When people think of a trip to Busan, familiar seaside destinations like Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach often come to mind first.
But head a little farther west, and you will find a very different side of Busan’s natural landscape.

Today’s destination is Sodam Park in Sinho-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan. With expansive tidal flats, wooded walking paths, and access to Galmaetgil, one of Busan’s best-known walking trails, it makes a great day trip for anyone who enjoys spending time in nature.

① Explore the Tidal Flats at Sodam Park

The first stop is the tidal flat stretching out in front of Sodam Park.
It may come as a surprise that you can explore tidal flats right here in Busan. Tidal flats stretch between Sodam Park and nearby Sinho Park, offering a chance to experience a natural landscape rarely seen in Busan.
One of the most distinctive features of the area is how dramatically the scenery changes with the tides. At high tide, the area is covered by the sea, while at low tide, the tidal flats are exposed and you can walk out onto them.

The photos were taken at high tide, so the tidal flat itself was not visible. Still, watching families catch shrimp and fish made for a peaceful and relaxing scene.
There is no organized program for exploring the tidal flats, so visitors are free to come and enjoy the area on their own. A foot-washing station is also available, making the experience more convenient. If you want to walk on the tidal flat, it is best to check the tide times for Gadeokdo Island in advance and plan your visit around low tide.

After spending some time at the tidal flat, head toward the small breakwater in front of Sodam Park. As you get closer to the water, you can unwind while watching small moored boats bob gently on the water.
The scenery is especially beautiful around sunset, when warm evening light spreads across the tidal flat and the sea.

② Unwind on Sodam Park’s Wooded Trail

After exploring the tidal flat, take some time to enjoy the quieter side of the park. A wooded walking path runs through the area around Sodam Park, offering a completely different atmosphere from the waterfront. Walking beside the sea and strolling through the trees can feel like two entirely different experiences, even within the same destination. Take a leisurely walk among the pine trees and fallen pine cones, with the breeze and birdsong in the background.

One of the best things about Sodam Park is that you can enjoy both the tidal flats and the forest without having to travel between separate attractions. It is a great place to sit on a bench for a while or take an easy walk along the wooded path.

③ Walk a Section of Galmaetgil Route 5

The final stop is Section 1 of Busan Galmaetgil Route 5.
Galmaetgil Route 5-1 is a 14.1-kilometer coastal trail that runs from the Nakdonggang Estuary Embankment through Myeongji Ocean City to Sinho Port and takes about five hours to complete. You do not have to walk the entire route to enjoy it. Starting from Sodam Park, you can choose a shorter section and still get a taste of the Galmaetgil experience.

Rather than pushing yourself to cover a long distance, choose a section that suits your schedule and fitness level and take your time. As the final part of the day, it makes for a relaxed and unhurried way to wrap up the trip.

- Why Western Busan Is Worth Exploring

A visit to Sodam Park offers a different kind of travel experience from rushing between well-known tourist attractions. Here, you can step onto the tidal flats, take a slow walk along a wooded path, and enjoy views of western Busan as you follow Galmaetgil.
What makes Sodam Park especially appealing is the variety of ways you can enjoy nature in one place, from exploring the tidal flats and walking through the woods to strolling along the coast.
If you are looking for somewhere a little different to visit in Busan, head west and discover this quieter side of the city.

Q&A

Q1. Can you tell me more about Busan Galmaetgil Route 5-1?

Galmaetgil Route 5-1 is a 14.1-kilometer route that runs from the Nakdonggang Estuary Embankment through Myeongji Ocean City and Sinhodaegyo Bridge to Sinho Port. Walking the full route takes about five hours, and the difficulty level is moderate. The coastal route offers views of the Myeongji tidal flats and the natural scenery around the Nakdonggang Estuary.

Q2. Is there anything I should know before visiting Sodam Park in Myeongji?

① Check the tide times before exploring the tidal flats
The tidal flats are exposed at low tide, so it is best to check the tide times before your visit.

② Bring spare shoes and clothes for the tidal flats
If you plan to walk out onto the tidal flats, your feet may sink into the mud, so bring shoes that are easy to clean and a spare change of clothes.

③ Consider visiting around sunset
From the tidal flats and small breakwater in front of Sodam Park, you can enjoy views of Gadeokdaegyo Bridge and the sea together, making the scenery especially beautiful around sunset.