Walking Between the Sea and the Forest: The Scenic Dongbaek Coastal Trail, Busan

If you walk along the sandy shores of Haeundae Beach, gazing at the open sea, you will eventually reach a small, lush island at the far end of the beach. This is Dongbaekseom Island (Camellia Island).

Although it is called an island, it is technically a land-tied island, having been connected to the mainland by natural sedimentation over many years. However, locals still fondly refer to it as "Dongbaekseom." It serves as a calm, green sanctuary right next to the bustling energy of Haeundae.

A Walk Through Pine Scent and Ocean Breeze

Dongbaek Park preserves the island's natural beauty, featuring a dense forest of black pine trees. The Dongbaek Coastal Trail wraps around the edge of the island. While the path is relatively short - about 950 meters - it is an impeccable route for a leisurely stroll to clear your mind.

The trail is largely made of wooden decks, making it an easy walk for people of all ages. To your left, the green pine forest; to your right, the crashing blue waves.

The Legend of the Lonely Mermaid

As you pass the first observation deck, you will spot a solitary statue sitting on the rocks by the sea. This is the Statue of Princess Hwangok.

Based on a legend from the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), Princess Hwangok was a mermaid from the mythical land of Naranda who married into a kingdom across the sea. Unable to forget her homeland, she would sit by the ocean on nights with a full moon, gazing at the horizon to soothe her sorrow.

• Historical Note: The original statue was installed in 1974 but was lost to a typhoon in 1987. The upper part of that original statue was recovered and is now preserved in the Busan Museum. The current bronze statue you see today was newly created in 1989.

The Suspension Bridge

Continuing along the path, you will encounter a wooden suspension bridge. While it has sections where you can look down through the slats, the bridge is short and not very high, making it safe and manageable even for children or those with a fear of heights. It adds a small element of fun to the peaceful walk.

The Best Views in Busan: Lighthouse and Nurimaru

The trail leads to a spacious observatory and a white lighthouse, which is the highlight of the walk. The view here is simply spectacular.

• The Panorama: From this spot, you can capture the Nurimaru APEC House and the majestic Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Diamond Bridge) in a single frame.

• The Horizon: Looking further to the left, you can see the Oryukdo Islets. It is arguably the best spot to take in the full scope of Busan's coastal beauty.

Nurimaru APEC House

The trail naturally leads you to the Nurimaru APEC House, the historic venue for the 2005 APEC Leaders' Meeting.

• • Architecture: The building is a masterpiece that blends a traditional Korean pavilion design with modern architecture, sitting in perfect harmony with the surrounding pine trees and ocean.

• • Inside: Visitors can tour the main conference hall where the leaders of the Asia-Pacific region gathered. You can see the original seating arrangement, the meals served, and commemorative gifts from the summit.

Dongbaekseom offers the perfect balance: the raw nature of the sea and forest combined with iconic modern architecture. Whether for a morning jog or a sunset stroll, the Dongbaek Coastal Trail is an essential course for any Haeundae itinerary.

Visitor Information

• Address: 99 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan.
• Admission: Free • Operating Hours:

• • Park/Trail: Open 24/7 (Year-round)
• • Nurimaru APEC House: 09:00 – 18:00 (Last entry usually 17:00) / Closed on the first Monday of every month.

How to Get There

• Walking from Haeundae: The best way is to simply walk along Haeundae Beach toward the Westin Josun Hotel. The entrance to the park is right behind the hotel.

• Subway: Take Line 2 to Dongbaek Station. Use Exit 1. It is about a 15-20 minute walk to the park entrance.
• Bus: Take Bus 139, 307, or 1003. Get off at the Dongbaekseom Entrance stop.
• City Tour Bus: Take the Red Line (departing from Busan Station) and get off at Haeundae Beach.

Source: VisitBusan