Yongdusan Park is the classic “old downtown Busan” viewpoint: a hilltop city park in Jung-gu with escalators up from the Nampo-dong shopping streets, harbor-facing panoramas, and landmarks like Busan Tower, the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a bell pavilion, a flower clock, and a dragon sculpture.
If you’re staying around Nampo-dong, BIFF Square, Jagalchi, or Gukje Market, Yongdusan Park is one of the easiest high-value stops you can do without planning—especially around sunset.
Why Yongdusan Park is worth your time 🌆
1) It’s the most convenient “viewpoint + city vibe” combo in central Busan
Yongdusan Park sits in the heart of downtown and is famous for its escalators connecting Nampo-dong to the park, which makes the climb painless.
2) It’s more than just the tower
Even if you skip the observatory, the park itself is a pleasant walk with photo spots and monuments—plus great angles toward Busan Port and Yeongdo.
3) It links perfectly with a walking day in Nampo-dong 📍
VisitKorea notes nearby highlights like Gwangbok-dong, Jagalchi Market, and Gukje Market—all within easy walking distance.
What to see inside Yongdusan Park ✅
Here’s a practical checklist (no fluff):
- 🗼 Busan Tower (the main observatory)
- 🧭 Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin (one of the park’s signature monuments)
- 🔔 Bell pavilion + plaza vibes
- 🌼 Flower clock (easy “postcard” photo)
- 🐉 Dragon sculpture (quick look, fun photo)
Pro move: walk the park first, then decide if the tower is worth it based on visibility (clear day = yes).
Busan Tower at Yongdusan Park: is it worth paying for? 🗼
Busan Tower is a 120 m observation tower located inside Yongdusan Park, with panoramic views toward Busan’s city center, port, and Yeongdo.
What you get
- 🌇 Big-city + harbor view (best on clear days)
- 🎇 A “nightly fireworks mapping show” is described as a highlight by VisitKorea (projection-style visuals against the night view).
(Details like show times can change—treat this as “nice bonus,” not a guaranteed schedule.)
How to get there 🚇🚌🚕
Yongdusan Park is in Jung-gu near Nampo-dong. Official tourism info gives the most useful options:
🚇 By subway (fast + simple)
- From Jungang Station (Line 1), Exit 1: walk ~6 minutes
- From Nampo Station (Line 1), Exit 7: walk ~7 minutes
🚌 By bus
Two common bus-drop options listed by Visit Busan:
- Get off at Baeksan Memorial Hall (buses 126, 15, 186, 81, 86) → walk ~6 minutes
- Get off at Nampo-dong stop (multiple lines listed) → walk ~10 minutes
🚕 By taxi
If you’re coming from Haeundae/Seomyeon with bags or kids, taxi is easiest. Show the driver: 용두산공원 (Yongdusan Park) or 부산타워 (Busan Tower).
Hours / operating times ⏱️
Yongdusan Park hours
- Open 24 hours (open all year)
Busan Tower hours
- 10:00–22:00
- Last admission 21:30
⚠️ Tower operations can change depending on weather (official note).
Tickets / prices / cards 💳
Yongdusan Park tickets
- Free
Busan Tower tickets
- Adults: 12,000 won
- Children + seniors (65+): 9,000 won
✅ Cards are generally fine in major attractions, but it’s smart to keep some cash for markets/street food in Nampo-dong.
A ready walking route (2–4 hours) 📍
This loop is simple, efficient, and “feels like Busan”:
- 🍢 BIFF Square (snack stop)
- 🛍️ Gukje Market / Jagalchi area (browse + photos)
- 🚶♂️ Walk toward Gwangbok-dong
- ⬆️ Take the escalators up to Yongdusan Park
- 🌇 Sunset: park viewpoints → optional Busan Tower
VisitKorea explicitly lists the Nampo-dong cluster (Gwangbok-dong, Jagalchi, Gukje) as nearby, which is exactly why this route works.
Tips & common mistakes ⚠️✅
✅ Tips that make your visit better
- 📸 Go 60–90 minutes before sunset: you get daylight park photos + night lights after.
- 🌬️ Check visibility: if it’s hazy, do the park for free and skip paying for the tower.
- 🚇 If you’re using subway: Line 1 + short walk is the easiest plan.
⚠️ Common mistakes
- ❌ Treating Yongdusan Park as “only a tower.” The park landmarks (Yi Sun-sin statue, flower clock, dragon) are part of the experience.
- ❌ Going midday and leaving fast: it’s fine, but the “wow” factor is stronger near sunset/night.
- ❌ Not using the escalators: that’s literally what makes this park so convenient from Nampo-dong.
FAQ ❓
Is Yongdusan Park free?
Yes—Yongdusan Park is free, open all year, and listed as open 24 hours.
What are Busan Tower hours?
Busan Tower is listed as 10:00–22:00, with last admission at 21:30.
How do I get to Yongdusan Park by subway?
Visit Busan lists short walks from Jungang Station (Exit 1) and Nampo Station (Exit 7) on Busan Metro Line 1.
What landmarks are inside Yongdusan Park?
VisitKorea highlights Busan Tower, the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a bell pavilion, a flower clock, and a dragon sculpture.
Conclusion
Yongdusan Park is one of Busan’s easiest “high reward” stops: a free, central hilltop park with escalator access from Nampo-dong, plus the option to upgrade your visit with Busan Tower for panoramic harbor views. If you only do one old-downtown viewpoint, make it this one—especially at sunset.
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