Yongdusan

About

A short hilltop park with views over central Busan and the sea, plus Busan Tower at the summit.

An escalator from Gwangbok-dong fashion street does some of the work on this roughly 50-metre hill, and the reward is a view across central Busan to the sea. Yongdusan Park (용두산) is a small green pause among the downtown streets, with Busan Tower at its summit. The park itself is free to enter; going up the tower requires a paid ticket. After dark, the tower lights are a reason to come back when the city is lit below it. The appeal here is a walk and a look around, not a long hike. Take the paths through the park, pause for the city-and-sea view, then decide whether the tower is worth the separate admission. Cherry blossoms make this a seasonal stop, and in September local festival events can bring stage shows, food and fireworks. The hill also has a layered history: its steps once led to a Japanese-era Shinto shrine, and later became a meeting place for Korean War refugees. It is associated with the song “Yongdusan Elegy.” The escalator is a convenient approach from Gwangbok-dong; visitors arriving by car can use Yongdusan public parking, the closest and cheapest option according to the available local information. There is no need to plan a full day: it fits naturally with Nampo-dong, Gukje Market or BIFF Square. Check Naver for discounted tower booking before you go. The park suits anyone wanting a short breather and an easy city view, though the hill is modest rather than a substantial walk.