Written and Photographed by: Kim Yong-beom, 6th Batch of GoBoogi Creators
What does Busan mean to you? Busan is well-known for its beautiful coastline, but its mountainous landscapes and the city views nestled among the hills are just as stunning.
This time, I'd like to introduce you to some of the highlights along Busan's hillside roads so you can discover this other side of the city's beauty.
- Introducing the Route
Today's journey along Busan's hillside roads begins at Daeti Station and takes us to Four Seasons Street, Ami Dream Library, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Cafe Mandi before ending at Rainbow Walking Trail. This scenic journey is called the Art & Nature Route, offering a different way to explore Busan's hillside neighborhoods.
- Daeti Station Four Seasons Street
Take Exit 4 at Daeti Station and turn right. You'll soon come across an underpass. What used to be an ordinary underpass is now a colorful, pedestrian-friendly space filled with vibrant murals. This is the starting point of today's tour.
Visitor Information
Address
1238-277, Goejeong-dong, Saha-gu, Busan
- Seo-gu Ami Dream Library
You can reach Seo-gu Ami Dream Library by taking Saha-gu Village Bus No. 14 from Daeti Station up the hillside roads. The library is a great place to stop and rest before exploring the hillside roads on foot.
(Photo 6 by Kim Hyun-kyung, 6th Cohort of GoBoogi Creators)
Opened about a year ago, Ami Dream Library is a relatively new cultural space where visitors of all ages can relax. The outdoor reading areas on the second and third floors in particular offer beautiful views of the hillside neighborhoods, making them ideal spots to sit back and unwind.
Visitor Information
Address
10, Kkachigogae-ro 80beon-gil, Seo-gu, BusanOperating Hours
Tuesday–Friday: 9 AM–10 PM / Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM / Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
※ Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
- Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is about a 20-minute walk from Ami Dream Library. As one of Busan's most popular attractions, the village draws a steady stream of both Korean and international visitors.
Its winding alleys are filled with hidden photo spots, shops, eateries, and plenty to explore.
Visitor Information
Address
Gamcheon Culture Village Information Center, 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
- Little Prince House
There's an exhibition space dedicated to The Little Prince in Gamcheon Culture Village. It's called Little Prince House.
Each floor features a different Little Prince-themed exhibit, with displays extending up to the rooftop. There's also a gift shop selling Little Prince merchandise, so it's worth checking out while you're there.
Visitor Information
Address
200, Gamnae 1-ro, Saha-gu, BusanOperating Hours
Daily, 9:30 AM–6:30 PM (Last admission at 6:00 PM)
- Cafe Mandi
(Photo 18 courtesy of Busan Tourism Archive)
Our next stop is Cafe Mandi, whose name hints at its elevated location. In local Gyeongsang dialect, "mandi" refers to the top of a mountain or a hill. The name is a fitting choice for a cafe located on a hillside.
Cafe Mandi is about 25 minutes from Gamcheon Culture Village by public transportation.
(Photos 19 and 20 courtesy of Busan Tourism Archive)
The best thing about Cafe Mandi is its mountain views. Large windows offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, giving the cafe an open, airy feel. There's also outdoor seating, making it a great spot to enjoy the fall weather.
Of course, the coffee is great, too. Why not try the cafe’s signature Mandi Latte and take a little break from sightseeing?
Visitor Information
Address
1st and 2nd Floors, 104-7, Ojak-ro, Saha-gu, BusanOperating Hours
12 PM–9:30 PM (Last order at 9 PM) / Closed on Wednesdays.
- Rainbow Walking Trail
The final stop on our hillside road tour is Rainbow Walking Trail, located just behind Cafe Mandi.
With the colorful rainbow walkway on one side and beautiful sunflower murals on the other, it's a lovely place to take a stroll and wrap up your trip!
What a wonderful journey through Busan's hillside neighborhoods, with charming sights tucked away in every alley! On your next trip to Busan, why not explore some of the many attractions along its hillside roads?
Q&A
Q. Do you have any tips for exploring Busan's hillside roads?A. Since exploring the hillside roads involves quite a bit of walking, including plenty of hills and narrow alleys, I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. In addition to the route introduced here, you can also visit other attractions along Busan's hillside roads such as Ami Biseok Culture Village, Choryang Ibagu-gil, and Democracy Park for a fuller experience of Busan's historic neighborhoods.
Recommended Travel Destinations