1. 이기대 해안 산책로 & 오륙도 스카이워크 (Igidae Cliff Coastal Walk & Oryukdo Sky Walk)
Igidae Cliff Waterside Park is one of the beloved parks by the Busan people. It may not be well-known by general tourists to Busan, but local people would always recommend you visit there for its beautiful views.
I didn't have enough time to explore the park fully, so I decided to take a walk along the coastal trail from Dongsaengmal Observatory to Oryukdo Skywalk.
As a hiking person myself, Igidae Cliff Coastal Walk was one of the best trails I have taken. The views from the walk were marvellous; the view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge and Haeundae Beach was breathtakingly beautiful. Not only that, the sights of the cliff, which you can see while walking the trail, are amazing too.
Sometimes you may walk slightly steep or unpaved trails; various types of sections add another pleasure to walk. In general, however, the coastal walk is well-equipped and paved with wooden staircases. It's very good for all levels of hikers.
The trail leads to Oryukdo Sky Walk. While walking, I checked how long it had taken from Dongsaengmal Observatory to Oryukdo Sky Walk, which was almost 5 km. At my pace, it took nearly an hour and a half. I didn't take a break during the walk.
At the trail's end, you encounter Haeparanggil Tourist Information Centre, where you can get some info about Oryukdo Island. If you go down a bit further, you will see a huge stone: Oryukdo Sky Walk. About 130 meters up from the rock, you get to the Skywalk, whose floor is transparent to see down your feet.
The entrance fee for the Skywalk is free. You have to wear the overshoes - offered free - to prevent scratches on the floor. And it says that Tsushima Island of Japan is seen on a clear day.
[ADRESS]
Dongsaengmal Observatory : 57-167 Igidaegongwon-ro Nam-gu Busan
Oryukdo Sky Walk : 137 Oryukdo-ro Nam-gu Busan
2. 금정산 (Geumjeongsan Mountain)
Geumjeongsan Moutain is the highest mountain(801m) in Busan. It technically belongs in Yangsan, but because it's very close to Busan's subway stations, most people in Busan consider it as one of Busan's mountains.
Why did I put this mountain on my itinerary? Because it's one of the top 100 mountains, acclaimed by people in South Korea. Additionally, you don't have to hike up from the very bottom of the mountain, thanks to the buses dropping hikers off halfway on the mountain. That makes hiking relatively easy for almost everybody.
I took the course from Geumjeongsan Mountain Dong Gate Trail Entrance to the peak(Godangbong), which was quite gentle. Lush trees made the hiking less hot, protecting me from the blazing sun, but the thing was that I struggled to find ways towards the peak. Signposts were scattered randomly, and I ran into many forks, which made me stray and get lost for a little while.
Geumjeongsan mountain is famous for the Geumjeongsanseong fortress. The fortress was built in the Joseon dynasty to protect the region from Japanese troops. It's the biggest fortress in Korea, representing Joseon's architecture well.
The views of the fortress, stretching along the ridge of the mountain, are fantastic. It gave me a delusion that I was in the Joseon dynasty. That much, the views were giving off some unique vibes, which were beyond description.
As I said above, I took the course, which started at Geumjeongsan Mountain Dong Gate. After reaching the peak, Godangbong, I went down the path to Beomeosa Buddhist Temple. The path towards the temple diverges from the North Gate. From the temple, you can take a bus to Beomeosa Station.
3. 흰여울 문화마을 (Huin Ford Culture Village / Huin Yeoul Culture Village)
Huin Yeoul Culture Village used to be a deserted area. But as time passed, it was featured in many movies, including Byeonhoin(the Attorney), Nameless Gangster, etc.; many young local artists settled in this village. As artistic spirits have taken over the whole vibes of the town, it has become famous for instagrammable cafes and beautiful scenery through word-of-mouth and social media.
The village is formed along the coastal cliff. Many old, colourful houses and cafes ooze a unique atmosphere, creating harmony with the scenery. While walking around, you will meet cute souvenir shops and plenty of pretty coffee shops where you can avoid the blazing sun and enjoy the views with a cup of coffee.
Down at the shore, there's a colourful walking path. As you keep walking along the path, you will see the Huin Yeoul Coastal Tunnel. There's a good photo zone at the mouth of the tunnel. Many people were in the queue for their turns when I visited.
[ADDRESS]
Huin Ford(Yeoul) Culture Village: 605-3 Yeongseon-dong 4(sa)-ga Yeongdo-gu Busan
4. 센텀 스파랜드 (Centum Spa Land)
Centum Spa Land is situated in Shinsegae Centum City, the world's largest department store, recognised by the Guinness World Records. The department store is a multi-complex commercial space, having a spa, a multiplex theatre, and a skating rink inside.
I was surprised by its huge size when I got out of the subway station. I felt I was lost for a bit. The way-in for the spa is at gate 4, a two-minute walk from exit 12 of Centum City Station.
You can spend four hours max for 20,000 won and should pay another 3,000 won per extra hour. When you visit the spa, you will receive an entrance key, which automatically records the hours of your stay and purchases you make.
The spa has about thirteen sauna rooms. Each sauna room has different, unique features. In addition, there is an open-air spring for the foot bath, a relaxation room, a snack bar, and restaurants.
For me, it was the best place in Busan, especially after taking a long hike in the mountain and on the cliff walk. I had a heavenly relaxing time at the spa.
[ADDRESS]
Centum Spa Land: 1495 U-dong Haeundae-gu Busan
Opening hours: 09:00 - 22:00 every day
WORDS BY
Minsu Kim - koreaonthescreen@gmail.com
PHOTOS BY
Minsu Kim - koreaonthescreen@gmail.com
@koreaonthescreen
@emeskei_
@walkitecture_
@koreaonthescreen
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