Hucheon Village
A refreshing work that subverts the typical K-drama tropes with its bleak and impoverished setting. There are no domineering CEOs or wealthy heirs. The female lead has dreams but is unmotivated, the male lead is weak and incompetent in his love life, and the second female lead breaks up with a jerk, crying as she switches from a taxi to the subway because the fare is too expensive... They gather at the rooftop Nam-il Bar here, looking out at the myriad lights while drinking and chatting. The male and female leads kiss here... This ordinary life, with no cheats or miraculous turnarounds, becomes radiant and happy through the gaze of a loved one.
Baekjeon Cultural Village
Baekjeon Cultural Village is the filming location for the movie 'The Attorney', the variety show 'Infinite Challenge', and the Korean drama 'Entertainer'. However, it shows no signs of being overly commercialized, with not even a single souvenir shop in sight. The village walls are adorned with light blue murals, and along the way, you may encounter cats and dogs. Villagers plant vegetables in flower pots, and you can easily pick small chili peppers.
Jeongnangak
Jeongnangak Tea House, with its name resonating with cultural crystal, is its latest symbol. The tea house is a two-story Japanese-style structure, with all building materials such as wood and glass imported from Japan. It has now become a place for public cultural activities. You can order coffee and check out the simple menu, which offers some basic drinks like American coffee, plum tea, and yuzu tea. The prices are affordable, with a unified price across the board. IU's new song 'Through the Night' MV was filmed here, and you can find it on YouTube with a quick search. It is said that the place is packed on weekends and has become a popular spot on social media.
Gijang Catholic Church
A small chapel by the sea in Gijang. It is not a real church; it was built during the filming of the Korean drama 'Dream'. After the drama aired, it became a tourist attraction and was rated as one of the top ten dating spots in Busan. Outside the church, there are chairs specifically for tourists to take photos. From the railing, you can see the green lighthouse and speedboats racing by. The Korean drama 'Dream' is a sports-themed work that tells the story of a young man, played by Kim Bum, who grew up in a reformatory due to his crimes and strives to become an athlete.
Hilton Hotel Cafe
Arriving at the six-star hotel 'Hilton Hotels & Resorts', you feel truly refreshed! The perfectly symmetrical design cures all the bad habits of OCD. Everywhere is a scenic spot, perfect for taking photos, although the coffee and tea are a bit expensive. The hotel officially opened on July 1, 2017, and is the newest landmark building in the eastern part of Busan, the first place in Busan to see the sunrise over the sea. The resort where Krystal (Jung Soo-jung) filmed an advertisement in 'Bride of the Water God 2017' was shot right here.
Come to the Gukje Market in Busan and let the bustling atmosphere engulf you! During the day, it has a quaint and fresh vibe, but at night, the market comes alive with large shopping malls, street stalls, and general stores! It's like spreading your arms and dancing. After the Korean War, the Gukje Market was a 'survival battlefield' for refugees to seek shelter and make a living. They made a living by selling daily necessities imported from Busan Port, hence the name 'Gukje Market'. Now, the goods sold include fashion, leather products, electronics, and toys, which are 20-30% cheaper than regular market prices. The Gukje Market is adjacent to the Imported Goods Market and Jagalchi Market, making it a famous shopping area in Busan where you can buy many souvenirs. The touching Korean movie 'Ode to My Father' was filmed at the Gukje Market. There are movie posters and photo spots for tourists. Friends who have seen the movie should not miss this place.
Before visiting Busan, my deepest impression of it, besides watching the movie 'Train to Busan', is the Busan International Film Festival. Established in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in South Korea and Asia. It is supported and sponsored by the Busan city government, the film industry, and the business community. The festival is held annually from September to October in Busan, with the main venue being BIFF Square in Nampo-dong, Busan. Starting from the 9th edition, the main venue was moved from Nampo-dong to Haeundae, but BIFF Square still hosts various stalls and TV performances.
