June 27, 2017 - Day #25 Busan or Bust (Bus)!

June 27, 2017

The three of us slept in and checked out of the hotel at 10am. We headed to Busan Station to reunite with the rest of the family who was due to arrive at 11:15am. 

The purpose of visiting Busan was for Ben who grew up here in Chinatown and was conveniently located across the street from the train station. We made our way on foot and Ben quickly found his old elementary school. Back then, it was a Chinese school and the Chinese were segregated from the Koreans. He has memories of his classrooms and playing basketball on the playground. The school looked rundown but is still operating. 

Up the hill, Ben showed us where his house used to be. Unfortunately it's been torn down. All that is left is a big hole and is blocked by tall walls. Looks like something new is going to replace it. 

Once Ben was done reminiscing of his childhood, we walked back to the train station to catch the City Bus Tour. It's a hop on hop off bus that takes you around Busan to popular areas. Initially we were going to get off to visit a couple of stops but due to time constraints we stayed on for the 2 hours round trip. Most of us sat on the upper deck to enjoy the view, while some of us got a good nap. One of the highlights of the bus ride was going on a spiral roller coaster like bridge. It was cool and scary at the same time. The bridge was high and narrow. 

We return back to Busan Station around 4:30pm.  The station had a food court and everyone was on their own for lunch/dinner. Russell and I picked up some varieties of fish cakes and had Soon do bo and an omelette at a restaurant. After having mediocre food, we regretted not leaving the station for better food. 

Everyone arrived on time to catch the 6pm KTX back to Seoul.  I can't express how much I like the KTX. Free WIFI with USB charging outlets at every comfy seat. Matty and Russell watched Netflix movies and I was able to make phone calls. 

We arrived at Seoul Station around 9pm. It was a nice night so we walked the mile back to the hotel. Upon arriving to the hotel, Grammy announced that she was hungry and wanted to eat. Since Russell and I was planning to go eat anyways we said that we will join her. Ben picked the Korean BBQ next to the hotel recommended by the hotel staff. The seven of us (Grammy, Ben, Emilie, Nicole, Carter, Russell, and I) sat down to a fantastic meal. Ben ordered "light", 4 orders of galbi and a bim bim bap. The bill came out to be 130,000 wons!  That's an expensive late night snack but so delicious!

Nicole and Emilie wanted some shaved ice but all our favorite places was closing and wouldn't seat us. We ended up getting street ice cream, Bee Honey ice cream, which Russell wasn't too impressed with.  Time to head back to the hotel so we can rest up for tomorrow's early morning excursion.