[Creator Interview] ❶ Majid : Busan is vibrant city.
I’m Majid Mushtaq from Pakistan. I’ve been living in Korea for nine years, and that’s why I call it my second homeland. I love exploring new cultures, making new friends, trying local food, and writing about all the little moments that make living here so special.
I love sharing my love for Korea with an online family of over 600,000 people and have been awarded Seoul Honorary Citizenship. I am also working as Korea Honorary Reporter with Korea.net and have had the chance to work with some big organizations like the Korea Tourism Organization, Seoul Tourism Organization, Visit Korea Committee, Visit Busan, Visit Daegu and a few other organizations.
And here’s a random fact to wrap this up - I once went whale shark diving even though I can’t swim!
Before visiting Busan, the first thing that came to mind was a modern city where the hustle and bustle of city life never ends - the giant skyscrapers, the breathtaking views of the sea, and of course, Train to Busan. I have actually been to Busan a couple of times before, but like most people, I went to the popular spots and didn’t really dig deeper. This time, though, right when I stepped out of Busan Station and saw that huge ‘Busan is Good’ sign, it felt like the city itself was telling me that there is so much more to explore.
And honestly, that’s exactly what happened. I walked around Kyungsung University Culture Alley with its cute artsy vibe, watched the sun and waves dance at Oryukdo Sunrise Park, found some peace under the trees at Haeundae Songnim Park and then acted like a Kdrama actor at Catch Me Self-Photo Studio in Gwangalli. Every place showed me a different side of Busan.
Not only was it a great healing place for me, but the incorporation of nature brought calm and peace and it felt like a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Simply, Busan has everything for travelers who set out with an urge to explore and I realized, ‘Busan is Good’ is 100% true (or should I say, Busan is BEST)
The subtle blend of modernism and tradition is what makes Busan so unique. One minute you’re surrounded by the giant skyscrapers and a few bus stops later, you’re standing on a cliff watching the perfect sunset at Oryukdo Sunrise Park. Not many cities pull that off so well.
Not only that, Busan has its own vibe. From food to the fresh air, many things look so different from other cities. People are friendly, the beaches are lovely, you’ve got cozy culture alleys, photo studios next to the beaches and food that basically dares you to resist it if you can. For someone visiting Korea for the first time, Busan is like that friend who knows how to party but also knows the best quiet spot to watch the sunset. It really does have a bit of everything. You’re guaranteed to find some activity that you’ll adore here in Busan.
If you’re into K-beauty and Korean skincare, Busan is definitely a city you want to explore beyond just the usual spots.
First, Busan’s Centrum City is your one-stop shop for every K-beauty brand out there today. Nestled in the heart of Busan, this beauty paradise ticks all the boxes for luxury cosmetic shopping. It’s even situated against the unparalleled backdrop of the world-famous Haeundae Beach. There’s a reason why it’s prized as the world’s biggest department store, and rightly so.
Next, if you want to mix fun with beauty, the Catch Me Self-Photo Studio in Gwangalli is a blast. With great lighting and cool backgrounds, it makes it easy to capture that flawless, glowing look we all want.
And in the evening, you can stroll along Gwangalli Beach to breathe in fresh air, because glowing skin deserves some good vibes too.
I’ve actually been lucky enough to visit Taejongdae, ride the Sky Capsules at sunset, walk around Haeundae Blueline Park and wander around Gamcheon Culture Village, and honestly, I’d go back to all of them whenever I get a chance.
Taejongdae’s cliffs and ocean views just never get old, especially when you enjoy the breathtaking sunset view. The Sky Capsules at Haeundae are perfect spots with your loved ones - next time I hope to go with someone too.
Haeundae Blueline Park is one of those spots where you don’t mind walking for hours because the view keeps changing every few steps. And Gamcheon Culture Village? You think you’ve seen it all, then you turn a corner and find a new mural, a hidden cafe or another alley that makes you pull your camera out again. Every other spot here is insta-worthy.
So yeah, I’ve been to these places before too, but these places are the kind you just want to come back to again and again. Makes me want to say - ‘you may leave Busan, but Busan will never leave you’
Hmm one word? A city as great as Busan cannot be put into one word, but something that comes close is ‘vibrant’.
Busan holds a special place in my heart and it always feels alive everytime I go there. It’s energetic, thriving, prosperous, and continues to flourish with growing innovation. The sea, the people, the food, quiet alleyways, peaceful trailers, giant skyscrapers and buzzing beaches, it is vibrant and alive throughout the year and yes 24/7.
And if you haven’t been to Busan, you’ve got to visit it to experience its vibrancy. Trust me, Busan is always a good idea!
I’d love to keep showing people the Busan you don’t always see in travel brochures or Instagram reels. Of course, the beaches and famous spots are great, but I want to dig into those small neighborhoods, hidden alleys and local cafes where you really feel the city’s vibe.
I want to find the tiny shops run by friendly locals, the secret sunset spots only Busan people know and the fun things you can do that make you think, “Wow, this city really has it all.”
Not only that, since Busan is a food paradise, so sharing more about the city’s rich culinary offerings, aesthetically unique cafes, and fresh seafood markets would be a delight and a true feast for the senses.
And, it’s also home to many K-pop idols (Jungkook and Jimin) and K-drama stars, so sharing more about festivals and spaces dedicated to them would be a delight.
So yeah, more than just travel tips, I want my stories to make someone pack their bag and say, “Okay, I’m going to Busan right now.”