Come enjoy the water in Busan this summer！4 ultra-romantic ocean views straight out of Korean dramas

Reported and photographed by Wu Jianing / South Korea

As the MERS outbreak in South Korea gradually subsides, apart from the main affected area of Seoul where no one is seen wearing masks on the streets, the situation in Busan — which has only reported three cases — is even more under control. The Busan Tourism Organization has launched“This summer, let’s travel to Busan!”slogan, hoping that travelers will make the most of their last summer holidays to visit this beautiful seaside city.

▲ Haeundae is a popular filming location for many variety shows.

Haeundae

One of Korea's Eight Scenic Spots, Haeundae boasts stunning scenery and is a favorite place for many Korean celebrities to buy property. Stars like Bae Yong-joon and Rain have properties here. It is also a popular filming spot for Korean variety shows, including “We Got Married” and “Running Man.”

▲ The Haeundae wooden boardwalk is built along the rocky shoreline and shaded by trees, offering a cool retreat.

Starting from the entrance of Haeundae and walking uphill, you’ll first pass by the beach, with its fine white sand and unpolluted seawater, making it a great weekend leisure spot for locals. As you continue further up, the winding wooden boardwalk hugs the stone cliffs and is shaded by trees, with sea breezes gently blowing alongside the view of the city skyline across the bay — it’s as beautiful as a painting. At night, the view is equally captivating.

Hiking all the way to the top of the hill, you can see the APEC House, where there is a spectacular “Twelve Zodiac Animals Painting” created using ground abalone shells, pearls, and gold leaf to depict various animals. From here, you can also enjoy another perspective of the Haeundae scenery.

Oryukdo Skywalk

Walking up along the Eunpyeongdae Coastal Trail, you’ll spot the famous “Oryukdo” (meaning “Six-Five Islands”) located in the middle of the sea. The name comes from the unique geography of the area — during high tide, it appears as six islands, but during low tide, only five are visible. At the top of the hill, there’s a popular skywalk. Visitors can walk on the transparent glass path while wearing shoe covers provided on-site, looking down at the endless waves and enjoying the thrill.

%Those who love thrilling experiences will especially enjoy the Skywalk and the exciting sea views.

%Enjoy thrilling views and ocean sensations on the Skywalk.

Gwangalli Cafe

One of Korea’s most beautiful night scenes, the beach is lined with cafes just a 30-second walk from the sand. Here you can admire the “Diamond Bridge,” also known as the Gwangan Bridge, whose neon lights change colors continuously. Many couples enjoy hand-in-hand strolls with a cup of coffee in hand, feeling the sea breeze and walking on the waves. On holiday evenings at 9 PM, the street is closed off, with large white cloth banners and colorful markers laid out on the ground, allowing passersby to leave signatures as keepsakes.

▲ %There are plenty of cafes along the beach, and the atmosphere is really great.

Eulsukdo Migratory Bird Park

Originally a landfill and dumping site for waste such as horse manure, the wetland at the mouth of the Nakdong River underwent restoration starting in the 1970s. The South Korean government purchased the farmland within this protected area, banning development and fishing. It has now become a stopover site for migratory birds. From the end of October to March each year, swans fly here to spend the winter. However, since the ecosystem has not fully recovered, with fewer edible plants available, park staff regularly deliver sweet potatoes and other food through a small gate to feed the birds.

%Visitors can rent bicycles to quickly explore the park.

▲ You can take a park shuttle bus for a quick tour.

Inside the park’s ecological exhibition hall, in addition to various informational displays and models, there is a large glass wall with eagle-shaped binoculars facing the wetlands, offering a clear view of the birds’ movements on the mudflats. The eagle symbol on the glass is actually a warning sign, as many migratory birds used to collide with the glass and die. Visitors can also hop on the park’s free shuttle carts for a quick tour of the entire scenic wetland.

%There are electric sightseeing carts available for easy travel within the park.