Enjoy Busan
In the summertime, when the weather's fine, we've got cycling on our mind
Busan City is the second-largest city in Korea, with a population of 3.4 million and a total area of 770 square kilometers. Despite being an urban area, Busan still boasts pristine nature, including mountains, rivers, fields, and oceans surrounding and spanning the city.
The city is dedicated to preserving its natural resources through various methods. In line with its 2030 World Expo theme of "Sustainable Living with Nature," Busan hosted the World Climate Industrial Expo, the nation's largest international climate conference. Additionally, the city's urban planning concept, known as the "15-minute city," aims to promote eco-friendly initiatives by creating more green spaces and parks. Busan is also developing walking trails and bike paths to encourage carbon neutral ways of travel.
June is the best month to experience the city's lush and fresh nature - before the monsoon season arrives. Consider hopping on a bike to immerse yourself in Busan's unrivaled natural beauty.
The bike path along the Suyeonggang River is just like an oasis in the city for riders.
Suyeonggang River, where the city meets the coast
One of the notable attractions in Busan is the Suyeonggang River, which connects the city center to coastal areas. Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, part of the Galmaet-gil Route 8-2, offers a pleasant riverside experience amidst the city's skyscrapers. Covering a distance from Dongchengyo Bridge to Millakgyo Bridge, this 7.6-kilometer trail is perfect for cycling. With gentle slopes and occasional twists, riders won't get bored or exhausted. Along the path, riders can take a break in the area's numerous amenities, such as charming cafes, cozy restaurants and public restrooms.
While the bike path is destination enough, it also runs along APEC Naru Park. The park, established to commemorate the 2005 APEC Summit held in the city, offers a tranquil spot to relax during or after your cycling adventure. Visitors can enjoy the various art installations and sculptures dotted amongst the trees.
The path also takes riders by the Busan Cinema Center. Depending on the time of day, passersby might stumble upon a concert on the outdoor stage, a movie playing on the outdoor screen, or a food truck festival happening in the main square.
At Millakgyo Bridge, riders can connect onto Galmaet-gil Route 2-2 and proceed to Gwangan Beach. Between the refreshing ocean breeze, golden sand and blue sky, few things can match the summertime vibes.
Riders of all ages can enjoy the Suyeonggang bike path.
Don't have a bicycle? Head to the area between the Gwangan Ocean Leports Center and Samick Beach Town Apartments. There you can find a free bike rental station. Anyone with a valid ID - registration card, driver's license or passport - can borrow a bike for two hours.
※ Namcheondong Public Bicycle Free Rental Shop
Address: 100 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu
Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March to October and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September to February.
The bike path within Eulsukdo Eco Park is one of the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of the Nakdonggang River.
Experience the ecological wonders of the Nakdonggang River
The Nakdonggang River, one of the four major rivers in Korea, offers a bustling bike trail that is accessible all year round. Not only does the river boast Eulsukdo Island, which serves as the final leg of Korea's Cross-Country Cycling Road, but it also features five well-organized large-scale ecological parks along its banks, attracting riders from both within and outside the city. Each park provides free or paid bike rental stations, allowing anyone to enjoy a relaxing ride along the pristine riverbank.
The bike path within Eulsukdo Ecological Park becomes even greener as June arrives, creating a restorative atmosphere for riders. The gentle breeze and clear skies further enhance the experience, providing a sense of refreshment.
Hwamyeong Ecological Park is beloved by many riders due to its well-paved roads exclusively designed for bicycles. Traversing the park offers a unique opportunity to pass through a green tunnel formed by rows of trees on both sides of the path.
During spring, the Daejeo Ecological Park becomes a breathtaking sight with its cherry blossoms. It hosts the annual Gangseo Nakdonggang Riverside Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting visitors with its vibrant blooms. In early summer, the park continues to lure riders with its smooth and straight bike lanes. Even beginners can enjoy rides here without worrying about falling or becoming exhausted.
Samnak Ecological Park, the largest among the parks in the Nakdonggang River area, features bike paths that meander through every corner of the park. This allows riders to fully immerse themselves in the park's diverse offerings, including a lawn square, lotus field, habitats for migratory birds, and exercise areas.
With nearly 500 kilometers of bike lanes spanning the city, now is the perfect time to strap on a helmet and pedal your way through Busan.
The Hwamyeong Eco Park offers visitors a peaceful ride.
