With beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, and even the sea, Busan has great spots for road trips where you can enjoy the natural scenery. Busan is full of attractive locations including Dongbaekseom Island where camellias blossom in early spring, Jangsan Mountain with unique volcanic topography, the historical Ahopsan Forest protected by a family through generations, Gyerim Forest holding the thousand-year history of Silla, and Hoedong Reservoir, a therapeutic spot surrounded by peaceful and tranquil landscape.
Let the beautiful natural scenery comfort your mind stressed from hectic city life. In addition to the widely known natural attractions, you will be able to discover the hidden and untouched treasures of Busan.
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Taejongdae Park
A rocky coast featuring murals created by nature
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Taejongdae is a beautiful marine park with a harmonious view of the cobalt blue sea, rocky coast, and pine forest. The park is also a famous geological site in Busan where you can observe wave-cut platforms, sea cliffs, and coastal caves formed by the erosion of lacustrine deposits by waves due to the rise in sea level. You can take a tour of the park along several routes developed for the exploration of various geological topographies, mysterious natural murals, and gravel beaches.
The park area consists of a natural habitat of about 200 species of trees, including pine trees, warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved trees, and maritime pine trees. To observe the vegetation of Taejongdae, take the route specifically designed as an ecological trail leading to the lighthouse. The coastal cliffs of Taejongdae are often compared to murals created by nature as they resemble an ink painting where the green, white, and dark colours are harmoniously blended. Take a leisurely tour of Taejongdae along the well-maintained routes and indulge in its unique scenery.
Locatie: 24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
Openingstijden: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)51-405-2004
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Geumjeongsan Mountain
An iconic mountain holding mysterious legends
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Geumjeongsan Mountain, the setting for various legends passed down among locals, is Busan's iconic mountain. The mountain preserves various cultural heritages including Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, Beomeosa Temple, and Sanseong Village, attracting many tourists throughout the year. The mountain has a steep slope and is covered with huge pebbles on all sides, resembling a fortress from a distance. The ice-age fossil bed stretching across the forest creates a magnificent landscape that is hard to find anywhere else in Korea.
Geumsaem, a spring gushing out from in-between rocks, is the setting for the legend about a golden fish that descended from heaven on a five-coloured cloud and played in the water. Interestingly, it is said that the spring has never dried up. Another famous attraction is Dugu-dong Lotus Pond. It is believed that long ago, a villager sowed lotus seeds and they naturally reproduced to form this large lotus colony. It is strongly recommended to visit the pond from July to September when red and white lotus bloom.
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Oryukdo Island
A beautiful archipelago made up of six islets
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Oryukdo, made up of 6 rocky islets on the coast of Yongho-dong, Busan, is one of the most scenic spots in Busan. It was a peninsula connected to the land more than 120,000 years ago, but was separated over a long period of time. The island consists of six islets: Bangpaeseom, closest to land and blocks strong winds and waves; Solseom, covered with pine trees; Suriseom, resting place for sea eagles hunting seagulls; Songgotseom, small with a pointed tip; Gulseom, having a large cave; and Deungdaeseom, farthest from land.
To appreciate the view of Oryukdo Island, visit nearby Oryukdo Park. Admiring the panoramic view of Oryukdo in the cool sea breeze truly makes an unforgettable sight. Watching the waves dashing against the cliffs through the glass floor of the Skywalk may be the most thrilling experience in Busan. To see Oryukdo from the sea, how about hopping on a cruise tour? You can observe the island up close from the middle of the sea.
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Dongbaekseom Island
An island of camellia blossoms
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Dongbaekseom Island, located at the end of Haeundae’s white sandy beach, is a calm place where you can leisurely walk and wash away your stress. Originally an island but it is now connected to land due to a long sedimentation process. From January to April, camellia flowers are in full bloom on Dongbaekseom allowing you to enjoy the feeling of spring to the fullest in the midst of red camellia blossoms that tinge the island with red. However, there is no need to be sad if you happen to miss the camellia blooming season. In addition to the camellia trees, the island is home to dense pines that create a superb view of the blue sea in all seasons.
The coastal trail around the island is suitable for leisurely strolls. Upon arriving at the observatory, Nurimaru APEC House, Gwangandaegyo Bridge, and even Oryukdo Island in the distance come into view at once. The island is also a popular spot to peacefully watch the sunrise and sunset, so do not miss the chance to appreciate the beautiful scenery.
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Yangsan Mujigae Falls
A scenic summer resort
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Yangsan Mujigae Falls, located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, is a beautiful summer resort. The name “Mujigae” meaning “rainbow” was aptly named due to the falling water creating colourful rainbows in the sunlight. The waterfall, as a naturally formed resort, attracts many vacationers from all over the country as well as locals every summer. Strangely shaped rocks and lush plants lining the trail leading to the waterfall add to the beauty of this place.
Going up to the right of the trail, you can dip your feet in the valley water and take in some rest. You can pitch a tent, cook, and enjoy camping around the valley area. Have a perfect vacation at Mujigae Falls, enjoying the scenic view of the waterfall, swimming in the cool valley water, and relishing freshly cooked food.
Locatie: San187, Pyeongsan-dong, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
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Jangsan Mountain
Unique volcanic topography that catches your eyes
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Jangsan Mountain stands tall near Haeundae, overlooking the South Sea. Made of ash and lava ejected from volcanic activity, various types of volcanic rocks and magnificent topography such as the vast stone scree are a sight to behold.
The hiking trail that starts at Daecheon Park is flat and well-maintained, allowing you to make your way up the mountain with a light heart. On your way up to the top, take a short tour of Pokposa, a secluded Buddhist temple, and explore volcanic scree where rocks form a slope at the foot of the mountain. It is recommended to take a break at the temple in the middle of the mountain, immersed in the calm and serene atmosphere. From the mountaintop, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of downtown Busan, including Haeundae Marine City and Gwangandaegyo Bridge. As the mountain holds many natural wonders worth seeing, there are also amazing photo spots where you can take pictures that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Locatie: Banyeo-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Ahopsan Forest
A mysterious bamboo forest unveiled after a long period of time
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Ahopsan Forest, which has been managed by the Nampyeong Mun clan through nine generations, is a mysterious forest where the natural environment and ecology of the bamboo forest is well preserved. The forest consists of artificially formed woodlands where giant pine, oak, cedar, cypress, bamboo, and ginkgo trees grow and natural geumgangsong pine trees. The forest was previously a “secret forest” closed to the public but was officially opened in 2015 becoming famous through word of mouth.
The colony of geumgangsong pine trees has been designated as a protected forest by Gijang-gun, as these pine trees are over 400 years old. After passing through the geumgangsong pine tree colony lies maengjongjuk bamboo forest, a symbol of Ahopsan Forest that has a history of some 200 years. Preserved in its original state without any artificial structures, the forest has appeared in several movies and TV dramas. The bamboo wood is so dense that you can barely see the sky making you feel as if you are in another world. Enjoy the beauty of nature and refresh yourself.
Locatie: 37-1, Midong-gil, Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun, Busan, Republic of Korea
Openingstijden: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)51-721-9183
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Gyerim Forest
A sacred forest preserving the legend of an ancient kingdom
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Gyerim located in Gyeongju is a sacred forest as it is believed to be the birthplace of Kim Al-ji, the progenitor of the Gyeongju Kim clan. According to legend, King Talhae of Silla heard a rooster crow in the forest and sent his men to investigate, upon which they found a boy lying in a golden chest.
Although being small in size, it is difficult to see outside the forest due to overgrown tree leaves. Being in the forest provides you with a sense of cosiness. There is a small stream flowing from north to west, and old tall trees including willows and zelkova trees grow thick in the forest. Crossing the stream and walking towards Cheomseongdae Observatory, you will encounter a 1,300-year-old pagoda tree, which is a symbol of Gyerim. Consider visiting in autumn when the forest is covered with beautiful autumn leaves from these old trees that have been standing for more than a thousand years.
Locatie: 1, Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)54-779-8743~8759
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Hoedong Reservoir
A living landscape painting against the background of a lake
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Hoedong Reservoir, located in the mountain in the heart of the city, is not only an important source of drinking water for the residents of Busan, but also a popular resort park for its picturesque lake view. The reservoir was previously a water source conservation area where access by the general public was strictly restricted. In 2010, the reservoir was opened to the public with the creation of a trail around the lake and turned into a famous destination for outings.
It is especially known as a healing spot where you can take a green shower in the cypress forest along the trail, walk barefoot on the red clay path, and appreciate the lake view. For the most scenic view, make your way to Oryundae Cliff. Standing on top of Bueongsan Mountain commands magnificent unobstructed views of Hoedong Reservoir. Peacefully floating clouds, the serene lake, and the surrounding mountain peaks combine to create a living landscape painting. Take a rest in this healing spot in the heart of the city.
Locatie: 121 Seon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)51-519-4081
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Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
A panoramic view of Busan from the mountaintop
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With a height of 427.6 metres above sea level, Hwangnyeongsan Mountain stands high in the middle of Busan. The mountain top offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. Haeundae Beach and the Gwangandaegyo Bridge to the east, Busan Port and Yeongdo-gu to the south, Busanjin-gu to the west, and Seomyeon and Dongnae-gu to the north.
The beacon fire station located at the top of the mountain is where the first ever signal-fire was lit during the Imjin War in 1592 to warn of the imminent Japanese invasion. Built high in a wide-open space, the beacon fire station commands magnificent views of Busan. Currently, an observatory and a rest area sit at the site of the beacon fire station. The nearby defunct radio tower has been converted into a lighting tower, making the observatory a new hot spot for viewing the nightscape. If you visit the observatory during the Busan International Fireworks Festival, you will have full view of the night sky embroidered with colourful fireworks.
Locatie: 391-39, Hwangnyeongsan-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
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