When winter sets in, the western side of Busan reveals a quieter, more distinctive side.
As the season turns cold and visitor numbers dwindle, the skies and rivers of West Busan come alive in a whole new way. Migratory birds travel thousands of kilometers to reach the Nakdonggang Estuary, which becomes their home for the winter.
We invite you to spend a day walking through West Busan, taking in the seasonal landscapes and rare winter scenes shaped by these passing visitors.
Eulsukdo Ecological Park・Migratory Bird Park
Eulsukdo Island is a key area of the Sanctuary of Migratory Birds at Nakdonggang River Estuary, Natural Monument No. 179.
Situated where the Nakdonggang River meets the sea, it is defined by wide tidal flats and extensive reed wetlands shaped by the estuary’s natural environment.
From late October through March each year, the island serves as a seasonal refuge for migratory birds.
Around 100,000 wintering birds from more than 50 species—including whooper swans, bean geese, northern pintails, mallards, common shelducks, and black-headed gulls—gather here to rest, earning the place its reputation as a well-known haven for winter migrants.
Whooper swans drifting in long lines across the water, other birds skimming through the reeds as they take flight, and moments when the sky is suddenly filled with the synchronized movement of migratory flocks—these winter scenes define Eulsukdo Island.
This landscape becomes even more vivid as you walk along the perimeter trail that traces the island’s edge.
Along the long, continuous path, the movements of migratory birds and the changing textures of the wetlands unfold naturally within view.
The more you slow down, the more clearly you sense that this place is not simply a park, but a living habitat in motion.
In winter, Eulsukdo Island feels less like a sightseeing spot and more like a place to walk in step with the rhythm of nature shaped by the river, the tidal flats, and the migratory birds.
Eulsukdo Ecological Park・Migratory Bird Park
Amisan Observatory sits along the Dadaenakjo-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, offering panoramic views of the Nakdonggang Estuary, Eulsukdo Island, and nearby sandbars such as Doyodeung and Baekhapdeung, where migratory birds gather.
Inside, exhibitions explain the formation and ecology of the Nakdonggang Estuary.
From the third floor, visitors can observe migratory birds’ routes and flocking behavior through floor-to-ceiling windows and telescopes.
After seeing migratory birds up close on Eulsukdo Island, Amisan Observatory lets you step back and take in their movement from a wider perspective.
From the lookout, the focus shifts away from individual birds to vast flocks moving across the Nakdonggang Estuary, spreading out in panoramic formations.
Standing here, it becomes clear why this landscape has long served as a resting place for migratory birds.
As sunset approaches, the outlines of the river and tidal flats sharpen, and the birds become more active.
Moving flocks and changing light overlap, shaping a scene that feels distinctly of this hour.
Amisan Observatory
- Address : 77, Dadaenakjo 2-gil, Saha-gu, Busan
- Admission : Free
- Opening Hours : 09:00-18:00
- Closed : Mondays
Dadaepo Beach sits where the Nakdonggang Estuary meets Namhae, or “South Sea”.
Its broad, west-facing shoreline is one of Busan’s most reliable places to catch the sunset.
As evening falls, red light stretches across the water, and the sky shifts color at an unhurried pace.
Winter brings clearer air, sharpening the edges of the horizon and deepening the contrast of the fading light, giving dusk here a quieter, more layered mood.
With well-maintained seaside paths, parks, and viewing areas, the beach remains easy to visit even in winter.
After spending the day following migratory birds, your gaze naturally shifts toward the sea and sky, and a tranquil walk at sunset—accompanied by the sound of waves—offers a calm way to bring the day to a close.
Dadaepo Beach
- Address : 14, Morundae 1-gil, Saha-gu, Busan (Dadae-dong area)
Overview
Address
Eulsukdo Ecological Park・Migratory Bird Park: 1240, Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Amisan Observatory: 77, Dadaenakjo 2-gil, Saha-gu, Busan
Dadaepo Beach: 14, Morundae 1-gil, Saha-gu, Busan (Dadae-dong area)
Inquiry
Eulsukdo Ecological Park・Migratory Bird Park: 051-209-2000
Website
Eulsukdo Ecological Park・Migratory Bird Park: https://www.busan.go.kr/wetland/index
Closing Dates
Amisan Observatory: Mondays
Hours
Amisan Observatory: 09:00-18:00/Mondays Closed
Service Fees
Amisan Observatory: Free
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