A foggy day was probably not the best time to visit Yeongdo-gu Island’s Taejongdae Mountain lookout, but the mist added to the magical atmosphere.

I caught a bus to the bottom part of Yeondong-gu island and started by exploring the monument dedicated to countries who sent medical assistance during the Korean War.

Then up the road is the beginning of the lookout circuit, which includes; Pebble Beach, an Observatory, lookouts spots and two temples.

Although a decent walk, this circuit is well worth doing, there are plenty of seats along the way for a rest, two convenience stores (closed at the time), water fountains for drinking and toilets at every featured spot.

First stop was Pebble Beach. And the sea was beautiful, but angry that day.

Then I took the road up to Gumyeongsa Temple and enjoyed seeing the colourful lanterns line the way to it’s peacefulness.

I took a rest and made a new feline friend …

After we made a plan to meet up again in a few years at the same spot, I continued on to the Observatory.

Admittedly on a clearer day the view would be better (or exist at all, in my case), but it was still impressive to me.

Next stop was the Lighthouse (I think I forgot to mention it before). In this area there is also other buildings including an outdoor cinema.

The final stop was Taejongsa Temple, which will literally call to you with chanting music.

Sorry about the shaky cam, just wanted to record the chanting and music for atmosphere.

Then I made my way back to the start, enjoying the quietness as I pretty much had this part of the looping road to myself.

After all that walking, I needed to unwind at a jimjillbang (Korean bathhouse), but even though I travelled an hour to the well reviewed Heosimcheong Spa, it was closed for renovations until 31 May (still open for men).

The front desk lady was very helpful and suggested another option, the fancy Spaland at Centum City (touting itself as the world’s largest department store).

Spaland made itself well worth the additional travel time. With many heated and cool bathing pools, saunas with tvs, bubble/massage pools and even a pagoda covering outdoor hot spring (my favourite).

This jimjilbang is very first timer/foreigner friendly, with helpful staff, a simple user guide and fancy interiors. I definitely recommend it.

Although Spaland is fancier than its Seoul counterpart that I visited, Siloam Spa (open 24hrs). Spaland only allows you to stay for 4 hrs (₩15,000), but has a small cafe, restaurants, outdoor foot baths and upstairs massage chairs (life changing – I went back for a second round).

With a long bus ride back awaiting me, it was time for me to return to my hotel for the night (I wanted to eat at Centum City, but everything seemed to close at 8pm).

So a quick side trip to a convenience store for late night ramen and snacks for dinner was in order.

Before crawling into bed.

Good night Busan.