The Best Hikes And Walking Trails In Busan

Ready to work up a sweat and enjoy the great outdoors? Then these 10 hikes and trails in the fabulous coastal city of Busan are for you. Don’t worry, I promise you won’t regret it! So grab your hiking gear, plenty of water, your adventurous spirit and get ready to marvel at the beauty of nature!

This post contains affiliate links. Whenever you buy something through one of these, I get a small commission, without any extra cost to you. Thank you!

Save it for later!

Hikes

1. Geumjeongsan (금정산)

Best for stunning views

Altitude: 801.5m
Address: Geumseong-dong, Geumjeong-gu
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 1, orange) until Beomeosa station, then hop on bus 90 for 5 stops and get off at Beomeosa Parking Lot (범어사주차장)
Difficulty: moderate

Geumjeongsan Mountain is not only one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done, but you’ll also have the chance to see the magnificent Beomeosa temple as well as Korea’s largest fortress: Geumjeongsanseong Fortress. Pretty perfect, don’t you think? Wait until you see the views from the top and tell me if you’re not already convinced!

After spending a quiet, relaxing moment around the Beomeosa temple, and admiring the architecture and vibrant colors (or Dancheong in Korean) that adorn the building, continue on your way to the trail.

The trail then takes you through the forest, where you can enjoy the various sounds of nature, but also catch your breath a little as, although the hike isn’t very difficult, there are a few rocky paths, not to mention the stairs. Once you’ve reached the fortress, climb up to the watchtower and rest a while, enjoying the surrounding scenery, before starting the last part of the hike.

Moderately strenuous, the hike up to Godangbong Peak is well worth it for its amazing views!

Pro tip: try to reach the peak at golden hour for an even more enchanting experience!

2. Bongnaesan (봉래산)

Best for the beginners and for panoramic views over Busan

Altitude: 396m
Address: Cheonghak-dong, Yeongdo-gu
How to get there: from Nampo station (line 1, orange), you can take bus 82 from the exit number 6, then, ride for 14mn and stop at Sinseon-dong Community Service Center. You’ll finally have to walk around 15mn before reaching the start of your hike.
Difficulty: easy

An easy hike and spectacular 360° views over the coastal town are reasons enough to make you want to add Bongnaesan to your list, I think! If not, I’ll just add that the hike is pretty much unknown to foreigners and, if you come during the week, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have the place to yourself!

Pro tip: do the hike in spring to enjoy the cherry-blossom-covered parts of the trail!

3. Seokbulsa (석불사)

Best for a quiet and contemplative experience

Address: 143-79, Mandeokgogaegil, Buk-gu
How to get there: there are two options to choose from: you can get off at Oncheonjang station (line 1, orange), get to Geumgang park and take the cable car to the top before hiking your way to Seokbulsa (longest option but more scenic) OR take the subway (line 3, brown) and stop at Mandeok station before walking without getting lost, or at least trying no to…, to the temple (~1hr)
Difficulty: easy

I admit that this is probably one of the most remote temples in Korea and access can be a bit tricky, but Seokbulsa’s unique landscape and giant carved stone Buddhas will probably amaze you.

Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the calm of the temple away from the crowded attractions of the city!

4. Yunsan (윤산)

Best for a refreshing trail through the forest

Altitude: 318m
Address: Bugok-dong, Geumjeong-gu
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 1, orange) until Pusan National University station and transfer on bus 29 or 49 for 2 stops and get off at Bugok market (부곡시장)
Difficulty: easy

Would you like to enjoy the serenity of Busan while hiking in an Eco Forest? Then Yunsan is the place for you! The mountain is little-known to tourists and is located close to one of the city’s best districts: Pusan National University!

Do you know what that means? It means that after or before your hike, if you get too hungry, you can take one of the cheapest meals in the whole city and have a feast at the top. And, if you feel like it, you can also satisfy your shopping cravings without having to spend a lot of money!

Oh, and regarding the hike, let me just say that the view of Hoedong Reservoir and the peaceful atmosphere at the summit are utterly charming, to say the least.

5. Hwangnyeongsan Mountain (황령산)

Best for sunset and night views over Busan

Altitude: 427m
Address: Yeonsan 5-dong, Yeonje-gu
How to get there: you can start your hike at the Busan Town Hall station (시청역) and hike (~1.5hr one-way) to Hwangnyeongsan OR take the Yeonje-gu1 bus to Mulmangol from the station (15 stops) and hike (45mn)
Difficulty: moderate

This trail, a little more unusual than the others, will first take you through the city (if you choose to start at City Hall) before taking you into the quiet of the forest. Of course, the most important thing here is not the journey but the destination, as this is one of the best places in all of Busan to contemplate the stunning views of the sunset.

On your way to the popular observatory, don’t forget to check out the mountain’s iconic lighthouse. Picturesque photos guaranteed!

Pro tip: stay for the night views and grab a cup of your favorite hot drink at the Hwangnyeongsan Observatory Cafe.

Walking Trails

6. Haeundae Green Railway Blueline Park (해운대 그린레일웨이)

Best for a leisure walk along Busan’s coastline

Address: the walking trail runs from Mipo to Songjeong Beach
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 2, green) and stop at Jungdong station
Difficulty: easy

Haeundae is nice but there’s more to it than sunbathing on the beach, and that’s walking from Mipo to Songjeong beach along the beautiful and scenic railway. The 4.8 km trail will make your day unforgettable thanks to its splendid, natural and enchanting setting.

Keep walking until you come across the Cheongsapo Daritdol observatory, where you can enjoy superb views of the coast and feel like a superhero walking on the sea thanks to the transparent floor at the end of the observatory. You even get free slippers to put over your shoes to protect the glass.

So, don’t you think it’s a perfect day?!

Pro tip: climb into the sky capsule on your way back for an even more lovely experience, especially at golden hour!

7. Igidae Coastal Walk (이기대 해안산책로)

Best for natural beauty

Address: Yongho-dong, Nam-gu
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 2, green), get off at Kyungsung University Pukyong National University station, then take exit 5, walk 202m and transfer on bus Nam-gu2 for 9 stops before getting off at Bunpo High School
Difficulty: moderate

This popular coastal walk owes its name to two gisaengs (female artists similar to “geishas”) who died after jumping into the sea with a drunken Japanese commander, thus sacrificing their lives during the invasion period. This tragic story is now the place to go if you’re looking for a scenic trail surrounded by rocky cliffs, coastline and natural beauty.

8. Jeoryeong Coastal Trail (절영해안산책로)

Best for open sea views and relaxation

Address: 186-47 Yeongseon-dong 4-ga, Yeongdo-gu
How to get there: from Nampo station (line 1, orange), take the exit 6, walk 100m, transfer on bus 6 for 6 stops and get off at Busan Healthcare High School. You’ll have to walk 4mn to get to the start of the trail.
Difficulty: easy

Admire the colorful views from this picturesque coastal path and relax to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. You can then climb the rainbow piano steps to enjoy the views from above and visit the charming cultural village of Huinnyeoul. Once you’ve explored the small village, continue on to the observatories and beach at Jungni.

And if you like, you can even continue your walk to the Yeongdo Haenyeo village (haenyeos are the women divers of Korea) and end your day with some freshly caught seafood!

9. Taejongdae (태종대)

Best for a walk between forest and ocean

Address: 24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu
How to get there: by following Jeoryeong Coastal Trail OR from Nampo station (line 1, orange), take exit 6, walk 50m and take bus 8, 30, 186 or 88 and stop at Taejongdae/Taejongdae Hot Springs
Difficulty: easy

Taejongdae Park, named after King Taejong Muyeol who apparently liked to shoot arrows in the area, is now the place where locals and foreigners alike escape from the city center, if only for a gentle, tranquil afternoon.

You can choose to hop on the little train and get off at the stop of your choice or, and this is the option I prefer, take your time and walk leisurely around the park, exploring the pebble beaches and soaking up the scenic beauty at the observatory and lighthouse.

10. Songdo Beach – Amnam Park (송도해수욕장 – 암남공원)

Best for a quieter, more healing experience

Address: Amnam-dong, Seo-gu
How to get there: from Jagalchi station (line 1, orange), take the exit 2, walk 200m, hop on the bus 26, 30, 96 or 71 for 8 stops and get off at Songdo Beach
Difficulty: easy

Want to admire Busan’s healing blue waters and enjoy a thrilling experience at the same time? This trail is for you! Start at Songdo Beach, then head to Amnam Park and its lush pine forests before visiting the noisy but adorable dinosaurs.

Then head to the Yonggung Suspension Bridge (open until 5pm/1,000 KRW: ~75 cents), enjoy the scenery at your leisure before taking a fun and enjoyable ride inside the marine cable car > one way: between 13,000 KRW ($9) and 17,000 KRW (~$12): depending on the type of cabin chosen.

Once you’ve made it to the other side, and if you’re not too tired after a busy day, my final recommendation is to walk the Songdo Cloud Trails to feel like you’re once again walking on the sea.

Pro tip: try to take the cable car just before sunset!

Some quick and essential hiking tips

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes: getting blisters is one of the most dreaded situations for hikers, so take care of your feet and you’ll be able to go on many more hikes.
  
• Hike in the mornings: firstly because there are fewer people, but also because it’s not as hot as mid-afternoon. Blisters and sunstroke are not usually on my agenda when I want to enjoy a hike!
  
• Bring plenty of water: whether it’s summer or not, you should always stay hydrated. It will also help you feel less tired.
  
• Grab some snacks beforehand: it’s important to recharge your batteries during a hike. I advise you to always have protein bars or sugar on hand for a quick energy boost. And having a snack at the summit is actually one of my hiking habits: it’s sort of my little reward after the effort!
  
• Always wear some sunscreen: the sun is no joke and you don’t want to look like a lobster at the end of your hike.
  
• Check the Air Quality Index (AQI): II don’t usually check these indicators, but Busan’s air, like Seoul’s, can sometimes be very polluted, and hiking in these conditions is far from the best for your health.
  
• Buy a SIM card: he network is excellent in Korea, even in the mountains, so don’t forget to buy a SIM card, as you’ll need it to know which bus or subway to take home.

Hiking in Korea is a real pleasure, especially when you consider that 70% of the territory is mountainous, and that Busan’s coastline, surrounded by a magnificent seascape, won’t let you down.

If you’re interested in the Seoul version, here’s the link to my other post!

🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

🗺️Recommended Tours:
– Busan Complete One-Day Tour (many options to choose from)
– Busan Air Cruise Cable Car Ticket

Love it? Feel free to share it!