Is Dongbaek Island actually an island?

While it is called an island, it is physically connected to the mainland. You can simply walk onto the park grounds from the Haeundae Beach area without needing a boat or bridge.

How much time should I set aside for a visit?

The walking trail is quite manageable and relatively flat. Most visitors find that they can complete a leisurely circuit of the entire island in about thirty to forty minutes, though you may want to linger longer to take photos.

When is the best time to see the camellias?

The island is beautiful year round, but if you want to see the famous camellia flowers in bloom, you should visit during the winter months, specifically between January and March.

Dongbaek Island

동백섬

Nestled at the edge of the world famous Haeundae Beach, Dongbaek Island offers a peaceful escape where nature meets the rhythm of the city. Though it was once cut off by the sea, the land has shifted over time to join the mainland, turning it into a beautiful park accessible by a lovely coastal walk. You can wander along winding paths surrounded by fragrant camellia trees that burst into colour during the colder months. The island serves as a bridge between history and the modern era, housing the striking Nurimaru APEC House and offering panoramic views of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge. It is a place where you can breathe in the sea air while reflecting on the legends and poets who found inspiration here long ago.

Videos

History of Dongbaek Island

Long before it became a park, this land was a true island, surrounded by the turbulent currents of the East Sea. It drew the attention of scholars and poets, most notably the legendary Choe Chi won, who famously retreated to this tranquil spot during the Silla Dynasty. He was so taken by the beauty of the coastline that he left his mark, carving his name into the rocks, a testament to the allure that has drawn visitors here for over a millennium. Over the centuries, the relentless movement of the sea and the steady accumulation of soil worked a slow transformation, eventually binding the island to the mainland. This geologic shift allowed the area to evolve while preserving its distinct character. It ceased to be an isolated outpost and became a natural extension of the city, welcoming explorers who sought to walk its perimeter and listen to the rhythm of the waves crashing against the rocky shores. Today, the island stands as a perfect marriage of history and global significance. The establishment of the Nurimaru APEC House for the 2005 summit brought international eyes to this quiet corner of Busan. Yet despite the modern glass and steel, the spirit of the place remains rooted in its natural splendour. From the statue of the mythical Princess Hwangok to the winter camellias that provide a vivid splash of red against the sky, it remains a place where one can step out of the daily rush and into a timeless piece of Busan history.

Events spanning 1120 years

YEAR 885

A Poet Finds Inspiration

The legendary scholar and poet Choe Chi won visited the island, finding such inspiration in its natural beauty that he carved his name into the rocks, cementing his place in the local history.

YEAR 1999

Designation as a Monument

The site received formal recognition as a protected monument of Busan, ensuring its preservation and landscape remain a priority for the city.

YEAR 2005

Global Spotlight

The area gained international prominence as the host site for the APEC summit, introducing the world to the unique blend of coastal scenery and modern architecture found at the Nurimaru APEC House.

Fun Facts

• A life sized bronze statue of Princess Hwangok, a mythical figure from a local legend, sits at the water edge to greet visitors.
• Because of its position on the eastern edge of the Haeundae coast, it is widely considered one of the finest spots in the city to watch the sunrise.
• Camellia trees on the island typically bloom in late winter, providing a vibrant red contrast to the cooler tones of the winter sea.
• Geologically, the area was once an isolated island, but sediment accumulation over centuries gradually connected it to the mainland, forming a tombolo.
• The Nurimaru APEC House was constructed with a modern architectural style intended to resemble a traditional Korean pavilion, sitting harmoniously with the coastline.
• The coastal path around the island is perfectly paved and flat, making it an accessible route for families and those looking for a gentle seaside stroll.
• The island acts as a natural breakwater, protecting the calm waters of the nearby yacht club and marina area.
• The legendary Silla Dynasty scholar Choe Chi won is said to have visited the area and left an inscription on the rock face that remains a point of historical intrigue.
• The name Dongbaek translates to Camellia in English, which refers to the dense forest of camellia trees that cover the island.
• The site hosts a preserved section of coastal forest that feels worlds away from the urban density of central Busan.
• There are several viewing platforms located along the trail that offer different vantage points of the cityscape and the open ocean.
• Visitors have an unobstructed view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge from the island, which is particularly spectacular when the city lights reflect off the ocean at night.

Dongbaek Island FAQ

While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we recommend verifying any details independently before making decisions based on them.

Dongbaek Island Map & Neighborhood Explorer

This interactive map is centered on Dongbaek Island. Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!

Loading map of Dongbaek Island...