It’s pretty interesting how much relation Korea has with other countries. The internationality and popularity of South Korea didn’t just start with K-pop, K-dramas, Korean skincare, and cosmetics. During the Korean War, South Korea had help from 22 nations in the UN.
United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, honors the soldiers who took part in the Korean War. It is quite a sentimental place. The cemetery is near the hustle and bustle, yet, far enough that you can have a quiet, relaxing walk. The admission cost is free. Since I went as part of a small tour group, the group leader called a taxi to get to the site from our guesthouse. I would also recommend taking a taxi to get there because it is a bit far from any bus stop or subway station.
Once we arrived, I could feel the peacefulness and hear the quietness. There is a chapel where you can watch a short documentary about the Korean War and the countries that participated in it. The documentary is quite interesting. You can see the soldiers being interviewed and people who lived through that era. There was a man from a rural part of Europe telling his experience and story of the Korean War.
I sat on a bench to watch the documentary. There were about two other tourists there besides my small group. After the chapel, there is a memorial hall where you can learn about the fallen soldiers.
Upon the walls are pictures and names of those during the Korean War. A lot of memories lie here. This memorial hall is filled with information and memories of significant figures.
Afterward, you can find a path towards the cemetery. You can take your time to leisurely stroll here.
You might find yourself at this historic site for one to two hours if you are a history junkie. You can also feel the tranquility of this site.
Our next stop was Busan Citizens Park (부산시민공원)! Before it became a park, it was a U.S. military base. Now, you can also take another stroll at this site. From the UN Memorial Cemetery, It can take about an hour to get to Busan Citizens Park by bus. By taxi, it takes about twenty minutes. My group took a taxi so we could have more time to walk around the park.
The park is large as it was a military base. There are a few different paths you can walk on. Each path leads to different areas of the park. Some of the paths even intersect. You can walk all of them if you are spending the whole day here. You are also allowed to play, have a picnic or rest on the grass. It is a free park as well! There are also lots of families and children. You will see kites flying, children playing and riding bikes, and adults chatting. I would recommend going here on a cool sunny day. Nobody wants to be sweating out in the scorching sun! Make sure to stay hydrated!
We spent about an hour walking around the park. There were snack stalls, rest areas, benches, and cute outdoor decor. The park is very well kept.
The last stop that our tour leader brought us to as the day turns into the night is a Craft Beer Brewery. We went back towards Gwangalli Beach to check out Gorilla Brewing Co. These guys create their own local beer. They also have BBQ on their food menu! If you like craft beer, make sure you check this place out!
I’m not much of a beer person, but they have different flavors you can choose from and have a try! It’s a nice hang-out place with your friends if you enjoy the pub vibe.
To end the night, I met up with my group of friends at the Gwangalli beach and played with sparklers and fireworks! It’s one of the best ways to end the night. Just listening to the waves and laughs of happiness while sitting on the sand as the cool ocean breeze blows through you.
Which place do you want to visit the most? When I travel, I love learning about the country’s history. What about you?
Sincerely,
Amy♡
20180923. Sunday.
AMY HANG IN BUSAN. Day 2.
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