Igidae Coastal Walk: A Premium Trek Through Beauty and History in Busan

If you are looking for the absolute best trekking course in Busan that combines raw nature with a futuristic city skyline, the Igidae Coastal Walk is unrivaled.

Located on the eastern cliffs of Jangsanbong Peak in Yongho-dong, this 4.7km trail offers a dramatic coastline where rugged cliffs meet the sea. But Igidae is more than just a scenic spot; it is a place of poignant history and pristine ecology.

A Name Borne of Sacrifice

The name "Igidae" (Two Gisaengs Point) carries a tragic yet heroic legend. During the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War, 1592–1598), the Japanese forces captured the Suyeong fortress and held a victory party at this scenic spot. Two Korean Gisaengs (female entertainers/courtesans), determined to aid their country, embraced a drunken Japanese commander and threw themselves into the sea along with him, sacrificing their lives. The name commemorates these two brave women.

From Forbidden Zone to Nature Sanctuary

For decades, Igidae was a restricted military operation zone, forbidden to civilians. This isolation had a silver lining: it allowed the natural forest and coastline to remain perfectly preserved. Opened to the public in 1993, it is now a clean ecological zone teeming with wildlife and thick forests. The water here is so pristine that it is considered one of the best fishing spots in Busan.

The Trekking Experience: City Meets Nature

The Igidae Coastal Walk is a section of the famous Galmaet-gil and Haeparang-gil trails.

• Course: Dongsaengmal → Suspension Bridge → Eoulmadang → Nongbawi Rock → Oryukdo Sunrise Park.
• Distance & Time: Approx. 4.7km / 2.5 to 3 hours.

As you hike along the cliffside, the view is spectacular. To your side, you have ancient rock formations; across the bay, you see the modern marvels of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Marine City skyscrapers, Dongbaekseom Island, and Haeundae. Seeing the glittering city from the vantage point of a wild cliff is a unique Busan experience.

Highlights Along the Way

• 1.Eoulmadang: A spacious area popular for viewing the sunrise. It was also a filming location for the blockbuster Korean disaster movie Haeundae.

• 2.Geological Wonders: As a designated National Geopark, the trail features fascinating geological structures like sea caves and marine potholes (circular holes in rocks formed by wave erosion).

• 3.Rock Formations: Keep an eye out for rocks with distinct shapes, such as the Nongbawi (Cabinet Rock). Guessing the shapes of the rocks is part of the fun.

• 4.The Grand Finale: The trail concludes at the Oryukdo Sunrise Park, where you can step onto the glass Skywalk and look down at the crashing waves.

Walking this path, with the sea breeze cooling your sweat, worries seem to vanish, leaving only the blue ocean in your heart. It is a perfect example of what a "healing walk" should be.

Visitor Information

Igidae Coastal Walk

• Location: Yongho-dong area, Nam-gu, Busan
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (Daytime hiking is highly recommended for safety and views).

How to Get There

• Subway + Bus: Take Line 2 to Kyungsung Univ. / Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station.
• Bus Transfer: Take Bus 20, 22, 24, 27, 39, or 131.
• Village Bus: Namgu 2 or Namgu 8.
• Stop: Get off at Igidae Entrance (for the start of the park) or Oryukdo Skywalk (to walk the reverse route).
• Parking: Igidae Public Parking Lot (Paid).

Travel Tips

• Prepare for a Hike: Unlike a flat beach stroll, this is a trekking course with ups, downs, stairs, and rocky paths. Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers are a must.
• Hydration: It takes over 2 hours, so bring a bottle of water and light snacks.
• Etiquette: This is a Marine Protected Area. Do not damage plants or collect marine life.

Reference: VisitBusan