The city of Busan does not only have beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich culture, some of its places have interesting stories. For example, did you know that there is place in Busan which used to be an island but eventually turned into peninsula? It is known today as Dongbaek Island.
Dongbaek Island was named after dongbaek [동백] trees (Japanese camellia) which is present in the island. This island was once a small island in ancient times. However, due to accumulation of earth and sand carried from Jwa-dong, Jung-dong, and U-dong by the Chuncheon Stream, it eventually formed a land bridge. Thus, making the island a part of the mainland.
There is a walking path on the island which will take you 45 minutes if you will go all the away around the place. Hence, many people jog inside Dongbaek Island especially in the morning. This is a perfect way to start your day in Busan.
You can also find Nurimaru APEC House at Dongbaek Island. It is an APEC House which was used to hold a APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit meetings in 2015. The Korean name ‘nurimaru’ means ‘summit of the world’. Moreover, the building is modelled on the traditional Korean jeongja, or pavilion. Admission to Nurimaru APEC House is free.
Moreover, there is also a mermaid statue based on the legend of Princess Hwagok.
Additionally, there is also a statue of Choi Chi Won. He is a great Korean poet of the late Unified Silla period who also shed a new light on the history and culture of Haeundae. While wandering around Dongbaekseom Island one day, he is said to have been so enamored with the beautiful view of Haeundae Beach that he engraved one of his pen names, Haeun, on a rock at the Island. This is the story of how the name “Haeundae” came to be.
Of course, going to this place offers you a stunning view of the beach, the bridge and the tall buildings in the city.
Dongbaek Island is one of the Kdrama filming locations of the 2016 Kdrama “Shopping King Louie” starring Nam Ji-Hyun as Go Bok-Shil and Seo In-Guk as Louie.
U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
By Subway: Take Busan Subway Line 2 and get off at Dongbaek Station. After exiting at gate 1, walk 700m straight ahead. Or get off at Haeundae Station, Exit 3 or 4.
By Bus: Take Bus #1003 from the bus stop in front of Busan Station (same side), about 50m straight from exit 10 of Busan Subway Station to Dongbaek Island stop (1 stop before Haeundae Beach stop), 40 mins. Walk back 100m in the direction where your bus came from and turn left onto the first road (Dongbaek-ro) and walk past The Westin Chosun (hotel) to reach the park entrance. 6 mins walk.
By Walking from Haeundae Beach: Walk from Haeundae Beach towards The Westin Chosun (hotel) at the right end of the beach (facing the sea). Walk past the side of The Westin Chosun, turn left, walk straight passing the hotel’s front entrance to reach the park entrance. You can take either the path on the left or right as it is a loop around the island. 1 hour walk to complete the loop; OR
If you find this article interesting and helpful, share it with your friends. For more Korea travel tips like this, subscribe to KoreabyMe and read my other published articles on the site. You can follow me on Instagram too!
