Sarah and I finally got a break from teaching and escaped off to another city, Pusan. Most people as well as the guide books make Pusan out to be a small beach town-- and say that it lacks soul...shameless pun.
Pusan is amazing. It's true that it's not as big as Seoul, but it's urban and scenic. There's a little less of rat race in Pusan and there's a beach buzz that seems to keep things chill.
There are a few beachs that you can linger at--each have their unique vibe. Haeundae is a super-crowded meat market where you can hardly see the sand as you approach it.
Still, most older Koreans shun the sun. At Haeundae beach, there are so many umbrellas that once you're at the beach, it's really like being inside.
Gwangalli Beach, Pusan
Gwangalli is less crowded. It's walled in by hotels, shops, and businesses, but out toward the ocean, the lights from the city and a bridge fall onto the water--making for post-card worthy sunsets. 
At sunset, the life guards mount their jet-skiies and round-up all the swimmers. There are not many apparent safety rules in Korea, but there's definitely no swimming past dark!
