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.
Golden Blooms Frame Sanbangsan Mountain from Early March to Mid‑to‑Late April
At the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain on Jeju Island rests Bomunsa Temple, a serene stop that travelers often include in their journey to the mountain itself and the nearby Sanbanggulsa Grotto, a cave temple tucked into the cliffs.
From the temple grounds, the trail winding up toward the grotto opens into sweeping panoramas of Jeju’s southern sea. Along the way, the landscape unfolds in all directions, with the dramatic cliffs of Yongmeori Coast standing out as a breathtaking highlight.
Bomunsa Temple is home to a magnificent golden statue of Yaksayeorae‑bul, the Medicine Buddha, its brilliance catching the eye as soon as you enter. Surrounding it are other finely crafted statues and exhibits, each adding to the temple’s atmosphere of reverence and beauty.
Finding Peace and Panoramic Views at Bomunsa Temple #korea #travel #temple #jeju(YouTube link)
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🌊 On 11/01/2025, we paused at Bomunsa Temple’s serenity before climbing toward Sanbanggulsa Grotto, where sea views and Yongmeori’s cliffs unfolded. Along the stone path, a pilgrim carried orchids; inside the cave, a woman stood in quiet reverence before the towering Buddha, filling the chamber with calm.
Cheerful Tourists Capture the Moment
Haedong's Foremost Dragon Head Guanyin Trail (海東第一龍頭觀音道)
Mahavira Hall (大雄殿)
Jeju's Cliffside Grotto: The Sanctuary Built in Stone
Yaksayeorae-bul: Sanbangsan's Massive Golden Savior
A stone statue of Gwanseeum-bosal (Goddess of Mercy)
Yongmeori Coast’s Dramatic Sandstone Cliffs Shaped by Waves
At the base of Sanbangsan Mountain on Jeju Island lies the Yongmeori Coast, a geological wonder where the land plunges dramatically into the sea. Named for its silhouette—"Yongmeori 용머리해안" means Dragon Head in Korean, resembling a dragon dipping into the ocean—the coast is a magnificent display of millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion.
Its towering, layered sandstone cliffs, featuring wave-carved walls and recessed caves, offer a journey through deep time, reminiscent of walking through the Grand Canyon. A gentle, level trail allows visitors to admire this artistry, though access is strictly limited to low tide for safety, making it essential to check the tide schedule before visiting.
Yongmeori Coast: A Grand Canyon Experience by the Sea #korean #travel #nature(YouTube link)
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Yongmeori Coast is one of Jeju’s hidden gems. At first glance its beauty is subtle, but as you walk the trail, the scenery grows more dramatic with each step. The path saves its most breathtaking views for the end—where a truly photogenic spot awaits.
UNESCO Geopark Formed by Jeju’s Oldest Volcano
A narrow walking trail is available along the shore platform
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