It's now time to tell you the fifth story. Today, meet Dalmajigil Road, which one should definitely not miss when visiting Haeundae. Dalmajigil, a hilly road from Mipo at the end of Haeundae to Songjeong Beach, is a place for healing in nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city by absorbing oneself in meditation and relaxation. One can see the clear blue sky and the azure sea in the fall season. The best of what fall has to offer still remains with the beautiful and vivid fall colors from the leaves. The reason why one loves Haeundae in the fall! It is now time to leave to Dalmajigil Road!

Dalmaji Eoul Madang

Situated a bit away from Haeundae Beach, one can feel a totally different atmosphere in the air. One is embraced by the tranquil, peaceful energy, breaking away from the tense energy of skyscrapers. The road along the beach leads one to a trail through a thick forest. The moonlight guides one to the romantic trail along Moontan Road.

It is nice to take a walk along Moontan Road to Dalmaji Eoul Madang, where today’s trip begins, but it is better to go by public transportation or car to adjust your pace. Dalmaji Eoul Madang, which is not very far from Dalmaji Hill, where Haewoljeong Pavilion is located, has a fantastic stage with a view of the blue East Sea and an auditorium matched in harmony with the surrounding forest. It is just like a small island floating peacefully on the sea. One cannot look away from the amphitheater that blends in perfectly with nature and makes one feel at home. Various cultural events are regularly held at Dalmaji Eoul Madang like the “Dalmaji Humanities Festival,” and the “Dalmaji Concert.” See the full moon lit over Dalmaji Eoul Madang, which becomes a magically beautiful place at night.

Path Through of Speculation

After going down to Dalmaji Eoul Madang and walking around the stage and the auditorium, you can go back to Dalmajigil Road. Walk right into the Trail of Speculation, passing by a sign that looks like a round full moon. Unlike Dalmajigil Road, which is crowded with lines of cars and people, the path is tranquil and quiet as if you were alone in the world. The path is only about ten meters away from Dalmajigil Road but is a totally different place.

The path is only used by those exercising or taking a walk. Few tourists are likely to pass you by on this path. The true Damajigil Road starts here, where locals visit. The festival of green greets you as soon as you enter the path. You are surrounded by the color green. The flora around the path lets out phytoncide, which flows through your body when you inhale and exhale the fresh air. Feeling like you are in a deep forest, you have to look around to remind yourself of reality.

The fall deepens around you. Yellow leaves boast themselves in the Path Through of Speculation. Not being as showy as the autumn leaves, it is well enough to feel autumn at your side. Crickets sing from somewhere around you, and the vague sound of waves tingle your ears. You might feel as if you were unburdened by walking the path for about 10 minutes.

Few people know there is such a wonderful forest path near Haeundae Beach. The path is flat enough for everyone, and lights along the road make the path safe at night. The road to Cheongsapo appears when the path ends, although you find yourself wanting to stay on the cozy path. Now it is time to head toward Haemaru, going back to Dalmajigil Road.

Dalmajigil Road

Turning back from the Haewoljeongsa Temple Bus Stop, go back to the crossroad in front of Cheongsapo to join Dalmajigil Road again. Standing on the bridge across the crossroad you will find Cheongsapo in front of you with two lighthouses facing each other and the blue sea beneath your feet. The fascinating and stunning view would make anyone stop and stare. Cooling yourself with the breeze from the sea, walk toward Songjeong.

Cars continue to pass you by along the wavy Dalmajigil Road. Dalmajigil Road is well-known as the best road for driving in Busan. In spring, the entire Dalmajigil Road is transformed to a tunnel of cherry blossoms thanks to the cherry trees lined along the road. The night with cherry blossom petals on the wind. It is inevitable to feel romantic when you drive along Dalmajigil Road.

You can see the blue sea here and there among roadside trees as the elevation increases. A small observatory was built in the wide open space on the way to Haemaru. Before the memory of walking in the deep forest fades away, you find yourself trekking along the blue sea. Looking back on the way you have come, the buildings densely packed on Dalmaji Hill look close to you.

The sun sets slowly down to the west, turning pale and dim. You arrive in front of Haemaru. The warm and soft sunlight starts to dye the world with a golden hue. Dalmajigil Road turns golden. The wooden stairs lead you to Haemaru, today’s final destination. The angle of the sun reveals a slightly different view at every step on the stairs.

Haeundae Haemaru

Haemaru has the best view on Dalmajigil Road, with its meaning of “the top of the mountain that greets the sunrise first.” In remembrance of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting hosted in Busan, Haemaru was constructed in 2005 as a two-story observatory with a traditional pavilion. The view from here covers Dalmaji Hill, Cheongsapo, and Haeundae, as well as Oryukdo Islets. You can also see Tsushima Island if the weather allows.

Upon arriving at Haemaru, the sun has fallen to the top of Dalmaji Hill. The round sun slowly sets down, drawing an arc to the downtown area, and soon disappears. With the light of the sun gone, Dalmajigil Road prepares for the night to come by turning on its roadside lights. It is stunning to see the panoramic view of Dalmaji from the pavilion. The view almost tastes sweet and pleasurable, although not being as splendid as Marine City. One cannot help but wonder what the night on Dalmaji Hill would be like under a full moon.