Songdo Beach: What To Do Around Busan’s Peaceful Beach?

Forgotten in the past due to the rise of other popular beaches in the city, Songdo beach is re-emerging as one of the best places for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center thanks to the many attractions it has to offer. Romantic, peaceful and less crowded than its counterparts, let’s discover the charm and appeal of Korea’s first public beach!

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Songdo Beach in a few words

The name, which translates as “Pine Island” after the pine forest that once covered the area, is actually an artificial beach. The first public beach in Korea to open in July 1913, it quickly became a major resort destination during the Japanese colonial era.

At a time when it was even more popular than Haeundae, Songdo Beach, after suffering typhoon damages and water pollution, became a deserted and abandoned spot where only a few people dared to visit.

Fortunately, after a successful coastal maintenance project in the early 2000s, and the construction of numerous tourist attractions nearby as well as becoming the venue for festivals, the beach has regained its beauty and image, making it a must-see for many visitors to the area.

What to do around Songdo Beach

Whether you’d love to sunbathe, take in the scenic blue views of the ocean or enjoy a thrilling experience, let me show you why Songdo has it all!

Songdo Beach (송도해수욕장)

Address: Amnam-dong, Seo-gu
Opening hours: 06:00-23:00 every day

First things first, a visit here wouldn’t be complete without some time at the beach. If you come in summer, you’ll have the choice between swimming, playing volleyball or jumping from the sea diving boards, if you feel like it.

And if you want to explore the magical blue waters and pretty statues rising directly from the sea at your own pace, you can also rent a kayak or try your hand at surfing. Sunbathing is of course ideal if you wish to laze around in the hot sun and take a little nap, but don’t forget to apply your sunscreen.

In any case, and, in fact, in any season, a trip to Songdo Beach, which offers a more serene experience than other beaches in the city while stile being close to the city center, is the perfect getaway for all beach lovers who love to feel the sand between their toes.

Songdo Cloud Trails/Skywalk (송도 구름산책로/스카이워크)

Fancy nice views of the blue sea and surrounding mountains? No need to go far, walk to the far left of the beach to Songdo Cloud Trails, which at one point features a glass foor, allowing visitors to observe the water beneath their feet.

The trail, which resembles the tail of a dragon, will take you to Turtle Island, where you’ll see two beautiful statues, one of a fisherman and the other of a mermaid dragon. The statues and the island tell a sad love story: that of a fisherman who lost his life fighting a sea monster, only to be turned into Turtle Island by the King of the Sea. His beloved, unable to fully transform into a human after this tragedy, became a half-human, half-dragon creature and ended up living on the island, where she somehow reunited with her departed lover.

Songdo Coastal Walk/Bolle-gil Trail (송도 해안 볼레길)

When I told you that Songdo combines relaxation with exercise, I wasn’t lying, was I?

Tired of the beach and the sun, and would love some shade while enjoying a panoramic view over the famous Haeundae LCT The Sharp Complex and the Songdo coastline? Take a refreshing walk along the Bolle-gil trail!

Originally boasting red iron decks and bridges right next to the water, the trail, which takes less than 30 minutes, leads you past hidden pebble beaches, pine forests and magnificent sea views.

But since a typhoon hit the coast a few years ago, the trail is still under recovery. Don’t worry, though, you can still enjoy the view from above by taking another path.

To find it, walk to the right end of the beach, towards Songdo Ocean Park, follow the lovely mosaic-tiled wall until you come to a rotary. Go to the end of the road, and climb the stairs on your right, which will lead you to the path overlooking the original trail.

At the end of your walk, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful and peaceful Amnam Park!

Amnam Park (암남공원)

Address: San193, Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan

Amnam Park: an impressive panorama between sea and mountains, moving dinosaurs and healing walks await you!

If you’re wondering why dinosaurs, it’s probably because fossils and footprints have been found in the area. Ready for it or not, the quirky experience of encountering moving, noisy dinosaurs in the middle of nature was actually fun.

The park is also the ideal vantage point for the uninhabited Dudo Island and the link between Songdo Sky Park and its thrilling suspension bridge!

Songdo Sky Park (송도스카이파크)

Address: 181 Amnam Park-ro, Seo-gu, Busan

After exploring the forest and enjoying a little peace and quiet, head to Songdo Sky Park, located right in Amnam Park and boasting a wish-fulfilling dragon, the “Bucket Dragon” on whose scales you can put your wishes, a Little Prince themed-rooftop park (reflecting South Korea’s love of the book), an observatory platform with unrivaled views of the sea and mountains, and many other attractions.

Spend some time making memories, admiring the picturesque views and striking the best poses here before making your way to the 127-meter-long bridge, surrounded by rocky cliffs and the calm sea.

Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge (송도용궁구름다리)

Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 (closed on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month)
Cost: 1,000 KRW (less than a dollar)

It would be a shame to go to Songdo Beach without taking a slight detour to Yonggung Suspension Bridge, especially when you know that the ticket is less than a dollar.

Well worth it if you ask me, considering the panoramic views and the many activities nearby. Although, you should bear in mind that the walk around the bridge can be a little scary for some in strong winds.

Connecting the park to the uninhabited Dongseom Island, it’s a fun and nice experience – if you’re not afraid of heights, of course!

Bonus: Songdo Marine Cable Car (송도해상케이블카)

Opening hours: 09:00-20:00 (January to February, December) – 09:00-21:00 (March to June, September to November) & 09:00-22:00 (July and August)
Cost: Air Cruise (cabin with normal floor) 13,000 KRW ($9) one way for an adult
OR Crystal Cruise (cabin with transparent floor) 17,000 KRW (~$12) one way for an adult
Official website

I’ve only included this activity as a bonus because, although I found it quite enjoyable, I wouldn’t do it again if I had the chance, as I much preferred the sky capsule experience from Haeundae Green Railway Blueline Park, for example.

However, if you’d still like to try flying across the sea around Songdo Beach, then I’d recommend the Crystal Cruise, a bit more expensive, but better if you want to have fun dangling your feet avove the transparent glass!

And for the more romantic among us, perhaps consider hopping on the cable car at sunset!

How to get to Songdo Beach

Its location close to the city center makes it easy accessible, whether you come by car, public transport or on foot if you’re staying in the area.

If you opt for public transport, the easiest way to get there is to take bus 26 from Busan Station and stop at Songdo Beach. The journey takes only 22 minutes and costs around $1.

Tip: don’t forget your T-Money card if you take the bus or any other means of transport!

Looking for beautiful coastal views or just want to escape the busy city for a while? Now you know where to go!

On a budget and wondering what to do in Busan? Here are 20 free activities and hidden gems for you!

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