“Best Hiking Trails in and Around Busan”

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is renowned not only for its beautiful beaches and bustling urban life but also for its stunning natural landscapes. Nestled between mountains and the sea, Busan offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to both novice hikers and seasoned adventurers. Whether you’re looking to explore coastal walks, mountain trails, or scenic parks, Busan has something for everyone. Here are some of the best hiking trails in and around Busan that you shouldn’t miss.

Key Takeaways

• Geumjeongsan Mountain offers panoramic views of Busan and is ideal for both beginner and experienced hikers.
• Igidae Coastal Walk provides a scenic route along the coast with breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs.
• Jangsan Mountain is known for its lush forests and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
• Hwangnyeongsan Mountain features a relatively easy hike with rewarding views of the cityscape.
• Seokbulsa Temple Trail combines cultural exploration with hiking, leading you to a beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains.

Geumjeongsan Mountain

Geumjeongsan Mountain is one of the most beautiful hikes you can experience in Busan. Not only will you get to see the magnificent Beomeosa Temple, but you’ll also explore Korea’s largest fortress: Geumjeongsanseong Fortress. The views from the top are simply breathtaking!

How to Get There

To reach Geumjeongsan, take the subway (line 1, orange) to Beomeosa Station. From there, hop on bus 90 for 5 stops and get off at Beomeosa Parking Lot.

Difficulty

This hike is generally considered moderate. The trail from the Geumjeongsanseong Fortress East Gate to Beomeosa is about 5.2 miles long and takes around 3 hours and 22 minutes to complete.

Highlights

• Stunning views from the top
• Visit to Beomeosa Temple
• Explore Geumjeongsanseong Fortress

The hike offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks, making it a must-visit for anyone in Busan.

Igidae Coastal Walk

The Igidae Coastal Walk is a scenic trail that runs along the East Sea coastline, offering breathtaking views of the water and Busan skyline. You can choose to start your journey from either the Dongseangmal Observatory or Oryukdo Sunrise Park, but personally, I recommend ending at the skywalk. This 4 km trail is mostly flat with a few stair climbs, and you can complete the entire walk in approximately 2 hours. The trail is well-loved for its picturesque seashore scenery and landmarks like Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Busan Yacht Mooring Area, and Haeundae Beach. It is also part of the famous Galmaetgil Trails and Haeparang Trail, providing diverse signposts and a memorable hiking experience.

Jangsan Mountain

Jangsan Mountain is located in the Haeundae district of Busan and stands at an elevation of 634 meters (2,080 feet). This mountain offers stunning views of the city below and is a moderate hike that most people can handle. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon surrounded by nature.

Jangsan Attractions

• Active landmines: It’s a surreal experience walking through the mountainside among the signs warning of landmines!
• Jangsan Waterfall
• City Views
• Unique Terrain – large rock slides
• Daecheon Park

How to Get There

You can easily reach Jangsan Mountain from the city. Just head to the Haeundae district and follow the signs. It’s a fairly easy trip and well worth it for the views and the experience.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is one of the best spots for sunset and night views over Busan. Standing at an altitude of 427 meters, it’s a moderate hike that offers amazing city views. You can start your hike at the Busan Town Hall station and it takes about 1.5 hours one-way. Alternatively, you can take the Yeonje-gu1 bus to Mulmangol and hike for about 45 minutes.

Hwangnyeongsan and Geumnyeonsan are twin peaks within the same park, offering a variety of trails to explore. The area is especially popular during the spring for its cherry blossoms and the fire beacons on the mountain.

Highlights

• Variety of hiking trails
• Great city views
• Can hike at night
• Cherry blossoms
• Boardwalks

Seokbulsa Temple Trail

Seokbulsa Temple is one of Busan’s hidden gems. Although not as popular as other temples, it offers a unique and secluded experience. The hike to Seokbulsa is a bit challenging, but it’s worth it. The massive stone-carved Buddha figures in the mountain are stunning, and the escape to nature makes for a great day trip from the city.

Getting There

There are two ways to reach Seokbulsa Temple. You can take the subway to Oncheonjang station (line 1, orange), head to Geumgang Park, and take the cable car to the top before hiking to the temple. This is the longer but more scenic route. Alternatively, you can take the subway to Mandeok station (line 3, brown) and walk to the temple, which takes about an hour.

What to Expect

• Beautiful stone-carved Buddhas
• A peaceful and quiet atmosphere
• Fresh mountain air

Seokbulsa Temple is perfect for those looking to escape the crowded attractions of the city and enjoy a quiet, contemplative experience.

Taejongdae Resort Park

Taejongdae Resort Park is a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of Busan. Named after King Taejong Muyeol, who loved to shoot arrows here, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. You can either hop on the little train that takes you around the park or enjoy a leisurely walk. The views are simply breathtaking with magnificent cliff ridges and ocean scenery.

Attractions

• Lighthouse and lookout point
• Several temples
• Cafes and restaurants at the base
• Highest point at 250 meters

How to Get There

Take the bus to Taejongdae Hot Springs bus stop. There are eight different buses that stop here. Alternatively, you can take a 25-minute, 10,000 won ($9 USD) taxi ride from Nampo Station.

If you have time, continue your walk to the Yeongdo Haenyeo village and enjoy some freshly caught seafood!

Dongbaekseom Island

Dongbaekseom Island is a small, charming spot right next to Haeundae Beach. The trail around the island is easy and only 1.4 km long, taking about 30 minutes to complete. You’ll start on a 450m coastal path that leads to some cool sights like a 2.5m high mermaid statue, a suspension bridge, and a lighthouse observatory. From the observatory, you can see the Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the Oryukdo Islets.

After that, you can continue on a 930m circular road that takes you to the Nurimaru APEC House and through a lovely forest filled with camellia and pine trees.

Oryukdo Skywalk

The Oryukdo Skywalk is a thrilling spot in Busan that you shouldn’t miss. This glass bridge is built over the ocean, giving you a heart-pounding view of the waves crashing below. It’s an unforgettable experience that makes you feel like you’re walking on air. The skywalk is part of the Igidae Coastal Walk, a 4 km trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. You can start from either the Dongseangmal Observatory or Oryukdo Sunrise Park, but many prefer to end at the skywalk for the grand finale.

Once you reach Oryukdo Sunrise Park, you can enjoy both the sunset and sunrise, making it a perfect spot for any time of the day. The trail is mostly flat with a few stair climbs, so it’s suitable for all ages. Along the way, you can pause to feel the breeze blowing from the ocean and let all your worries disappear.

The Oryukdo Skywalk is what we call a “good walkway.” It’s a place where the scenery of the blue ocean occupies your mind and leaves you feeling refreshed.

Gwangalli Beach to Haeundae Beach Walk

The Gwangalli Beach to Haeundae Beach Walk is a fantastic way to enjoy Busan’s beautiful coastline. This walk is not too difficult and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The path is about 4.8 km long and offers stunning views of the ocean and the city. You can start at Gwangalli Beach and make your way to Haeundae Beach, or vice versa.

Highlights Along the Way

• Gwangandaegyo Bridge: This iconic bridge is a sight to behold, especially when it’s lit up at night.
• Marine City: A modern area with impressive skyscrapers and a great place to take photos.
• Dongbaekseom Island: A small island with a lovely park and walking trails.
• Nurimaru APEC House: A beautiful building with historical significance and great views.

Tips for the Walk

1. Wear comfortable shoes as the walk can take a couple of hours.
2. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
3. Stop by one of the many cute cafes along the way for a coffee break.
4. Check the weather before you go to ensure a pleasant experience.

This walk is a great way to see some of the best scenic walking areas in Busan. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’ll find something to love along this route.

Busan Green Railway

The Busan Green Railway is a fantastic spot for a leisurely walk. This 4.8km coastal trail is built alongside the old railway line and offers stunning views of the sea. It’s an easy trail that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.

Highlights Along the Trail

• Haeundae Mipo: Start your journey here and enjoy the beautiful wooden deck.
• Cheongsapo: A great place to take a break and maybe grab a snack.
• Songjeong: The trail ends here, and you can relax on the beach.

Things to See and Do

• Observatories: Perfect spots for taking in the views.
• Beaches: Enjoy the sand and surf along the way.
• Lighthouses: Great for photos and exploring.
• Cafes and Restaurants: Plenty of places to grab a bite or a drink.

Pro tip: Stay for the night views and grab a cup of your favorite hot drink at one of the cafes.

The Busan Green Railway is a must-visit if you’re in the area. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Busan without straying too far from the city.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Busan isn’t just about beaches and cityscapes; it’s a hiker’s paradise too. From easy coastal walks to challenging mountain trails, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Busan’s diverse trails offer a perfect escape into nature. So grab your gear, lace up those hiking boots, and hit the trails. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike in Busan?

The best time to hike in Busan is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful.

Are the hiking trails in Busan suitable for beginners?

Yes, many of the hiking trails in Busan, such as the Busan Green Railway and Igidae Coastal Walk, are suitable for beginners. There are also more challenging trails for experienced hikers.

What should I bring on a hike in Busan?

It’s recommended to bring plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a map or GPS device, and snacks. Depending on the season, you might also want to bring a light jacket.

Is it safe to hike alone in Busan?

Hiking alone in Busan is generally safe, but it’s always best to inform someone of your plans, stick to well-marked trails, and be aware of your surroundings. Joining a group or guided hike can also enhance safety.

Can I hike to Seokbulsa Temple?

Yes, the trail to Seokbulsa Temple is a popular hike that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural experience. The hike can be moderately challenging, so be prepared for some uphill walking.

Are there any guided hiking tours available in Busan?

Yes, there are several guided hiking tours available in Busan. These tours can provide valuable insights into the local area and ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.