I grabbed a single backpack and headed off to Yeongdo, Busan this weekend. To be honest, I was totally wiped out from work, but the second I caught that salty sea breeze, I felt completely refreshed. As a solo traveler who relies on walking, Yeongdo is super charming, but it definitely demands some stamina.
I started my trip by hitting up Huinnyeoul Culture Village. The alleys are narrow and steep, but you can't deny that the ocean views peeking through are absolutely stunning. The only thing is, it was so crowded that I had to play a serious game of "dodge the crowd" just to snap a single photo haha.
The weather was absolutely perfect while I was walking along the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk. The blue tile murals and the rainbow stairs are total must-visit photo zones. Just a heads-up though: your legs will start to ache if you walk for a while, so comfortable shoes are a must. 😮💨
Since you can't enjoy scenery on an empty stomach, I rushed straight to Yeongdo Haenyeo Village. This place is so famous on social media that I had high expectations, but honestly, I wouldn't recommend it on a windy day. The wind blows so hard you won't even know if the ramen is going into your mouth or your nose.
Plus, everything here is totally self-service. You even have to bring your own mat if you want to snag a front-row seat right by the ocean. It was also a bit overwhelming when other grandmas at the stalls would try to swoop in on customers while I was waiting to order, or when they'd ask for a bank transfer instead of card payments.
After filling up my stomach, I headed over to Momos Coffee for a much-needed caffeine fix. I have to admit, the coffee here is seriously top-tier. But wow, it was so crowded that it was a bit overwhelming. If you're looking for a more chill vibe, I'd recommend visiting on a weekday during off-peak hours.
To shake off the travel fatigue, I visited Foot Bath Cafe View 2nd Branch. The best part is that you don't have to worry if you're wearing clothes that aren't great for foot baths, because they lend you "mompbe" (loose patterned pants) for free. Such a thoughtful touch, haha!
Since it's a place that uses a lot of water, there's a slight damp smell inside the shop. If you're sensitive to smells, it might be a bit bothersome. Also, the view from the second floor is much better, but the restroom is only on the first floor, so trekking up and down the stairs was a bit of a hassle. 😮💨
Finally, I stopped by P.ARK Cafe & Bakery. The scale of this place is absolutely massive! One thing to note, though: drinking water isn't free here. You have to buy bottled water from the vending machine—regular water is 500 won, and Evian is 2,500 won. Make sure to bring some 500-won coins with you.
There are also digital telescopes on the outdoor terrace, but those aren't free either. I think it was
To be honest, my trip to Yeongdo was way better than I expected, but there were definitely some inconveniences too. Still, I don't think there's any better place to just zone out and stare at the ocean. Next time, I'll definitely come back with a more relaxed schedule.
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