[One Day Walk] Busan Walking & Life Shot Spot ‘Baekyangsan Nadeul Forest Trail’

[Editor's Note] The Korea Forest Service has selected "Premium Forest Trails for Pleasant Walks" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of national reforestation. These trails are accessible and suitable for about a day's hike, allowing the public to enjoy them easily and comfortably. We introduce these premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service every two weeks.

Today's featured course is the "Baekyangsan Nadeul Forest Trail." This trail is a popular walking spot spanning Sasang-gu, Buk-gu, and Jin-gu districts in Busan, and it received an excellence award among the "Premium Forest Trails for Pleasant Walks" selected by the Korea Forest Service.

The geographical advantage of being adjacent to the urban area of Busan makes it perfect for taking a short step away from daily life and immersing oneself in nature. The gentle slopes reduce the burden for inexperienced hikers and the elderly, and the well-maintained forest roads allow visitors to enjoy various flowers and trees such as azaleas and forsythias, alleviating the monotony of the forest trail. Due to these advantages, the "Baekyangsan Nadeul Forest Trail" is bustling with visitors on both weekends and weekdays.

Visitors to Baekyangsan Azalea Colony are smelling the fragrance of fully bloomed azalea flowers. Photo by Korea Forest Service

The forest trail course is divided into 10 sections. Among them, the "Section 2 Saeam-gil Course" has recently become widely known as a popular photo spot among the MZ generation. Starting from the entrance of Children's Grand Park, this course continues through Seongjigok Reservoir, the cypress forest, and Baekyangsan Baramgogae (Wind Pass). Highlights along this route include Seonamsa Temple, the cypress forest, and the azalea colonies.

Seonamsa Temple is a thousand-year-old temple founded by the monk Wonhyo and is said to have been a training site for the Hwarang warriors during the Silla Dynasty. Encountering a historic thousand-year-old temple along the trail is one of the unique charms of the "Baekyangsan Nadeul Forest Trail."

Especially notable is the cypress forest, densely populated with cypress trees that have endured for over 100 years. The cypress trees contain a large amount of phytoncide, a natural antibacterial substance, and where these trees form a forest, visitors can experience a distinctive freshness and clean air.

Aerial view of the azalea colony on Baekyangsan Mountain. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Passing through the cypress forest and heading toward the summit, you will reach "Baramgogae" (Wind Pass), which connects to various directions including Jin-gu and Buk-gu districts of Busan. Continuing past Baramgogae to the Baekyangsan Aejinbong Observatory, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of azalea colonies in spring and silver grass fields in autumn.

After sunset, when darkness falls, the Baekyangsan Aejinbong Observatory offers a night view of Busan’s cityscape that is different from the daytime scenery. The "Baekyangsan Forest Trail" is maintained with sections averaging 3 to 5 km each, and convenience facilities are provided throughout the trail, making it an excellent forest trail for hiking enthusiasts.

Baekyangsan Nadeul Forest Trail (Course 2 Saeam-gil) Route Map. Provided by Korea Forest Service