Ekaterina Blyus, a second-year student from Russia, shares her experience from the second excursion of the Spring 2025 semester to Busan Haeundae. 

If you're reading this article, prepare to be inspired, because by the end, you'll probably be searching for flights to South Korea, ready to discover its stunning sights for yourself.

Our second excursion of the Spring 2025 semester took us to the vibrant coastal city of Busan. We set out early in the morning to make the most of our day, and although the journey took about three hours, it was absolutely worth it. What we gained were memories and impressions that will last a lifetime.

Our first stop was Haeundae Beach, one of Busan's most iconic spots. We took some photos on the sand, soaking in the sea breeze and morning sun, then headed off to explore the surrounding city. My friends and I started by recharging our subway cards, planning to head toward the city center.

As we wandered, we stumbled upon a cozy restaurant called SolSot Pot Rice House (솔솥). None of us had planned to stop there, but curiosity got the best of us, and we were glad it did. We tried steak served in a hot stone pot with rice, and it was absolutely delicious. If you haven’t had this dish yet, I highly recommend it.

Our next destination was Gwangalli Beach, the second most famous beach in Busan. What makes this place special is the breathtaking view of Gwangan Bridge, especially with the soft afternoon light glinting off the water.

But the highlight of our trip, and my personal favorite, was Igidae Park. If you’ve never heard of it, put it on your list now. This walking trail winds along the coastline and offers views that will truly steal your heart. From rocky cliffs and panoramic views of the city to suspension bridges and scenic lookout points, Igidae is perfect for anyone who loves nature and peaceful adventures. As we explored the park, I began to realize that Igidae wasn’t just beautiful, it was also educational. Along the trails, we saw signs explaining coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and local conservation efforts. It reminded me how places like this are directly affected by climate change, tying in closely with SDG 13: Climate Action. This “natural classroom” further helped me understand how fragile these ecosystems are and how important it is to travel responsibly. We noticed how clean the area was, thanks to signs encouraging visitors to respect nature, take their trash with them, and stay on marked paths.

It made me reflect on my own habits. Choosing public transportation, supporting eco-friendly restaurants, and walking instead of driving are small decisions, but they matter. Experiences like this not only give us unforgettable views, but also inspire us to become more climate-conscious and contribute to a more sustainable future.

At the end of the day, we returned to the bus meeting point, and luckily, we had 15 extra minutes. We grabbed coffee and sat outside, enjoying the quiet skyline view of Busan’s modern skyscrapers. It was so cozy and peaceful that I didn’t even notice how quickly the day had passed.

Even though I visited Busan last semester, this trip felt just as special—maybe even more so. And still, I’m already looking forward to coming back again. Busan is a city that’s always ready to offer something new, no matter how many times you visit. So, if you have the chance, come see it for yourself. Even the best photos can’t fully capture the emotions I felt today.

Thank you. 감사합니다.