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A path where the sky and the sea meet, Yeondaebong Peak on Gadeokdo Island!

Let’s meet a hidden part of Busan

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Gadeokdo Island, whose name came from its abundance of bonnet bellflower roots called deodeok, is the largest island in Busan. However, it is also a strange place for some people because it is located at the west end of Busan, and is said to have been inhabited since the New Stone Age. Historically, it had a long ill-fated relationship with Japan from the Japanese invasion of Korea to the Japanese occupation. In addition, Yeondaebong Peak, the highest point of the island, has firmly embraced its heartbreaking history until today.

Yeondaebong Peak is 459 m above the sea level, so it takes two to three hours to climb up and down the mountain. It is neither high nor steep, but because it rises in the middle of the sea, it presents you with a panoramic view making you feel like you are on top of the world.

A gentle slope stretches out for 10 min after departure, so you can enjoy Gadeokdo Island’s beautiful views while sitting on benches on the way to the top. Yeondaebong Hiking Trail, with shallow slopes on all sides, is suitable for light climbing with your family. If you’re wondering where you are up on the mountain, the hiking information sign will give your hiking a boost. As the canopy becomes less dense, you can see the blue sky over your head and the sea under your feet again, meaning that you’re almost at the top of Yeondaebong Peak.

As you get closer to the top, the open sea view of Gadeokdo Island and the Geogadaegyo Bridge will meet your gaze. You will also realize the presence of Gadeok Undersea Tunnel after noticing that there is nothing between the Geogadaegyo Bridge and Geojedo Island in the distance. Then, as you go up the mountain, the path becomes narrower and slightly steeper, but the sea breeze gets fresher and smells stronger.

Situated below the top of Yeondaebong Peak, Ambong Peak looks wonderful. Standing where the sky and the sea are indistinguishable will wipe away all the difficulties of hiking. You will be amazed by the wonder of nature, quietly embracing the climbers.

The combination of the dazzling cliffs viewed from the summit, the islands and shorelines scattered in the sea, and the towering mountain peaks create a beautiful landscape painting. Words are not enough to describe this breathtaking scenery.

From the photo zone, you can see Busan’s coastline on all sides, stretching from Dadaepo to Myeongji New Town and the Noksan Industrial Complex through Nakdonggang River and Eulsukdo Island. From here, the vast city of Busan looks like a diorama.

At the top of Yeondaebong Peak is a beacon, which was first lit to signal that Japanese invaders were approaching during the Japanese invasion of Korea. It is one of the many historic sites on Gadeokdo Island. On your way back down, you should visit the historic sites, such as Oeyangpo Port and Daehangdong Saebaji Village, to see parts of its painful history.

Yeondaebong Peak on Gadeokdo Island, where you can feel the atmosphere of the mountain and the sea at the same time, is not actually far from downtown areas. It takes one hour and a half from Hadan Station of Busan Metro Line No. 1. Why not travel to find a part of Busan that you didn’t know about?