Tourist Attractions | When in Busan

Geumgang Park and Botanical Garden in harmony with old and new

For those who prefer strolling in a forest to climbing a mountain

Ratings 5.0
Views 17,732

Before the Busan Citizens Park was created, Geumgang Park and Geumgang Botanical Garden were the most famous with which the majority of Busan citizens have a special memory.

The place was once owned by a Japanese merchant who made a part of Geumjeongsan Mountain into his own private garden. But after the liberation of Korea, it was designated as “Geumgang Park.” The name “Geumgang” originated from the time when people said Geumjeongsan Mountain was as beautiful as Geumgangsan Mountain and so called it "Sogeumggang (small Geumgang).

Located in the center of the city, Geumgang Park has a dense forest and unique rock formation. The trail around the park is popular with visitors. Designed with gentle slopes, the trail is perfect for those who prefer strolling in a forest to climbing a mountain. While walking through the dense pine forest path, inhale the fresh air from the greenery. Once you feel a bit tired with ascending the uphill part, you can take a rest at the broad flat rocks you can find anywhere on the path. This trek will give you a sense of sheer happiness.

There are also various cultural facilities in Geumgang Park. Busan Folk Art Center provides programs for training and performances of Dongnae Yaryu (Mask Dance Drama of Dongnae), Dongnae Jisin Bapgi (ritual to Earth God), Dongnae Hakchum (crane dance), Dongnae Gomu (drum dance), and Dongnae Gayageum Sanjo (free-style Gayageum solo music). In addition, there is the Busan Marine Natural History Museum where you can see unique marine life from over 100 countries, including large species, rare species from Korea, and Korean natural monuments.

The Geumgang Park Cable Car is also a must-visit spot. Built in 1966, the cable car remains strong and safe, keeping its original design with red and yellow colors. For KRW 9,000 per person, you can enjoy a round trip that takes about 6 min. The exit directly connects to the hiking trail that starts from the South Gate of Geumjeongsan Mountain. If time permits, it’s a good idea to walk along the path of East, West, South, and North Gates of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress.

Geumgang Botanical Garden is simple but shows the aesthetics of slowness. The rest area has wisteria with leaves drooping off and stone benches, part of which is covered with green moss, making a unique harmony with the well-planted vegetation. When you climb up the stone steps and pass through the well-designed plant community, you will be welcomed by the greenhouse like in the old days, feeling like time has stopped. The ivy wrapping around the building and the small but beautiful pond offer you a peaceful rest.

These days, people sometime like keeping apart from the new and increasingly recognize the beauty and value of the traditional. Geumgang Park and Botanical Garden will present the precious value of the yesteryear.

Overview

Address
155, Ujangchun-ro, Dongnae-gu, Busan
Inquiry
+82-51-860-7880(Geumgang Park)
+82-51-582-3284(Botanical Garden)
Closing Dates
Open all year round
Hours
Geumgang Park : Always
Geumgang Botanical Garden 08:00 ~ 17:00
Service Fees
Geumgang Park : free
Geumgang Botanical Garden : charged (differs by age)
Traffic Information
Walk for 15 min from Exit 1 of Oncheonjang Station on Busan Metro Line 1
Get off Bus 46, 77, 80, 110, 110-1, 121, 131, 1002 (night) at Entrance of Geumgang Park and walk for 5 min.
Parking : Geumgang Park Public Parking Lot (charged)