With its hosting of the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC 2024), Busan has once again been thrust into the global limelight. Busan is home to Busan National Geopark, a beautiful geological park that the city is working to have certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Take a sneak peek at a recommended tour of Busan National Geopark where you can build geological knowledge while experiencing nature.
A Geo-tour for Learning and Healing in Nature
The Nakdong Delta is river and sea meet to create many sand islands. The Nakdong Estuary is a migratory bird habitat and more than 130,000 migratory birds of 167 different home to diverse flora and fauna. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but visit the nearby Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center for information on walking trails and explore the Nakdong Estuary by engaging in activities such as watching migratory birds, learning about the nearby Eulsuk Island, and providing veterinary care for wild animals.
Taejongdae is a natural park with a peak of 250 meters above sea level, and lush with some 120 species of vegetation. A tourist destination renowned for open views of the ocean, the park boasts a majestic precipice and rock formations that are the result of the tidal corrosion of sedimentary layers dating back to the Late Cretaceous period. In Busan, you can find a stunning national geopark with unique geological formations at Busan National Geopark. Discover tour routes where you can deepen your geological knowledge and experience nature firsthand. Afterward, be sure to visit Taejongdae.
Busan National Geopark is also located nearby are the Oryukdo Islets, a group of six rocky islands, and Igidae, a coastal trail made up of volcanic rocks. The 4.7 km-long coastal geological trail extending from Oryukdo to Igidae is a hike that is enjoyed by many people. If you are in luck, you happen to finish your hike at around sunset, as Igidae is a hidden gem for nighttime views, offering a beautiful view of Gwangan Bridge and the illuminated high-rises of Haeundae.
If you enjoyed that nocturnal vista from Taejongdae, you will love watching the sunrise from Geumjeongsan Mountain. It is a mountain range made up of granite that became embedded in sedimentary basins during the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era, in what is now Gyeongsang Province. Geumjeongsan is known for its crescent-shaped ridge that begins at Godangbong and stretches out in the northeast, southeast, and southwest directions. There are several temples and hermitages, including Beomeosa Temple, where you can experience healing in the tranquil surroundings of these ancient temples and feel the beauty of nature as the reddish sun gradually rises.
Enjoy Fun and Learning with Busan National Geopark Programs
Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of Busan’s geological landscapes through the “‘Earth Time Travel with a Geopark Guide.“ You can take in scenic views of Busan’s beautiful environment while listening to insight from expert guides.
Visitors to the Busan National Geopark get to take part in a treasure hunt as well! Each hunt requires a minimum of 15 participants and has a maximum of 30. Booking is essential, as this fun activity is hugely popular.
The final program is a way to express both our apologies and gratitude to our planet—our home. It is the environmental maintenance activities around Busan National Geopark. Once again, you will be accompanied by a guide, this time for a brisk walk to the top attractions of the geopark while picking up litter. It will be time well spent, and the environment will thank you for it!
The geology of Busan offers a fascinating and enjoyable exploration. This recommended tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s magnificent natural landscapes and geological features.
Photo credit: Busan Tourism Organization
