Surfers Paradise?

As a Queenslander, I can’t help but notice that Haeundae Beach in South Korea appears to resemble Surfers Paradise in several ways. From the imposing beach-side skyscrapers, to an esplanade lined with convenience stores, fast food chains, and foreign restaurants, to the way in which the beach itself looks. The pedestrian-only walkway to the beach entrance feels eerily similar to Cavill Avenue, yet not quite as grungy. You walk out next to the sand after dark and all you can envision is a crappy Schoolies beach party. It has more class than that though. Instead, tonight, a Korean artist is busking on the sand, belting out a rock ballad with his electric guitar, drawing a small local crowd.

More to come…