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
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
Koyasan (高野山), a popular pilgrimage destination for centuries, has been connected to the outside world by a network of pilgrimage trails. While most visitors enter the mountain by cable car nowadays, many of the pilgrimage trails still remain in use. Koyasan Travel—Temple Lodging (Shukubo; YouTube link ) Part of the pilgrimage trails, the Fudozaka Trail (不動坂; click the map to enlarge), leads to Koyasan from Gokurakubashi Station, the lower station of the Koyasan Cablecar. The steep, paved trail is 2.5 kilometers long and takes about an hour to ascend and less time to descend. The trail ends at the Nyonindo temple (女人堂). [1] On 11/27/2016, I have decided to descend from Fudozaka Trail instead of riding the cable car. I was the only person on the trail at beginning. However, in the middle of the trail, another young blonde girl passed me by swiftly with a big smile on her face. I was really surprised to see another soul on that rainy day. Althoug...
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