When one travels, one takes photographs to remember the memories by,
or one opts to give that memory to others
or oneself in the form of small gifts or souvenirs.
Busan has a number of gift and souvenir shops that sell dainty gifts for you to remember your trip by.
Today, we introduce to you three shops that are easy to reach!
Haeundae Baech – Haeundae Souvenir Shop "Badawi gureum sangjeom"
When it comes to Busan summer, what comes to your mind? Haeundae Beach, of course! This beautiful sand beach also has a gift shop nearby.
Haeundae Souvenir Gift Shop "Badawi gureum sangjeom" is, in fact, located right next to the Haeundae signage, so it is very easy to find!
The exterior of the shop is painted white, which goes remarkably well with the white sand beach in Haeundae, and the indoor space is illuminated brightly thanks to the massive window wall.
There's a great variety of souvenirs to choose from, and one in particular caught our eyes, right by the entrance:
the sealing wax stamp.
Have you ever seen movies set in older times, where a character seals the letter using molten wax?
This stamp is used to stamp that seal.
If you write a letter to your loved ones, and that letter comes in a package sealed with Haeundae stamp seal, how romantic would that be? You are sending your fond memories of Busan with your letter.
The shop also carries beachwear and other beach essentials, so don't miss out!
Location: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Opening Hours: Every day 10:00 – 22:00 (Closed 12:00 – 13:00)
Busan Station – Dongbaek General Store
Busan Station is often the first impression that one has of the city, and the place many return to, resolving to come back again to Busan.
But did you know that there is a souvenir shop in Busan Station?
Get out of the station toward the Busan Eurasia Platform and look toward the Busan Station
to find the Dongbaek General Store.
If you miss it, there's a map of the area.
Dongbaek General Store is the largest of the three shops we are introducing today, so it is a great place to do some window shopping.
The souvenirs are sorted neatly along their companies of origin, and thus are easy to find.
One such type of souvenir was made with photographs taken by photographers in Busan.
Others include souvenirs that combine Busan landmarks with Korean mother-of-pearl (jagae) craft,
and things inspired by seagulls, the unofficial city bird of Busan,
like the seagull bread (galmaegippang).
Location: #106, 210, Jungang-daero, Dong-gu, Busan
Opening Hours: Every day 10:00 – 21:00
Huinnyeoul Culture Village – Damagada
Huinnyeoul Culture Village is a very popular destination for visitors in Busan, and there is a gift shop located near the sea here.
Among the numbered alleyways in Huinnyeoul Culture Village, the shop we are visiting today is located in no. 7.
Go down the alleyway to the end and turn right to find Damagada.
"I hope that our shop can offer a fond memory to folks who visit the area." Just like what the owner of the place wants it to be, Damagada is a chic and lovely space, full of quirks that make it a perfect fit with the Huinnyeoul Culture Village.
Like others, there are many souvenirs that capture Busan's charms. We found the pretty postcards and candles made by the owner to be particularly charming.
On our way out, we noticed something on the wall next to the counter:
A bundle of postcards and photographs left by the visitors.
That was when we realized that yes, this diminutive gift shop can offer fond memories for many.
Location: 263, Huinnyeoul-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (alleyway no. 7)
Opening Hours: Every day 12:00 – 18:00 (may be closed at owner's discretion)