PHOTO GALLERY: An escapade to scenic Busan, South Korea

My first visit to South Korea was for a shoot for the now-defunct Public Affairs show "Pinoy Abroad." I interviewed a Korean actor and shot inside an actual Korean drama set. At the time, I was not yet a fan of Korean idols or Korean dramas, so the trip was a non-event for me.

It is just now that I realize how lucky I was at that time.

What started as a penchant for Korean dramas and K-Pop in 2009 soon turned into a fascination for Korean culture. As a TV producer, I am lucky that I get to translate my interest into my work.

This month, I went on my sixth trip to South Korea. With the help of Korea Tourism Organization, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Joseph Mission ABR Phil. Inc. and Asiana Airlines, our "Reel Time" team went to Busan, South Korea for our episode "Nanum (Sharing)," which premieres on May 11 on GMA News TV.

In between takes, I managed to take a few snapshots of this beautiful and dynamic city.

When asked if I would ever get tired of visiting this country? My answer is "never".



Team A!. "Reel Time" Team A! members at Songjeong Harbor: From left: Director of photography and segment producer Jericho Abalona; executive producer, director and writer Aileen Rae Perez; and videographer Randy Mariñas
 
 

Two towers. Breakwater lighthouses at Songjeong Harbor, Busan, South Korea
 
 
 

 


Kayaking in Songjeong Beach. Kayaking is just one of the activities locals and tourists enjoy in Songjeong beach, one of Busan's main attractions.
 
 
 

All wrapped-up. Temperature along the Busan coast can go down to a chilly 15 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.
 
 

Songjeong Beach. Families enjoy a relaxing and chilly afternoon along Songjeong Beach.
 
 
 

Busan's white sand beaches. Dubbed as South Korea's summer capital, Busan boasts of white sand beaches that attract both local and foreign visitors.
 
 

Busan's pride. Busan Tower is located at Yongdusan Park and stands at about 120 meters.
 
 

Love locked. Just like its counterpart in Seoul, Busan Tower also has a collection of "love locks" at its foot.
 
 

The bridge. The view from the top of Busan Tower shows Yeongdo Bridge - its single movable section serves as a drawbridge that operates every 12 noon to allow huge vessels to pass through.
 
 

Flowers everywhere. Flowers line up the streets of Haeundae District.
 
 

Korean delight. In between takes, our team sampled snacks from Busan's OPS Bakery.
 
 

Too much chillaxin'? The large trees and benches Yongdusan Park provide a comfortable place for a quick afternoon nap.
 
 

Nurimaru Apec House. Cloudy night at the overlooking terrace of Nurimaru Apec House
 
 
 

Hello, kitty. Up close with one of the "residents" in a Busan cat cafe
 
 

Behind-the-scenes of "Nanum". "Reel Time" did an interview with Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital's representative Professor Tae-Gyu Hwang, M.D., Ph. D.
 
 

My love from this star. It's always hard to resist taking snapshots in front of stores that have famous Korean endorsers like Kim Soo Hyun (from the Korean drama "My Love From The Stars").
 
 
 

Korean pop. A popular come-on for customers of Korean cosmetic stores are Kpop idol standees in front of shops.
 
 

Team A! in Nurimaru. In between takes at Nurimaru Apec House. From left: director of photography and segment producer Jericho Abalona; executive producer, director and writer Aileen Rae Perez; and videographer Randy Mariñas.
 
 
 

Yellow Ribbon. Some establishments in Busan put up yellow ribbon banners to show solidarity with the families of the victims of the Sewol tragedy in South Korea.

— Photos by Aileen Perez/CM, GMA News