Waves, Bridges, and Dreams: A Day at Songdo Beach, Busan
- kmj
- May 7
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Floating Between Sky and Sea
The sky was the color of brushed silver when we boarded the cable car at Songdo Beach. A soft sea breeze tugged at the cabins swaying gently above the water, and the hum of the ocean filled the air below.
Inside our car, we found ourselves sharing the space with a young family, a couple with two small children, their faces bright with excitement. It didn’t take long to realize they were Japanese tourists. The mother, smiling shyly, spoke a few hesitant words of Korean, and we answered with simple phrases and plenty of laughter and understood each other perfectly.
The Story of Songdo Beach
Long before glass-bottom cable cars floated above the waves and visitors took selfies against the endless blue horizon, Songdo Beach was a quiet paradise, framed by ancient pine trees.
Opened officially in 1913, Songdo was Korea’s very first designated public beach, a small stretch of golden sand embraced by mountains and the sea. Its name, "Songdo," means "Island of Pine Trees," and in those early days, the scent of pine needles would drift down the hillsides, mixing with the salt air in a way that made the world feel pure and untouched.
In the 1920s and 30s, under Japanese colonial rule, Songdo grew into a beloved seaside escape. Locals and visitors would dress in their finest clothes for a day by the sea, arriving by tram and strolling along wooden piers. Black-and-white photographs from that time show women in hanbok and men in fedoras, their faces turned toward the shimmering horizon.
As Busan expanded and modernized in the decades that followed, Songdo remained a nostalgic symbol, a place where generations came to cool their feet and to let their troubles drift out to sea. Standing there, feeling the breeze lift the edge of my jacket, I imagined all those before me who had looked out across this same water and found a kind of quiet hope.
Flying Above the Water: The Songdo Marine Cable Car
The cable car slid smoothly out over the open water, the city shrinking behind us. Beneath the glass floor, the sea rippled in shades of deep green and sapphire, dotted with fishing boats that looked like tiny toys from our vantage point.
Songdo’s love affair with the sky began in 1964, when Korea’s first-ever marine cable car was installed here. It was a marvel of its time, a bold new way to see the coastline from above. For two decades, the cable cars carried visitors over the waves until age and wear eventually forced its closure in the 1980s.
But Songdo has always been a place that refuses to fade. In 2017, after careful planning and restoration, the cable car was reborn as the Songdo Marine Cable Car, stronger, sleeker, and more breathtaking than ever. Now, colorful cabins glide between Songnim Park and Amnam Park, offering passengers a rare chance to float across the sea itself. We drifted along in our small glass bubble, laughter from the children filling the air inside.
Crossing to Turtle Island: Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge
After stepping off the cable car, we followed a gentle path leading down toward the sea, the air thick with the scent of salt and wild grasses. It wasn’t long before the bridge came into view, a slender ribbon of steel suspended above the crashing waves, linking the mainland to a small rocky island shaped, almost impossibly, like a resting turtle.
This is Geobukseom, Turtle Island, a place whispered about in local legends, said to bring good fortune to sailors who passed it by. And stretching across the water to meet it is the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, completed in June 2020 as part of Songdo’s dream to reconnect visitors with its hidden coastal gems.
The bridge’s name, "Yonggung," meaning "Dragon Palace," is a nod to the mythic underwater palace of the Dragon King from Korean folklore. Stepping onto the bridge, the world seemed to shift: the steel grating beneath our feet revealed the swirling ocean below, and each gust of wind set the structure humming with life.
Hidden Trails and a Rope Bridge Adventure
After we crossed to Turtle Island and wandered among its weathered rocks, we found ourselves drifting back toward the mainland. The path twisted upwards, leading us into a patchwork of trees and stone. It was then that a sudden commotion caught my eye — a lively stream of children racing down a steep set of hidden steps, their laughter echoing against the cliffs.
Curious, I followed.
The trail grew narrower and steeper, wooden steps worn smooth by countless footsteps. Below, the whisper of the waves softened into a distant lullaby. At the end of the descent, a simple rope bridge stretched over a narrow ravine, a rugged contrast to the steel grandeur of the suspension bridge.
Songdo’s trails are full of such hidden surprises. Nearby, the Songdo Coastal Dulle-gil trail winds for kilometers along cliffs and coves, linking Amnam Park to Songdo Beach. It’s a walk that blends wild nature with crafted paths, offering views where the forest seems to tumble straight into the sea. Some paths are easy, some challenging, but all of them remind you: here, the real journey lies in slowing down enough to notice the world unfolding around you.
Coffee Among the Clouds: Songdo Sky Park and Café
The sun was beginning to slip behind the mountains when we made our way back up to Songdo Sky Park. The air was cooler now, brushed with the scent of salt and the faint sweetness of blooming flowers hidden somewhere along the trail.
At the top, we found a small café tucked into the Sky Park station. A place where tired travelers, like ourselves, could sit with a warm drink and watch the day stretch out toward the horizon. I ordered a simple iced Americano.
Scattered around the park were sculptures and art installations, many of them inspired by The Little Prince. The motifs felt tender and fitting like reminders of how far we all travel in search of something we often cannot name.
As I sipped my drink, I thought of the Little Prince’s journey: crossing worlds, meeting strangers, learning that sometimes the most important things are invisible to the eye. In a place like Songdo, where sky and sea endlessly meet, it was easy to believe that magic still lingers quietly at the edges of things.
Songdo invites you to wander, to listen, to feel the soft weight of time folding around you. It reminds you that not every adventure needs to be loud; some of the most beautiful ones are simply about sharing a cable car with a family you just met, following the sound of children's laughter down a hidden trail, or standing on a rope bridge and choosing, tenderly, to turn back.
If you ever find yourself craving a quiet kind of magic, come here. Walk across the bridges. Watch the light change. Breathe in the salt air. At Songdo Beach, every small moment feels like the beginning of something new.
Before You Go – Travel Tips
Getting There and What’s Nearby
From Busan Station, take Bus 26 or 30 and get off at Songdo Beach stop. Alternatively, a taxi takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic.
The beach is within walking distance of:
Songdo Cloud Trails, a scenic glass-bottom walkway over the water
Songdo Marine Cable Car, panoramic rides with stunning coastal views
Amnam Park, a peaceful clifftop walking path with sea views
These attractions make Songdo perfect for a relaxing half-day coastal escape.
Best Time to Visit
Morning and late afternoon offer ideal lighting for photos and cooler temperatures for strolling.
Summer is peak season for swimming and beach activities
Spring and autumn provide mild weather and fewer crowds
Winter is quieter, ideal for peaceful walks and photography
Avoid midday in peak summer unless you're planning to swim, as shade is limited.
Tips for the Best Experience
Try the seafood at nearby restaurants. Songdo is known for fresh, local catches
Walk the Cloud Trails for a thrilling view beneath your feet
Buy cable car tickets online to avoid waiting in line, especially on weekends
Bring a light jacket as ocean breezes can be cooler than expected
Stick around for sunset. The views over the water are unforgettable
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