Busan Hidden Gem: A Coastal Hiking Trail

Busan is a city where mountains “jut straight into the sea” (I can’t find the professional term for this landform!), and on clear days, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of mountains half-wrapped in ocean. The Busan Tourism Organization clearly gets this charm—they’ve built dedicated hiking trails along these coastal hills, letting locals and travelers enjoy the city’s beauty in a mix of gentle exercise and laid-back relaxation. During our Labor Day trip to Busan, we squeezed in a half-day hike on a whim… and ended up seeing such stunning scenery that we almost missed our flight! I can’t wait to share this underrated hiking trail with you! 📍 Trail: Oryukdo Islands → Igeumjeongdae Coastal Path Length: 4km. The whole trail is very easy to walk; with photo stops, it takes less than 3 hours total. Direction Tip: Hike from Oryukdo to Igeumjeongdae—“save the best for later” (sort of!). The first half has more ups and downs, while the second half is mostly flat. But the scenery in the first half is far more spectacular! 🚗 Transportation Public buses are inconvenient here—take a taxi to the starting point: Oryukdo Sky Walk. First, snap photos at this popular spot, then head up the wooden boardwalk stairs (the path is obvious at a glance) and hike all the way to Igeumjeongdae. From there, take another taxi to your next destination. 🥤 Supplies & Prep Convenience Store Stop: There’s a convenience store right before the trailhead—stock up on water (critical!) and use the restroom first. There’s no place to buy water along the way, and the only mid-trail restroom has poor conditions. Bonus Snack: This convenience store sells puddings! We tried chocolate and matcha flavors—both were delicious 🍮. ⚠️ Important Note: No Mid-Trail Exits Once you start from Oryukdo, the next spot with roads and taxi access is Igeumjeongdae. There are almost no mid-trail exit points—your only options are to hike all the way to the end or turn back to Oryukdo. Plan accordingly! 🌟 Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Few Crowds Most 3-4 day Busan itineraries skip Oryukdo and Igeumjeongdae—and that’s why this trail is so peaceful! We went on a Saturday: Gwangalli Beach was packed with people, but here, only a handful of hikers were around. No jostling, no waiting for photos—pure tranquility. 🏞️ Scenery Verdict (No Filters!) Check the photos—all are unedited originals! During this trip, we visited Songdo, Taejongdae, Oryukdo, and Haedong Yonggungsa. While their coastal views are similar, my personal ranking is: Oryukdo > Songdo > Haedong Yonggungsa > Taejongdae If you’re short on time, want that “mountains-meet-sea” vibe, and aren’t fussed about the Songdo Cable Car, Oryukdo is your best bet. This hiking trail will not disappoint! Last little reminder: Weather is everything! Go on a clear, sunny day to get the full wow factor. #Busan #BusanKorea #BusanHiking #OryukdoIslands #BusanIgeumjeongdae #OryukdoHike #BusanTravel #BusanKoreaTravelGuide #BusanTravelCheckIn