Haeundae Beach Part 2: Riding the Blue Line – A Gunzel’s Paradise in Busan

G'day, you legends! It's your mate from the STRONGER tour back at it, still buzzing from the epic vibes of Haeundae Beach in Busan. If you caught part one, you know I was gobsmacked by the massive sands, killer street food, and that skyline that puts the Gold Coast to shame. But hold onto your Akubras, because part two is switching gears—literally. We're ditching the beach towels for train tracks, and this one's dedicated to all you gunzels out there (that's rail fans for the uninitiated). Today, we're hopping aboard the Blue Line, that quirky coastal train (or tram, or whatever you wanna call it) that zips from Haeundae Beach to Songjeong Beach. It's not just a ride; it's a rolling history lesson with ocean views that'll make your inner trainspotter do backflips. And yeah, I've heard whispers about the Sky Capsule—that retro, elevated pod ride that's like a slow-motion dream along the same route. We'll tackle that in a later episode, so don't miss it! But for now, buckle up for a full-on Blue Line adventure. Let's choo-choo into it!

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Haeundae Beach Part 1: Busan’s Epic Coastal Adventure Begins

Hey there, my unstoppable readers! Welcome back to the STRONGER tour, where I’m chasing life, gratitude, and jaw-dropping adventures across Korea and Japan. If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve survived a brain aneurysm, trekked through Perth’s iconic spots, sweated my way across the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, and soaked up the love at Victor’s church in South Korea. Now, I’m in Busan, and let me tell you—Busan isn’t just good, it’s BLOODY AMAZING! This city’s a secret gem that’s been hiding in plain sight, and I’m here to spill the beans on why Haeundae Beach makes Australia’s Gold Coast look like a kiddie pool. Buckle up, because this beach is so massive, so stunning, so packed with wonders that I’m splitting this adventure into three blogs to do it justice. Let’s dive into part one—Haeundae Beach, street food, and a vibe that’ll leave you gobsmacked!

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A Stormy Day at the DMZ’s Imjingak Peace Park

It was 6 a.m. on a stormy, sweltering summer morning when I left my Seoul hotel, lightning cracking the sky and my cheap umbrella snapping in the wind. What started as a light drizzle turned into torrential rain, the kind that soaks you to the bone. South Korea was battered by such heavy storms that week in July 2025 that, tragically, 17 people lost their lives and 11 went missing over the coming days. Yet, here I was, fumbling through the Seoul subway system, heart pounding with worry I’d miss my DMZ tour coach. The signs were a blur, but somehow, I made it to the meeting point, drenched but determined. By the time we reached the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the skies had calmed to a moody overcast—no rain, just a heavy stillness that set the tone for a day I’ll never forget.

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A Heartfelt Visit to Victor’s Church in South Korea

HEY, dear readers! We’ve got plenty more to show you from the DMZ, but for now, let’s leap forward to the heart of why I set foot in South Korea in the first place—my rock, my dear friend Victor. This man was my lifeline when I was battling that brain aneurysm, a true guardian angel whose daily calls and gentle prayers pulled me through the darkest days. When I told him I was coming to Korea, I knew I had to visit his church, dive into his world, and soak up the love of his community. Let me tell you, our day at his church was a burst of joy, light, and some heavenly surprises—tomatoes coated in orange juice, anyone?

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The Gamaksan Suspension Bridge

Imagine a sweltering July morning, the air thick with humidity, and me—a slightly out-of-shape, middle-aged guy—huffing my way up a trail in Paju, South Korea. My mission? To conquer the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, a wobbly wonder that’s equal parts thrilling and historic. Get ready for a tale of breathtaking views, a lively history lesson, and plenty of laughs at my expense as I struggle to catch my breath while seniors zip past me. Plus, stick around for a video at the end where I take you on a full walk across the bridge—sweat, stumbles, and all!

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The Ascot Kilns: A Journey Through Time and Mystery

The story begins in 1910 when pottery works were established on Grandstand Road, opposite the bustling Ascot Racecourse, by the ambitious duo Piercy and Pitman. Picture the scene: the clatter of carts, the scent of clay in the air, and the rhythmic firing of two kilns fueled by wood and coal. This humble beginning set the stage for a legacy. In 1930, the site was taken over by H L Brisbane & Co., a move that sparked a transformation. Imagine the excitement as, in 1934, master craftsman Ernie Banks constructed two new kilns, their towering forms rising like silent sentinels. By 1938, the company evolved into H L Brisbane & Wunderlich Limited, a name that echoed through the industry.

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Illuminating Perth with Optus Stadium

Hey there, my unstoppable readers! Welcome back to the STRONGER series, where every step is a victory and every view a testament to resilience. If you’re new, here’s the gist: I’m the guy who stared down a brain aneurysm, battled back with grit, and emerged STRONGER. This series chronicles my journey to Korea and Japan to thank my rock, Victor, and celebrate this second shot at life. We kicked things off in Perth with new gear and a stroll through South Perth—check that blog if you missed it! Now, as July heats up and my big trip looms on July 16, I’m diving deeper into my hometown with a walk around the jaw-dropping Optus Stadium and the iconic Matagarup Bridge. Grab a snack, because this tale of engineering marvels, dazzling lights, and a racing future will have you hooked!

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The STRONGER Tour: Kicking Off in Perth with New Gear

Hey there, my unstoppable readers! Welcome back to the STRONGER series, where I’m spilling my heart and soul about this wild ride called life—and the epic adventure that’s about to unfold. If you’re just joining us, let me give you the quick scoop: I’m a guy who stared down a massive brain aneurysm, fought my way through fear and surgery, and came out feeling, you guessed it, STRONGER. This series is about my upcoming trip to Korea and Japan to thank my rock, Victor, and celebrate this second chance at life. But before I jet off on July 16, I’m starting right here in my backyard—Perth, Western Australia—with a shiny new set of filming gear and a heart full of gratitude. Buckle up, because this story’s got twists, tech, and a furry co-star named Bella!

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The STRONGER Tour: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

Hey there, dear readers! So, I bet you’re sitting there, scratching your head, wondering why on earth I’ve dubbed my latest adventure the STRONGER tour. I mean, let’s be real—I'm not some chart-topping rockstar jetting off on a world tour, belting out hits to adoring fans. Nope, I’m just your average, slightly creaky old fella embarking on a holiday, eager to share every twist and turn with you all. But trust me, there’s a story here that’ll hook you, pull you in, and leave you craving more—because after what I’ve been through, I truly feel STRONGER!

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