Themed Tour | Recommended Tour

Dive into a Sea of Lotus in the Scorching Summer

Words and photos by Moon Cheol-jin

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The “lotus flower” has a nickname of “Hwajunggunja (花中君子),” which means “a gentleman among flowers” because of its dignified charm comparable to that of a virtuous man. The flower stands tall in green fields, revealing its charming flushed skin that would make you look back in appreciation. Let’s embark on a journey to see lotus flowers on hot summer days! It’d be great if the weather is good. If not, it’s fine too! Let’s head to Busan’s lotus flower destinations this summer.

Samnak Eco Park

Established along Nakdonggang River, Nakdonggang Eco Park is frequently visited by Busan residents. In particular, Samnak Eco Park, one of the parks in the area, is well-loved for its accessibility via subway and intracity buses. Many visitors flock to the park all year round as different flowers bloom each season, and water plants and migratory birds can be easily spotted.

The lotus complex set on one side of the park creates a magnificent view of lotus flowers in July, when the summer begins. Red lotus, white lotus, and water lilies fill the water, making it the perfect spot to take great pictures. As such, the lotus complex is always packed with photographers from all over the country.

Take a break at the pavilion built in the middle of the lotus complex when the summer heat becomes unbearable. Sit on the wooden floor to appreciate the flowers, and the cool river breeze will cool you down in no time. Visit around sunset to admire the beautiful sundown as well.

Dugu-dong Lotus Reservoir

A small lotus reservoir is located at Dugu-dong, the northern area of Busan. Although Dugu-dong is near the heart of the city, it is a quiet country village that makes you feel as if you were traveling back in time to a different place.

Walk for about five minutes past the village entrance to quickly reach the lotus reservoir. The modest-sized pond is packed with lotus flowers, exuding green energy. As you stroll further, you will be captivated by pure white lotus flowers that peek coyly between green leaves.

Walk toward the center of the lotus field to find the observation deck across the reservoir for easier and better viewing of lotus flowers. Look down over the flowers, and see their leaves and flowers appear more three dimensional.

Frogs sit under the shades of large lotus leaves to cool down. As you watch them, you’ll hear frogs splashing into the water to escape the scorching heat.

Along the banks of the reservoir, the trail showcases all kinds of blooming summer flowers and adds a romantic summer touch. You can easily finish walking along the short path in 10 minutes, but enjoying the summer flowers and taking photos will take about an hour. Picture-perfect sculptures are also installed along the reservoir.

Daejeo Eco Park

Along with Samnak Eco Park, Daejeo Eco Park is also a part of Nakdonggang Eco Park. The vast space offers an unrealistic, beautiful view of mustard flowers in the spring, as well as sunflowers and cosmos in the summer. In the fall, romantic pink muhly grasses decorate the area, making the park a must-see destination in Busan.

Currently, sunflowers and cosmos have not yet bloomed in the park as it is still the peak season for lotus flowers. Unlike the small and cozy Samnak Eco Park or Dugu-dong Lotus Reservoir, Daejeo Eco Park has a large, open space with an endless lotus field.

From the parking lot, walk for about 10 minutes toward the river to reach the lotus flower complex. The sight of lotus flowers filling up the vast field is surreal as thousands of recently bloomed red lotus flowers wave at you from different locations. You can only see them from outside, but the scale is overwhelming. The view is great on clear days, but it looks more magnificent during rainy days. When wet, lotus flowers and leaves appear fresher, and raindrops falling on the lotus field creates a romantic feel.