Haeundae Beach is South Korea's most famous coastal destination, celebrated for its expansive sandy shores, towering modern skyscrapers, and vibrant urban energy. Connected directly to Haeundae is Dongbaekseom Island, a peaceful pine-forested sanctuary offering breathtaking seaside walks and spectacular views of Busan's marine skyline.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Haeundae Beach: The Heart of Busan's Coast
Stretching over 1.5 kilometers, Haeundae Beach is a marvelous mix of natural beauty and high-tech cityscapes. It is a premier location for sunbathing, swimming, and even surfing. Standing on the soft sand, you can gaze out at the vast Pacific Ocean while towering modern skyscrapers rise right behind you.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
If you want to experience Haeundae alongside Busan's other magical hotspots—like the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and the historic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple built right on the rocky shore—booking a guided day tour is the most convenient option.
Book Busan Top Attractions Day Tour →Dongbaekseom Island: A Peaceful Forest Trail
Located at the west end of Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island (originally an island, now connected to the mainland) is famous for its lush forests of pine and camellia trees. A wooden boardwalk wraps around the rocky coastal edges, giving walkers direct ocean views alongside the pine tree canopy.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Legends & History of Dongbaekseom
Along your walk, you will encounter the famous Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue perched on a seaside rock, weeping for her mythical homeland. Further up the forested paths, you will find historical monuments dedicated to Choe Chi-won, a legendary scholar of the Silla Dynasty who loved this forest and carved the word "Hae-Un-Dae" onto the island's stone walls.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
APEC House & Gwangan Bridge View
Near the southern tip of the walk stands the impressive Nurimaru APEC House, which hosted the historic 2005 APEC Summit. From the coastal observation decks located right beside it, you can capture postcard-perfect views of the vast sea, the futuristic APEC building, and the grand double-decker Gwangan Bridge spanning across the horizon.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Experience Haeundae on the Sky Capsule
At the eastern end of Haeundae Beach, you can board the incredibly popular Haeundae Sky Capsule or Beach Train at Haeundae Blue Line Park. These colorful retro capsules glide along an elevated track directly overlooking the coastal cliffs and the sea below.
Book Haeundae Sky Capsule & Beach Train Tickets →Combine Your Day
After exploring Haeundae and walking Dongbaekseom Island, ensure you stay connected. Grab your Dosirak eSIM to easily look up local restaurants and navigate Busan's subway system.
Yes! The entire island, including the coastal boardwalks and the Nurimaru APEC House, is completely free to enter and explore.
The circular walking trail is about 1 kilometer long and takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes to complete at a very leisurely pace.
Yes. The wooden boardwalks and trails are well-lit with safety lighting in the evenings, offering amazing night views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge.
Please note that specific attraction hours, itineraries, and tour details are subject to weather conditions. Always double-check before heading out.