So I have arrived in Korea right before the monsoon season. The years prior I did not experience a rainy season like this so it made me think of what can I do on a rainy day?
Curl up in bed and listen to the rain or binge watch K Dramas all day? NO!
Let’s Go Do Some Shopping!
My favorite place to go on a nice rainy day is the mall. So you may be thinking, The Mall… Boring! What just stare at clothes you’re probably not going to buy and what? Well what about watching a 4D movie? Yeah, yeah movie theaters are typical and so is food, but what about ice skating or a petting zoo?
In Korea malls are a little different than in the states. A little more extravagant I would say.
In Busan I have been to two of the major department store chains Lotte Department Store in Nampo and Shinsegae in Centum City. Both offer floor after floor of wonderful shopping opportunities but there is much more to do than just shop.
In Shinsegae, Centum City there is a full sized ice skating rink. And after you get tired from falling, which I did, you can head upstairs to Spa Land, a jimjibang. Their saunas and pools are fed from two natural sources and is a great place to unwind after a long day of Tiffany’s, Prada, and Cartier.
At the Lotte Department Store in Nampo there is an observation deck and a petting zoo! Also if you want to get in a workout they have a fully equipped gym and after a good sweat you can sit and eat some ice cream and enjoy the water fountain show. They have a fountain that is 3 floors tall and has a dancing water show.
If that’s not enough then head underground. Many of the subway stops have underground shopping centers. From Nampo station you can walk to Jagalchi station through the underground shopping center. There are many little shop and even the Korean Grey Market. This is where I go to look for all my second hand electronics. Shhhh! Little tip there are second hand shops in the underground with great stuff, but always negotiate the price. I got my $250 Gortex The North Face jacket for about $15 bucks. Cash is king though, don’t expect much of a discount if you have to use a card. Taxes and fees you know.
So don’t let the rain keep you from leaving your house. Plus if you use the subway, you’ll never get caught in the rain.