This is a continuation of my previous post, Go find yourself in Busan in a day! Please check there for a good first day itinerary. Of course! Go there. If you came to another country to go to a giant department store, then have at it. The spa there is legendary, and my friends go on about it at length. You could spend the whole day there in the spa, shopping, or skating. If your main idea of exploring foreign lands is to bone up to the largest department store in the world to shop, you and I have fundamental differences in what travel is for.
If you stayed in Gwangalli or Haeundae, just take the green line and transfer at Seomyeon. So, when you get to Nampo-dong, go out exit 7. Exit 7 is across from the underground entrance to Lotte Department store. Take the first street on dead ahead and slightly to the right as you come out. You should see Baunova coffee just ahead on your right.
Seriously, one of the best cups of coffee in at least Busan. All of their baristas are not only trained roasters. They are so particular that water has a triple filtration system, and all employees have attended a water quality and filtration course in addition to their coffee training. Simply put, these people are serious about coffee. In nicer weather, there are tables outside. They are so about coffee that the inside of their storefront is just coffee and roasting accessories occasionally, a total mess.
The street you should presently be on has a gauntlet of women who are professional money-changers. Sitting in chairs like cats in scattered cardboard boxes, these women are a valid alternative to going to the bank. Whenever I went to Japan, I was all-too-happy to have these women to change my cash. If you fancy a massage, make a pit stop and get one.
Gwangbok street is a good starting point. This is a jumping off point to many other things. For people who like panoramic views and paying to be shuttled up city phalluses, down Gwangbok 3 blocks and to your right is an escalator to Busan tower and Yongdusan park. The park is nice enough. When you head back down, walk down past the main road and make your first right.
