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Finding Calm in Busan: 4 Places Full of Peace and Local Charm

Written by Busanpedia

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No matter the season, Busan offers more than just its iconic landmarks and bustling tourist spots. For travelers who prefer to venture off the beaten path, the city is also home to tranquil locations where you can experience authentic K-culture and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to slow down, soak in local culture, or simply escape the crowds, these hidden gems provide the perfect setting for peaceful reflection and cultural discovery.

Dongbaek Park (Dongbaekseom Island)

Tucked at the southern edge of Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s fast pace. Once a true island, it is now connected to the mainland through natural sedimentation and serves as a lush coastal park filled with history, culture, and panoramic views.

Encircling the island is a well-maintained trail, just about 1 kilometer long (0.6 miles), making it an easy, scenic walk for visitors of all ages. Along the path, you'll encounter sweeping views of Gwangan Bridge, Oryukdo Islets, and the white sands of Haeundae Beach. These serene landscapes have inspired poets and scholars for generations.

Key sights along the trail include the Dongbaek Lighthouse, the Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue, and the Haeundae Carved Stone, etched with the name that gave Haeundae Beach its title. But, perhaps the island’s most notable landmark is the Nurimaru APEC House.

Perched at the western tip of the island, the Nurimaru APEC House hosted the 2005 APEC Summit, welcoming leaders from 21 member economies. The venue later served as a key site during the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit and remains open to the public today. Free to enter, the facility preserves the interior used during the summits, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Korea’s role in global diplomacy.

Its location is unmatched, providing a dramatic vantage point over the full span of Gwangan Bridge and the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse observatory deck, situated next to the APEC House, is one of the best spots to capture a wide-angle photo of the structure against the sea and sky. As day turns to night, the view becomes even more magical with city lights reflecting across the water.

Dongbaekseom has also gained recognition through Korean pop culture. It served as a filming location for K-dramas such as The King: Eternal Monarch and Shopping King Louie. Nurimaru was also featured in the blockbuster Korean movie Haeundae, which dramatizes a fictional tsunami hitting Busan.

Dongbaek Park (Dongbaekseom Island)

Address : 99, Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Directions : It's about a 17-minute walk from Exit 1 of Dongbaek Station on Busan Metro Line 2.

Nurimaru APEC House

Address : 116, Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Directions : It's about a 13-minute walk from Exit 1 of Dongbaek Station on Busan Metro Line 2.
Opening hours : 09:00 – 18:00 (Closed on the first Monday of each month)
Website : Open a new window

Jukseong Dream Open Set (Jukseong Church)

If you're seeking a quiet coastal escape with a touch of Korean drama charm, Duho Village in Gijang-gun offers the perfect blend of scenery and storytelling. This peaceful fishing village is home to the Jukseong Dream Open Set, also known as Jukseong Church, a striking film set that has become one of the region’s most photogenic landmarks.

Despite its name, Jukseong Church is not a functioning place of worship. It was originally constructed in 2009 for the Korean drama Dream, and its picturesque architecture, featuring a bold red roof set against the deep blue sea, quickly gained popularity among locals and travelers alike. After filming concluded, Gijang-gun chose to preserve the set, recognizing its value as a cultural and visual icon. Today, the building occasionally hosts small exhibitions by local artists.

The site continues to draw the attention of filmmakers and K-drama fans. More recently, it appeared in the drama Curtain Call, starring Ha Ji-won and Kang Ha-neul.

Just a short walk from Jukseong Church, you’ll find Jukseong Port and the nearby breakwater, both beloved by local fishermen and visitors in search of quiet coastal views. The sight of Jukseong Church from the breakwater is especially captivating.

On the way to Jukseong Breakwater, you’ll come across Hwanghakdae, a small coastal hill where renowned Joseon-era poet Yun Seondo spent six years in exile. Here, he composed sijo, traditional Korean poems, while reflecting on life and nature. The name “Hwanghakdae” means “yellow crane platform,” inspired by the place’s resemblance to a crane spreading its wings.

Across from Jukseong Church, overlooking Duho Village, stands a cluster of ancient black pines known as Gijang Jukseong-ri Haesong. Though they appear to be one large tree, they are actually five black pines growing together, estimated to be between 250 and 300 years old. These living landmarks are easily accessible on foot and add a quiet sense of timelessness to the landscape.

Duho Village and the surrounding Jukseong-ri area invite you to slow down and explore at a leisurely pace. Along the scenic trail, you'll find cozy spots to sit, sip a quality cup of Java, and lose track of time as you soak in the ocean’s calm yet invigorating energy.

Whether you’re walking along the gentle coastal trail, fishing at the port, learning about local history, or enjoying fresh seafood by the shore, this quiet seaside community offers a refreshing contrast to Busan’s busier destinations.

Jukseong Dream Open Set (Jukseong Church)

Address : 134-7, Jukseong-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Directions : From Exit 1 of Gijang Station on the Donghae Line, take Village Bus No. 6 at the Gijang Catholic Church stop. Get off at the Jukseong Dream Set stop. It’s just a 2-minute walk from there.
Opening hours : Open 24 hours

Geumjeongsan Mountain Forest Trails (Section 3)

Geumjeongsan Mountain, the highest peak in Busan, is one of the city’s most iconic natural landmarks. Located within the city of Busan, Geumjeongsan Mountain has long been a favorite among local residents for hiking and nature walks thanks to its easy accessibility and close proximity to urban neighborhoods.

Beyond its more challenging summit trails, the mountain also offers a more serene experience through the Geumjeongsan Mountain Forest Trails, known in Korean as Geumjeongsan Supsok Dullegil.

Developed by the Busan Green Urban Forestry Division, this network includes nine sections that loop around the mountain, starting and ending at the historic Beomeosa Temple. Among them, Section 3, which runs from Busan National University to Geumgang Park, is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and less-traveled route.

Despite being just minutes from the city, Section 3 immerses visitors in a quiet, wooded environment that feels worlds away from urban life. It's not far from the busy urban neighborhoods, yet still remains relatively undiscovered by casual hikers.

One of the highlights along this course is Geumgang Park, a beloved green space known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. The park takes its name from its resemblance to the scenic landscapes of Korea’s famed Geumgangsan Mountain. A historic cable car, in operation since 1966, still transports visitors to scenic viewpoints above the city. Another gem within the park is the Geumgang Botanical Garden, a small but delightful space with seasonal blooms and peaceful walking paths. Admission is only 1,000 KRW, making it an easy and rewarding stop.

Hop on the cable car at Geumgang Park. This 10-minute ride carries you over a canopy of lush forest, with sweeping views of Busan unfolding below. It takes you straight to the ridge of Geumjeongsan Mountain, making it an ideal shortcut for beginner hikers and a great way to soak in both natural beauty and panoramic cityscapes.

Also located along the trail is Gwangmyeongsa Temple, a quiet Buddhist temple open 24 hours a day. Visitors are welcome to pause here for a moment of reflection.

If time permits, Section 3 can be extended by linking to Section 2 or Section 4, depending on your starting point. Alternatively, the adjacent Busan National University campus is worth exploring for its youthful energy and vibe.

Whether you’re looking for a short forest escape or a full-day exploration, Geumjeongsan Mountain’s Forest Trail Section 3 offers a balanced blend of accessibility, cultural charm, and natural peace.

Geumjeongsan Mountain Forest Trail (Section 3)

Address : Around Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
Directions : You can start your hike from Jangjeon Station on Busan Metro Line 1 or from Geumgang Park.

Geumgang Park

Address : 55, Ujangchun-ro, Dongnae-gu, Busan
Directions : It’s about a 22-minute walk from Exit 1 of Oncheonjang Station on Busan Metro Line 1.
Opening hours : Open 24 hours
Website : Open a new window

Gamcheon Culture Village (Artisan Alley)

For travelers looking to combine creativity with cultural discovery, Gamcheon Culture Village offers a uniquely hands-on experience in the heart of Busan. Once a wartime refuge, this hillside neighborhood has been transformed into a colorful art village known for its murals, sculptures, and winding alleyways filled with charm and history.

The transformation began in 2009 through a community art project that turned neglected homes and alleyways into an open-air gallery. Today, Gamcheon Culture Village is one of Korea’s “100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots,” recognized for six consecutive terms by the Korea Tourism Organization, and attracts more than 3 million visitors each year.

Scattered throughout the village are nine artisan workshops, known locally as gongbang, each housed in a remodeled home or studio space. These workshops are run by local artists and offer hands-on programs where visitors can create their own souvenirs. Craft experiences range from pottery and woodcraft to natural dyeing, eco-friendly art, painting, and cartoon illustration. These programs provide a meaningful opportunity to engage with Korea’s contemporary craft culture in an authentic, relaxed setting.

Workshops typically operate between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and no prior experience is needed to participate. Visitors can inquire at the Gamcheon Culture Village Information Center or check the village’s official website for program details and availability.

For fans of Korean cinema and TV, Gamcheon’s vibrant backdrops may feel familiar. The village has appeared in several productions, including A Little Princess, LUCA: The Beginning, Hero, My New Partner, and Bloody Ties, as well as popular Korean variety shows like 2 Days & 1 Night and Running Man.

Whether you're browsing local art, taking part in a craft session, or simply exploring the brightly painted alleys, Gamcheon Culture Village invites you to enjoy a creative moment in one of Busan’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Address : 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Directions : From Goejeong Station (Busan Metro Line 1), Exit 6: Transfer to Village Bus Saha 1 or Saha 1-1. Get off at Gamjeong Elementary School. It's about a 5-minute walk from there. From Toseong Station (Busan Metro Line 1), Exit 6: Transfer to Village Bus Saha 1-1, Seogu 2, or Seogu 2-2. Get off at Gamjeong Elementary School and walk for about 5 minutes.
Opening hours : Open 24 hours (Opening hours vary by store and facility.)
Website : Open a new window

While Busan is best known for its dynamic beaches and bustling cityscapes, its quieter side offers just as much reward for those willing to explore more mindfully. From the coastal serenity of Dongbaekseom Island to the cinematic charm of Jukseong Church, the forested paths of Geumjeongsan Mountain, and the artistic energy of Gamcheon Culture Village, each of these places reveals a different layer of Busan’s cultural and natural richness.

For travelers seeking a deeper, more reflective journey through Busan, these lesser-known spots offer the perfect balance of cultural discovery and tranquil escape, all within reach of one of the country’s most vibrant cities.