Summer is almost over. Want to escape the heat but don’t have time for a long trip? Explore these cool hidden valleys in the heart of Busan for one last summer refreshment.

Banyeo Chorok Park & Jangsan Valley

Spend the rest of your summer cooling off at Banyeo Chorok Park & Jangsan Valley, where kids can play with nature!

Banyeo Chorok Park is especially popular with families, offering a variety of facilities at the Banyeo Recreational Green Space, including a picnic area, a net playground, and a barefoot loess path. Both children and adults can enjoy interacting with nature. To access these facilities and the valley, you'll have to climb a fairly steep path, making it a great place for both fun and a healthy exercise.

The main attraction here is the 43-meter long roller slide, the longest in Busan, offering an exhilarating experience for children. Safety rules are clearly posted, so as long as you follow them, you can enjoy the ride safely. At the end of the slide, you'll find a net playground where toddlers can swing and play, as well as hammocks and wooden chairs for adults to relax in.

Right next to the Recreational Green Space is a shallow stream that's great for wading and playing in, and full of small fish that children will love to catch.

Banyeo Chorok Park & Jangsan Valley

• Address : San 111-2, Banyeo-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
• Directions : Exit 1, Busan Wondong Station, Busan-Donghae Line → Bus No. 44, 52 or 144 from Busan Wondong Station → 10-minute walk from Ilshin Bus Final Station
• Parking : Banyeo Library Public Parking Lot
• Inquiries : +82-51-749-4000 (Haeundae-gu Office)

(Formerly) Daeshin Park Daeshin Valley

Experience the rejuvenating power of nature at Jungang Park (formerly Daeshin Park) and Daeshin Valley—a tranquil inner-city oasis filled with refreshing phytoncides to revitalize your spirit!

The former Daeshin Park is conveniently located near Dong-A University Hospital and is easily accessible. The park's main attraction is its cypress forest, where you can enjoy the fresh air immediately upon arrival. Well-maintained walking paths wind through the forest, making it easy for visitors to take a leisurely walk. The park also offers various amenities for both residents and tourists, including a flat area for jogging and playing badminton, resting benches, a mineral spring, and basic exercise equipment.

It used to supply drinking water to the Busan area. There are two water sources in Daeshin Park. The first, located near the cypress forest and Daeshin Valley, has been turned into a lake where you can see carp, soft-shelled turtles, and other creatures.

Nestled near a cypress forest, Daeshin Valley offers shallow water that reaches a child's knees, making it perfect for splashing around and cooling off. The valley is teeming with small fish and marsh snails that children can collect and play with, offering a wonderful opportunity for children to connect with nature in a way they may not often experience.

(Formerly) Daeshin Park Daeshin Valley

• Address : 59, Bosu-daero 320beon-gil, Seo-gu, Busan
• Directions : Exit 4, Seodaeshin Station, Busan Metro Line 1 → Bus No. Seo-gu 5 at Seodaeshin Station → 8-minute walk from Dong-a University Hospital Station
• Parking : Daeshin Park Public Parking Lot (charged)
• Inquiries : +82-51-240-4000 (Seo-gu Office)

Gudeok Camping Site Valley

Discover a hidden gem known only to Busan locals! Take the kids to a peaceful valley near Gudeok Camping Site for a relaxing getaway.

Gudeok Camping Site is located next to the former Daeshin Park. If you follow the walking trail that starts at Daeshin Park, you'll discover a beautiful natural area. The most notable nearby attraction is Naewonjeongsa Temple, which is famous for its temple stay program and is the largest temple near the city center. It's a fantastic place to explore and connect with nature.

Since this area supplies drinking water, you’ll notice several large water sources. Near Gudeok, you'll find the 'second water source,' where you can see carp and other aquatic life, as well as a fountain that operates at different times throughout the day. There is also a sports field near the campsite where you can enjoy a quick game of football.

The stream that runs around the campsite is shallow enough for children to splash around in, making it a great place to cool off with a dip in the summer.

Gudeok Camping Site Valley

• Address : Gudeok Youth Training Center, 109, Kkonmaeul-ro 156beon-gil, Seo-gu, Busan
• Directions : Exit 4, Seodaeshin Station, Busan Metro Line 1 → Bus No. Seo-gu 1 at Seodaeshin Station → 7-minute walk from Gudeok Kkonmaeul Station
• Parking : Gudeok Kkonmaeul Public Parking Lot
• Inquiries : +82-51-246-4685 (Gudeok Camping Site)

Beomeosa Yongseong Valley

Do you know Yosan Kim Jeonghan, a key figure in Busan's literary history? The reservoir depicted in Yosan's work Sahachon is actually Beomeosa Yongseong Dam. So Yongseong Dam is not only a reservoir in the heart of the city, but also a place of literary significance.

Yongseong Valley has a stream that flows from Yongseong Dam, creating a stunning waterfall that is sure to refresh your mind. However, as shown in the photo, the water upstream from the dam is very powerful, making it unsafe to enter the waterfall.

Consider exploring the valley, where the water is only knee-deep, making it safe for young children to play. The area is also home to many small fish, making it an excellent place to learn about ecology. Nearby, you’ll find a walking trail called Nuri-gil and a rest area, perfect for combining water play with a leisurely walk.

Beomeosa Yongseong Valley

• Address : 267, Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
• Directions : Exit 5, Nopo Station, Busan Metro Line 1 → Bus No. 90 at Beomeosa Ipgu Station → 2-minute walk from Beomeosa Parking Lot Station
• Parking : Beomeosa Public Parking Lot
• Inquiries : +82-51-519-4000 (Geumjeong-gu Office)

We've uncovered some of the best hidden valleys in the heart of Busan. While you're free to immerse yourself in nature, please remember to release any fish you catch to help protect the environment.