As the modern delta formed by Nakdonggang River meeting the South Sea, the attractions including sand bars, sand dunes and lagoons created by sand piles are the highlight of natural beauty.
A variety of plants and animals inhabit the wetland and Bird Sanctuary and a geotrail course leads from the Eco Center to Amisan Observatory
This is where the Nakdong River meets the Southern sea to create the largest modern estuary in Korea. Discover beautiful sights of barrier islands, dunes, and lagoons with migratory birds passing by.
Nakdonggang River, the longest river in South Korea(basin area 23.384㎢, river length 510.36㎞), originates from Hwangji Pond in Hambaeksan Mountain, Taebaek, Gangwon-do, and flows through Gyeongsangbuk-do, Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangnam-do areas, dividing into two waterways at Daejeo-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, before reaching the South Sea.
Nakdonggang Estuary is a transitional area between the sea and river, located where Nakdonggang River begins to flow into the South Sea, with deltas formed around the estuary, which invigorated various agricultural and fishing activities from the past. With islands, sand bars and mudflats, it was a world-class bird sanctuary that attracted numerous species of migratory bird.
For Eulsukdo, the center for arriving migratory birds, located at Nakdonggang Estuary, there are two uncertain stories about the origin of its name: it might have been from “Eulsuk” which means wonderful in Chinese or from “island with clean water where numerous birds live”
In Eulsukdo, once the center for arriving migratory birds, construction of a landfill and sewage treatment plant and growth of onion patches resulted in more visitors and subsequent reduction of migratory birdlife, accelerating destruction of the ecosystem. However, due to Busan City’s Eulsukdo restoration project, the number of migratory birds is increasing again.
Argusia sibirica is a herbaceous perennial similar to gromwell. It was named such because it grows from sandy ground. Clusters of several white flowers bloom in mid-summer, presenting pure beauty.
As a plant of the sedge family growing on the seaside sandy ground, Asiatic sand sedge holds sand on the seashore, preventing loss and helping sand bar development. Asiatic sand sedge produces large fruits and black seeds which fall in September and are scattered on the sandy ground.
Reeds, a perennial herb belonging to the grass family, grow in colonies on the sand ground of wetlands, lakes and seashores. As an aquatic herb with part of the stems and roots under water, only the upper part of the stems reaches above the water. Reed stems are used to make blinds and brooms.
Scirpus planiculmis, a perennial herb belonging to the Cyperaceae genus, grows in wetlands and tidal flats. At Nakdonggang Estuary, it grows in a wide range of colonies on a tidal flat, and the tubers produced in the winter are feeds for migratory birds such as swans.
Around Nakdonggang Estuary, extensive mud flats accompany small and large sandy banks (offshore bar) exposed above the water, and formed by sand or pebble piles. As a brackish water area where sea water mixes with fresh water, the estuary is rich in biodiversity and home to an annual influx of migratory birds
Because it is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, it is suitable for birds laying eggs and multiplying with riverside sand and reeds, a paradise for the 130,000 migratory birds of 167 species that visit there.
Further, at Nakdonggang Estuary, there are sandy banks called Daemadeung, Maenggeummeorideung, Jangjado, Sinjado, Baekhapdeung, Doyodeung and Jinudo. Having sprung to life, the terrain is rapidly changing every year with deposits continuously flowing in from Nakdonggang River being displaced by the tide, piled up and dispersed repeatedly.
Explore Nakdonggang Estuary geotrails, exhibition halls of the Eco Center and Amisan Observatory and feel the vibrant “Earth” with understanding of geological features, topography and ecology of the Nakdonggang River that is full of life.
information about ecology and geological features of Nakdonggang Estuary, and various nature learning and experience programs.
At the wetland of Nakdonggang Estuary, a variety of living creatures can be observed.
Sandy banks and migratory birds can be observed by ship or boat, and the terrain of Nakdonggang Estuary can be seen from the observatory.
Place for observing and photographing migratory birds inhabiting the Nakdonggang Estuary mud flats.
Nakdonggang Estuary Observatory is for taking in the the beautiful natural views of the estuary including sand islands, migratory birds and breathtaking sunsets, with easy-to-understand information about topography and geological features of Nakdonggang Estuary
At Dadaepo Beach, located at Nakdonggang Estuary, various sedimentary structures can be observed that have developed into modern sand dunes, lagoons and sand bars.
Nakdonggang Estuary Eco Center provides displays of easy-to-understand materials about Nakdonggang Estuary and various nature learning programs for students and other visitors. It is a Busan Metropolitan City Nakdonggang Operation HQ-affiliated organization and research institute for exhibitions and learning that studies the ecology of birds and wetlands.
* Eco is the abbreviation of ecology, meaning the natural environment, ecosystem and environmental conservation.
| Information center | Official contact number | Information cente | Official contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saha-gu Culture and Tourism Dept. | 051-220-4621~3 | Busan Station Tourist Information Center | 051-441-6565 |
| Busan Tourist Information Center | 051-253-8253 | Busan Tourist Information Center for Foreigners | 051-441-3121 |
Nakdonggang Estuary Amisan Observatory is a place for taking in the natural beauty, including sand islands, migratory birds and breathtaking sunsets, providing displays of information about topography and geological features of the estuary.
There are many large and small deltas around Nakdonggang Estuary with shallow peripheral waters where vigorous interchange of river and sea waters occurs. The well-developed mud flats on both side of the river are rich in feeds for migratory birds including plankton and small fish. Reed fields all over the deltas attract numerous migratory birds for rest and feeding.
As a rest area encountered during a stroll along the trail, it is perfect for enjoying picnics and making memories
A variety of living creatures living in the wetland of Nakdonggang Estuary can be observed.
A place for observing sand bars and migratory birds using ships and boats.
Place for observing and photographing migratory birds.
Provides commentary and tours about formation, ecology, geography, history and culture of the estuary, using ships
| Operation schedule | Weekends(Sat. Sun.) 3 times a day (11:00, 13:00, 15:00) |
|---|---|
| Participation fee | 6000 won for kindergarteners/ 8,000 won for primary, middle and high school students/11,000 won for adults |
LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam (Racecourse Park) is Korea’s largest horse-themed park where you can enjoy global horse racing, with popularity second only to soccer. As Busan and Gyeongnam region’s signature family park attration, the park provides various amusement spaces and amenities with great sights and entertainment through colorful festivals year-round, including Pony Festival and Nighttime Horse Racing Festival.
| Classification | Fri. | Sat0 | Sun. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime horse racing | 09:00 | 09:00 | 09:00 |
| Sunset horse racing (Apr.~Sept.) |
11:00 | 09:00 | 09:00 |
| Nighttime horse race (Jul.~Aug.) |
13:00 | 12:00 | 09:00 |
| Admission | Remark | |
|---|---|---|
| Race day | 2000 won (including individual consumption tax, education tax and surtax) | ※ Free admission for patriots and veterans, the handicapped and minors and preferential treatment for senior citizens (above 65) |
| Non-horse race day | Free |
Samnak Ecological Park in Samnak-dong, Sasang-gu, has total area of 4,722,000㎡. It is home to various sports facilities including a soccer field, baseball park, foot volleyball, basketball and tennis courts. These facilities can be used by contacting Busan City Nakdonggang Operation HQ to make advance bookings. In addition to sports facilities, the Park has an acupuncture road and wildflower experience center that are popular for family outings. The park is emerging as Busan’s newest attraction due to its expansive lawn square and canola field. Samnak Ecological Park is used as a resting area on weekends not just by West Busan residents, but people from all over the city. It is gaining increased attention as a cultural space for citizens with its wide range of festivals, including Relay Concert, Civic Community Sports Festival and Sasang Riverside Festival.
