edible?"

Well I am here to tell you that yes, it is edible. If creamed corn is your thing this is the drink for you. It tastes like blended cream corn, with corn chunks, and whip cream topped with cheese powder. It was the cheese powder that didn't sit well with me, it just, did not belong. Personally I don't think the drink was bad, just too much corn in drinkable form for me in one sitting. I couldn't finish it. However, for 6,000 won you can satisfy your curiosity and get a tall sized drink.


To end our first day in Busan, we hit up Haeundae Beach. Haeundae is like THE place for young people. It was filled with people and umbrellas covered the sand. They had the beach separated into sections, swimming, water sports, etc. I wanted to swim more than anything, but unfortunately it was nearly impossible for us to find a locker for our things, and we weren't comfortable leaving our valuables unattended on the beach. While we searched for lockers, swimming time on the beach ended, as you can't swim once it begins to get dark. Instead we walked along the sand, wading in the water and listening to the music from the stage nearby. Turns out we came to Busan on a festival weekend, so there was lots happening down on the beach. That being said, the beach was trashed, literally people had left trash everywhere. It was my first time seeing such a litter covered beach, so it bothered me a bit. Every time I saw someone throw their trash in the sand or straight into the ocean I'd go off about the Pacific Garbage Patch and their contributions and...yeah...can't help it. It irritated me. Like either throw it away properly or don't buy it.

The sunset was pretty though

Once the sun set we hunted down some samgyeopsal for dinner. Someone handed us a flyer for a restaurant on the street, so we decided to try it. The waiter showed us the menu, and it said samgyeopsal 9,000 won. So I said that we wanted one serving of it. He paused and we had some brief back and fourth, eventually he used a translator app just to be sure we understood him, and told us that one serving was 3 slices of meat. We confirmed "three for 9,000?" He said yes. Now, either there was a mistranslation or we got ripped off. The food came, and it was delicious. The strips of meat were thick and tasty. I was very satisfied with our meal until I went to pay. I was charged 27,000 won. Otherwise understood as, 9,000 / strip of meat... I am not really sure what happened. The menu said 9,000; I didn't see anything specifying per piece of meat, and the waiter confirmed 3 for 9,000... and yet the bill... I don't want to assume I was ripped off either though so I just let it go. Mistranslation is possible. I thought 9,000 was a really great deal for the meal, but still 27,000 was a bit much.

To end the night we went back to Haeundae, where we had heard IU (yes, super famous singer and actress IU) was supposedly going to be a guest performance on stage for the festival. We had heard correctly! We were not anywhere near her, but with the big screen for the stage I was able to see her perform some of her music. For FREE! I like IU as an actress, but I had never listened to her music before. She sings well. It was also really amusing to see everyone sprinting across the beach when they realized why a huge crowd had gathered. I am glad I had the opportunity to see her perform, especially since she is super famous. We were very lucky, in the right place at the perfect time.

IU on stage

After IU, I also saw another of my personal favorite acts. Park Jong Won, the magician I first saw when I traveled to Yeosu, was also performing on Haeundae Beach. I made sure to get a great seat to watch his show and I was impressed once again, even if it was the same act. He is truly a talented entertainer. This time I made sure to record a different part of his act, the light sticks.

Follow Park Jong Won on Instagram @thepjw13

Once he finished up with his show my friend and I had to run and get to the last subway before they closed for the night, so our adventure for the day ended there. It was a long and eventful day. We saw many places, tried many new things, had the chance to be goofballs, and see some really great people perform. Overall it was nearly perfect.