Dongbaek Island, located at the western end of the wide sandy beach of Haeundae Beach, was originally an islet. Due to sedimentation, it is now connected to the mainland, but it retains the name “Dongbaek Island” from its past when it was indeed an island.
As the name suggests, Dongbaek Island is known for its abundance of camellia flowers, which bloom from winter. The combination of camellia flowers, pine forests, and the sea has made it a popular tourist destination since ancient times. While taking a leisurely stroll around the island, you may come across locals enjoying their walks. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete a full circle around the island.
“Sights to See on Dongbaek Island: The Westin Chosun Beach Hotel, Nurimaru APEC House, Lighthouse, and More”
On Dongbaek Island, starting with The Westin Chosun Beach Hotel, you can find various facilities. You’ll discover Nurimaru APEC House, which hosted the 2005 APEC summit, as well as the Dongbaek Island Lighthouse, a statue of Choi Chiwon with his calligraphy, and the Mermaid Statue of Princess Hwango. At the entrance to Dongbaek Island, you can also find a complex cultural space named “The Bay 101.”
Although small in size, Dongbaek Island offers various sculptures and photo spots. It’s an excellent place for both walking and photography.
“Dongbaek Island: A Pedestrian-Only Paradise”
In the past, vehicles could circumnavigate Dongbaek Island, but in 1994, vehicle access was restricted, and it was transformed into a pedestrian-only road. This change has made it even safer and more enjoyable for strolling.
“The Legend of Princess Hwango and the Mermaid Statue”
On Dongbaek Island, you can find the Mermaid Statue of Princess Hwango. Here is the legend associated with it:
In a distant ancient time shortly after the sky opened and the land solidified, there existed the eternal kingdom on Dongbaek Island. Initially, the kingdom had no ruling king, but from a golden box that fell from the sky, a child emerged after breaking the golden egg inside. This child grew into an adult in just over ten days and ascended to the throne, named “Mu Gung,” meaning eternal, in honor of the heavenly grace that made him king. The kingdom prospered day by day.
However, the king lacked a queen. Although his subjects urged him to marry, King Mu Gung declined, waiting only for the queen destined to come from the sky. Across the sea, there was a neighboring country called Nalandak, whose people were descendants of the Crystal Kingdom that had once been beneath the sea. These people had fins hidden beneath their clothes. When the first daughter was born to the king and queen of Nalandak, tradition dictated that she be named after her parents’ homeland, the Crystal Kingdom. A turtle was entrusted with escorting the princess, the same turtle that had once been sent to capture a rabbit to cure the dragon king’s ailment but accidentally released it, leading to its banishment from the Crystal Kingdom. The queen of Nalandak named the princess “Hwango,” meaning yellow jade.
As Princess Hwango grew up beautifully like a fairy, the king and queen of Nalandak sought a suitable husband for her. One day, a divine spirit appeared in the dream of the king and queen, urging them to send Hwango across the sea to marry the gracious King of the Eternal Kingdom, Mu Gung. Thus, Princess Hwango of Nalandak and King Mu Gung of the Eternal Kingdom were married and became a couple. The island where the camellias bloomed abundantly, Dongbaek Island, was their home.
Upon arriving on Dongbaek Island, Hwango Queen followed her grandmother’s advice and offered the innermost skirt from the layers of clothing she wore as an offering to the mountain spirit. In return, she was given a skirt that sparkled in the evening sunset. Suddenly, her feet were completely formed, and she became a perfect human. Over time, Queen Hwango longed deeply for her homeland. The turtle that had accompanied Hwango since childhood presented her with a yellow jade bead gifted by her grandmother, instructing her to take it out and shine it on the moon every full moon night.
One night, as Queen Hwango shone the yellow jade bead on the moon, the beautiful moonlit nights of the Crystal Kingdom and Nalandak, which she had never forgotten even in her dreams, instantly appeared before her eyes. On that night, Queen Hwango wept while gazing at her homeland. At that very moment, Queen Hwango transformed into the appearance of a mermaid, just like in her dreams, and gained the ability to swim freely in the sea. The rumor that mermaids exist in the sea in front of Dongbaek Island, occasionally witnessed by people, has spread and is still passed down to this day.
The mention of her homeland, Nalandak, believed to be derived from the ancient Buddhist university Nālandā in India, suggests a tale of exchanges between Gaya and India and the spread of Buddhism. Furthermore, in this legend, the Eternal Kingdom corresponds to Gaya, King Mu Gung to King Suro, and Princess Hwango represents Queen Heo Hwang-ok, who is said to have come from the Indian Ayuta kingdom, according to local historians.
“Nurimaru APEC House”
On Dongbaek Island, you can also find the “Nurimaru APEC House,” the site where the 2005 Busan APEC summit was held. This place is also considered one of the tourist highlights of Dongbaek Island.
The term “Nurimaru” is a combination of the Korean words for “world” (“누리”) and “summit” (“마루”). When combined with “APEC House,” it is named “Nurimaru APEC House.” Admission to Nurimaru APEC House is free, and it is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, during the winter months, it may close at 5:00 PM, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
“Reflection Photography Spot: The Bay 101”
At the entrance to Dongbaek Island, you can find a complex cultural space called “The Bay 101.” It’s a multifaceted area featuring restaurants, cafes, and general stores. While the building itself is noteworthy, it gained fame as a spot for taking stunning night photos with the backdrop of Haeundae Marine City.
By wetting the ground to create reflections and taking long-exposure shots at night, you can capture breathtaking night photos with reflections. The adjacent Gwangan Bridge, another landmark in Busan, can also be visited, making it an excellent location for capturing night scenes.
Dongbaek Island, connected to Haeundae Beach, is one of the representative tourist destinations in Busan. It’s a must-visit while exploring Haeundae, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
“Haeundae, Busan: Dongbaek Island”
- Address: 708-3 Woo-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
- Website: Visit Busan Dongbaek Island