5 things to do on a rainy Busan day

Rain is brilliant. Let me rephrase that: rain is brilliant when you have the right shoes, a big enough umbrella and best of all - when you can stay home with a steaming cup of Ramen noodles, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” and a blanket. 

Yesterday Busan saw a bit of rain and I found myself thinking of all the things I would do under cloud-cover. If you're planning on teaching in Korea, here are 5 things to do in Busan, when it rains. #YouAreWelcome

1. Busan’s Trick Eye Museum

Aamena, Tarryn and I appreciating art. 

The museum is quite a treat if you’re looking for a chance to interact with the art. Step into, step on, stand beside, lie down and alongside the 3D images. I would advise that you go with a mate or two; somebody needs to hold the camera and/or pose with you while you're in the giant sea-monster's grip! Tip: Selfie sticks won’t do you, or the pictures justice.

• Directions: From Jagalchi Subway, exit 7, walk straight out of the subway. Take the first left. Walk one block- the Museum is in the building on your left, on the 2nd block. OR see the map here. 
• It’s open from 10:00 - 20:00.
• Admission: 10,000won per adult.

2. Spa Land

I’ve written about my scrub-experience here, but if you're looking for a day of relaxation minus the skin smarting scrub, head to Spa Land anyway! It's on the must do things in Busan.

• Directions: Take the green subway line to the Centum City stop, get out at exit 2. You will see signs directing you.
• Hours: 06:00 - 24:00
• Admission: 15,000won during the week and 18,000won over the weekend and on holidays.

3. Busan Museum

Royalty for the day. 

Stunning designs after we learnt how to Roof- Tile Rub.

I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through this museum and peeking into Korean history. There are modern Exhibition Halls filled with relics and a Cultural Experience Hall. The Experience Hall was my favourite! Here you have an opportunity to get your hands dirty by doing Roof-Tile Rubbing and playing dress-up in traditional Korean Hanboks (dresses).

I’ve found it a bit challenging to sometimes find souvenirs in Busan, but the Museum also has a Museum Shop for you to peruse.

• Directions: We got lost, but we took a cab from Daeyeon Station, exit 3. If you walk via the UN Memorial Cemetery, you’re good.
• Hours: 09:00 - 19:00.
• Admission: Free (There is a small charge if you decide to do the Roof-Tile Rubbing).

4. Cinema

Have you been to a cinema in Korea as yet madam/sir? If not, I suggest you go on a rainy day! I quite like observing and taking in my surrounds; the cinema does not disappoint. 

The first time I EVER walked into a cinema here in Korea, I was amazed by the very sweet smell in the air. It's from the different flavored popcorn you can get: caramel flavored, to onion flavored… which ended up having a sweet taste to it too! 

The seating arrangement is the same as South Africa- you are assigned seats. English movies are played with Korean subtitles.

The best moments for me, as a teacher in Korean, have been when English speakers may laugh at a joke in the movie, but we are the ONLY ones laughing because the Korean translation may have been different. Other times, Korean folk are laughing, while I’m sitting there wondering what I missed. To book tickets in advance or see what’s playing, check out CineInKorea.

5. Busan English Library

When last did you visit a library to sniff the crisp pages? It’s been ages since I’ve made my way to the Busan English Library mainly because I’m reading my own books at the moment, but I thought I'd share this gem with you. 

The library spans across one floor. There is a sitting and study area, computers, lockers for your belongings and librarians to assist. 

Signing-up is done in the library and you are issued with a card to use for each visit. Five books can be taken out for two weeks. I'd say this is a 'low-key' thing to do in Busan, but still a must. Get more info here. 

• Directions: Take the Green Line to the Buam stop. Walk out of exit 1, the library will be in the large building on your right.
• Open from 09:00 - 21:00 on weekdays and 09:00 - 18:00 on Saturdays.

What do you like to get up to on a rainy day in your town or city? 

A close (Korean) scrub in Spa Land

During my lunch break I saw a video of Conan O’Brien going to a Korean Spa for the first time. His over exaggerated reactions in the Spa made me giggle as it reminded me of my first time. The best part of the experience was getting scrubbed from ear to big-toe by a middle-aged Korean lady in black lacy underwear. 

You might be thinking: what are Korean body scrubs? Is the Korean spa/scrub treatment intense? Well, here's my tale...  

After being persuaded my friend Aamena, Kendra (another brave soul) and I dropped our winter clothing and fears. With nothing but a hand towel to hide my bits, we stepped into the wonder that is Shinsegae's Spa Land.


You’ll hear many tales of the amazing baths, saunas and rooms you can relax in, but for me, the Scrubbing Room was the most memorable. 

After entering the public bathing area with Kendra and Aamena, I booked a scrubbing-slot and took my naked self for a soak while waiting my turn to get scrubbed.   

While trying to embrace my complete nudity (and the nudity of those around me), I was finally called for my my first Korean body scrub. I scurried towards the room and was met by a middle-aged woman in her black underwear. She took my little towel and threw it to the side as I whimpered a little and tried to stay focused. She pointed at the bed with a plastic cover and I slowly hopped on.

As I tried to not slip off the already soapy slab, a woman I had chatted to earlier was being scrubbed on the slab next to me. Her eyes were closed, she had a look of calm on her face and all the while another aunty was scrubbing her vigorously. 

I laid on my back, arms tucked close to my bare body and legs firmly closed. I felt like a sheep going in for the slaughter. My eyes darted from the methodical movements of the scrubber at the next bed, to the dimly lit lights above me and before I knew it, my friendly scrubber threw warm water over me. Were the odds going to be in my favour?

Beginning at my face, my scrubber wiped and then applied a face mask. I kept thinking that her belly button was waaaay too close to my face as I could almost see the detail lining her panties! She had seen too many naked souls to bother about my space issues and continued working. Her professional attitude and swift movements started to quieten my anxious mind and before I knew it, I started to enjoy the experience.

From my face, she began to work on my feet and legs. Her hands, hidden in hand-loofas began to scrub the surface of my body. Legs were bent and separated, toes were parted, and my tummy got a good working too. I tried to not pull away from the pressure of each hand as she scrubbed away dead skin cells and any inhibitions I had left. When it came to my bosom, neck and shoulders, I found it hard to stay dead still as this was getting more familiar than a family Christmas lunch. I think I squealed a little each time she threw my arms behind my head to scrub my sides, or when she pulled my legs apart to access the inner thigh. 

After being flipped onto my tummy, the scrubbing lady left the soles of my feet, legs, derriere, back and neck smarting. While my cheek connected with the plastic bed, I noticed small greyish, almost noodle-looking particles on the bed next to me. It then dawned on me: these were my dead skin cells. There’s something disgusting and satisfying about knowing just how clean you are, but knowing exactly how that dirt looks.  

After warm water was tossed over me once again, I was handed a new white towel by my scrubbing-pro and billed 20 000won. I left her feeling pretty proud of myself and feeling oh-so-clean! Click here for more info about Shinsegae's Spa Land, if you pluck up the courage to go! 

Have you been for a Korean body scrub? Was it awkward for you?