7 Days in Busan : Day 3

Got up early, and packed everything we need - sunglasses, sunblock, cameras, drone, and camera stand. Because I planned to take half a day to go out of Busan and today's the day!

We're heading out to Ulsan, situated just a little bit further away from Busan. However due to time constrain, we're only going to visit a single cafe and we will head back in the afternoon.

Also my first experience with KTX. They are really convenient, right on time and seriously fast. We wasted no time going back and forth. Saving us lots of time for cafe hopping.

And finally tonight we will get ourselves a proper Korean Fried Chicken meal!

🚄☕️🍗

About Busan

Travel Period

November, 2019

Visited Cities

Busan, Ulsan

Country

South Korea

Season

Autumn / Fall

Currency

Korean Won (₩)

Native Name

부산 / 울산

KTX (케이티엑스)

KTX (케이티엑스) Location Info

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Early morning KTX ride to Ulsan (울산)

Any station with KTX line will have the live train departure board. Scout for the time you're looking to board and queue at the counter to purchase your ticket.

The ride and seats are comfortable all along the way. And you are allow to eat on board, so pack something up to eat from the station. So we got us a couple skewers of eomuk as breakfast to enjoy while riding the train.

Be at your stated platform earlier than the boarding time, KTX are really sharp on time.

We took off from Busan Station (부산역) to Ulsan Station (울산역). Each way only takes 22 minutes, which is actually pretty fast if you don't pay much attention. Good enough time for a simple meal but definitely not a nap.

One way economy class KTX train ticket 8,400 won ($7.06)
One way economy class ticket 8,400 won ($7.06)
Eomuk skewer we had on board KTX train
Eomuk skewer we had on board

Cafe Nongdo (농도)

Cafe Nongdo (농도) Location Info

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Verdict

Designer: So how quaint do you want it? Nongdo: Yes.

Aerial shot of Cafe Nongdo (농도)
Aerial shot of Cafe Nongdo (농도)
The road leading to Cafe Nongdo (농도)

Once you've reached Ulsan Station (울산역), walk out to entrance no. 1 and there is a few bus stops right outside. Look for the one with bus 304 and 323 to Deungeok (등억). The journey will take you less than 20 minutes if you hop on bus 304.

Cafe Nongdo (농도) main signboard
On our way to Cafe Nongdo (농도) from the bus stop

Once you reach the stop, you will need to take another 10 minutes walk to the cafe.

Watch as the scenery unfolds. You will starts to see the peak of the mountains, the beautiful clouds, the lake, and the wooden architectures.

Unsurprisingly, we were there wayyyy too early. But that was actually in the plan so we can do lots of silly shootings without interference.

FattyBonbon sitting outside of Cafe Nongdo (농도)
FattyBonbon on a swing outside of Cafe Nongdo (농도)

We were greeted by someone who works there when we arrived, and she allowed us to sit and walk around the property. We had all the time to take all the photos we want and even have plenty of time left just to sit out and enjoy the view.

Cafe Nongdo (농도) drone shot and aerial view of its surrounding
Shooting mountain through the red maple leaves
Shooting the red maple leaves

It was pretty cold outside, and an employee invited us to sit in the cafe 30 minutes before their opening time. Highly appreciate their warm-hearted offer.

Scud is sitting on a bench looking out to the window
FattyBonbon is sitting on a bench looking out the window

Upon entering, you will need to take off your shoes and place them in the rack. And since we were the first one there, we picked up the most sought after seats, or at least in my opinion it is, which is just right in front of the ordering counter.

Order and pay upfront at the ordering counter. Don't be an idiot like me.

Could it be that we are the first one there (or way too early), and that they show us the menu personally, and later even served us the food without requiring us to pay upfront. Soon after seeing at what all the new customers do, which they order and pay at the counter first and waited for their food to get ready - I immediately felt like an A-hole.

Nongdo lunch set (농도 정식 세트)
Nongdo lunch set (농도 정식 세트)

Now the food and its presentation here fits the charming atmosphere and their timeless concept particularly well.

The lunch set (농도 정식 세트) 15,000 won ($12.60) comes with a Korean Beef Bulgogi Bibimbap with Seasonal Vegetables (한우불고기 제철야채 비빔밥), Handmade Refreshments (수제 다과), and a pot of Fermented Yellow Tea (발효 황차)

Handmade Refreshments (수제 다과)
Handmade Refreshments (수제 다과)
Matcha Affogato (말차아포가토) 6,500 won ($5.46)
Matcha Affogato (말차아포가토) 6,500 won ($5.46)
Lemon Garden (레몬가든) 7,000 won ($5.88)
Lemon Garden (레몬가든) 7,000 won ($5.88)

While the Matcha Affogato (말차아포가토) came with a strong green tea bitter cream and a huge scoop of matcha ice cream. Combining them both is like a wonderful marriage between bitter and sweet, which I am sure anyone whose into ice cream as well as matcha will enjoy this a lot

Lemon Garden (레몬가든) is a very refreshing drink, excellent on a hot summer day.

There were very little choices of cakes and pastries, probably because it was too early. But I'm still happy with what we've tried. It is a place worth coming back again!

Doggie in the backyard
Doggie in the backyard

Going back to Ulsan Station

Here's the tricky part. This area is pretty quiet and beware that the buses trips are infrequent. May take from 30 minutes to an hour for a bus to loop around. We will still be taking the same bus back to Ulsan Station - bus no. 304 and 323.

That is if you are still looking to take the bus back to the station. Otherwise, hail a taxi or use Kakao Taxi to order one to go wherever you need. It will be faster too. Good for 3 - 4 persons group as the taxi rate might come in around 8,000 won ($6.72) for a one way trip back to the station.

KTX Train back to Busan (부산)

Cafe Sandy Blue (샌디블루)

Cafe Sandy Blue (샌디블루) Location Info

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Cafe Sandy Blue (샌디블루) store front
Cafe Sandy Blue (샌디블루) store front

After coming back from Ulsan, we took train to Jangsan Station and change to bus Haeundaegu 2 (해운대구 2), to Cheongsapo (청사포). This is the final stop for this bus so you can later take the same bus back to station or town from the same spot.

Cafe Sandy Blue (샌디블루) rooftop deck view

The sea view, port, boats, lighthouses and seagulls here reminded me of Jeju Island.

FattyBonbon wanted to go to the Cafe Rooftop (루프탑) but since we're early, I've decided to also drop by here for a beer.

Hoegaarden (호가든) 6,500 won ($5.46) + Grapefruit Ade (자몽 에이드) 6,500 won ($5.46)
Hoegaarden (호가든) 6,500 won ($5.46) + Grapefruit Ade (자몽 에이드) 6,500 won ($5.46)

Cafe Rooftop (루프탑)

Cafe Rooftop (루프탑) Location Info

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Cafe Rooftop (루프탑) deck entrance design

Just a short walk away from the earlier place, is this feminine cafe. Cafe Rooftop (루프탑) is almost exclusively meant for the ladies.

Seagulls in front of the building of Cafe Rooftop (루프탑)

Located on the 4th floor of a building next to Caffe Bene (카페베네). You will have to walk to the back and into to the staircase area and go up, there is a lift you can use too.

Cafe Rooftop (루프탑) entrance and balcony

You will reach their ordering counter and balcony section first when you walk in to the door. And to head to the rooftop, there is a door and narrow staircase located at the opposite end from where you enter.

They do have a couple cafe rules here. 1) No eating & drinking on the cushiony area. 2) No shoes on seating cushions. Those spots are for photography only.

I actually find their Dirty Cake really enjoyable, while their cream coffee is just alright.

Oh! FattyBonbon commented that their Strawberry Latte (딸기라떼) is really nice. 🍓🥛

Digging into the Dirty Cake (더티 케이크) at Cafe Rooftop (루프탑)
Strawberry Latte (딸기라떼) 7,000 won ($5.88) + Einspanner (아인스패너) 6,500 won ($5.46) + Dirty Cake (더티 케이크) 7,000 won ($5.88)
Strawberry Latte (딸기라떼) 7,000 won ($5.88) + Einspanner (아인스패너) 6,500 won ($5.46) + Dirty Cake (더티 케이크) 7,000 won ($5.88)
FattyBonbon looking over the sea
FattyBonbon looking over the sea
Scud sitting at the balcony

Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장)

Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장) Location Info

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FattyBonbon walking on Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장)
FattyBonbon walking on Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장)

We've spent quite some time there and it is still a little too early for sunset. So I've decided we will just hop on the same bus and go straight to Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장).

And man, what a view!

There was this funny group of tourists taking photo of and with a dog on a remote control car. Hahahaha!

Tourists and the dog on RC ride
And this, I have no idea what this is

Well, that is all for today. Time to eat dinner.

BHC

BHC Location Info

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Verdict

This is now my no.1 favourite fried chicken. That's how good it is.

Succulent on the inside, extra crispy on the outside, and coated with extra spicy powdery sprinkles.

Hot Sprinkle (뿌링클핫) 23,900 won ($20.08)

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7 Days in Busan, 2019 Series Navigation

Day 1 : EGG DROP, Sukdal Dwaeji, Gwangalli Beach and Dalijib.

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Day 2 : Eulsukdo, MMML, Bosu-dong Bookstore Alley, 168 Stairs, Golmok Gejang and Roof And.

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Day 3 : KTX to Ulsan, Cafe Nongdo, Cafe Sandy Blue, Cafe Rooftop, Haeundae Beach and BHC Fried Chicken.

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Day 4 : Oryukdo, Salon De Grenier, Haedong Yonggungsa, Jjajangmyeon, Modern Table and Street Toast.

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Day 5 : Kalguksu, Jukseong Dream Cathedral, Mer de Cour, Gijang Crab Market, and Sheep Coffee.

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Day 6 : Gamcheon Culture Village, Pizza, Iganae Tteokbokki, Moon Toast, BIFF, and Cuorino.

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Day 7 : Spa Land Centum City, Mom's Touch, Mangwondong Tiramisu, Daunt, and DOCO.

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