Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hobophobic]

We have never been to Busan and I am wondering if anyone could recommend a nice hotel, restaurants, touristy stuff, etc.

I have looked at the Lotte, Paradise, Commodore, and Novotel...but would rather know what is good based on someone having stayed in Busan. I have been on www.hoteljoin.co.kr and looked over places.

We have a four year old and an eight month old. Cleanliness for the ever crawling baby is important, but I don't want to pay 20,000 won for my four year old's toast juice, and cereal breakfast - so reasonable prices or location close to good restaurants, aquarium, parks, and so forth would be nice.

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

[wenchstalker]

I don't know anything about family hotels, I usually just stay at love motels because they are so cheap and nice.

As to food, I strongly recommend Jagalchi Fish Market. It's right outside jagalchi subway station, or about a 3000 won cab ride from Busan Station.

The first floor is a huge fish market with live fish in aquariums, and the second floor is all restaurants. There are several other floors above that.

I usually go to the first floor and walk around, and then to the second floor and get sashimi. They have tons of fresh fish restaurants, and, at least at the the places I've gone, delicious and plentiful side-dishes.

Depending on how picky your 4 year old is, it can be a great experience.

[lsrupert]

My friends and I stayed at the Arpina Youth Hostel when we visited Busan. Don't let the word hostel fool you. We paid for the 3 bed private rooms, and they were nicer than many of the hotels in which I have stayed! Check out their website: http://arpina.com/ Don't know if that is more than you want to spend, though. It's within walking distance of the subway, and there is a lot to do in the area. Great, great place. I can't recommend it enough!

[lsrupert]

sorry, posting again. If you are interested in staying at the Arpina, I would recomend making your reservation through a youth hostel website, rather than their own. You tend to get a better deal that way.

[Hobophobic]

Thanks for the info all...the arpina looks nice...have to run it by the wife.
Neither of us have been to Busan (She's Korean) so all the help and hints are much appreciated. Travel with kids can be hectic so we're trying to make the best of 2days and 3nights....cheers again.

[neil537]

Me and two friends are just back from Busan, and we stayed at the Arpina. We stayed in a Triple room it was clean, and had everything you'd expect from a HOTEL room, not a HOSTEL. It also has a swimming pool which is only 3000W if you're a guest and the staff were very friendly and helpful.
It's a 3000W taxi from Hae-undae beach or a 5 min walk from the subway.

Talking of beaches, Hae-undae was crazy last weekend so we went to Seojeong beach instead.....much quieter and better.

http://www.arpina.co.kr/english/intro/intro_sub1_01.asp

[chris_J2]

As for things to do / see:

* Busan Tower
* Dongbaek (Haeundae)
* Haedong Yonggung Sa
* Beomeosa
* Choryang Foreigners Street / Chinatown
* Taejungdae http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taejongdae
* Heosimcheong Spa
* Dongmyeongbulwon Sa

I stayed at the Mirabell Motel in Choryang, but wouldn't recommend that area for a young family. It's kind of seedy at night.