Themed Tour | Recommended Tour

Once in a lifetime spot you never knew: Hillside Road Night Photography Tour

Written and Photographed by Travel Writer Shin KyungMin

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Busan displays a variety of features with its bridges, ports, skyscrapers, and mountains. In particular, there are many mountains in the city, and there are roads on the mountains, so you can enjoy a variety of sights. Furthermore, Busan's landscape is topped off by a number of large bridges. The scenery is at its most beautiful during the night, and you can enjoy it without thought along with the white noise of the city. Today, I will introduce you to a few secret night view spots where you can enjoy your own time.

Donggu Library Chaengmaru Observatory

It is a very quiet place located among the residential areas on the hill. In addition, Webtoon Street is nearby, so taking a leisurely stroll will take you to the Donggu Library at the end of the street. Located on a high hill, the library converted its rooftop into an observatory for the public. The observatory is available to anyone without using the library and is easily accessible by elevator on the right side of the entrance.
The book-shaped photo spot is the first thing that draws your attention after entering the observatory. If you step onto the photo spot, you can see the Busan's sparkling city view. The panoramic view will take your breath away. People who come alone can easily take pictures with the smartphone holder provided, so there is no need to worry. You have only to take lots of nice pictures!

Another observatory can be found by climbing the pencil-shaped stairs on the left, and its photo zone looks like a TV set. The sculpture of pencils in a book and the book-shaped bench are also very cute. The romantic night view of the hillside roads, where street lamps twinkle like stars, spreads out beneath the library.

Yeongdo Sunrise Observatory

Yeongdo’s Bongnaesan Observatory and Cheonghak Reservoir Observatory are some of Busan’s best night view spots. Although you have to climb uphill, both places have good accessibility, so many people visit them regardless of weekdays and weekends. On the other hand, Sunrise Observatory located at the top of a quiet village is a perfect place for those who want to enjoy their solitude.
If you climb up slowly along the alleyway of the village, you will see a white observatory. It may be a little scary because the building is dim inside, but as soon as you enter, the sensor light detects movement and lights up brightly. On taking steps up to the rooftop equivalent to the third-floor height, you will find yourself in a completely new world.

The feeling of fear flies off when you see the open scenery of Busanhangdaegyo Bridge. The time spent grumbling while climbing up the rather long uphill disappears from your memory. From Cheonghak-dong right in front to Busanhangdaegyo Bridge shining in five colors and Busan International Passenger Terminal, the warm night view is enchanting. A beautiful serenity surrounds you. Now all you have to do is to spend some quite time for yourself.

Bokcheonsa Temple

Bokcheonsa Temple, located at the foot of Bongnaesan Mountain, is famous for its sunset and night view. The temple is not well-known, perhaps because of the high slope to reach to the temple, but if you visit in person, you will soon find it a stunning place. Although the temple size is not large, everywhere makes a good photo spot because of the temple’s distinctive serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
The main place to appreciate Bokcheonsa Temple’s night view is the Observation Deck in front of Sansingak Hall, which can be reached by the stairs beside the Daeungjeon Hall. You will see the beautiful harmonious landscape of Bokcheonsa Temple and Namhangdaegyo Bridge at the Observation Deck. It is strongly recommended to visit in time for sunset.

It is not clearly visible during the day, but at night, the candle becomes a feature and seems to fill up the dark scenery with warmth. If you stand on the railing next to Cheonwangmun Gate, you will be able to see the beautiful night view of Namhangdaegyo Bridge and Songdo, so don’t forget to stop by before you go down!

**Tip
Parking below the temple is available, but cautious driving is required as it is a slope.
It is also possible to park at Sinseon 3-dong Public Parking Lot and walk 10 min to get to Bokcheonsa Temple.

Overview

Address
Donggu Library Chaengmaru Observatory: 54, Seongbuk-ro 36beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan
Yeongdo Sunrise Observatory: 410-1, Haedoji 3-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Bokcheonsa Temple: 41, Sanjeong-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Closing Dates
Donggu Library Chaengmaru Observatory: Closed on Mondays
Yeongdo Sunrise Observatory / Bokcheonsa Temple: Open all year round
Hours
Donggu Library Chaengmaru Observatory 09:00~22:00
Service Fees
Free
Traffic Information
Donggu Library Chaengmaru Observatory
Exit 7 of Beomnaegol Station on Busan Metro Line 1 → Transfer to bus 29, 86 or 38 at Beomnaegol Station Bus Stop
→ Get off at Seogwang Church Bus Stop and walk for 6 min
Parking: Donggu Library Parking Lot (limited)

Yeongdo Sunrise Observatory
Exit 8 of Nampo Station on Busan Metro Line 1 → Transfer to bus 9 at Yeongdodaegyo-Nampo Station Bus Stop
→ Get off at Yeonggwang Apartment Bus Stop and walk for 5 min

Bokcheonsa Temple
Exit 6 of Nampo Station on Busan Metro Line 1 → Transfer to bus 82 or 85 at Yeongdodaegyo-Nampo Station Bus Stop
→ Get off at Shinseon Middle School Bus Stop and walk for 10 min
Parking: Sinseon 3-dong Public Parking Lot