Busan: Taejongdae's Lighthouse & Observatory

"Dynamic Busan"

May 27, 2012.

Taejongdae natural park is one of the places you shouldn't miss when you visit Busan. If you look at the map, it can be very far - around 45minutes via private car on normal days.  How much more if you are taking the public transportation going there.  But, I really suggest to come here and visit here (I don't have any connection with them).  I was just really fulfilled when we hit this place. You will miss the chance of you won't come here.

Breathtaking view from Taejongdae Lighthouse

As my friend told me when we went here, "This is, by far, the best place we visited in Busan." From her statement, it is even better than Haeundae or Gwangalli beach.  But I think because of the scenery and nature. But take note, you cannot swim in this place. It's more on sightseeing than interactive activities like swimming or beach sports type. 

TAEJONGDAE ENTRANCE

I said earlier that the travel time is around 45minutes by private car in ordinary days.  But when we went here, we travelled for 2hrs 30min because it was holiday in Korea and at the same time it was Buddha's Birthday and there are two temples inside the Taejongdae natural park.  But we didn't give up  because we want to see the magnificent cliffs facing the open sea. At first, we were wondering whether it was worth it or not because we didn't have prior information the place aside from the picture we found when we went to the Busan Tower.  In the end, it was all worth it.  From the original 1hr 30min allotted time end up 3hrs 30min going around and just resting in the cliffs with the beautiful ocean.  

The Entrance Stone

From the entrance, it might be around an hour up and down hill trek going to the lighthouse and observatory.  And when you arrived in the place, you need to have another trek going to the cliff overviewing the sea (see photos below).  Think twice before you decide walking. You might not have enough energy and time to go to other places anymore.  Unless you have the luxury of time or you are inclined in walking. It's good for your health though. Travel Tip:  I suggest take the 'mini-train' going to the lighthouse and observatory for just a dollar (P45.00). It's alright because you have to walk further to see the beautiful scenery.  If you really want to walk, then better trek going back (but the $1 includes to and fro already). Just keep the ticket! :)

Outside Taejongdae National Park

LIGHTHOUSE

Lighthouse

The lighthouse is one of the must-visits in Busan.  The scenery is simply breathtaking.  And you can do a lot of things in this place. Just rest and reminiscing your memories overviewing the sea. Think about your past.  Maximize your present. Plan for your future. Anything! It's really relaxing here.  Travel Tip:  It might be a long walk but make sure to hit this place because you can't say you've been to Taejongdae without stepping on those big rocks and cliff. And the lighthouse is better than the observatory. Go here first than the observatory if you are taking the 'mini-train' to and fro and just walk back to the observatory area (it's near!).

THE OVERVIEW OF THE CLIFF

This is the view from where you get off of the 'mini train' or the first view you would see from the top.  You would feel like getting to the cliff as soon as possible!

First view of the cliff

Look at the people

THE WALK TO THE CLIFF

As I said, it's a long walk, so be patient. You will reach there!

Walking to the Cliff I

Getting closer!

UP CLOSE TO THE CLIFF

You just saw the cliff from afar but the closer you get the cliff, the landscape is getting better. Some of the shots within the cliff. Travel Tip:  Make sure to take some time here. This can be the best place in Taejongdae.

The Cliff I

The Cliff II

The Cliff III

The Cliff IV

THE OTHER SIDE: FRESH FOODS & ROCK FORMATION

Aside from the cliff, the other side of the lighthouse is the beautiful rock formation with Koreans selling fresh from catch fishes or you can eat it there while they cook it in front of you.  They have some tables and chairs made especially for people who want to eat there on the spot.  Also, there is a cruising boat that would dock here.  Though, I don't know the details about it.

The Docking area

The restaurants serving fresh from catch fishes

The Rock Formation I

The Rock Formation II

The Cruising Boat

THE LIGHTHOUSE ITSELF

You might be wondering I kept on talking about the beautiful scenery and the cliff without going into the lighthouse.  Yes, the lighthouse might be the term we used but it was the cliff which is the main tourist attraction.  It's just that you would pass by the lighthouse before reaching that place.  But the lighthouse is just like any other lighthouses and it was very ordinary.  Just check the photos below for yourself.

The Lighthouse Scenery I

The Lighthouse Scenery II

Where is it pointing at?

OBSERVATORY & JUWOO LOVE STORY

How about the observatory? I'm about to finish this post but I didn't talk anything about the observatory.  Actually, when we went there, the view was not good because it was against the light.  Also, you would only see the sea and a little view of the cliff.  But, you can find 'Jiwoo Love Story in Busan' photo gallery there.  Travel Tip: The best thing you can find in the observatory area is the photo gallery.  You can have better view of the scenery in the lighthouse than the observatory. But it's good to take the mini-train back to the entrance in this place because most people would ride from the lighthouse area.

Jiwoo Love Story in Busan

By the way, there are also Buddhist temple within the Taejongdae Nature Park but we didn't go there anymore because we didn't have enough time and thousands of people went there. Remember, it was Buddha's birthday the following day when we visited this beautiful park.

This was our experience in Taejongdae.  It was really worth it and we hope you would also have a great time in this place.