There is something that gives us comfort everyday with an appearance that seems both the same and different at the same time. This something is the “sky”! Whenever our hearts are stifled, a simple look towards the open, shining sky provides us with more heartwarming consolation than any words. But the sky is never the same. The beauty and the color of the sky changes depending on the harmonization of the landscape. The scenery of the western sky of Busan that features Songdo, Yeongdo and Busanhang Port displays an exotic but fantastic view including the gorgeous indigo-colored sea and the glamorous downtown. On an autumn day with “a high sky and plump horses”, let’s pay a visit to the observatories where we can fully appreciate the western sky of Busan.
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Cheonmasan Observatory (Cheonmasan Sculpture Garden)
The forest path where the refreshing scent of grass, which we probably have only brushed past in the city, lingers at the tip of our nose leads to Cheonmasan Observatory. As you walk along a not-so-difficult flat trail, you will soon reach the observatory from which you will enjoy a panoramic view of the original city center and of the sky over Busanhang Port and Yeongdo Bridge. The tightly packed buildings form harmony with the sea and the mountain and do not look stuffy at all; instead, they look as dazzling as the night.
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When you turn your attention to Songdo and Namhangdaegyo Bridge, your heart cannot help but marvel at the vast sea, which is as exotic and beautiful as Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak. Cheonmasan Mountain is widely known as a popular green photo destination. If you wish to view the beautiful sky in harmony with nature and the city, make your way to Cheonmasan Observatory. You can get to the observatory from any of the following departure points - Chojang-dong, Amnam-dong, Nambumin-dong or Gamcheon-dong.
Amisan Observatory
Located on a hill, Amisan Observatory is a great place to view the romantic setting sun in the evening sky. If luck plays out with the weather, you may witness brilliant beams of light radiating through the clouds. The scenery of the observatory colors the sky, the sea and, even, the land in profound shades. I cannot think of a better place to visit when wishing to escape from your daily lives. You may find inner peace by watching the setting sun here.
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If you feel a bit chilly by the evening wind, make your way to the 3rd floor indoor observation deck of Amisan Observatory. You will find it difficult to stop admiring the panoramic horizon. The highlight of the observatory is viewing the orange waves gently and gradually spreading with no lighting needed. As you sit in a small cafe sipping on tasty coffee with the sunset in your eyes, you will find yourself murmuring, “This is as good as it gets”. It would also be a good idea to see the sunset with your sight towards Dadaepo where a long deck path is seen in one view.
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Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory
If you want a graceful nightscape, visit Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory, a place known for its spectacular night view and where endless lights of the city and stars in the sky chatter. If the word, “ecstasy,” can be expressed in something we can visually see, it would be the night sky viewed from Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory. Each of the houses lined up in a certain order exudes its simple and quiet elegance to add to the beauty. Another interesting element to check out is “Sky Eye Overlooking Busan,” a sculpture that expresses the characteristics of Busan, a city of harmony among the sea, mountains and city, into sculpted tiles.
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Turn your head towards the direction of Busanhang Port. The captivating night sky where dynamic lights come and go will make your eyes refreshed and offer you quiet and peaceful solitude in the midst of noisy and busy life. There is a bus stop directly in front of Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory so it can be conveniently visited and is not too far from our daily lives.
Overview
Address
Cheonmasan Observatory (Cheonmasan Sculpture Garden) San 4-35, Nambumin-dong, Seo-gu, Busan
Amisan Observatory 77, Dadaenakjo 2-gil, Saha-gu, Busan
Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory 91-7 Yeongju-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
Closing Dates
Cheonmasan Observatory (Cheonmasan Sculpture Garden): Open all year round
Amisan Observatory: January 1, every Monday (or the next working day, in case a Monday is a national holiday)
Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory: Open all year round
Hours
Cheonmasan Observatory (Cheonmasan Sculpture Garden): Always open
Amisan Observatory: 09:00-18:00, Tuesday – Sunday
Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory: Always open
Service Fees
Cheonmasan Observatory (Cheonmasan Sculpture Garden): Free
Amisan Observatory: Free (excluding cafe)
Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory: Free
Traffic Information
Cheonmasan Observatory (Cheonmasan Sculpture Garden)
Exit 10, Toseong Station, Busan Metro Line 1 → Transfer to Bus 134 at Pusan National University Hospital → Get off at Dongsan Church → 10-minute walk
Parking: (Former) Gamjeong Elementary School public parking lot (fees apply)
Amisan Observatory
Exit 1, Dadaepo Beach Station, Subway Line 1 → 20-minute walk
Exit 1, Dadaepo Harbor Station, Subway Line 1 → Transfer to Town Bus Sahagu-15 → Morundae Catholic Church, 2-minute walk
Parking: Amisan Observatory Public Parking Lot (free)
Yeongju Sky Eye Observatory
Exit 3, Busan Station, Subway Line 1 → Transfer to Bus 43 → Jungang Park & Democracy Park Entrance
Exit 6, Busan Station, Subway Line 1 → Transfer to Bus 508 → Jungang Park & Democracy Park Entrance
Parking: Jungang Park Public Parking Lot (fees apply)
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