Written and Photographed by Han Jin-hui, 6th Batch of GoBoogi Creators

When you think of a trip to Busan, the waves at Haeundae Beach and the sight of Gwangandaegyo Bridge lit up at night often come to mind first. But as the weather cools and the leaves begin to change colors, you’ll discover a hidden side of Busan in the mountains. If you want to see the landscape transform from lush green to vibrant fall colors, head to Geumgang Park and take the cable car up Geumjeongsan Mountain.
It’s great to hike all the way to the summit, but it can be just as enjoyable to take the cable car, enjoy the forest scenery, and take in sweeping views of Busan from above.
If you usually visit Busan for its coast, this is a chance to slow down, get outdoors, and experience the city in a whole new way.

- Autumn in Busan Begins at Geumgang Park

Geumgang Park, located in Oncheonjang in Dongnae-gu, is the starting point for the journey. This peaceful retreat in the heart of the city is home to a lush forest of centuries-old pine trees and striking rock formations. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Oncheonjang Station on Busan Metro Line 1. If you’re driving, there’s a public parking lot right by the park.
Once you step into the park, the noise of the city quickly fades, giving way to the earthy scent of the forest and the fresh aroma of pine. For generations of Busan locals, the park stays close at heart as a favorite spot for childhood field trips and leisurely weekend walks. If you have some extra time before taking the cable car, visit the Busan Marine Natural History Museum or enjoy the late-fall scenery and nostalgic charm of Geumgang Botanical Garden.
Even a simple walk along the park trails with warm sun and a cool breeze can help the stresses of everyday life fade away. It feels less like the start of a hike and more like a quiet break from daily routines. It’s a chance to slow down and clear your mind.

- Geumgang Park Cable Car: A Leisurely Way to Explore Geumjeongsan National Park

A short walk into the park brings you to the cable car station, a charming red building with a distinctly retro look. In operation since 1966, the cable car has long been part of Busan’s history. Today, it offers one of the easiest and most scenic ways to experience Geumjeongsan Mountain.

That makes it an especially good option for first-time hikers and families traveling with parents who may prefer not to tackle a long hike. For international visitors, it’s a convenient way to head up the mountain and enjoy the scenery without a strenuous climb.

Around 3 PM or 4 PM is a great time to take the cable car, especially in fall when the days are getting shorter. On the way up, you can watch the late-afternoon sunlight filter through the leaves, and on the way back down, watch the city glow in the sunset. A round-trip ticket for adults costs KRW 11,000, and the experience is well worth the fare. From the cable car, Busan stretches out below, offering a fresh perspective on the city.

- Autumn in the Mountains and Forests, Off the Cable Car

The ride to the upper station is quicker than you might expect. As soon as you step out of the cable car, the cool, crisp air makes you realize that fall has arrived.
The sounds of wind rustling through the pines and dry leaves crunching underfoot, along with warm fall sunshine and clear blue skies, capture the season perfectly.

- An Easy Forest Trail to the South Gate with Enjoyable Activities

There’s plenty to explore on Geumjeongsan Mountain, aside from the mostly level hiking trail. One might take a detour on the course from the upper cable car station to the South Gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress. With gentle slopes, the trail is perfect for an easy hike, a brisk walk through the woods, or even a trail run.

- Panoramic Views of Busan from the Mountain

The observation deck is just a short walk from the cable car, giving you a chance to enjoy the fall sunshine and mountain scenery along the way. Once you reach the observation deck, the view opens up to a sweeping panorama of downtown Busan.

It’s a different experience from seeing the city on the cable car ride. From higher up the mountain, you can take your time and see Busan from a whole new perspective. A dense canopy of trees stretches out below, with the city unfolding beyond it. One of the highlights of this spot is the chance to see Busan from above rather than from the streets and between the buildings below.
In fall, the mix of lingering green and leaves beginning to change makes the shift of the seasons especially vivid.

- Hyujeongam and Yaksujeongsa, Hidden Temples in the Forest

The area around the upper cable car station has plenty to discover as you take your time along Geumjeongsan Mountain’s forest trails. As you make your way along the mountain trails, you can also head toward Hyujeongam and Yaksujeongsa.

Tucked quietly among the trees on Geumjeongsan Mountain, Hyujeongam is a small temple away from the crowds. It’s not a flashy tourist attraction, but that’s part of its charm. The quiet mountain setting feels almost mystical, with the occasional chime of a wind bell making the bustle of everyday life seem far away.

Getting to Yaksujeongsa takes a bit more effort, with stairs and steep stretches along the way, but reaching the temple after the climb makes it feel all the more rewarding. These are places best enjoyed without rushing, where you can rest on a bench, feel the mountain breeze, and simply stay awhile.

- The Perfect End to a Hike: Local Delicacies and a Foot Bath in Oncheonjang

After spending time in the fresh mountain air, it’s time to fulfill your cravings. If you continue toward the South Gate, you’ll reach Sanseong Village, where you can try Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine and longtime Busan specialty, paired with crispy pajeon, a savory green onion pancake. Another local favorite is charcoal-grilled black goat bulgogi.
If you take the cable car back down, head toward Oncheonjang Station, where you started, and stop by the Hagfish Alley for grilled hagfish or warm up with kalguksu, Korean noodle soup. After a good meal, soak your feet in one of Dongnae Oncheonjang’s free outdoor foot baths and give your tired legs a well-earned rest. It’s a relaxing way to wrap up a weekend outing. For a new take on Busan this fall, head to the mountains!

Visitor Information

Q&A

Q. When is the best time to visit Geumgang Park and Geumjeongsan Mountain in the fall?

A. For a fall visit, around 10 AM is a good time to go. Parking spots are easier to find, and the area is generally less crowded around this time.

Q. What should I bring when visiting Geumgang Park and Geumjeongsan Mountain?

A. If you plan to hike, wear hiking shoes or lightweight trail-running shoes with good traction on dirt trails and boardwalks. A backpack will keep your hands free, and be sure to bring some water and a few snacks for the trail. A quick snack will give you the energy to keep going and enjoy even more of the fall scenery.