Taejongdae is one of the most picturesque shoreline locations in Busan, and is known for its lighthouse and pebble beaches. Tourists and locals can walk along the coastal road, hike, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore a small museum. Taejongdae is well worth the short bus ride outside of the city center for a day filled with photo ops and fresh fish.

The area was once used by King Taejong to practice archery and was also believed to be the resting place for gods and goddesses. The location is also famously rumored to be the place where a woman waited for her husband to return after he was kidnapped and taken to Japan. On clear days you can see Tsushima, a Japanese island, just on the horizon. But be warned: those days are few and far between. <3 Thanks, smog! <3

After Taejongdae, we decided to head over to Jagalchi Market to take in the sights and eat as much street food as we could get our hands on. Delicious, wonderful street food aside, our eyes were on the prize. That prize was a plate of fresh fish and squirming octopus.

The markets at Jagalchi are simple. You Find the fish you want, you tell the ajumma working the stall which fish you want, the ajumma will kill and clean the fish that you want, and then the fish will be delivered to your table. Easy peasy. My friends and I chose fish, shrimp, and a still-squirming octopus. So worth it.

To the uninitiated, octopus served completely uncooked and writhing on a plate might seem like the worst thing that you could possibly put into your mouth. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not that terrible. The tiny suction cups do get a nice hold on your teeth and gums if you’re not fast enough, so chew quickly. We also went to Seomyeon for a round of soju and Korean BBQ. My heart, y’all.

**The fish is usually served with soy sauce and wasabi. I recommend following the meal with a nice warm hoddeok for dessert.
Enjoy!

After BBQ, we headed out to Gwangalli to finish the night with some light fireworks battling. Not pictured: Ying brutally attacking everyone with his roman candle tube.

Getting there:

To find Taejongdae, go to Busan station and get on bus 88 or 101 and hop off at Taejongdae Cliff (태종대).
To find Jagalchi Market, go to Jagalchi station (exit 10), turn right onto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gil Street, walk for about 5 minutes, then turn left to arrive at Jagalchi Market