Once the important source of water for residents of Busan, Seongjigok Reservoir has become a place that people in Busan can always visit strolling around the lake to enjoy the fresh air and appreciate the changing seasons.
On This Post
- General Information about Seongjigok Reservoir
- History of Seongjigok Reservoir
- Busan Children’s Grand Park
- Cypress Forest Park
- Trails around Busan Children’s Grand Park
- Restaurants and Stores
- Things to Do near Seongjigok Reservoir
Information about Seongjigok Reservoir
Location & Map
295, Saessak-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea
How to Get to Seongjigok Reservoir
- Bus: Ride Bus No. 44, 54, 63, 81, or 133 and get off at Children’s Grand Park station (어린이대공원).
- Paid parking is available
Admission (Entrance Fee)
Free
Hours
Trails are open to the public 24/7.
Contact
- Phone: +82-51-860-7848
- Website: Busan Children’s Grand Park website
History of Seongjigok Reservoir
Located in Busan Children’s Grand Park, Seongjigok Reservoir is a perfect place to be called a “healing place.” The “Seongjigok” takes its name from a master of Feng Shui and a monk Seongji in Joseon Dynasty. He once visited this place and liked it much. “Gok” in the name means a valley.
The construction for the reservoir began in 1907 and it was completed in two years. Sengjigok Reservoir is the first modern reservoir for water sources in Korea. It was a massive construction project at that time and this dam and reservoir were built 13 years earlier than one in Seoul.
In 1971, Nakdonggang River Waterworks project was completed and as a result of it, Seongjigok Reservoir stopped supplying drinking water to the residents in Busan. However, the facility is well-preserved and it is now a National Registered Cultural Heritage thanks to its historical value. Although it doesn’t serve its role as a water source anymore, the place has become one of the most beloved places for locals thanks to its natural beauty and well-designed trails.
You will enjoy the reservoir any time of the year, but I personally like it even more during fall when the autumn foliage brings fantastic colors to the place.
Busan Children’s Grand Park
Seongjigok Reservoir is located inside Busan Children’s Grand Park. The park sits along the slope of Baegyangsan Mountain. The park originally opened in 1971 as Seongjigok Recreation Area and later changed its name to Busan Children’s Grand Park.
It charged entrance fees until 2005, but now it is free to all visitors. The park had a roller coaster and other rides before, but the city removed them and changed the amusement park into a more nature-friendly urban park. Busan Children’s Grand Park houses the Ecological Experiential Center, Children’s Traffic School, and more facilities.
KidKideuk Park is a playground for families with children. It is normally a playground for kids, but it turns into a waterpark in July and August. Kids have a good time with various water facilities, and outdoor shower booths are free to use.
Cypress Forest Park
When you walk around Seongjigok Reservoir, walk to the Forest Bathing section. No, you don’t need a bathing suit. Forest Bathing (산림욕) is an expression to walk along the trail surrounded by tall trees. This section is home to various kinds of trees including cedar, hinoki cypress, fir, and more. Cypress is especially known for its phytoncide, a natural chemical that relieves stress and enhances physical functions.
Streams come down from Baegyangsan Mountain. This water is source of the reservoir.
Trails Around Seongjigok Reservoir
Busan Children’s Grand Park has great trails for all ages. You can choose any course for your own pleasure. If you want to stroll slowly enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings, you can walk around the reservoir that doesn’t have any stiff slopes and would take only an hour to complete to return. You can take a bit longer route that includes moderate climbing.
Monuments and Statues
Throughout Busan Children’s Grand Park, you will see several monuments and statues to commemorate historical events and people in Busan’s history.
The statue of Park Jae-hyeok. He fought for Korean independence during the Japanese Occupation in the early 1900s.
This monument commemorates 1,661 college and high school students from Busan, who fought for South Korea during the Korean War.
Restaurants and Stores
There are several restaurants and stores throughout Busan Children’s Grand Park. Among them, the restaurants on the trails surrounding Seongjigok Reservoir offer such serene views.
I picked Hobanuibenchi (Lake’s Bench) simply because it was the closest one when I suddenly felt hungry. My wife and I had haemulpajeon (해물파전, seafood green onion pancake) and dotorimuk (도토리묵, acorn jelly salad). Other dishes are dubu kimchi (두부김치, tofu and kimchi), gaorijjim (가오리찜, spicy steamed stingray), ojingeomuchim (오징어무침, squid salad), and of course, 라면 (ramyeon).
If you drive to Seongjigok Reservoir, it has a parking area. Be aware that it gets really crowded during weekends or holidays.
More Things To Do near Seongjigok Reservoir
Busan Children’s Grand Park is a starting point for many hikers heading to Baegyangsan Mountain. You can visit Busan Citizens Park, Samgwangsa Temple, Asiad Stadium, or Sajik Baseball Stadium by bus within only a few stops.
Busan Citizens Park is the formal United States Army camp after the Korean war but in 2014 it was returned to the City of Busan and became open to the public as a public park. The park covers 133 acres. Samgwangsa Temple was on the list of CNN’s Korea’s most beautiful places. If you visit this area around Buddha’s Birthday (normally in April or May), its Lotus Lantern Festival is a must-see. Sajik Baseball Stadium is home to the local professional baseball team, Lotte Giants, whose fan is famous for their passionate cheering. Finally, if you are an Army, you would definitely recognize the Asiad Stadium.
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