Taejongdae
Lake-born rocks confronting the sea
Well-known for coastal rock walls comprised of wave-cut terrace, sea cliffs and costal caves, created through erosion by waves of sedimentary layers from a lake in the late Cretaceous period, it is Busan’s signature attraction for coastal views.
Top attraction with the landscape of various geological records of orbicular hornfels, slumping structures, dikes, faults and flower structures, including wondrous natural rock murals and a pebble beach; offering trail courses leading to coastal plant eco course, Taejongdae observation platform and Yeongdo marine culture space.
Introduce
Taejongdae is a landmark of Busan, showing various erosional landforms, such as sea cliffs, wave-cut platforms and sea caves created on the lacustrine sedimentary rocks at Late Cretaceous period. Marvelous geolgical sceneries such as orbicular hornfels, flower structure, slumps formed by earthquake are also found.
Origin of its name
“Taejongdae” located at the southeastern tip of Yeongdo is Busan’s scenic site well-known for its rocky coast representing Busan together with the Oryukdo Islands. Wave-cut cliffs extending as long as 100 meters, dense warm-temperate forests and undulating billows harmonize to create magnificent views. In particular, uplifted wave-cut terrace Sinseonam Rock below Yeongdo Lighthouse is Taejongdae’s signature attraction. Its formation traces back to the fourth and final interglacial period, about 120,000 years ago.
It is recorded in the Historical Remains section of 『Records of Dongnae-bu』 that “People can barely access Taejongdae due to a stone bridge on the west as the eastern sea turns in Jeoryeongdo, 12km south of our bu(town).” According to a story passed down orally, it is said that it was the place where King Taejong Muyeol of Silla shot an arrow and hit a drapery and was thus called Taejongdae. As it is said that in years of drought a rain calling ceremony was conducted, it is assumed that it was named such in relation to King Taejon Muyeol.
As an attraction with Taejongdae observation platform where the sound of waves crashing against coastal cliffs can be heard with views as far as Tsushima Island, Taejongdae has been frequented by poets and painters since old times. The flat rock below the lighthouse on the right is called Sinseonbawi Rock due to a story of Taoist immortals descending from heaven and having fun on the rock in ancient times. The lonely stone standing on Sinseonbawi Rock is called Mangbuseok due to a story of a legendary faithful wife who died and was turned to stone, anxiously waiting for her husband who was taken by Japanese pirates.
Name and history
“Taejongdae” located at the southeastern tip of Yeongdo is Busan’s signature scenic site. Wave-cut cliffs extending as long as 100 meters, warm-temperate dense forests and undulating billows harmonize to create magnificent views. At Taejongdae observation platform, the sound of waves crashing against coastal cliffs can be heard and on a fine day, views extend as far as Tsushima Island . According to a story passed down orally, it is said the name Taejongdae came from its being the place where King Taejong Muyeol of Silla practiced archery after finishing the arduous duty of unifying the Three Kingdoms.; the rock rising up like the thumb is called Mangbuseok and is said to have served as Sahu*
* Sahu: ten feet long and wide hemp cloth used as an archery target
| Japanese colonial era |
A military fortress for a long time, public access was restricted. |
| 1967 |
Announced as an amusement park by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation |
| 1969 |
Designated as a tourist attraction |
| 1972 |
Designated as Busan Monument No. 28 |
| 1974 |
Began development in earnest with the confirmation of Taejongdae Amusement Park Development Plan, taking on the title of tourist attraction |
| 2005 |
Designated as State-designated Cultural Property Scenic Site No. 17 |
| 2013 |
Certified as National Geopark |
Tourist information
Service hours of Taejongdae Amusement Park
Danubi Train
- Train stops : Square → Taewon Pebble Beach → Gumyeongsa Temple → Observation platform → Yeongdo lighthouse → Taejongsa Temple → Square entrance
- Operation hours : 09:20~18:00
- Ticketing time : 09:00~18:00
- Service fee : 2,000 won for adults/1,500 won for youths /1,000 won for children
Cruise
- Quay
- Lighthouse Cruise Quay 051) 405-3434
- Taewon Cruise Quay 051) 403-9098
- Gonpo Cruise Quay 051) 405-2900
- Milky Way Cruise Quay 051) 405-3989
- Operation hours : 09:00~18:00
- Service fee : 10,000 won for adults/ 6,000 won for children
Representative vegetation
Arisaema ringens
Arisaema ringens, usually found in the shade of seaside trees, is poisonous plant belonging to Araceae genus. Arisaema ringens, compared to other Arisaema, has much larger leaves that are divided into three parts.
Palsoni (Glossy-leaf paper plant)
Palsoni, found in seaside forest shades, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Ginseng family. Because leaves are usually divided into eight parts, looking like a hand, it was named Palsoni (eight hands).
Eurya japonica
Eurya japonica, an evergreen broad-leaved shrub belonging to tea family grows at the foot of seaside mountains in the south. Called “Ligustrum foliosum(Gasreginang in Korean)” on Jeju Island, from which its name Eurya japonica(Sasrepi in Korean) seems to originate. Its flowers smell like ammonia and have sterilizing and soothing effects. It is also said to help with air purification with great resistance to sulfurous acid gas.
Morus bombycis Koidz.
Morus bombycis Koidz a small deciduous tree belonging to the Moraceae family, grows across the Korean Peninisula. Its black fruit known as “mulberry” is delicious when ripe. Phellinus linteus is produced sometimes from the rotten stems of old mulberries.