The cliff provides magnificent natural views with sea cliffs, wave-cut terraces and sea caves shaped by waves pounding against the various volcanic rocks and sedimentary rock strata, comprising lava, volcanic ash and pyroclastic flow from intense andesitic volcanic activity 80 million years ago.
On the trail course along the coast leading to Oryukdo Islands, you can appreciate the various geological, geographical and topographical landscapes of a copper mine, potholes, horsetail structure, and Hornblende megacrysts-bearing dikes.
Introduce
By a powerful eruption of andesitic volcanoes 80 million years ago, volcanic ash and pyroclastics where topped and eroded by wave action to create grand sea cliffs, wave-cut platforms, and sea caves.
Origin of its name
“Igidae” refers to the platform located on the eastern coast where Jangsanbong Peak faces the sea belonging to Yongho3-dong. It is located just beyond the hill of Yongho Sewage Treatment Plant. The sea east of Jangsanbong Peak (22.3m) is dangerous for public access, albeit with an outstanding landscape due to oddly-shaped rock cliffs and beautiful scenery that can be observed by boat. However, Igidae Cliff is located where the slanting bedrock sinks into the sea, and the location it is sitting on is similar almost to the flat surface that stretches about 2km to the sea in parallel with the mountain. With an outstanding view of surging waves and the East Sea, it is also a great place for fishing and taking in superb sunrises and sunsets. Restriction on civilian access, due to the area’s former status as an military operation zone, was lifted in 1993 when it was opened to the public. The name Igidae can be found in the 『Records of Dongnae Camp』.
The 『Records of Dongnae Camp』 is a collection and supplementation of the previous records written by Yi Hyeongha, Navy Commander of Left Gyeongsang-do (held office between Dec. 30, 1849 and Aug. 21, 1850), containing detailed description of history and geography of the Navy Command of Left Geongsang-do. Igidae appears in the Sancheon Section of this book, which says, “Igidae is located 6km south of the Navy Command of Left Geongsang-do. It is referred to as such because there are two gisaeng (Korean geisha) graves there.
According to local historian Choe Hanbok (1895∼1968; born in Suyeong), during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese troops took Suyeongseong Fortress and held a feast to celebrate this beautiful place, in which two gisaeng from Suyeong participated. They served wine to the Japanese generals, fell down to the water with them and died. It is said the name Igidae comes from this story.
Name and history
“Igidae” is the platform located on the eastern coast where Jangsanbong Peak faces the sea. The name Igidae appears in the Sancheon Section of the 『Records of Dongnae Camp』: “Igidae is located 6km south of the Navy Command of Left Geongsang-do. It is referred to as such because there are two gisaeng (Korean geisha) graves there.” During the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese troops took Suyeongseong Fortress and held a feast to celebrate this beautiful place, in which two gisaeng from Suyeong participated. They served wine to the Japanese generals, fell down to the water with them and died. It is said the name Igidae comes from this story.
Tourist information
Igidae Coastal Walkway ▪ 3.95㎞ ▪ Average 2 hours
A masterpiece path on the cliffs by the sea
Part of Busan Galmaet-gil Couse 9
Course: Dongsaengmal Trail → Eoul Madang → Nongbawi Rock → Oryukdo Sunrise Park
Oryukdo Skywalk (Access by wheelchair is permitted only to the bridge entrance. Wheelchairs may not enter the glass bridge.)
Open: Year-round (closed on public holidays)
Operating hours: 09:00~18:00 open year-round (closed on public holidays)
※ Access is restricted when it is snowy, rainy and very windy.
Representative vegetation
Sword-leaf crepidiastru
Sword-leaf crepidiastru, a herbaceous perennial belonging to the chrysanthemum family, grows in cracks in rocks on the seashore with leaves and sprouts eaten as a vegetable dish. Leaves are split in feather form that are thicker and tougher than those of Korean lettuce. Several yellow flowers hang from the ends of the stems in the late autumn.
Boehmeria pannosa
Boehmeria pannosa, a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Urticaceae family, is distributed on the southern coast of Korea. Its abundant leaves are thick and hairy to prevent transpiration due to frequent prevailing winds on the seashore. Due to its robust fibers on the skin of the stems, it was used as a material for “ramie” fabric.
Erecta fig
Erecta fig, a deciduous shrub belonging to the Moraceae genus, grows on the southern coast of Korea. The name Erecta fig means fruit eaten by heavenly Taoist immortals. It is similar to regular figs and can be eaten when it ripens into a dark purple in Aug.~Sept.
Aster spathulifolius
Aster spathulifolius, a perennial herb of the chrysanthemum family that grows in cracks in seashore rocks or mountains, is a common sight along the Busan seashore. Its violet flowers blooming in clusters in the autumn are a beautiful sight.
Geological features of Igidae Cliff and Oryukdo Islands
The Igidae and Oryukdo areas comprise volcanic rocks and tuffaceous sedimentary rocks made by lava, volcanic ash and pyroclastic flow from intense volcanic activity in the late Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era, about 80 million years ago.
In particular, the Igidae coast and Oryukdo quay are well-developed volcanic breccias, tuffaceous sedimentary rock and dikes that broke through these rocks and rose up.
용어해설
[wave]
심해파에 대해 표면파로 구분되는 것으로, 바람에 의해 생긴 수면상의 풍랑과 풍랑이 다른 해역까지 진행하면서 감쇠하여 생긴 너울
[jasper]
산화철을 가지고 있는 잠정질 석영의 일종으로 산화철의 종류에 따라 녹색, 붉은색, 갈색, 노란색 등을 띠며, 거의 불투명함
Located in the Igidae Park Management Office at the entrance to Igidae, the center provides information on geological attractions and geotrails of Igidae Cliff. Leaflets on Busan Geopark and Igidae trails in the cetner will help you understand the geological attractions.
I1.Eoul Madang (yard)
Vantage point for viewing Busan’s tourist attractions of Gwangan Bridge, Nurimaru and Haeundae, well-known as the filming location of “Haeundae.”
I2.Pothole
Dinosaur footprint-like forms appear on volcanic breccias on the seashore. They are potholes made by erosion from pebbles and sand moving with the waves.
I4.Copper mine
There were five copper mine shafts around this area during the Japanese colonial era, one of which is this mine whose bottom was 55m in width and 380m in length. A great quantity of 99.9% pure brass was produced at that time, but the shaft entrance is now closed.
I5.Women Divers’ Shelter
Place for women divers’ resting or storing fishing gear after they finish their work. Women Divers’ Shelter is infused with the joys and sorrows of people living with Igidae as the basis for their livelihood. The shelter was made by laying stones on the turtle head-shaped rock.
I6.Sea cave
Natural caves made as vulnerable parts or gaps of rocks making up precipitous cliffs were cut away by waves over a long period. Sea caves on Igidae Cliff are exposed on land, therefore, enabling them to be observed and experienced.
I7.Hornblende megacrysts-bearing dike
Dikes that broke through vulnerable parts or gaps through venation and rose up can be observed. The dikes here are found to contain a large quantity of big crystals of amphibole, a colored mineral.
I8.Volcanic breccias layer
Andesitic volcanic breccias piled up due to explosive volcanic eruptions during the Cretaceous period are widely developed along the trail.
I9.Gem mineral jasper
This object, looking as if painted in red on the volcanic breccias, is the gem mineral Jasper. It emerges like veins from volcanic rocks or tuff formed by volcanic eruptions.
I10.Tuffaceous sedimentary layer
Bedding where volcanic ash-mixed sedimentary rocks (sandstone and mudstone) are stacked in sequence during the dormant period after explosive volcanic activity.
I11.Suspension bridge
Unhampered views and the sound of moving pebbles can be enjoyed while walking on the suspension bridge (length: 127m). Five such bridges span the coastal cliffs, which represents Igidae Cliff.
Oryukdo Islands, six islands gathered in a cluster, refresh the eyes and calm the breath with endless sea. The name Oryukdo is derived from the islands’ looking like five or six depending on the ebb and flow of the tides
Gyeongbu Highway → Guseo IC → Seokdae Elevated Bridge Busan Station direction (12.7km) → Daeyeon Ramp Daeyeon-dong direction exit → Daenam Underpass Gwangan Bridge direction (2.0km) → Turn right at three-way intersection in front of City Gas toward Yongho-dong (500m) → Nambu Driving Test Course direction (400m) → Turn left at Nambu Driving Test Course toward Yongho-dong (840m) → Turn right in 2 ‘clock direction at Igidae entrance three-way intersection(2.8km) → Left at the roundabout(730m)
Namhae Expressway → Naengjeong JC → Namhae Expressway branch line 2(18.8km) → Hwangnyeong Ramp Urban Expressway exit in Hwangnyeong Tunnel direction(11.4km) → Overpass(110m) →Hwangnyeong Tunnel(3.4km) → Daenam Underpass Gwangan Bridge direction (2.0km) → Turn right at three-way intersection in front of City Gas toward Yongho-dong (500m) → Nambu Driving Test Course direction (400m) → Turn left at Nambu Driving Test Course toward Yongho-dong (840m) → Turn right in 2 ‘clock direction at Igidae entrance three-way intersection(2.8km) → Left at the roundabout(730m)
Kyungsung, Pukyong National University, exit 5 on Metro line 2 – Transfer to intra-city bus to Yongho-dong – Get off at Igidae entrance (No. 20, 22, 24, 27, 39 and 131) or Oryukdo SK View APT. (No. 131, 22/ minibus No. 2)
By intra-city bus, No. 20, 22, 24, 27, 39 and 131→Get off at “Igidae entrance” or “Oryukdo SK View APT.”
By minibus, Nam-gu No. 2 →Get off at “Back gate of Oryukdo SK View” bus stop
Directions
Privately-owned car/rental car
For using Gyeongbu Highway
Wondong IC – Beoyeong-ro – Daeyeon-dong direction – Yonghoman Bay reclaimed pier direction – Igidae Cathedral – Igidae Natural Park parking lot
For using Daegu-Busan Expressway
Samnak IC –Baegyang Tunnel – Mora-ro – Sujeong Tunnel – Seongnam-ro – Sinseondae pier direction – Yongho-dong direction – Igidae Cathedral – Igidae Natural Park parking lot
For using Namhae Expressway
West Busan IC – Dongseo Elevated Road – Hwangnyeongsan Tunnel – Yonghoman Bay reclaimed pier direction – Igidae Cathedral – Igidae Natural Park parking lot
Bus
When arriving at Nopo-dong terminal
Nopo-dong Station on Metro line 1 - Get off at Seomyeon Station - Kyungsung Pukyong National University Station, exit 5 on Metro line 2 - Transfer to intra-city bus to Yongho-dong - Get off at Igidae entrance (No. 20, 22, 24, 27, 39 and 131) or Oryukdo SK View APT.(No. 131, 22/ minibus No. 2)
When arriving at Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal
Sasang Station on Metro line 2 - Kyungsung Pukyong National University Station, exit 5 – Transfer to intra-city bus to Yongho-dong – Get off at Igidae entrance (No. 20, 22, 24, 27, 39 and 131) or Oryukdo SK View APT.(No. 131, 22/ minibus No. 2).
Train
When arriving at Busan Railway Station(by KTX, etc)
Get on bus No. 27 to Yongho-dong.
Get off at Igidae entrance or Oryukdo SK View APT.
When arriving at Bujeon Station (by Donghae Nambu Line Train)
Bujeon Station on Metro line 1 → Transfer at Seomyeon Station → Get off at Kyungsung Pukyong National University Station on Metro line 2, take exit 5 and transfer to intra-city bus to Yongho-dong
Get off at Igidae entrance(No. 20, 22, 24, 27, 39 and 131) or Oryukdo SK View APT.(No. 131, 22/ minibus No. 2).
Airport
Airport limousine bus
Get on airport limousine bus → Get off at Lotte Hotel → Get off at Kyungsung Pukyong National University Station on Metro line 2, take exit 5 and transfer to intra-city bus to Yongho-dong
Get off at Igidae entrance(No. 20, 22, 24, 27, 39 and 131) or Oryukdo SK View APT.(No. 131, 22/ mini-bus No. 2).
Light rail
Get on light rail train bound for Sasang Intercity Bus Terminal → Transfer at Sasang Station on Metro line 2 → Get off at Kyungsung Pukyong National University Station on Metro line 2, take exit 5 and transfer to intra-city bus to Yongho-dong
Get off at Igidae entrance(No. 20, 22, 24, 27, 39 and 131) or Oryukdo SK View APT.(No. 131, 22/ minibus No. 2)
Event information
Trail course tour
The Igidae Cliff-Oryukdo Islands trail course is available for tours on a regular basis.
For visitor safety, please do not enter the course at night.
Information on festivals around attractions
*Please move left and right to check the contents.
Festival name
Hosting month
Location
Official contact No.
Igidae Moon-Viewing Festival
the 15th of the New Year according to the lunar calendar
Igidae Eoul Madang
051-607-4062
Busan International Performing Arts Festival
May
Busan Cultural Center, etc.
010-625-2711
Oryukdo Festival
May
Baegunpo Sports Park and Peace Park, etc.
051-607-4062
Igidae Firefly Festival
June
Igidae Waterfront Park
051-607-4382
Busan Fireworks Festival
October
around Gwangalli Beach
051-888-3392
Travel information
Tourist information centers nearby
*Please move left and right to check the contents.
Tourist information centers nearby
Information center
Official contact No.
Information center
Official contact No.
Busan Station Tourist Information Center
051-441-6565
International Passenger Terminal
051-465-3471
Gimhae Airport (International Terminal) Tourist Center
051-973-2800
Gimhae Airport (Domestic Terminal) Tourist Center
051-973-4607
Suyeong Tourist Information Center
051-610-4216
UN Memorial Park Tourist Information Center
051-625-1608
Busan Tourist Information Center for Foreigners
051-441-3121
Oryukdo Haeparang Tourist Information Center
051-607-6395
Tourist attractions nearby
Sinseondae Cliff
Baegunpo Beach
Mt.Hwangnyeongsan
Mt.Jangjasan
Mt.Uryongsan
Busan Museum
UN Memorial Park
UN Sculpture Park
Daeyeon Arboretum
Peace Park
Morundae
Busan Cultural Center
Dongmyeongburwon Temple
Munsusa Temple
Gwangalli Beach
Millak-dong Waterfront Park
Information on tourist attractions
UN Memorial Park
UN Memorial Park, the world’s only cemetery for UN Forces, honors the service and sacrifice of the UN forces in the pursuit of world peace and freedom. (State-designated Registered Cultural Property No. 359) With the greater significance of memorializing the Korean War, the UN Memorial Park began construction under UN Forces Command in January, 1951, the year after the war, for burial of fallen soldiers. With construction completed in April of the same year, the remains of fallen UN soldiers temporarily buried in Gaeseong, Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, Miryang and Masan began to be relocated to the Park. Currently, 2,300 fallen soldiers from the US, UK and Turkey have been laid to rest there. The main gate, designed by Artichect Kim Jungeop, represents Korea’s traditional modeling in abstract form, while the interior of the Memorial Hall was designed to cherish the significance of 16 nations. The exterior of the building was designed based on multi-national and religious perspectives.
UViewing hours
Viewing hours
Others
Oct. ~ Apr.
09:00~17:00
Horse race day: open year-round (free admission)
UN flag-raising/lowering ceremony: 10 a.m./4 p.m. every day (excluding Monday, flag-lowering ceremony between May and Sept.: 5 p.m.)
May ~ Sept.
09:00~18:00
051) 624-2165
Take exit 3 of Daeyeon Station on Metro line 2 and walk about 15 minutes.
Intra-city bus No.134 and 138 → Get off at [UN Park]
Daeyeon Arboretum, an exhibition garden
Daeyeon Arboretum, an exhibition garden with a 50m-wide green zone surrounding the UN Park in Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, includes Herb Garden, Coniferous Forest Garden, Oryukdo Garden, Water Curtain Garden, Deciduous Tree Garden, Evergreen Broad-leaved Tree Garden, Bamboo Grove Garden, Mugunghwa (hibiscus) Reference Garden and Fruit Tree Garden. You can experience about 600 varieties of trees exhibited according to ecology, value of nature and biological diversity. Further, being connected with Busan’s premier cultural tourism belt, Daeyeon Arboretum offers families, students and other visitors a perfect day out for rest and nature immersion.
051) 607-4062
Take exit 8 of Beomil Station on Metro line 1 and transfer to bus.
Intra-city bus No. 68 and 138 → Get off at [UN Park] / No. 134 → Get off at [Seokpo Girls’ Middle School]
Peace Park
Peace Park is located south of the UN Memorial Park. Before the park was constructed, the site was home to 51 environment-impacting businesses, such as scrap metal treatment, car maintenance, truck parking and freight transportation, spoiling the urban landscape with noise, dust and soil contamination. Now, it is home to a symbolic park that honors the commitment to freedom and improved quality of life for local residents. It was included in the list of places visited by dignitaries during the “2005 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting”.
051)607-4062
Take exit 8 of Beomil Station on Metro line 1 and transfer to bus, or exit 3 of Motgol Station on Metro line 2 and transfer to bus.
Intra-city bus No. 68 and 138 → Get off at [Seokpo Girls’ Middle School] / No. 134 → Get off at [Hansin Culture Town].
Busan Museum
The museum exhibits Korean cultural heritage from prehistoric times to the present. It serves to improve citizens’ understanding of our culture and provide related data to professional researchers. It also facilitates academic investigation of prehistoric, ancient and medieval culture of the Busan area, with excavated relics stored there after preservation treatment. Further, as a cultural and resting space for citizens, the museum raises cultural awareness and promotes social education.
부산박물관 관람시간
Weekdays and Sunday
every Saturday, last Wednesday of each month
Closed
09:00-18:00(Entry until 17:00)
09:00-21:00(Entry until 20:00)
Closed every Monday and Jan. 1
051) 610-7111
Take exit 3 of Daeyeon Station on Metro line 2 and walk about 705 meters.
Intra-city bus No. 68, 134 and 138 → Get off at [Busan Municipal Museum]/No. 51 → Get off at [Cultural Center]
Gwangalli Beach
Gwalli Beach extends from Namcheon-dong in the west to Millak-dong in the east. The endless sandy beach is a major tourist attraction alongside Haeundae Beach. In addition to restaurants with unique ambience, there are about 300 raw fish restaurants, a raw fish center, Eonyang Bulgogi (barbequed beef), Bean Sprout Hangover Soup Alley and Café Street by the beach. With various performances on a regular basis on the beach’s permanent outdoor stage, a range of marine sports including Banana boat and wind surfing can be enjoyed at the waterfront park, beach park, Youth Training Center and Marine Leisure Sports Center nearby. It is a key tourist drawcard with more than 30 million tourists visiting every year, 10 million of which flood in from home and abroad during the summer. Gwalli Beach has cemented its position as a Busan landmark along with Gwangan Bridge, Busan New Media Art Museum and Busan Fireworks Festival.
051) 610-4216
Take exit 3 or 5 of Geumnyeonsan Station on Metro line 2 and walk about 5 minutes. / Take exit 3 or 5 of Gwangan Station on Metro line 2 and walk about 10 minutes.
Intra-city bus No. 38,41, 49, 51, 62, 83, 83-1 and 108-1 →Get off at [Gwangalli Beach]
