Day 9: Coastal Strolls, Sauna Steams, and Mackerel Meal in Busan
- wanderingazuki
- Sep 2
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Table of Content
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"Take only memories, leave only footprints." – Chief Seattle
Busan is a city that moves at its own rhythm—where the sea breeze slows you down, and the food warms you from the inside out. On our second day and day 9 of the K-Adventure, we embraced the balance of exploration and relaxation: a peaceful coastal walk, a few hours unwinding at a traditional jjimjilbang, and a mackerel meal so good it might just be the best we had in Korea.
🪟 Slow Mornings & Tea in Busan 🍵
Our morning in Busan started slow—and honestly, it was just what we needed. We had a bit of a lie-in and then headed to the hotel lounge for some complimentary refreshments. The breakfast spread was laid out beautifully, with a surprising variety of biscuits, fresh fruit, and a selection of hot and cold drinks. And hey—free breakfast always hits differently, right?
I poured myself a cup of Earl Grey and naturally had to try all the biscuits (for research purposes, of course). There was a lovely almond biscuit with just the right amount of crunch and flavour, and a buttery matcha shortbread that quickly became my favourite. There were also chocolate ones, coconut ones, and a few I couldn’t quite name but happily ate anyway. We added some oranges and melons to balance things out! It wasn’t the big, indulgent breakfast I usually go for on holiday, but it actually reminded me of what I eat at home. It felt familiar in a comforting way.
We decided to sit in the business lounge section today since we’d been in the family lounge yesterday. It felt a bit smaller and more enclosed, and the views weren’t as nice, but it was still quiet and cosy. Perfect for easing into the day slowly with a hot drink in hand and no rush to be anywhere.
🚶♀️➡️ A Morning Meander from Haeundae to Dongbaekseom 🚶♀️
With no rush in our steps, we made our way to Haeundae Beach—one of Busan’s most well-known seaside spots. The morning air was crisp, the sun was shining, the waves rolled in gently, and the beach was already alive in a quiet way, with a mix of locals and tourists. Along the way, we passed a few ‘Haeundae’ signs dotted across the sand—clearly made for photo ops, and yes, we couldn’t resist taking a few ourselves.
We strolled the length of the beach at a slow, easy pace—it took us around 30 to 40 minutes, but we weren’t really keeping track. It was one of those walks where time didn’t feel important. Eventually, we reached Dongbaekseom Island at the far end of the beach. The path that wraps around it was such a lovely surprise—calm and well-kept, winding through trees and opening up to scenic viewpoints along the way.
At one of the viewing platforms, we were treated to a picture-perfect view of the Busan Gwangandaegyo Bridge stretching across the water. It looked like something straight out of a postcard, and we just stood there for a while, taking it all in.
One thing I’ve come to really appreciate about Korea is how walkable and inviting the paths are. Everything feels spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed to encourage walking and even a bit of casual hiking. It makes you want to slow down and just enjoy the journey.
💖Unwind-ish: Living the Spa Life, K-Drama Style (Sort Of)💆♀️
Today was officially declared spa day!
After watching countless K-drama scenes where characters hang out in spa outfits, sip on drinks, and wear those iconic sheep head towels, I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself.
I found a deal on the Klook app for Spa Land Centum City, which is inside the Shinsegae Department Store (1/F, 1495 U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan). The voucher gave us access to the spa for four hours—which felt like the perfect amount of time to unwind without feeling rushed.
We decided to walk from Dongbaekseom Island to Spa Land, which took around 45 minutes. It was a bit of a trek, but the weather was nice and the scenic route kept us going. I didn’t fancy the idea of navigating multiple transfers on public transport, so a leisurely walk felt like the better option.
By the time we were halfway there, our stomachs were growling. Naver Maps (which, by now, I was navigating like a pro) showed a food market along the route, but it led us to a rather sketchy alleyway. It didn’t feel right, so we turned around—and luckily spotted a burger joint nearby.
We ordered at the machine and waited while it was freshly cooked. The burger was juicy and packed with flavour, and the fries were perfectly crispy—exactly what we needed after all that walking.
Finding Spa Land inside the giant department store was a bit of a mission, but once we made it and got our spa outfits, we were ready to relax.
The first section we walked into was the traditional bath area—the famous part you always see in Korean dramas. It’s gender-separated and requires you to be completely naked, which is a totally normal part of Korean bathhouse culture.
But truthfully? My mum and I just couldn’t get past the discomfort. As much as I wanted to give it a try, we both felt too self-conscious. I know lots of people say it gets easier once you’re in and no one’s paying attention—but this time, we just weren’t up for it. It did feel like we were missing out on an essential jjimjilbang experience, but I also think it’s okay to honour your own comfort levels too.
Instead, we explored the co-ed spa zone, which turned out to be really interesting. There were multiple themed sauna rooms, each with different temperatures, scents, and healing elements. One moment we were in a charcoal room, soaking in the warmth; the next, we were relaxing in a sound therapy room. There really was a room for every sense.
One of the more surprising things for me was how crowded it was. In one large sauna, there must’ve been 50 people lying on the floor, men and women of all ages—even children. I wondered if it was a school trip (and also thought, shouldn’t they be in class?) I’m used to spas back home being almost empty on weekdays, and honestly, I found it hard to relax with that many people around. No one was being disruptive, but the atmosphere felt more like a communal hangout than a quiet retreat.
The foot bath area ended up being my favourite. It had pools at different temperatures, and we dipped our feet in and just sat there enjoying the contrast between the warm and cool water. That was the most peaceful moment of the whole experience for me.
And of course, we had our K-drama moment—we folded our towels into the classic 양머리 (sheep head) and lounged around like we were in a scene from a show. We grabbed some drinks and ice cream from the spa café too, though we skipped the famous boiled eggs this time. The cold drinks and sweet treats hit the spot.
I’m glad I tried Spa Land, and it was definitely an experience worth having. But to be honest, I don’t think I was fully prepared for what it would be like. I had imagined us napping on heated floors, peacefully dozing in a quiet space—but between skipping the traditional baths and the sheer number of people, I never quite slipped into that relaxed state I was hoping for.
Still, it was fun to tick off the jjimjilbang from the K-drama bucket list, and it gave me a better understanding of Korean spa culture—even if I didn’t embrace it fully this time.
Cost Summary💰:
Lunch (Burger & Fries) for 2: ~£8
Spa Land entry for 2 (via Klook): £27
🍪 There and Back (and Back) to the Lounge ☕
After the spa, we trekked back to the hotel and stopped by the lounge once again. At this point, the staff probably recognised us — we must’ve returned there at least three times that day! It was such a small luxury, but having a quiet spot to pause and recharge between activities really made the day feel effortless. While sipping our drinks and eating biscuits, we casually planned out our evening, feeling relaxed and ready for whatever came next.
We were also given some daily treats - I think that is one of the perks of staying in a suite.
🐟 Hooked on Mackerel: Our Surprise Dinner Treasure🥢
For dinner, I turned to my trusty Naver Maps to find a local spot and stumbled upon Busan Tteun Mackerel (Haeundae Branch), just a five-minute walk from our hotel. The route took us through some narrow, winding alleys, which only added to the feeling that we were about to discover a true hidden gem.
The restaurant was upstairs, and when we arrived, there was already a queue. As we waited, we asked for a table for two, and to our surprise, the staff—and even some of the other diners—noticed we were tourists. They kindly let us skip ahead of the line, which was such a warm and unexpected gesture. The group looked like a big family with kids, making their kindness even more touching. I found myself bowing my head and saying “감사합니다” (thank you) in Korean—the only phrase I felt comfortable enough to use during our trip!
Now, onto the food. It was simply incredible. Fresh, perfectly cooked mackerel paired with warm rice, a soothing bowl of soup, and a generous spread of banchan (side dishes) that kept surprising us with every bite. It felt like home-cooked Korean comfort food—the kind that makes you close your eyes and really savour the moment. There was even a table at the back where you could help yourself to complimentary side dishes and soup. I’m not sure if it was unlimited, but my mum definitely went back for seconds—and thirds!
The meal was not only delicious but also very reasonably priced, making it one of the best dining experiences we had in Korea. If you find yourself near Haeundae, I can’t recommend Busan Tteun Mackerel enough.
Cost Summary💰:
Dinner for 2: £18
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
Today reminded me how much magic there is in the little, unexpected moments. From wandering through quiet alleys to finding a humble restaurant bursting with flavour and kindness, it felt like uncovering pieces of Busan’s heart one step at a time. Sometimes, the best experiences aren’t in guidebooks or flashy places—they’re in the warmth of strangers’ smiles, the simple comfort of home-cooked food, and the quiet joy of slowing down to really savour it all. It’s these moments that make travel feel truly special and remind me why I love exploring beyond the obvious.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In 🧋
Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem while travelling that surprised you? What made it memorable?
Have you tried a traditional Korean spa or another cultural spa experience? How did it go for you?
What’s a small kindness from strangers that made your trip feel extra special?
When was the last time you truly savoured a meal during your travels? What was it, and why did it stand out?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
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