In the heart of Busan, the 168 Stairs rise steeply through the hillside, a landmark that captures both the city’s rugged geography and its layered history. Each of the 168 steps carries you higher, until the clustered rooftops give way to sweeping views of Busan Port and the ocean beyond.
For those who prefer ease, a monorail glides alongside the staircase, offering a gentle six‑minute ascent to the summit. Yet convenience comes at a cost—you might miss the charm that makes the climb unforgettable. Along the narrow street, walls bloom with colorful murals and art installations, each one telling fragments of the neighborhood’s story: its culture, its resilience, its everyday life. What begins as a demanding climb transforms into a living gallery, where history and artistry accompany every step of the journey.
From Steep Ascent to Ocean View: Busan’s 168 Stairs #koreantravel #busan(YouTube link)
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The 168 Stairs is a charming spot, lined with cafes, shops, and murals, offering night views from the top. Just a 16‑minute walk from Busan Station, with a free cable car. These photos were taken early morning before my flight on 10/30/2025.
Descending into the Oya History Museum’s Historic Quarry Mine feels like stepping into another world. About thirty meters below the surface, an immense underground quarry opens up into a labyrinth of caverns that stretch across more than 20,000 square meters. The sheer scale is staggering—towering walls of Oya stone rise around you, their surfaces etched with the marks of centuries of excavation.
Soft, creative lighting washes the chambers in hues of color, transforming the vast stone cathedral into a dramatic, almost mystical realm. The atmosphere is both awe-inspiring and otherworldly, inviting visitors to linger, to photograph, and to marvel. It is no wonder the quarry has become a sought-after venue not only for travelers but also for filmmakers, musicians, and event organizers, who find its cavernous beauty the perfect stage for concerts, exhibitions, and cinematic moments.
The Underground Cathedral: Carved in Stone, Painted in Light(YouTube link)
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If you’ve journeyed to Nikko to marvel at its brilliant autumn colors, there’s another reward waiting just beyond—the underground wonder of the Oya History Museum’s Historic Quarry Mine. Hidden 30 meters beneath the surface, this immense stone labyrinth offers a striking contrast to the fiery foliage above. During our autumn trip to Nikko on November 4, 2025, we captured these photos of the quarry, each frame preserving the awe of its vast chambers and the quiet mystery of its illuminated walls.
Excavation Etched in Stone: the Land Bears Its Scars
Reflections in Water: The Cave’s Most Photogenic Secret
A Glimpse of the Outside World from Within the Cave
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