Is the Songdo walking route difficult?

It is considered moderate. The beach and skywalk sections are flat and easy, but the later sections near Amnam Park and the suspension bridge involve some stairs and uneven forest paths.

What is the best time to visit Songdo Beach?

Late afternoon is the best time to visit. You can enjoy the ocean breeze during the day and witness a spectacular sunset from the Cloud Trails or the cable car.

Can I access the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge for free?

No, there is usually a small admission fee of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 KRW for the suspension bridge. It also has set operating hours, typically closing by 6:00 PM.

Is this walking tour Busan family-friendly?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children especially enjoy the glass floors of the Cloud Trails and the colorful cable cars, though strollers may be difficult to use in Amnam Park.

Where is the best place to start the Songdo walk?

The best place to start is Songdo Bay Station. It is easily accessible by bus from Nampo-dong and serves as the natural entry point for the skywalks and beach.

Are there restrooms along the Songdo walking route?

Yes, public restrooms are conveniently located at the start (Bay Station), the middle (Songdo Beach), and the end (Amnam Park entrance) of the route.

Is Songdo Beach worth visiting compared to Haeundae?

Absolutely. While Haeundae is larger and more famous, Songdo offers unique attractions like the marine cable car and the Cloud Trails, providing a more interactive and scenic coastal experience.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Embark on a refreshing self-guided walk along the coast of Seo-gu, where the historic charm of Korea’s first public beach meets modern architectural marvels. This neighborhood stroll through Songdo offers a unique perspective on Busan’s maritime identity, blending local folklore with breathtaking views of the Korea Strait. Known as the 'Island of Pine Trees,' Songdo has transformed from a quiet colonial-era retreat into a premier destination for those seeking both nature and photography. On this walking route, you will discover why the area is celebrated for its 'Air Cruise' and glass-bottomed paths that make you feel as though you are walking on water. Your adventure begins at the Songdo Bay Station, the gateway to the Busan Air Cruise, before leading you across the winding Cloud Trails and onto the sandy shores of Songdo Beach. Unlike a standard guided tour Busan offers in crowded city centers, this route allows you to linger at Turtle Island to uncover the tragic legend of a fisherman and a dragon king’s daughter at your own pace. You will explore the dramatic Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, which connects the mainland to the rugged cliffs of Dongseom Island, offering a vantage point that was inaccessible for nearly two decades. This walking tour Busan experience concludes in the lush greenery of Amnam Park, a geological treasure trove where 100-million-year-old rock formations meet dense coastal forests. Whether you are capturing the perfect sunset photo or exploring the hidden sculptures tucked away in the woods, this seaside journey provides a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. This self-guided route is perfect for travelers who want to combine physical activity with cultural discovery, offering a comprehensive look at the engineering feats and natural beauty that define Busan’s southern coastline.

Highlights

Songdo Cloud Trails glass-bottom walkway
The legendary statues of Turtle Island
Panoramic views from the Songdo Air Cruise
Korea's first public beach (established 1913)
Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge
The geological wonders of Amnam Park

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Songdo Bay Station (Songdo Cable Car)

Welcome to the starting point of your coastal journey. Songdo Bay Station is the lower base for the Busan Air Cruise, a marine cable car that spans 1.62 kilometers across the bay. While the current system opened in 2017, the history of cable cars here dates back to 1964, when Korea’s first marine cable car operated on this very spot. It was a symbol of Busan's modernization but fell into disrepair and was removed in the late 80s. The restoration has brought a new era of tourism to the district. From here, you can watch the colorful cabins glide toward the cliffs of Amnam Park, setting the stage for the dramatic scenery ahead.

2

Turtle Island

Known locally as Geobukseom, Turtle Island is steeped in a bittersweet local legend. As you explore the island, look for the bronze statues of a young fisherman and a mermaid. Folklore tells of a fisherman who saved a dragon king’s daughter, only for their love to be thwarted by a sea monster. The gods, moved by their devotion, turned them into these stone figures so they could be together forever. The island itself is shaped like a turtle, a symbol of longevity in Korean culture. It serves as a natural breakwater and a central hub for the walkway system that surrounds the bay.

3

Songdo Cloud Trails

Prepare for a thrill as you step onto the Songdo Cloud Trails. This 365-meter-long walkway is designed to look like a dragon snaking across the water. What makes this path special are the sections of tempered glass floors that allow you to see the crashing waves directly beneath your feet. Standing five to nine meters above the sea, you get a 360-degree view of the Busan skyline, the distant Yeongdo Island, and the many ships anchored in the harbor. It is one of the longest ocean skywalks in South Korea and offers one of the best perspectives for maritime photography in the city.

4

Songdo Beach

You are now standing on a piece of Korean history. Opened in 1913, Songdo was the first official public beach in South Korea. During the mid-20th century, it was the most popular honeymoon destination in the country. After facing years of coastal erosion and typhoons, a massive restoration project in the early 2000s brought back its golden sands and clean waters. Today, the beach is famous for its 'Songdo Sea Fountain' and the unique diving platform shaped like a mother and baby whale. It is a perfect spot to take a break and watch the gentle surf before heading toward the more rugged cliffs.

5

Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge

This impressive structure is a modern reimagining of a bridge that was destroyed by a typhoon in 2002. Reopened in 2020, the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge connects Amnam Park to the uninhabited Dongseom Island. The name 'Yonggung' means 'Dragon Palace,' referring to the mythical underwater kingdom. As you cross the 127-meter bridge, the wind from the Korea Strait and the view of the vertical cliffs provide a sense of wild isolation. The bridge floor is a metal grate, adding to the exhilaration as you look down at the turquoise waters and the geological layers of the island's rock face.

6

Amnam Park (암남공원)

Your journey concludes in the serene wilderness of Amnam Park. This area was closed to the public for years due to its proximity to military installations, which helped preserve its pristine natural state. The park is a geological wonder, featuring sedimentary rock layers formed over 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Follow the forest trails to discover hidden sculptures, or head down to the coastal fishing wooden decks where locals cast their lines. The contrast between the dense pine forest and the sharp coastal cliffs makes this one of the most diverse ecological spots in Busan, providing a peaceful end to your seaside walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This allows for about 150 minutes of exploration, including time to enjoy the views on the Cloud Trails and the suspension bridge.