Daily Busan
Perfect getaway from a tough day, Strolls and relaxation await you
▲ Whether by yourself or in a group, the trails make the park easy to navigate, fun to explore and comfortable to go for a peaceful promenade. (ⓒ Kwon Seonghoon)
The cherry blossoms have come and gone, and now it's time to enjoy the greenery in one of Busan's greenest spots, Geumgang Park. Lazy, but love nature? The park is located near a bus stop, with plenty of accessible routes, an ideal picnic spot, whether you're unable or unwilling to hike.
▲ Relax and commune with nature at the Geumgang Park, located at the foot of Geumjeongsan Mountain. (ⓒ Kwon Seonghoon)
■ A perfect dose of nature
The park, historically created as a private garden by the Japanese, was known as Geumgangwon Garden. Opened to the public in 1931, it was notorious for being the perfect spot to go on a stroll while taking in the scenery after a nice soak in the Dongrae Hot Springs. After Korea gained its independence, a cable car, amusement park and zoo were added and the once-simple garden became "Geumgang Park." The amusement park and zoo are no longer open, but this doesn't keep visitors away.
▲ Cable cars help visitors admire all the city has to offer. (ⓒ Kwon Seonghoon)
■ Only minutes to the peak of relaxation
Geumgang Park has a smooth soil trail from the top of the mountain to the bottom, making even those who dislike climbing eager to visit. The walk is filled with a healthy dose of fresh air and nature. Many paths are leading to the top of Geumjeongsan Mountain but, the quickest way up the mountain is, of course, the cable car. However, if you'd like to sneak in some exercise while enjoying the park, the center path is the one to follow. Don't worry about the state of the trail; it isn't too rocky or steep.
Want to get to the top of the mountain in under 10 minutes? Taking a ride on Korea's first cable car system is perfect for those who don't want or cannot walk up to the top. Since 1966, the cable car has been taking visitors to the peak of nature. Only two cars are in operation at once, making trips every 20 minutes. Slowly riding through the dense greenery makes you feel like you're flying and as you gaze out the window, Haeundae Beach, Centum City, and even the Gwangan Bridge await you. It takes about six minutes to reach the 540-meter peak, it leads directly to the trail starting at the south gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress.
These days are tough on everyone. So, if you like forests and love mountains but can't stand an uphill battle, visit Geumgang Park.
Cable car price: Round-trip tickets are 9,000 won and one-way way tickets are 6,000 won
Cable car operating hours: April to Nov. from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Operating till 6 p.m. on the weekends.
■ Navigation & Recommendations
Upon entering the gate of the park, you can go one of three ways to different hot spots.
Go Right →
To visit Geumeosa Temple and an athletic park. The temple is over 100 years old and surrounded by beautiful smelly green tea plants. The athletic park has exercise equipment, so even if you don't want to hike, you can still hustle for that muscle.
Go Straight ↑
To find restrooms, cable cars, a gymnasium and the Monument for the Construction of Iseopgyo Bridge. At the cable car base, there is a gymnasium and restrooms nearby. The gym is over 1,200 meters squared, and a badminton court is right behind it. The monument is past the cable cars and gym, along the central route, and across from a serene pond.
▲ Stop by the Folk Art Center to check out traditional dances. (ⓒ Kwon Seonghoon)
Go Left←
You can go left to Busan Marine Natural History Museum and the Busan Folk Art Center. The Busan Marine Natural History Museum is Korea's first Marine Natural History Museum. It displays thousands of works, including marine creatures and natural history samples from over 100 different countries. Admission is free and operation hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round, closed on Mondays and national holidays. The Busan Folk Arts Center, opened in 1974, was established to share the traditional folk art of the Dongnae region. At the center, students can learn about the area and watch traditional performances from the region. While you're at the park why not take in a show?
▲ There's nothing like calm waters to ease the mind. (Source: Kwon Seonghoon)
※ How to get there
- Dongnae Station (metro line 1), exit 4. Take Dongnae-gu village bus 1-1 and get off at the Geumgang Park stop. The bus comes in about one-hour intervals.
- Oncheonjang Station (metro line 1), exit 1. Walking distance is about 15 to 20 minutes. This route is the longest walk, but you can find the outdoor foot baths on the way.
※ Please note
- Bus schedules fluctuate for various reasons, including traffic and weather conditions.
※ Park Admission: Free