Busan Trip with Family (part 1)

  My second Busan Trip this year. Only this time, I went there again with my family. On board the 5-hour train (Mugunghwa:)^^ was somewhat so restless and tiring^^, but as we got off the train, the excitement rushed in. (As to why we used Mugunghwa, instead of KTX, of course, it was cheap. While KTX was way expensive). Anyway, after a long thought, we used KTX on our way back home to Seoul.^^ (see my other entries).

Ok, we arrived at around 9 pm on Friday night on August 24, 2012. As soon we got off, we got out of the Busan Train Station and unexpectedly bumped into my students who'd arrived there one day earlier. So, we took a chance to take a picture in front of the famous dancing fountain at the train square.

This is another shot of what the fountain might look like during its show.

 After an hour or so, we were greeted by our friend, Ms. Kim Moon Sook who met us at the train and picked us up and arranged the whole evening plan. First thing first, we got to have dinner. Where else but....the famous Gwangali beach with its famous Diamond Bridge or Gwangali Bridge.

 Then, off we went there. The camera did not do any justice to the night spectacle we saw on the beach. ^^ ANyhow...we were there to immerse into the night.

This is one of the best shots we got that night. ^^.

Another angle of what the beach at night at Gwangali beach.

Me.

My wife. 

The kids....who could not help but playing around with the sand even at night.^^

A blurry picture of us with Ms. Kim.^^

Dynamic Busan: art 25: YACHT in Busan

Now deck the Yacht B at Busan's famous beach...Gwangali overlooking the Diamond Bridge. A bit scared of standing tiptoeing on the tip of the yacht, actually. 

Going back inside the yacht to enjoy the snacks and beverages served by the yacht crew. 

A nice lunch out on the sea. ^^ 

The barbeque-ing was about to start. But, no one was around. Where were they?

Haha...most of us were on the upper deck of the yacht. Well, I might as well climb myself on top of the deck and reach for the sailing that somewhat managed and steered our way around.

What a view from atop. We could freely and conveniently enjoy the sceneries liek Gwangan Bridge, Oryukdo, Haeundae, Nurimaru APEC house and of course..other passing by boats.

The sky-scrappers that dotted the Busan city coastline was also the major attraction while on board the yatch. 

Indeed, this Catamaran type yacht really gave us a whole new dimension of what excitement and entertainment was all about. Oh, did I mention that this yacht was like two ships combined or attached int one side by side. It is of course safe and reliable. 

Another pose that I dared myself to do....standing once again..on the top of the deck and at the same time enjoying the beauties of nature while sailing on the ocean.^^

Ready to get another splash of time?

Definitely...going on a yacht in Busan is a ********** out of 5 stars.^^ 

See what I mean?

Dynamic Busan : part 24: Yacht Experience

The most exciting and mind-blowing activity in Busan was about to start. We just did not expect to have this thrilling sensation. What was it actually?

No other than YACHTING on Busan's spectacular beach.

We were walking towards the white yacht over there. There? see? The Gwangan bridge was standing majestically at the background....Can't wait to get on board the yacht.

GEtting NEARER and nearer.....^^. It was so hot that day..but the heat did not dampen our spirit of trying our maiden voyage on board the yacht....well, it was simply irresistible.

As I was walking down the barge towards the yacht, I took my time enjoying the bridge from afar. Will I go under it while cruising on a yacht? 'That'll be so cool'

The name of the yacth is YACHT B. B stands for BEXCO. (please refer to my previous blogs on BEXCO). It could also stand for Busan and Blue^^

This is under one company that operates the largest expo and convention center in Busan or in Korea.

Now...we were ready to embark on this journey. One by one got on board the yacht for the first time. Dazzled.

Just as I imagined, well..of course from the pictures, movies, and any other media that I've seen, the interior of the yacht was like what I pictured of. Well...to some extent...it was like it,though of course..in reality it was way too cool.

Being the unique convention space combining yachting and convention, this specially designed Yacht is indeed a must-see and a must-have experience for everyone to see Busan.^^

All of the amenities and entertainment were just all-in-inclusive of the package.

This is the interior of the yacht before we started digging into the party.^^ So, while it was still intact, I might as well sit and take the moment for myself. 

Briefing time. We were somewhat lullaby-ed by the breezing air of the Busan beach. Wait....^^ it was just the beginning of our memorable trip ever. 

OK..the fun part: we could act like the captain of the yacht. There were two hats specially served for the passengers to put on while on board....^^take a picture.^^

Oh..wait..we WERE approaching the bridge. Ready..get set...GO...for it.

I could not be more excited than this...^^ Going out and get exposed to the sun and see the breathtaking scenery ....^^That's what I would like to do..

Dynamic BUsan : Part 13: BEXCO

Oh..this is not BEXCO. Not just yet. Instead, it was the last picture I took when we visited the APEC Nurimaru House. This was the very place where we had to embark on a bus that would lead us to.....BEXCO: Busan Exhibition and Convention.

This one? On second thought...not just yet; but close enough. This one was one of the many plazas leading to BEXCO. The building visible was Shinsaegae Dept. Store--(pls. read about this on my other blog)^^

This is BEXCO. It was a calm day without any helter--skelter of people jamming or crowding the area as  it has always been. We were somewhat 'lucky' to be able to manage our way around the 6 times larger than football fields-venue. Yes..I mean...No, I am not kidding.

I felt like going into a deserted futuristic building. Wished we'd been there where major events were held. But, as I said earlier, since the object of our visit was to learn and see for ourselves how huge this BEXCO was, being there while not many events were held was a luxury.

Chinmi and Bushan (gosh, I need a camera) were following our guide to tour around the complex. Many others were entailing behind them.

Airport? Mall? Construction site? Concourse? A futuristic lab design? Well, it was still at BEXCO. This was the bridge that connects the new and the old BEXCO. It did give us a feeling of being inside a familiar airport we mostly know about.ut

Why not stop to make a picture, first? 

Thanks^^

The white and silver linings on all sides of the ceilings, transparently giant glass panes, and even the floors have given a true sense of being in the futuristic city of Busan. 

Right when we were crossing the bridge, a set of eye-catching huge banners was hung on the ceiling. Another blue-like color did emerge again. I guess Busan people do love the sea shore's life as caught and captured on my mind. 

This guide had diligently and patiently helped us in making sure that  we need to understand each room and what the rooms are for. 

Dynamic Busan (part 12): APEC Nurimaru

the main hall where APEC leaders had their summit

APEC House. This is the second entry that I am writing about this historical site This would have been an added value trip, had I stayed there a bit longer. Well, anyhow, despite the fact that we spent only a handful of time, I did manage to learn --how little it could be--about this place.

The ceiling of the main hall. I am sure that it must've represented something. 

Where each president would sit was decided on alphabetical order. I guess it pretty much sum up or revitalize and at the same nurture the concept of togetherness and equality among its member countries.

This used to be the chair where President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 'was seated' during the summit. 

Although it became too dark, thanks to my not-that-smart phone, this place was the lounge where the presidents or head of states of APEC members were having their free time or unofficial talks with other fellow members. The view outside the glass pane was fantastically Busan.^^ 

Down were we to the outdoor area of the APEC Nurimaru House. The glass panes being the single unity and entity of the house were giving a touch of this venue's blend with its surrounding nature. 

Upon going out of the house, I managed to capture an image of each president's photograph immortalized on a stamp-like (only they were bigger in sizes) plates.

As we were walking down the stairs,  sea was visible and this was the very first time as to why this place was a special place to hold such an important event.

The setting was just perfect.

Another angle of what the park outside the Nurimaru APEC house looked like. Far beyond, the famous Diamond Bridge was visible. 

First, I thought that this building was like a flying saucer. No, really. I did think that way. Whatever one might think of what it looked like, one thing for sure..this historical site would be just there in one of Busan's best locations---only time will preserve what it has given to the world in terms of world's peaceful cooperation, especially within Asia Pacific rim.