Korean fun in Busan via Cebu Pacific

Countless Filipinos today have fallen in love with South Korea and they all have one thing in mind: to experience the Korean craze for real. As their curiosity gets fueled by the sweeping love stories in Koreanovelas and catchy K-pop music, eager travelers can’t wait to bring to life their fascination with anything and everything Korean.

Fortunately, Cebu Pacific and its trademark low fares enable Filipinos to easily and affordably explore the culturally rich country of South Korea through one of its international gateways – the city of Busan.

Live out your Korean travel fantasies

When in surprisingly budget-friendly Busan, Pinoy travelers can make like the Korean stars they see on screen.

Haeundae Beach is simply the most popular beach in the country and among the most talked about summer destinations attracting locals and tourists alike. Tourists can relive their favorite Koreanovela scenes at the boardwalk by the beach or enjoy sight-seeing look-alikes of their favorite Korean stars. They can also opt to take a fun stroll to the largest aquarium in the country – Busan Aquarium, which is also located in Haeundae Beach. This also happens to be the location for the first few episodes of popular Korean drama “One Fine Day” where the female lead character, Seo Ha-neul, worked.

Down south of Busan are the streets of Nampo-dong where one can explore Korean stores. Shop like Koreans at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market where travelers can have a taste of what Korean stars enjoy when they are in Busan – freshly cooked seafood.

Tourists can score interesting finds such as hip Korean clothing and accessories like the ones worn by Koreanovela and K-pop stars in nearby local shops.

Cultural organizations such as the Busan Foundation for International Activities (www.bfia.or.kr) and Han Na Rae Culture Inc. (www.busanbuddhism.com) also hold events such as kim bab and kimchi-making lessons, where Pinoy travelers can learn to prepare dishes they see on TV or order in Korean restaurants. Those who are interested, and would be on their way to Busan, can check these organizations’ schedule of events on their websites.

Meanwhile, more adventurous Pinoys can opt to go hiking at the urban trail within the city. Outdoor enthusiasts can take a walk with the cool Korean cityscape in the background. Those looking for a fun and relaxing time can take the Mt. Geumjeong cable car ride to enjoy Busan’s refreshing mountain view while their music player blasts the latest K-pop tunes. Fans of Korean movie hit “My Sassy Girl” will definitely enjoy Busan’s sights as it served as the backdrop for one of the most popular movies in the country. Part of a dramatic scene in the movie was shot at the Geumjeoung fortress, along Mt. Geumjeong.

As the day comes to a close, travelers can once again go back to the heart of the city. In it lies the Busan Tower located at the Yongdusan Park which allows visitors to enjoy Korea’s cool night breeze and give them a breathtaking panoramic view of beautiful Busan.

With Cebu Pacific’s affordable airfare and four times weekly Manila-Busan flights starting June 15, 2011, Pinoys can now truly say anyong-haseyo (hi) to an authentic and fun Korean experience that will make any wandering Juan proud to have visited the land of kimchi, Koreanovelas and K-pop.