Dunchido Island is a small island located between the tributaries of Nakdonggang River and creates a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that can’t be felt in the city center. Let's spend a day at Dunchido Island, where we can enjoy the cool autumn breeze.

Dunchido Island

Dunchido Island, a small island located on the West Nakdonggang River at the western end of Busan, is a representative migratory bird habitat at the Nakdonggang estuary, as well as a major habitat for rapacious birds such as kites and kestrels. Designated as a limited development district many years ago, Dunchido Island preserves its old appearance. Most of the island is farmland, except for some areas with private residences, so it offers a rural landscape that can be rarely seen in downtown Busan.
If you cross Dunchigyo Bridge, the only bridge connecting the mainland and the island, you will find a supermarket, a village hall, and old houses left intact. It is like traveling back in time on a time machine. Even though it's only a 30-minute distance from the city, I feel I have come a long way.

Taking a walk around the island along the riverside

A riverside trail surrounds Dunchido Island along the Nakdonggang River. Despite being a narrow asphalt road where only two cars can pass, it is wide enough to walk along while watching the flowing Nakdonggang River. It is quiet here, with only the occasional sound of the wind. Is there any other quiet place like this in Busan? Through the trees, golden fields that are unfamiliar yet friendly are seen. It is the charm of Nakdonggang estuary that can only be felt on Dunchido Island.
Walking the riverside trail will bring you back to where you started. Two hours are enough for walking around, even at a slow pace. It is better for a walk when the sun is setting down than in the middle of the day. You cannot help falling in love with Dunchido Island as you leisurely stroll through its golden fields.

A café with a beautiful sunset view

Walking along the riverside will lead you to nice cafés where you can relax. With its impressive white building on green grass, "The River On" is a perfect place to watch the sunset from Dunchido Island. Thanks to the large windows facing west, the café is filled with sunlight in the late afternoon. It is dog-friendly and has an outdoor terrace.
“Geumbit Noeul (golden sunset)” nearby is an unmanned café. Various drinks can be freely consumed for KRW 6,000 per person. The café has a beautiful garden inside, so you can enjoy looking around. It's a good place to take pictures since the flowers are in bloom all year round. The view of Dunchido Island from its second floor is not to be missed, either.

Sunset on Dunchido Island

The rural village on the island has a rustic but warm atmosphere like any other. It is interesting to see the houses scattered around with the field in the middle. The colors of their roofs—red, green, and blue—are unique. When the sun is about to set, you can smell the steamed rice from every house. The dog guarding the front door also returns to its home.
Nakdonggang River running by Dunchido Island turns already red. A red sunset is spreading through the woolly clouds. I stop walking and sit down on the riverbank to stare at the sky. The sky’s constantly changing colors are so dramatic. It is at this moment of transition between day and night when Dunchido Island has its utmost charm.