From the dizzying heights of BUSAN X the SKY observatory atop the 411-meter Haeundae LCT Landmark Tower, Busan’s iconic coastline unfolds like a living postcard: the golden arc of Haeundae Beach, the lush emerald peninsula of Dongbaekseom Island, and the elegant sweep of Gwangan Bridge shimmering on the distant horizon.
Starting from the bustling sands near The Westin Chosun Busan, a leisurely clockwise stroll along the well-maintained coastal path leads visitors into the serene embrace of Dongbaekseom—a former island now connected to the mainland, famed for its camellia groves and panoramic sea views.
Etched in Stone: How a Silla Scholar’s Tribute Created the Identity of Haeundae (海 雲 臺)
Gazing into the Blue: The Horizon Seeker of Haeundae Beach
Dominating the skyline are the sleek supertalls of Haeundae’s modern district, including the towering home of BUSAN X the SKY, symbols of Busan’s rapid rise as a global seaside metropolis. Along the elevated wooden boardwalk where dense forest meets crashing waves, one encounters the poignant bronze Princess Hwangok Statue. This mermaid princess, drawn from ancient Korean folklore, sits eternally on a rocky outcrop, gazing seaward with a magical jade orb in hand—her homesick longing bridging the city’s futuristic towers with timeless seafaring legends.
Princess Hwangok: The Silent Guardian of the Sea and Clouds
A Futuristic Horizon: The Triple Towers of Haeundae Beach
The Triple Skyscrapers Dominating Haeundae’s Skyline, with BUSAN X the SKY Atop the Tallest
The trail itself is a delight: smooth, paved paths wind effortlessly along the shore, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of the ocean and unobstructed vistas that invite deep breaths and quiet reflection. Locals share the route for morning jogs, adding a vibrant, everyday energy to the tranquil setting. Midway, a striking white lighthouse emerges as a perfect photo spot, its platform offering sweeping views of the elegant Nurimaru APEC House—site of the 2005 summit—perched at the water’s edge, with Gwangan Bridge glittering dramatically in the background.
Busan’s Iconic Viewpoint: Nurimaru Perched on the Sea with Majestic Gwangan Bridge in the Distance
Gazing Seaward: The Distant Silhouette of Oryukdo from the Lighthouse Platform
Continuing the loop brings walkers back to lively Haeundae Beach, where crowds gather amid more coastal statues and the imposing lineup of skyscrapers framing the shore. In all, the circuit around Dongbaekseom takes about two hours at a relaxed pace, followed by a half-hour wander along the beach sands—a perfect blend of urban glamour, natural calm, and cultural whispers that captures the essence of Busan’s blue horizon.
The Lady in Red: A Crimson Silhouette Against the Azure Sea
Shōyō-en (逍遥園⭐), an Edo-period circular garden attributed to Enshū Kobori, centers on a pond with islands shaped like a crane and turtle—symbols of longevity. Once part of Imperial Prince Rinnoji Hoshinno’s residence, it was later named “Shōyō-en” by Confucian scholar Issai Sato, who praised its eight scenic views.
During our visit, the museum highlighted the 15 Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. Their shogunate, the longest in Japanese history, brought over two centuries of peace, strict social order, and isolation from the outside world. Early leaders secured stability, while later shoguns oversaw cultural and economic growth before the system faltered under Western pressure, paving the way for the Meiji Restoration.
🍁Shōyō-en 逍遥園 in Full Color: Autumn’s Peak #nikko #japantravel #autumncolors (YouTube link)
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On 11/04/2025, the garden was ablaze with autumn colors at their peak. We wandered along its circular path, pausing often to absorb the beauty and etch it into memory. What began as a stroll stretched into more than an hour, as the charm of this small garden held us captive. Among the greater Nikko area, it stood out as one of the most breathtaking spots for autumn foliage.
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