Busan

27^th March 2012 

In the early hours of the morning we sailed into the Korean Strait and passed Tsushima  Island (the nearest Japanese Island to Korea) about 20nm off our starboard side. All night we could see bright lights from fishing boats, and we think, ships at anchor as we got closer.

We docked on time at 6 am, witnessing an impressive sunrise. It is not hard to see why this part of the world is renowned for the rising sun.

                                                                       Sunrise off Busan

Busan is a very, very busy port with incredible levels of shipping activity. It is Koreas' major shipping port, and still growing rapidly with lots of shipbuilding yards, a large new bridge under construction, dock extensions happening  and new buildings underway.

                                                      Entering the harbour

                                                            Container Terminal

                                          The National Maritime Museum

We have booked a tour to see of few of the city highlights, the Beomeosa Temple, and the Ja-Gal Ch’l Fish market. The tour left the wharf at 9.30am and we are scheduled to be back at the ship before 3pm as the ship sails at 4pm.

The tour guide we ended up with was very amusing, and as well as a comprehensive coverage of the sites we visited, we got her life story, medical condition, and a great insight into what it is like to live in Korea today. She was from Seoul and had come down for the day on the bullet train, but had lived in Busan and was very knowledgeable.

The temple was about 50 minutes from the wharf located up in the hills that surround Busan, and whilst it was a bit cool, the weather was fine and perfect for walking around. There were a few too many steps for some of the oldies (it still amazes me that despite being told there are a hundred steps over uneven ground to traverse, people with “walkers” turn up on the tour). The temple was colourful and the dialogue interesting, and overall a good visit.

Next was the fish market, which is 40 minutes away, in the middle of town. We were told that the commercial market was closed for the day, and everyone was a bit disappointed, as we thought we were not going to see anything much of interest, however, spirits picked up quickly when we arrived.

The “retail” part of the market was thriving. I have never seen such a variety of live and dried objects from the sea in one place. The market stalls are largely run by old women, and is also called the “Aunt’s Market”. All of the fish looked very fresh and there were a few things I had never see before.

It was then off to the “International Market” , just down the road, for those who haven’t had enough retail therapy yet (and there appears to be plenty in that category). We had a wander around, marveled at the variety of food stalls, more than the usual collection of souvenirs, and had not even bothered to cash any currency into Won.

The ship sailed about 15 minutes late after waiting for the usual straggling passengers, but while we were waiting a live cultural show (dancing and singing) had been organized on the dockside to farewell the Sea Princess. The portside of the ship was lined with passengers enjoying the show.

Busan was a pleasant surprise, with very friendly locals and plenty to see.

                                                              Leaving Busan