Nurimaru APEC House was built to host the 2005 APEC Summit meeting. This eye-catching glassy building stands at the tip of Dongbaek Island (동백섬), right next to Haeundae Beach. It has been one of Busan’s landmarks since then.
On This Post
- General Information about Nurimaru APEC House
- History of Nurimaru APEC House
- What to See at Nurimaru APEC House
- Photo Spots
- Tours Visiting Nurimaru APEC House
- Where to Stay Nearby
- Attractions Nearby Nurimaru APEC House
General Information About Nurimaru APEC House
Location and Map of Nurimaru APEC House
Address: 116, Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
How To Get To Nurimaru APEC House
- Subway: Ride Line 2 (Green Line) and get off at Dongbaek station (동백/204), Exit 1. Walk about 20 minutes (1.3 km or 0.8 miles).
- Bus: Ride No. 139, 307, or 1003. Get off at Dongbaekseom Ipgu bus stop (동백섬입구).
Hours
- 09:00 – 18:00 (Last admission 1 hour before closing)
- Closed: First Monday of the month
Admission
Free
Parking
Dongbaek Park (paid public parking lot). Parking spaces at Dongbaek Island are limited and fill up quickly especially during weekends and holidays so the use of public transportation is strongly encouraged.
Contact
- Call: +82 051-743-1974 or 1975
- Website: City of Busan
History of Nurimaru APEC House
In 2005, Busan hosted the APEC Summit. The leaders from 21 member economies came to Nurimaru APEC House to meet together.
The facility also held the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit. The place is open to the public and still used for other major meetings.
What does ‘Nurimaru’ mean?
‘Nuri’ is a Korean word meaning the world and ‘Maru’ means the summit. Thus, the name ‘Nurimaru’ means ‘the house where world leaders gathered.’
What is APEC?
APEC is the abbreviation for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. APEC is a regional economic forum with 21 members in the Pacific Rim. The goal of the organization is to create greater prosperity for its member countries by integrating regional economies.
21 member economies include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
What to See at Nurimaru APEC House
Architectural Beauty
The architecture of Nurimaru APEC House is a great example of the combination of modern design and traditional Korean style. The design of the building resembles a traditional Korean pavilion called “Jeongja (정자)” and the ridgeline of Dongbaek Island is the inspiration for the shape of the roof.
Building Layout
There are two entrances to Nurimaru APEC House. You can enter the building from the gardens at the ground level or through the main entrance on the third floor.
It is a three-story building. Let’s take a quick tour of each floor:
1. Outdoor Gardens
There are two outdoor gardens on the ground level: Jayumadang (자유마당, Freedom Garden) and Pyeonghwamadang (평화마당, Peace Garden). During the events, participants can have cocktail parties and enjoy outdoor exhibits in these gardens. In addition, artists or entertainers perform here.
2. Conference Rooms
Conference rooms for major events are on the second floor. These rooms hold International conferences, banquets, and more events.
The main conference room where the 2005 APEC leaders had a meeting sits on the top floor. This conference room is open to the public and preserved as it was in 2005.
3. APEC Memorial
You can visit the APEC Memorial on the same floor. The Memorial exhibits information about the member economies. It also explains the history of APEC.
Visitors can also see the items including a replica of meals served to the leaders during the summit. You can see hanbok, the Korean traditional clothing, too.
4. Main Lobby and Waiting Room
While you walk through each chamber, it would be fun to pay attention to the interior design of Nurimaru.
For instance, the wall in the waiting room is decorated with Hangul (한글), the Korean alphabet. The writing comes from Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), a document that symbolizes the creation of Hangul.
A huge painting in the lobby in the traditional Korean style is also photogenic. The painting depicts Sibijangsaengdo (십이장생도, the twelve symbols of longevity in the East Asian culture) and it is created with mother-of-pearl lacquerware.
Photo Spots at Nurimaru APEC House
Thanks to its priceless location, Nurimaru APEC House offers breathtaking views and amazing photo spots. You can see the whole length of Gwangan Bridge that stretches over Gwangalli Beach from here.
The picturesque lighthouse over the jeongja, a traditional Korean pavilion, is a unique photo spot as well. If your schedule allows, both the night view of the building and the view from it are ones you don’t want to miss.
The best spot to take a picture of Nurimaru APEC House is the lighthouse observatory deck right next to the building. From here you can capture the wide shot of Nurimaru and Gwangan Bridge.
Tours Visiting Nurimaru APEC House
- Busan Day Tour on Beach Train + X the SKY: This tour visits many must-see spots in Busan. In addition to Dongbaekseom Island, you will visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Songjeong Beach, Haeundae Blue Line Park, Busan X the SKY, and Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.
- The Bay 101 Public Yacht in Busan – This romantic boat tour doesn’t visit Nurimaru APEC House directly, but you can see this beautiful landmark from the boat. You can choose an option among a day tour, a sunset tour, or a late-night tour. A sunset tour is the most popular. The itinerary includes Gwangan Bridge, Gwangalli Beach, and Marine City.
- Busan Private City Tour – 1 Day Private Van/Minibus Tour: If your budget allows, this is the most comfortable and efficient way to visit Busan’s top destinations. The itinerary can be arranged with your driver and guide for your convenience.
- FYI – Transportation Services from Busan Station or Gimhae Airport: If you are looking for a comfortable and secure way to transfer from Busan Station or Gimhae Airport to your final destination in Busan, this is the perfect service for you. This service is especially useful if you arrive late at night or depart early morning.
Where to Stay Nearby
The Westin Josun Busan sits at the edge of Dongbaekseom Island boasting the best views of Haeundae Beach.
The Haeundae area is packed with hotels from 5-star luxury hotels to affordable ones. Choose according to your budget and plan.
Klook.comAttractions Nearby Nurimaru APEC House
Dongbaekseom Island
Nurimaru APEC House is located on Dongbaek Island. Read the complete guide to Dongbaekseom Island including Carved Stone in Haeundae, Topaz Princess Mermaid, and more.
Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is right at the doorstep of Dongbaekseom Island. You can take an easy walk to Haeundae Beach. Read the full post about Haeundae Beach.
Busan X The Sky
Don’t miss the best view of Busan from the highest spot in Busan. Read my guide to Busan X The Sky.
If you are willing to go a bit further than a walking distance, there are more attractions nearby. The list includes Songjeong Beach, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan Museum of Art, and more.
For an avid shopper, the world’s largest department store and major outlet mall are not too far from Nurimaru APEC House, either.
Pin It For Your Trip To Busan
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