[Harumanbo] Let's Visit the 'Largest' Beach in Korea... Haeundae Station

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Today's course is one where you can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery of Busan. The starting point of the course is Haeundae Station on Busan Metro Line 2. As you prepare to get off at the subway station, you can hear the sound of seagulls crying and waves crashing in the announcement, making you fully feel like you have arrived at the sea.

Old Haeundae Station Building
[Photo by Haeundae-gu]

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When you get off at Haeundae Station, there is another Haeundae Station right next to it. This is the so-called 'Octagonal Roof Station' that existed since the days when the Donghae Nambu Line operated. As the Donghae Nambu Line was renamed the 'Donghae Line' and relocated, this station is no longer in use. However, the railway tracks where trains used to run remain intact, and recently the old Haeundae Station has been reopened as a complex cultural space, becoming a new attraction. Also, across the railway tracks is 'Haeridangil,' a street with unique restaurants and cafes, making it recommended to recharge your energy here before starting your walk in earnest.

Turning towards the sea from Haeundae Station, you can see the blue color of the sea at the far end of the long Central Square. This is Gunam-ro and Culture Square, the central area around Haeundae Beach. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Haeundae area while walking freely without much interference from vehicle traffic. Various events are held frequently in the square, attracting people's attention.

Panoramic view of Gumnam-ro Cultural Square, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Photo by Lee Chun-hee

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At the end of Gunam-ro, Haeundae Beach finally unfolds. It is the largest beach in South Korea and is considered one of the 'World's Top 3 Beaches' even overseas, making it a landmark of Busan. The name Haeundae originates from the Unified Silla period scholar Choi Chi-won, who admired the scenery here and took his pen name Haeun (海雲) from it. Since then, it has been regarded as one of the eight scenic spots of Joseon and has long been known as a beach boasting spectacular views in Busan.

Nurimaru APEC House
Photo by VisitBusan

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Walking leisurely along the promenade built along the beach with the sound of waves as your companion, you will come across Dongbaek Island. Enjoying the island and the sea while following the promenade, you will reach today's final destination, Nurimaru APEC House, where the 2005 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was held. You can visit the APEC Memorial Hall, which was set up to feel the vitality of the APEC meeting, or from the observatory, you can take in the entire area at a glance, from Igidae and Gwangandaegyo Bridge to Dalmaji-gil.

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