Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom) is one of the easiest “big reward, low effort” coastal walks in Busan: a short loop of sea cliffs, pine and camellia trees, photogenic viewpoints, and the iconic Nurimaru APEC House at the edge of Haeundae. It sits right by the south end of Haeundae Beach, and although people still call it an island, it’s now connected to the mainland (you can walk in without any hike or ferry).
Why Dongbaek Island is worth visiting ✅
1) It’s a “nature break” in the middle of Haeundae
Dongbaekseom is described as being full of camellia (dongbaek) and pine trees, with benches and restrooms—so it feels like a small coastal park you can drop into between city stops.
2) You get Busan’s most famous modern pavilion
Nurimaru APEC House hosted the 2005 APEC Summit and today works as a memorial hall/conference venue with a design inspired by a traditional Korean pavilion.
3) The views are “postcard Busan”
From the trail you’ll see coastline rocks, the open sea, and (on clear days) skyline-and-bridge views—especially beautiful at sunset and after dark when nearby areas light up.
What to see on Dongbaek Island 🧭
Nurimaru APEC House (the headline stop) 🏛️
Nurimaru sits directly on Dongbaekseom and was built for the 2005 APEC leaders’ meeting; the building blends modern architecture with traditional inspiration.
Practical note: even if you don’t go inside, the exterior + surrounding viewpoints are a top photo spot.
Lighthouse Plaza & coastal viewpoints 🌊
Visit Busan highlights the night scenery around Nurimaru and the viewing area (often referred to as Lighthouse Plaza), where the building, ocean, and bridge views line up beautifully.
“Former island” coastline walk 🌿
Visit Busan explains Dongbaekseom was formerly an island but became connected to the land over time—locals still call it “Dongbaekseom Island.”
Best walking route on Dongbaek Island 🚶♂️
The easy plan (no overthinking)
- Enter Dongbaekseom from the Haeundae side
- Walk the coastal path toward Nurimaru APEC House
- Continue the loop along the shoreline viewpoints
- Exit back toward Haeundae / Dongbaek Station area
You’ll naturally pass the main highlights without needing a “map-heavy” itinerary.
How to get there 🚇🚌🚕
By subway (best option) 🚇
- Busan Metro Line 2 → Dongbaek Station, Exit 1
- Walk about 17–20 minutes to Dongbaekseom.
By bus 🚌
Visit Busan notes you can get off at the entrance to Dongbaekseom via buses such as 139, 307, or 1003 (routes can change, so verify in a transit app the same day).
By taxi 🚕
If you’re coming from Seomyeon, Nampo, or Busan Station (or it’s raining/windy), taxi is the easiest. Use:
- “Dongbaekseom” / “Dongbaek Park” / “Nurimaru APEC House”
Nurimaru’s address is listed as 116 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan.
Hours / operating times ⏱️
Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom)
VisitKorea lists Dongbaekseom as:
- Open 24 hours
- Open all year
- Free entry
- Parking available (free)
Nurimaru APEC House
Official site info:
- 09:00–18:00
- Last admission: 1 hour before closing
- Closed: first Monday of every month
- Admission: free
(So: the outdoor walk is flexible any time, but visiting inside Nurimaru needs daytime planning.)
Tickets / prices 💳
- Dongbaek Island: free
- Nurimaru APEC House: free
Your only real costs are transport, snacks, and cafés nearby.
Best time to visit Dongbaek Island 📍
For the best photos 📸
- Golden hour → sunset: softer light on the water + skyline glow
- After dark: you still can walk the park area (open 24 hours), and the surrounding Haeundae night atmosphere is strong
For a calm walk 🌿
- Weekday morning: fewer people, more peaceful trail rhythm
Seasonal note 🌸
Because the island is known for camellia trees (dongbaek), winter can be surprisingly pretty when they bloom—great if you want a Busan stop beyond “summer beach season.”
Tips & common mistakes ⚠️✅
Tips (what makes the visit better)
- ✅ Treat it like a loop, not a “go in, go out” path—views improve as you continue.
- ✅ Wear grippy shoes: shoreline rocks + wind can make some edges feel slippery after rain.
- ✅ Stack it with Haeundae: Dongbaekseom is right by the beach area, so it’s perfect before dinner or a café stop.
- ✅ Plan Nurimaru separately: the park is 24/7, but Nurimaru has set opening hours and a monthly closure.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Going late and expecting to tour inside Nurimaru (it closes in the evening).
- ❌ Calling it an “island day trip” (it’s a coastal park walk—short, easy, urban-adjacent).
- ❌ Skipping the viewpoints near Nurimaru (that’s where the “wow” moments usually are).
FAQ ❓
Is Dongbaek Island really an island?
Historically it was, but it became connected to the mainland over time; locals still call it “Dongbaekseom Island.”
What are Dongbaek Island opening hours?
VisitKorea lists Dongbaekseom as open 24 hours, year-round.
How do I get to Dongbaek Island by subway?
Go to Dongbaek Station (Line 2), Exit 1, then walk around 17–20 minutes.
Is Nurimaru APEC House free?
Yes—official info lists free admission.
Conclusion
Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom) is one of the best “high impact, low planning” places in Busan: a coastal nature walk beside Haeundae, with iconic architecture at Nurimaru APEC House, open views, and an atmosphere that works in every season. If you want one short walk that feels undeniably “Busan,” put Dongbaekseom near the top of your list.
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