Chuseok in Busan and Gyeongju

If you’re studying abroad in Korea during the fall semester, you’re in luck! You’ll get to experience Chuseok, one of Korea’s most cherished holidays. Often compared to Thanksgiving in the U.S., Chuseok is a time for families to gather, honor their ancestors, and give thanks for the year’s harvest.

For visiting students, this is the perfect time to travel as there are (typically) no obligations to visit home. This year, Chuseok landed in an interesting time between a few other holidays-- giving us a 10-day break from school, including the weekends. 

However, there was one small issue. Most exchange students don’t receive their Alien Registration Card (ARC) until mid-October, and you can’t leave the country without it. So, while international travel was off the table, one destination became the obvious choice: Busan. I lost count of how many posts I saw of fellow exchange students posing from Busan’s beaches. 

With Chuseok being such a major holiday, travel within Korea was hectic. Train tickets sold out fast, so my friend and I decided to leave midway through the break and return a day after classes resumed.

We found a small Airbnb about 30 minutes from central Busan. It was a small studio apartment that cost just $185 for six nights, or $15 per person per night. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was comfortable, affordable, and left us with more room to splurge on food, activities, and day trips.

1. Day 1

If you’ve ever seen the movie "Train to Busan", you’ll understand the thrill of taking the train from Seoul to Busan. My friend and I caught the 4 a.m. train, running on nothing but excitement and zero sleep. By the time we arrived around 11 a.m., exhaustion finally hit. Our first day quickly turned into a much-needed rest day.

1. Day 2

We started the day at the “Working Holiday” restaurant-- overlooking Gwangalli Beach. There were cozy couches, great pancakes, and a stunning ocean view. Then, we stopped by the Miffy Cafe to try themed drinks and pick up some adorable Miffy Busan souvenirs. Later, we explored Huinnyeoul Culture Village, a colorful seaside neighborhood filled with boutiques, art shops, and photo spots.

Save this location for your next Busan trip: 워킹홀리데이; https://naver.me/xgNS92At

1. Day 3

We visited Spa Land, one of Korea’s largest jjimjilbangs, located inside Shinsegae Centum City Mall. For about $20, we enjoyed four hours of comfort. We soaked our feet in outdoor baths, switched between saunas, and even lounged in hammocks. A kind stranger showed me how to fold my towel into the famous yangmori/lamb head shape. Afterward, we wandered through the connected mall and called it an early night.

1. Day 4

Our next adventure was a day trip to Gyeongju, a historic city known for its ancient architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Just 30 minutes from Busan by train, it immediately felt like another world. It was very peaceful and green. It quickly became one of my favorite cities in Korea!

I have so much to say about Gyeongju. So, look forward to another post dedicated just to Gyeongju~

1. Day 5

This day was dedicated to getting work done. Unfortunately, during the break, schoolwork doesn’t stop. We had some recorded lectures to watch, and midterms were approaching. We took this day to go through the lectures, work on some of our projects, and study for midterms.

1. Day 6

For our final day, we visited Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its colorful hillside houses and art installations. After wandering through shops and cafes, we realized how ready we were to return to our Seoul routines.

Overall, the Chuseok break was the perfect mix of rest, exploration, and reflection. Our week in Busan reminded me how important it is not to forget to be a tourist in the country you are studying in. It is important to slow down, try new things, and just be somewhere different.