Busan Haeparang Trail Guide: Best Routes, Transport & Travel Tips for 2025

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Welcome to Busan’s premier travel and lifestyle blog! Discover the Haeparang Trail, one of Korea’s most spectacular coastal trekking routes, refreshed for 2025. Inside you’ll find comprehensive details on top courses, getting there by public transit, parking strategies, the finest photo spots, and insider tips for an unforgettable hike.

What Is the Haeparang Trail?

The Haeparang Trail is a renowned East Coast walking route stretching over 750 km across 50 official courses, from Oryukdo Sunrise Park in Busan to the Unification Observatory in Goseong, Gangwon Province. Its name evokes strolling alongside the rising sun and endless blue waves. In Busan, Courses 1–3 blend dramatic sea cliffs with city skylines—ideal for both first-time trekkers and seasoned hikers.

Top Busan Courses

Course	Section	Distance & Time	Difficulty	Highlights
Course 1	Oryukdo Sunrise Park → Haeundae	16.9 km / ~6½ hrs	Medium	Oryukdo, Igidae cliffs, Gwangan Bridge, Dongbaek Island
Course 2	Haeundae Beach → Songjeong Beach → Daebyeon Port	14 km / ~5 hrs	Easy	Mipo, Cheongsapo, Songjeong Beach, Jukdo Park
Course 3	Daebyeon-ri (Gijang) → Imrang-ri	16.7 km / ~6 hrs	Medium	Bongdae Beacon, Ilgwang Beach, Imrang Beach

Course 1 – Highlights

• Start: Oryukdo Sunrise Park
• Hike along the rugged Igidae cliffs for dramatic ocean panoramas.
• Capture sweeping city views, including the illuminated Gwangan Bridge and serene Dongbaek Island.

Course 2 – Highlights

• Start: Haeundae Beach
• Perfect for families, with charming fishing villages and the pristine sands of Songjeong Beach.
• Visit Cheongsapo’s lighthouse, stroll Jukdo Park, and enjoy fresh seafood along the way.

Course 3 – Highlights

• Start: Daebyeon Port (Gijang)
• Climb Bongdae Mountain, then follow the coastline past Ilgwang Beach.
• Finish your trek on the golden stretch of Imrang Beach.

Public Transit & Parking

Public Transit

• Oryukdo Sunrise Park: Bus 24, 27, 131 or Nam-gu Village Bus No. 2
• Haeundae & Songjeong: Subway Line 2 (Haeundae Station) or Express Bus 1003

Parking

• Oryukdo Skywalk Public Lot: Spacious but fills quickly on weekends.
• Oryukdo Waterfront Lots: Small lots near the shuttle-bus terminal.
• Oryukdo Dock Paid Lot: ₩3,000/day (06:00–17:00, cash only).
• Haeundae Market & School Lots: Convenient but often full.

On weekends and holidays, parking is extremely limited. Public transit is highly recommended!

Insider Tips & FAQ

• Stamp Rally: Collect stamps at checkpoints like Oryukdo and Haeundae for a fun keepsake.
• Light Packing: Cafés and eateries are plentiful—travel light and enjoy local flavors.
• Night Trekking: Experience the glowing Gwangan Bridge and Haeundae skyline after dusk.
• Safety: Check the official Haeparang Trail app for weather alerts and trail updates, especially during rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Courses 1–3 beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. These routes feature gentle terrain and frequent rest spots, perfect for first-time hikers and families.

2. Can I join or exit mid-trail via public transport?
Yes. Each section is well-served by buses and subway stations for flexible access.

3. Is it safe to hike solo?
Yes. The trail is popular and well-populated, especially on weekends, making solo trekking safe.

4. Where should I eat lunch?
Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Songjeong offer a variety of restaurants and cafés—no reservations needed.

5. Best photo spots?
Don’t miss Oryukdo Skywalk, Dalmaji Hill, and the Cheongsapo Railwalk for iconic Busan snapshots.

Why Walk the Haeparang Trail?

The Busan Haeparang Trail offers an unforgettable fusion of sweeping ocean vistas, radiant sunrises, rugged cliffs, and vibrant city skylines. Whether you seek rejuvenation, picture-perfect memories, or a family-friendly adventure, this coastal trek promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.

Embark on your Haeparang journey and create lasting memories in Busan!

**Explore the Official Haeparang Trail Course Guide homepage shortcut**