If you are planning to go to Busan, make sure to add exploring Dongbaek Island in your itinerary. My friends and I recently visited Dongbaek Island this year (2021) when the social distancing policy in Busan became more relaxed. Here are some of the things that you could see and expect when walking around Dongbaek Island in Busan.
About Dongbaek Island
Actually there are many Dongbaek Islands in Korea where dongbaek trees [๋๋ฐฑ] thrive and one of them is the Dongbaek Island in Busan. An interesting fact is that 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.
Dongbaek Island during a pandemic
When I briefly visited Dongabaek Island in 2019, there were a lot of local and international visitors touring around the area. But in 2021, there are less people, especially international tourists, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors are also required to wear mask at all times to prevent the spread of the virus.
Everyone is also encouraged to practice social distancing.
We started our 1-hour trail from the entrance of the park on the left side of The Westin Chosun hotel. From there you can immediately see the mermaid statue based on the legend of Princess Hwagok. According to the legend, the Princess Hwagok traveled across the sea to marry a king. But sadness enveloped her and she shed many tears because she longed for her homeland. From the statue, you will have a nice view of the Haendae beach and the tall buildings in the city.
Thereโs also a hanging bridge as you traverse the trail leading up to the lighthouse and observatory. Just do not look down if you have fear of heights.
This walking path on the island which will take you 45 minutes to 1 hour if you will go all the away around the place. This is a perfect way if you want to have a morning exercise while enjoying your view of the vast ocean.
It was actually the first destination in our itinerary that day so there were less people, and mostly are seniors.
If you will visit Dongbaek Island in the afternoon, there might be more people so itโs better to go there in the morning.
Even the lighthouse and the observatory area have lesser people too. Hence, itโs a perfect time to take your Instagram-worthy photos without having to worry about any photobomber. From the lighthouse, you can also see Busanย Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the Nurimaru APEC House.
When I went to Busan in 2019, the Nurimaru APEC House was under renovation so I was not bale to go inside. But now it is already open to public again. Read more about it here.
How to get there
Location: U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan ๋ถ์ฐ๊ด์ญ์ ํด์ด๋๊ตฌ ์ฐ๋ (๋๋ฐฑ์ฌ)
Directions:
- 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: โWalk 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 hotelโs 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
Other Sample Busan Itineraries
If you are looking for simple itineraries and guides to help you plan your trip to Busan, Korea, you may refer to the sample below:
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