Let’s travel to Yeongdo Island, a treasure Island in Busan. There are still fishing villages all over Yeongdo, which is surrounded by the sea on all sides. A relaxing overnight break in an urban fishing village! Doesn’t it sound great? Shall we head to Dongsam Fishing Village?

Day 1 – Fishing Experience

Dongsam Fishing Village, located right beside Korea Maritime & Ocean University in Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, is a typical urban fishing village that can be found in Busan. As in any other fishing village, fishing boats that have finished their work line up in a small port. However, it is unfamiliar to see high-rise apartments in a fishing village. Dongsam Fishing Village has the charm of an urban fishing village.

Having been designated an R&R Village in 2015, Dongsam Fishing Village has operated various experience programs for tourists, such as making natural seaweed soap, catching fish with bare hands, and fishing on a boat. Fishing at Taejongdae's fishing area is particularly popular since even beginners can enjoy fishing while admiring the strange rocks and surrounding sea. It costs 20,000 won per person and even elementary school students and toddlers can participate, and a fishing rod can be borrowed for 5,000 won. There are boats departing for the fishing area every hour on the hour starting at 5 a.m.

As you go out to sea from the port in front of the ticket office, you will be able to see a lovely seascape you would not otherwise see. The boat, which sails excitedly making traces of white foam behind, drops us on a raft-shaped fishing site in just a few minutes. The space is quite large, with a toilet, a dining table, and a shade screen, and a simple cooking is possible. After taking an empty seat on the edge of the fishing site, you can throw the fishing rod in the water. Sea Bream, mackerel, horse mackerel, Japanese Bluefish are the most commonly caught species.

Day 1 – Taking a walk around the village

Take a walk around Dongsam Fishing Village after coming back from fishing. On the left side of the pier, you’ll find a deck observatory which stretches out towards the sea. Standing at the end of the observatory, you can see closely the white Hari Lighthouse and Jodo Island, where Korea Maritime & Ocean University is located. The seagulls soaring vigorously over the small fishing boats that constantly come in and out of the port are jaunty.

Go around to the other side, pass the apartment, turn right, and you can go up to the breakwater where the Hari Lighthouse is located. That’s Hari Lighthouse trail. When you reach the end of the breakwater, Hari Lighthouse is quite large compared to how it appeared from the distance. Behind the lighthouse, modern buildings create a different atmosphere. If you turn your head and look at Hari Port, you will see a fishing village surrounded by tall buildings. Meanwhile, the boats floating in the sea have different charm.

There is a staircase between the high-rise apartments across from Hari Port that offers a stunning view. There is a zigzag-shaped staircase between the European-style buildings, and in front of it, you can see the sea, ships, and Hari Lighthouse in sight. Like a framed picture, it shows the beautiful scenery of Hari Port. It is the most photogenic place around Hari Port.

Day 2 – Dongsam-dong Shell Midden Museum

There are many tourist sites within walking distance around Dongsam Fishing Village. Dongsam-dong Shell Midden Museum is the nearest one.

Walking along the coastal trail from Hari Port will take you there in no time. A shell midden is a heap of shellfish eaten and gathered by Aboriginal people dating back to the Neolithic Age, which is about 8,000 years ago. Dongsam-dong Shell Midden is one of the representative shell middens in Korea, and the exhibition hall displays some of the animal bones and living tools that were discovered from the midden. With a deeper knowledge of the Yeongdo area and its history in the Neolithic Age, Yeongdo Island and Dongsam-dong can be viewed from a new perspective.

Day 2 – Amir Park

Walk down the main road past Haesa High School and you will find an open park in about ten minutes. That’s Amir Park. On both sides of the lawn, there are promenades leading to the sea. On the left side of the park, you will see a large building that looks like a spaceship. This is the Maritime Museum. At the end of the Amir Park, there’s a waterfront Park. This is where you can see the sea of Yeongdo Island up close. You can also see Sinseondae Pier, Oryukdo Island, Igidae Cliff beyond the sea where huge ships are anchored. It is even more beautiful at night, with an amazing night view of beaches in Busan.