Celebrity Cruise Day 11: Beautiful Busan!

Siva McAteer • October 17, 2025

Dynamic Busan!

After days of sailing through Japan, we finally made it to Busan, and let me tell you… this city is even more stunning than I imagined.

Our ship pulled into the harbor under bright blue skies, the sun reflecting off the water, and mountains framing the city in the distance. From the deck, you can see modern skyscrapers rising above the coastline — sleek, shiny, and so clean. It’s that perfect blend of nature and modern design that makes Busan instantly captivating.

☕ Breakfast Goals: Café al Bacio with a View

The morning started at Café al Bacio aboard the Celebrity Cruise, where we enjoyed pastries, coffee, and a steaming hot pot of tea. Simple, peaceful, and the ideal way to begin the day.

There’s something magical about sipping your morning brew while overlooking Busan Port — ships gliding by, the city waking up, and that warm ocean breeze reminding you you’re halfway around the world. Not a bad start to Day 11 at all!

🌇 Welcome to Dynamic Busan

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, home to more than 3.4 million people. It’s one of the world’s busiest sea ports, known for its beaches, seafood markets, temples, and the world-famous Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

As we hopped on the shuttle bus headed into the city, we spotted a sign that said “Dynamic Busan” — and honestly, that describes the vibe perfectly. The city is alive, vibrant, and full of energy.

Fun fact: Busan is nicknamed the “Summer Capital of Korea” thanks to its lively beach culture. During peak season, locals and tourists alike flock to Haeundae Beach, one of the most popular stretches of sand in the country.

🐔 Exploring the City

Once we arrived downtown, we stumbled upon an adorable Busan bench complete with a cute little chicken statue — the kind of random, charming detail that makes you fall in love with a city even more.

And can we talk about how spotless Busan is? The streets are incredibly clean, the architecture is modern, and the city just has this fresh, organized feel to it. Everywhere you look, it feels like the perfect photo backdrop.

🎨 Next Stop: Gamcheon Culture Village

Today was my turn to choose our adventure — so I picked Gamcheon Culture Village!

I’ve seen so many photos of this place — the colorful hillside houses, the murals, the art installations — it’s like stepping into a pastel dream. Known as the “Santorini of South Korea”, Gamcheon started as a small village for refugees in the 1950s and has since been transformed into a vibrant, open-air art gallery.

It’s full of quirky shops, cafes, and scenic overlooks that make you want to stop every few feet to snap another photo.

I can’t wait to explore it in person — so come back to see how our Busan adventure unfolds!

💡 Additional Fun Facts About Busan

Busan Tower offers panoramic views of the entire city and harbor.
Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea’s largest seafood market — perfect for adventurous foodies.
The city hosted matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and continues to be a hub for international events.
Busan is famous for temples built into mountainsides, like the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which overlooks the ocean.

🛳️ Final Thoughts

From mountains and sea views to urban style and street art, Busan is a destination that blends it all. Whether you’re cruising in with Celebrity Cruises or flying in for a city break, Busan will surprise you in the best way possible.

If you love food, art, beaches, and vibrant city life — put this South Korean gem on your travel list.

#BusanSouthKorea #DynamicBusan #CelebrityCruise #CelebrityCruises #CruiseLife #CruiseAsia #TravelAsia #GamcheonCultureVillage #BusanTravel #CruiseVlog #SouthKoreaTravel #FukuokaToBusan #CruiseAdventure #BusanPort #TravelBlogger #ExploreBusan #BusanVibes #CruiseFoodie #LuxuryCruise #AsiaCruise

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Crazy Horse Memorial Part 3:

By Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026

Did you know there’s a place in South Dakota where you can literally take home a piece of history? 👀 Yep—welcome back to Part 3 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure, where we dive into one of the most meaningful and fascinating areas of the entire complex: the Native American Educational and Cultural Center. Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Crazy Horse Memorial is already one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in the United States—but stepping into this center takes the experience to a whole new level.

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 2

By Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026

👀 “Would you believe me if I told you this mountain has had over ELEVEN MILLION tons of rock blasted away… and it’s still not finished? Let me show you why this $5 tour is one of the best travel deals in America.” Welcome to Part 2 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure — and today we’re hopping on the guided bus tour that takes you right up to the mountain itself. For just five dollars per person, this ride gets you shockingly close to the carving-in-progress — and trust me… hearing the story while standing beneath it hits completely different. Our guide, Allen, shared how this all began back in 1947, when sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski arrived in the Black Hills from Connecticut… to a place with no roads, no water, no electricity. He literally lived in a tent for seven months before clearing trees and building a log studio by hand. By the late 1950s, with ten kids to raise, the family even opened a dairy farm right on site — and today they still raise cattle here. Oh — and the very first admission to Crazy Horse in 1950? 👉 Just 50 cents per carload.

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 1

By Siva McAteer • January 27, 2026

“If you’re going to Mount Rushmore and NOT stopping here… you’re doing South Dakota wrong.” And honestly? I stand by that. 😏 Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, tucked into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, sits one of the most fascinating landmarks in the United States — the Crazy Horse Memorial. This isn’t just another quick roadside attraction. It’s one of the largest mountain carving projects in the world… and it’s still being built today. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore road trip, a South Dakota vacation, or a national parks adventure, put this stop high on your list.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 5

By Siva McAteer • January 26, 2026

Think the best views at Mount Rushmore are only at the beginning? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 5 — the grand finale of my Mount Rushmore tour series — where the Presidential Trail keeps delivering jaw-dropping scenery right up until the very end. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore vacation, a South Dakota road trip, or a Black Hills adventure, this is your reminder that this iconic destination is so much more than a quick photo stop. It’s a full-on experience.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 4:

By Siva McAteer • January 25, 2026

Another passport?! 👀✈️ Yes, please — and this one doesn’t even require airport security or a middle seat. Welcome back to Part 4 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore series, where we stop at one of the most fascinating (and underrated!) spots at Mount Rushmore National Memorial: the Sculptor’s Studio. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore trip, a South Dakota road trip, or exploring the Black Hills, this is one stop you absolutely cannot skip.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 3:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026

This is as close as you can get to Mount Rushmore without climbing the mountain itself — and honestly? Most visitors have no idea this trail even exists. 👀 Welcome to Part 3 of my five‑part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m continuing along the legendary Presidential Trail and showing you why this scenic walk completely changes how you experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If Mount Rushmore is on your USA bucket list, keep reading — this is where the magic really happens.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 2:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026

Most visitors snap a photo from the viewing terrace and move on… but if you really want to experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you have to get on the Presidential Trail. Welcome to Part 2 of my five-part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m sharing insider tips, fun facts, and smart planning advice so your South Dakota adventure feels unforgettable — not rushed.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 1:

By Siva McAteer • January 22, 2026

Think Mount Rushmore is just a quick photo stop you squeeze in between road trip snacks and your next destination? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 1 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore tour series, where I’m breaking down everything you need to know so you can visit like a pro, skip the rookie mistakes, and actually enjoy this iconic American landmark.

Celebrity Cruise & The Bittersweet Flight Home

By Siva McAteer • October 30, 2025

There’s that one moment every traveler knows too well — when you slip into your comfiest travel slippers, grab your airplane blanket, and realize… it’s time to head home. After sixteen incredible days exploring Japan and South Korea, I still can’t believe our journey has come to an end. This trip was everything — relaxing, inspiring, and filled with memories that will stay with us forever. From mouthwatering sushi in Tokyo to breathtaking temples in Busan, every single day felt like a new adventure.

Celebrity Cruise Day 12: The Airport That Feels Like the Future

By Siva McAteer • October 29, 2025

Only in South Korea would a robot greet you the moment you step into the airport. Welcome to Incheon International Airport, where technology meets tranquility — and yes, your travel expectations will never be the same after this. The first thing that hit me wasn’t the size (though it’s massive) — it was how quiet and calm everything felt. No rushing crowds, no blaring announcements — just peaceful background music and mesmerizing floor-to-ceiling digital screens showing relaxing visuals. It honestly felt like I stepped into a luxury spa disguised as an airport. 🤖 Smart Travel at Its Finest Incheon Airport is one of the most advanced smart airports in the world, powered by big data, robotics, and biometric technology. From self-check-in kiosks and face-recognition immigration to helpful robots roaming around ready to assist, it’s clear that South Korea has travel innovation down to a science. Every detail here is designed to make travel effortless — even the seating areas have wireless charging stations built right in!