At the western end of Haeundae Beach, the sandy shoreline gradually gives way to the forested paths of Busan Dongbaekseom Island.
At first, it may seem like a simple place for a short walk. Once inside, however, there is much more to see than expected, including Nurimaru APEC House, the Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue, coastal viewpoints, and historic sites connected to the scholar Choi Chi-won.
During the day, the island feels calm and refreshing, with blue sea views framed by pine and camellia trees. As the sun begins to set, Gwangan Bridge and the towers of Marine City light up, creating a completely different atmosphere.
With a little information about the walking route, opening hours, parking, and public transportation, Dongbaekseom is easy to include in any Haeundae itinerary.
Table of Contents
1. What Is Dongbaekseom Island?
Despite its name, Busan Dongbaekseom Island does not require a boat ride.
It was once a small island separated from the mainland, but sand and sediment gradually built up over time, connecting it to Haeundae. Today, visitors can simply walk there from Haeundae Beach or the surrounding streets.
The island is now part of a coastal park filled with camellia trees, pine trees, forest paths, and sea-facing walkways.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Around 67 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan |
| Opening hours | Open year-round |
| Admission | Free |
| Main scenery | Camellia trees, pine forest, coastal paths |
| Main attractions | Nurimaru APEC House, mermaid statue, Choi Chi-won sites |
Because the park is directly connected to Haeundae Beach, it is easy to visit without creating a separate travel route.
The paths are usually quiet in the morning, while more visitors arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and night views.
Although it is close to the city, the sound of the sea and the shade of the trees make the island feel pleasantly removed from the busy streets of Haeundae.
2. Attractions You Should Not Miss
Busan Dongbaekseom Island is worth visiting for its scenery alone, but several historic and cultural attractions make the walk even more interesting.
Nurimaru APEC House is the best-known landmark. Farther along the coast, visitors will find a small white lighthouse, an observation deck, the Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue, and monuments dedicated to Choi Chi-won.
| Attraction | What to See | Why It Is Worth Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Nurimaru APEC House | Venue of the 2005 APEC summit | Meeting hall, exhibits, and sea views |
| Lighthouse observatory | White lighthouse and viewing deck | Views toward Gwangan Bridge and Oryukdo |
| Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue | Statue connected to a local legend | Dramatic setting beside the rocky coast |
| Choi Chi-won memorial area | Statue, monuments, and poetry stones | Story behind the name Haeundae |
| Haeundae rock inscription | Chinese characters meaning “Haeundae” | Traditionally associated with Choi Chi-won |
The name “Haeundae” is believed to have come from “Haeun,” the pen name of Choi Chi-won, a famous scholar from the Silla period.
Knowing this story adds another layer to the walk, especially around the memorial area and the historic rock inscription.
The inscription itself is located on coastal rocks and may be difficult to view up close. Information boards near the walking path explain its meaning and historical background.
The combination of coastal scenery, local legend, and history is what makes Dongbaekseom more than an ordinary seaside park.
3. Recommended Walking Route
A comfortable route around Busan Dongbaekseom Island begins near the entrance to Dongbaek Park and continues toward Nurimaru APEC House, the lighthouse observatory, and the mermaid statue.
From there, the path leads past the historic sites connected to Choi Chi-won before continuing toward Haeundae Beach.
The island’s main loop is approximately 900 meters long, so the walk itself is not difficult. However, allowing one to one and a half hours is more realistic when including photo stops, viewpoints, and a visit inside Nurimaru APEC House.
| Order | Recommended Stop | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dongbaek Park entrance | Starting point |
| 2 | Nurimaru APEC House | Indoor exhibition and sea views |
| 3 | Lighthouse observatory | Popular photo spot |
| 4 | Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue | Coastal legend and rocky scenery |
| 5 | Haeundae rock inscription area | History of the Haeundae name |
| 6 | Choi Chi-won memorial area | Forest path, statue, and poetry stones |
| 7 | Haeundae Beach | Easy continuation along the beach |
The coastal boardwalk offers open views of the sea, while the inner forest trail feels quieter and more shaded.
There are a few slopes and stairways, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Wooden decks and stone steps can become slippery after rain. Walking slowly and stopping at the viewpoints makes the route much more enjoyable than rushing around the island.
4. Visiting Nurimaru APEC House
The most recognizable building on Busan Dongbaekseom Island is Nurimaru APEC House.
It was built for the 2005 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and combines elements of a traditional Korean pavilion with modern architecture. Its rounded shape and seaside location make it one of the most distinctive landmarks in Haeundae.
Inside, visitors can see the meeting hall used by world leaders, along with photographs, displays, and items connected to the summit.
| Category | Visitor Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 116 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan |
| Opening hours | 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Last admission | 5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | First Monday of every month |
| Admission | Free |
| Telephone | 051-743-1974 to 1975 |
The Korean word “nuri” means “world,” while “maru” can mean “summit” or “the highest point.” The name reflects the building’s role as a meeting place for world leaders.
Unlike the outdoor walking trails, Nurimaru has fixed opening hours.
Visitors arriving in the late afternoon should check the time carefully, as admission ends before the building closes. Access may also be restricted during official events or maintenance.
5. Transportation and Parking
Reaching the island by public transportation is straightforward.
The nearest subway station is Dongbaek Station on Busan Metro Line 2. From Exit 1, it takes about 14 minutes to walk to Nurimaru APEC House and around 15 to 20 minutes to reach other parts of the park, depending on the route.
| Transportation | How to Get There |
|---|---|
| Subway | Busan Metro Line 2, Dongbaek Station Exit 1 |
| Walking time | About 14 minutes to Nurimaru APEC House |
| Bus | Take a bus such as No. 1003 and get off near Dongbaekseom |
| Car | Use Dongbaek Park parking lot or nearby paid parking |
| Best option on weekends | Public transportation |
Visitors coming from Haeundae Beach can also walk west along the shoreline until the beach connects with the park.
This route is especially pleasant because the sea remains in view for most of the walk.
Parking spaces can fill quickly on weekends, public holidays, and during the summer vacation season. The surrounding roads may also become congested in the evening.
For a smoother visit, arriving early or using the subway is usually the easier choice.
6. Best Time to Visit
Busan Dongbaekseom Island is pleasant throughout the year, and each season offers a different atmosphere.
Visitors hoping to see camellia flowers should consider coming between winter and spring. The bright red flowers look beautiful on the trees, but the fallen blossoms scattered along the paths are just as memorable.
| Season or Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Winter to spring | Camellia flowers and red petals along the paths |
| Spring | Mild weather and comfortable forest walks |
| Summer | Deep shade and refreshing sea breezes |
| Autumn | Clear skies and sharp ocean views |
| Sunset | Evening light over the coast and Gwangan Bridge |
| Night | Illuminated Marine City skyline |
The exact camellia blooming period varies from year to year depending on the temperature and weather conditions. Checking recent photographs or local updates before visiting can be helpful.
During summer, mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable than the middle of the day.
For the best Busan Dongbaekseom night views, arriving one or two hours before sunset works well. This allows enough time to enjoy the daylight scenery before the bridge and city buildings begin to light up.
7. Places to Visit Nearby
A visit to Busan Dongbaekseom Island fits naturally with Haeundae Beach and The Bay 101.
A relaxed route begins with a walk along Haeundae Beach, continues through the Dongbaekseom walking trail, and ends near Nurimaru APEC House and the lighthouse observatory.
Around sunset, visitors can continue toward The Bay 101, where the lights of Marine City reflect across the water.
| Time of Day | Suggested Stop |
|---|---|
| Morning | Walk along Haeundae Beach |
| Midday | Dongbaek Park and Nurimaru APEC House |
| Late afternoon | Lighthouse observatory and mermaid statue |
| Sunset | Coastal view toward Gwangan Bridge |
| Evening | The Bay 101 and Marine City |
| Extra time | Haeundae Market, Mipo, or the beach train |
With more time, the itinerary can be extended to Haeundae Market, Mipo, or the Haeundae Beach Train.
Visitors traveling with parents or older family members may prefer a simpler route that combines only Haeundae Beach and Dongbaekseom.
Those staying in Haeundae can also divide the visit into two parts: a peaceful morning walk and a separate evening visit for the night scenery.
The island looks so different during the day and after sunset that visiting twice does not feel repetitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for Busan Dongbaekseom Island?
The walking paths and park are free to enter and remain open throughout the year. Nurimaru APEC House is also free, although it has fixed opening hours and closes on the first Monday of every month.
How long does it take to walk around Dongbaekseom?
The main path is relatively short, but a full visit usually takes about one to one and a half hours. This allows time for Nurimaru APEC House, the lighthouse observatory, the mermaid statue, the historic sites, and several photo stops.
Where is the best place to see the night view?
The area around Nurimaru APEC House and the lighthouse observatory offers attractive views toward Gwangan Bridge. After walking around the island, continuing to The Bay 101 is a good way to see the illuminated towers of Marine City reflected on the water.
Key Takeaways
Busan Dongbaekseom Island is a scenic coastal destination where visitors can enjoy forest paths, ocean views, historic landmarks, and Haeundae’s evening skyline in one easy walk.
- The park and walking trails are open year-round.
- Admission to the island is free.
- Nurimaru APEC House is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- The island is within walking distance of Dongbaek Station.
- Camellia flowers are best seen between winter and spring.
- Late afternoon is ideal for enjoying daylight, sunset, and night views.
- Haeundae Beach and The Bay 101 are easy to include in the same itinerary.