There is a Korean word, “절경 /jeol-gyeong/.” The word means a scenic view that can’t be better. Taejongdae Resort Park is the exact place where you can use this word for. From its scenic rocky coastal line to the pebble beaches and the relaxing trails surrounded by trees, you should put Taejongdae on your list of places to visit in Busan, South Korea.
On This Post
- Details of Taejongdae Resort Park
- History of Taejongdae
- Getting Around Taejongdae Resort Park
- Points of Interest in Taejongdae Resort Park
Location
24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Direction
Tajeongdae Resort Park nestles at the tip of Yeongdo Island. Yeongdo-gu is the only district in Busan which is an island. Thus, the city’s subway does not enter the area.
- Bus: Take 8, 30, 66, 88(A), 101, 186, or 1006. Get off at Taejongdae/Taejongdae Hot Springs (태종대/태종대온천) bus stop
- Paid Parking Available
Hours
- Taejongdae Resort Park
- March – October: 4:00 – 24:00
- November – February: 5:00 – 24:00
- Yeongdo Lighthouse and the surrounding area
- Outdoor area
- March – October: 7:00 – 20:00
- November – February: 7:00 – 18:00
- Indoor facility: 9:00 – 18:00
- Outdoor area
Contact
Phone: +82-51-405-8745
Website: Taejongdae Resort Park website (in Korean)
History of Taejongdae
Located at the end of Yeongdo Island, the beauty of Taejongdae has been recognized for a very long time. The name of the place has its origin from one of the most recognized Kings during Shilla Dynasty. King Taejong Muyeol (태종무열왕 / Teajong Muyeolwang) loved this place and he enjoyed hunting and hosting parties here. Thus, the name, Taejongdae, came from his title.
Geologists say Taejongdae was a lake 90 million years ago. 73 million years ago, volcanoes erupted and weathering and erosions through literally millions of years created this breathtaking place.
Just for your information, Yeongdo, where Taejongdae Resort Park sits, was once famous for its horse-raising ranches. The name of the island came from “Jeolyeongdo,” which has a story that the horses from this island were so fast to outrun their own shadows.
Getting Around Taejongdae Resort Park
Taejongdae Resort Park allows only pedestrians, thus no cars or bikes can enter. That makes the place even more enjoyable without car noises, traffic congestion, and smoke. Once you get to the entrance of Taejongdae Park, you can take a walk in a clockwise direction or vice versa. The trail is a complete circle so it wouldn’t matter which way you take. However, if you prefer an easy walk, start in a counterclockwise direction since it would lead you to a less stiff upward road. The trail is about 4 km (2.5 miles).
The trails are mostly not too hard to stroll along. However, some parts, especially the Yeongdo Lighthouse area, are steep and have many steps. Comfortable shoes would be a good idea for Taejongdae Resort Park.
Danubi Train (다누비열차) for Easy Trip
If you are a fan of modern technology (who says it’s a euphemism for being lazy???), you can ride Danubi Train. It circles Taejongdae Resort Park. The train stops at Taejongdae Observatory, Yeongdo Lighthouse, and Taejongsa Temple. You can hop on and off at any of these stops. When you buy a ticket, you will get a slot number for your ride. In a busy season, you may need to wait for a while for your turn.
Fares
- Adults: ₩3,000 (KRW)
- Middle & High School Student: ₩2,000
- Children (4-13): ₩1,500
- Children under 3: Free
- Seniors over 65: 20% Off
- Group over 30 people: 20% Off
Hours
- June – Aug. 09:00 – 19:30
- Sep. – May 09:00 – 17:30
Points of Interest in Taejongdae Resort Park
Taejongdae Resort Park is a little bigger than 1.6 million square meters (about 305 football fields.) Thus, it has more than a couple of points that attract visitors.
Taejongdae Observatory
This observatory offers visitors wide-open view of Namhae Sea (남해/South Sea.) You can see a small island called “Tea Kettle Island” (주전자섬 /joo-jeon-ja-seom/) from here. The original name of this island is Saengdo. Rumor has it that you must not do three things on this island: No Number 2, No Fire, or No Making Love. The story goes that people who did any of these either suffered seriously or died. People guess the story began in order to keep the island clean. Very environment-friendly myth.
Marine Technician’s Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame has the busts of historic seafarers and figures and commemorates them.
Yeongdo Lighthouse
Built in 1906, this historical lighthouse has been a landmark of Taejongdae. This is the oldest lighthouse in Busan and the 10th in South Korea. It had been a beacon for the ships coming to the Port of Busan for over 100 years. Currently, it serves as not only a lighthouse but a marine cultural place with more facilities like an exhibition hall and marine library. The lighthouse is 35-meter tall and the view at the top is worth climbing those neverending steps. Sorry but no elevators.
Marine Library at Yeongdo Lighthouse
Eateries near Yeongdo Lighthouse
If you walk down to the rock bottom (literally) from the lighthouse, you will find a couple of food tents. There you can have fresh seafood, which you might not even have seen before depending on where you are from. I am sorry that I don’t have any pictures of the seafood or close shots of the tents. When I visited, it was quite windy so my wife and I decided to stop by a snack bar on the way to the bottom and enjoy a cup ramyeon. It was probably the best view for the buck!
Pebble Beaches at Taejongdae
Taejongdae Resort Park is home to three pebble beaches: Gamji, Taewon, and Deungdae (meaning lighthouse) pebble beach. At Gamji pebble beach, you can find a raw of seafood restaurants. It is Deungdae pebble beach in the picture above.
See & Sea Gallery
See & Sea gallery is home to local exhibitions for paintings, calligraphy, photography, and more. It’s free to rent the space in order to give more opportunities for new coming artists.
Teajongsa Temple
Taejongsa Temple (태종사) is located in the park and it hosts the annual hydrangea festival usually between the end of June and early July.
Other Points at The Park
View of Port of Busan from Taejongdae Resort Park
Mangbuseok Rock (망부석) stands watching over the ocean. The story goes that a husband was captured by Japanese invaders. The wife waited for him at the spot where the Mangbuseok stands today. She kept waiting there everyday whether it was raining or snowing, but unfortunately, the story ends with her turning into a rock.
While you stroll along the trail, you will find many monuments.
The information center is located near the entrance of the park.
- Planning a trip to South Korea? Click here to find more destinations here.
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