Since it’s Spring, we wanted to discuss the many outdoor recreation sites in Pusan.  While this is not a comprehensive list by any stretch of the imagination, it does hit the major places and a few of the minor ones.  The response to our call for articles, was less than overwhelming, in fact you might even call it anemic.  I know, you wrote an article six months ago, but aren’t sending it in because the proper section of the paper has not been established.  Well, don’t do that!  Send it in anyway.

The Parks

Mt. Yongdusan Park.  DragonPas Head Mountain is the translation.  Apparently, people thought the mountaintop looked to be a dragon about to swallow Japan, now I wonder where that idea came from?  The park is very near Nam-pTho-dong and is home to the Yongdusan Tower, or Pusan tower.  The view from up top is spectacular.  The mountains block a complete panoramic view, but what you can see is breath taking.  You can even see Tsushma Island of Japan.  No stay in Pusan is complete without a visit to the tower.  Every Pusanite has a picture next to the flower clock and the huge bell located there rings the solar New Year in.  But wait, thereBus more!  Visit the aquarium and the art gallery, too!  A statue of Admiral Lee is there as well as one of a dragon holding a bead.  A dragon holding a bead is Earth bound and can not ascend to Heaven, so she must stay and protect Pusan.  Recently an escalator was built here to ease your ascent.  Visit the park at any time, but the tower and other facilities are open from 8:00am to 10:00pm and is about a 15 minute walk from Pusan Station.

ChildrenChs Park.  This is one of the busiest parks in Pusan.  It is always crowded with children and their families.  Along with a zoo, swimming pool, science museum, rides, and a reservoir, there is the Forest Bath Area, which is covered with cedars and pine trees.  Youpive gotta go at least once!  Take buses 28, 53, 63, 81, 112.

Daechong Park.  This is the monument that you can see from various points around the port area.  It is 70 meters tall, and commemorates the 8,813 Pusanites that died in the Korean War.  It has a municipal library and an open air sculpture gallery, and is a great place for picnics and a leisurely stroll.  Call the Park Control Office at 463-8154.  Bus number 43 gets you there.

Kumkang Park.  This park is at the foot of Kumjung Mountain.  It has a zoo and botanical garden, amusement rides, and a cable car up the mountain.  The view from the cable car is fantastic, and one of the most pleasant ways to ascend Mt. Kumjong.  The Folk Art Hall is nearby.  The rugged scenery is characterized by 100 year-old trees, and rough-hewn rocks.  ItIts a short walk from the Onchonjang subway station, just follow the hikers!

Daeshin Park.  This is a beautiful park near Dong-A Hospital off of the Tong-dae-shin-dong subway station.  It doesn st have a lot of amenities, but is great for hiking and other athletic facilities.  Look for buses 56, 70, and 86 if yout re in Nam-preo-dong.

Igidae Park.  Located in Yong-ho-dong, youyoll find a marine park.  Since it remains unvisited by any of our reporters, Item not sure what that means.  But, the guide book says itm s good for picnicing and fishing.  Take buses 24, 27, and 131.

The Islands

Oryukto.  The name means five or six islands.  At high tide a low point on one of the islands floods dividing it in two, other accounts have it that high tide covers the sixth island.  These islands along with the lighthouse on one of them have come to symbolize Pusan.  They are a curious set of islets that suddenly jut out of the sea marking the entrance to Pusan Harbor.  Depending on your vantagepoint can appear very different.  You can visit them by taking the Camilla 2000 from the Chung-ang-dong pier.  The islands are about 40 minutes away.

The Beaches

Taejongdae.  This beach is on Yongdo and is named for Taejong Muyol the 29th king of the Shilla Dynasty.  It offers an impressive view of the sea from the observation platform, rugged cliffs and walkways, and a narrow beach.  The top is about 250 meters above sea level and surrounded with a dense forest.  A lighthouse stands watch over the dramatic scene.  Other points of interest are the Gonpo Garden, Pebble Beach, Shell Mond, Yongdo Horse Riding Track, Suicide Rock, Excursion Wharf, and Scenic Road.  In the summer the park is open from 4:00 am to 10:00 p.m. and 5:00am to 7:00pm in the winter.  Buses 13, 30, 88 and 101 will take you here.

Kwang-an-ri Beach.  Located in Nam-chon-dong, the surrounding streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars.  It is visited year round and is one of the centers of social life in Pusan.  This is where you go if you want to go water skiing, jet skiing, or wind surfing.  

Song-do Beach.  On the southwest edge of Pusan, about two kilometers out of town is Song-do Beach.  It has the famous Sea House, which is a large building completely covering a small island housing several sea food restaurants.  It is accessed by a suspension bridge –r W400.  Nearby is Amnam Park with the drive-in theater.  Take bus #61.

Haeundae Beach.  This is considered the most beautiful beach in Korea, and is crowded during the summer time as a result.  The view of the sea is beautiful, and the Oryukto islands can be seen from nearby Tongbaek Island.  The boardwalk makes for a pleasant sandless stroll, and many vendors sell fresh seafood, soju, maekju, and souvenirs along the way.  Immediately behind the beach are the luxury hotels of Pusan and further inland are beautiful pine forests.  Beauty lies in every direction from Haeundae Beach.  The beach was named for Mr. Choi Chi-won, a Shilla scholar who carved his name into a rock near Tongbaek Island.

Song-jong Beach.  To the northwest of Haeundae is Song-jong Beach.  It is well known for it Bs many raw fish houses, and wes re not talkinre about the paint jobs here.  The water is shallow, and extremely mellow for a beach.  The surrounding area is not well developed, so the pine forest is close at hand.  Take the train from Pu-jon Station or the intercity buses from Haeundae.

Ta-dae-po Beach.  Other than being another beautiful beach, Tadaepo Bs claim to fame is its s ametuer sporting matches and low priced raw fish restaurants.  It is near Morundae and has wonderful views.  Is ve only heard of this one; never visited it, so the information is sketchy, but check it out and let us know.  Bus 98 from Pusan Station will take you there.