Enjoy Busan
Discover Busan's stunning autumn foliage at these top trekking spots
Hikers walk in fields of silver grass as they approach the summit of Seunghaksan Mountain.
Geumjeongsan Mountain has more than just rocky trails. Explore cultural treasures like the Geumjeongsanseoong Fortress.
Bursts of red, orange and golden leaves greet hikers on both mountain trails.
Fall is the best season for outdoor activities. Now is the best time to hit the trails. Featuring gentle slopes and well-maintained paths, Busan's mountains offer hikers an ideal way to enjoy fall foliage.
Here are two handpicked trekking courses to experience the best of Busan's autumn colors.
The silver grass at Seunghaksan Mountain glitters at dusk.
Walk through the Healing Forest at Seunghaksan Mountain.
■Fields of silver at Seunghaksan Mountain
Seunghaksan Mountain in Saha-gu District is a popular hiking spot year-round, but it truly shines in the fall. The mountain stands 497 meters high, and it takes about 90 minutes on well-kept trails to reach the top. The climb offers spectacular panoramic views, especially of the fluffy silver grass fields approaching the summit.
Among the five trails recommended by the Saha-gu District Office, the Healing Forest trail is ideal for autumn foliage. Starting from Jeseokgol Forest Park, the trail winds through forests of red and gold and leads to the Sunset Observatory Viewpoint, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of high-rise buildings and the Nakdonggang River.
·Course: Healing Forest → Silver Grass Field → Summit (3.6㎞, 1.5 hours)
·Galmaetgil: YOLO Route 8
·Address: San 45-1, Dangni-dong, Saha-gu
·How to get there: Exit 1 Dangni Station (metro line 1). Take village bus Saha-gu 2 or 2-1 to Dongwon 2-cha Beneste Apartments, and walk to the hiking trail.
There are various trekking courses at Geumjeongsan Mountain.
Explore the gates at Geumjeongsanseong Fortress.
Take in the views from Godangbong Peak.
■ Geumjeongsan Mountain, the symbol of autumn in Busan
Geumjeongsan Mountain is a treasure chest of nature with beautiful autumn foliage. Get ready to enjoy the magnificent mountain landscapes and pathways covered in a multitude of red, orange and golden leaves.
Standing at 801.5 meters, Geumjeongsan is the tallest mountain in Busan. It has plenty of trails and is crowded with hikers forest bathing in the refreshing autumn air.
Trekking here also offers the opportunity to experience Busan's rich cultural heritage, with trails leading to and from historic sites like Beomeosa Temple and Geumjeongsanseong Fortress.
There are several hiking courses, but Busan is Good recommends starting at Beomeosa Temple, the third largest temple in the Yeongnam region. From there, it's about an hour's hike to the North Gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress. Explore the fortress walls built during the Joseon Dynasty and feel like you are in a period K-drama.
It's about 900 meters from the gate to Godangbong Peak, the highest point. The path up is accessible to hikers of all levels and has beautiful city views. Once you reach the top, take a picture to commemorate your accomplishment!
Head down and conclude your adventure at Geumjeongsanseong Village, where you can treat yourself to local delicacies like duck bulgogi and "makgeolli," a traditional rice wine. After 3.5 hours, you've certainly earned it!
·Recommended course: Beomeosa Temple → Geumjeongsanseong Fortress North Gate → Godangbong Peak → Geumjeongsanseong Village (7.2㎞, 3.5 hours)
·Galmaetgil: YOLO Route 10
·Address: Geumseong-dong, Geumjeong-gu
·How to get there: Exit 5 or 7 Beomeosa Station (metro line 1). Transfer to bus no. 80 and get off at Beomeosa Temple.
※BiG Tip: Take the Geumgang Park Ropeway
For a more relaxing way to enjoy the mountain, try the Geumgang Park Ropeway. This cable car takes you up to a height of 540 meters in just six minutes, so you can enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.
Round trip tickets cost 11,000 won for those 13 and older and 8,000 won for children ages 4 to 12.
·Address: 155 Ujangchun-ro Dongnae-gu
·Inquiry: 051-860-7880
<Vocab Spotlight>
approach: 접근, 접근하다
summit: 정상
rocky: 돌이 많은
Fortress: 요새
slope: 경사
foliage: 잎사귀
handpicked: 손수 고른
glitter: 반짝이다
dusk: 황혼
spectacular: 스펙타클한, 장관의
magnificent: 웅장한
multitude: 다중의
delicacy: 별미
scenery: 풍경