Park & nature

Dongbaekseom

4.1 · 236 reviews
DongbaekseomMichiel1972 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Dongbaekseom is a former island now connected to the mainland at the west end of Haeundae Beach in Busan. It offers a scenic walking trail with views of Gwangan Bridge and Haeundae Beach, and is dotted with historical carvings, statues, and inscriptions.

Don't miss

  • Walk the trail around Dongbaekseom for views of Gwangan Bridge and Haeundae Beach
  • See carvings and inscriptions from past and present, including those by poet Choi Chi-won
  • Find the legendary mermaid statue of Princess Hwangok
  • Visit Nurimaru APEC House on the island

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Dongbaekseom

You can explore Dongbaekseom at your own pace. A tour is worth it mainly for transport, or for pairing it with nearby sights in one day.

Getting there

Know before you go

  • The island is named for camellia flowers, which reportedly bloom in abundance here.
  • A trail circles the entire former island, making it easy to explore on foot.
  • Look for traces of people from the past and present carved in various places along the trail.

A bit of history

The area was originally an island that gradually became part of the mainland due to soil accumulation. It has long been considered a scenic location and was visited by the poet Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn. It was designated a monument of Busan on March 9, 1999.

Common questions

Is Dongbaekseom still an island?

No, it is now connected to the mainland due to gradual soil accumulation.

What can I see from Dongbaekseom?

You can see Gwangan Bridge and Haeundae Beach.

Why is it called Dongbaekseom?

The name means 'camellia island' because camellia flowers bloom abundantly there.

Are there any statues on the island?

Yes, there is a mermaid statue of Princess Hwangok and various other statues and inscriptions.

What is the Nurimaru APEC House?

It is a building located on Dongbaekseom.

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