Oryukdo Island may not as famous or popular as Haeundae or Gwangalli to international travelers or even some Koreans, but these small islands rising over twinkling blue sea have been one of Busan’s symbols for a long time. Let’s take a deep dive into this natural splendor.
Location
137 Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48594
Hours
Oryukdo Skywalk
Everyday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed: In case of snow, rain, heavy winds or the possible renovation of facilities.
Admission
Free
Directions
Bus: No. 24, 27, or 131 > Gett off at Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도 스카이워크) bus stop.
Parking
Public parking lot (paid). Public transportation is strongly recommended, especially during weekend. It’s really hard to find a spot during weekends or holidays.
Contact
Call: +82 051-607-6395
(Information in this post is based on a visit in 2019 February.)
Oryukdo Island (오륙도)
Oryukdo Island (오륙도) is one of Busan’s signature places. The interesting nature’s wonder gave the place its name because they look five or six separate islands depending on the tides and days. “O” means 5 and “ryuk” means 6 in Korean.
The six islands are Bangpaeseom Island (방패섬), Solseom Island (솔섬), Suriseom Island (수리섬), Songgotseom Island (송곳섬), Gulseom Island (굴섬), and Deungdaeseom Island (등대섬). Bangpaeseom Island and Solseom Island are technically one island called, Usakdo (우삭도).
Oryukdo Island is Historic Sites and Scenic Points No. 24 designated by The Cultural Heritage Administration of South Korea. This area, including Oryukdo Island and Igidae Coastal Park, was created by volcanic eruption 80 million years ago. It is believed that Oryukdo Island was originally a small peninsula attached to the mainland, but later it got separated by erosion.
In addition, this area is designated as Ecosystem and Landscape Conservation Area in order to protect marine creatures and ocean ecosystems.
Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도 스카이워크)
Looking over Oryukdo Island, Oryukdo Skywalk is a place where you can enjoy the view of the endless horizon of the East Sea (동해) and simultaneously be thrilled by looking down the waves under your feet through the glass bottom built over a 35-meter high (about 115 feet) coastal cliff.
The skywalk is 15 meter long (about 49 feet), which is not a impressive length, but it’s definitely worth stepping on. Since Oryukdo Skywalk has glass-bottom, you need to put on shoe covers to enter (the shoe covers are provided at the entrance.) In addition, you are not allowed to bring selfie sticks, umbrellas, canes, drinks or bottles of water into the Skywalk.
At the Skywalk, you can see the entire view from the skyline of Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장) and Dalmaji Hill (달맞이고개) to Taejongdae Resort Park (태종대).
Oryukdo Skywalk is considered as one of top 3 Skywalks in Busan with Songdo Cloud Trails (송도구름산책로) and Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory (청사포 다릿돌 전망대).
Hanyeochon (해녀촌) Seafood Market and Dock Area
You can walk down from the Oryukdo Skywalk area to the dock called Haenyeochon (해녀촌). At the dock, a small seafood market is located. The market is very small but lively.
Women divers harvest seafood and sell them at this small local market. These women divers are called Hanyeo (해녀) and they are a prominent part of local culture of Korean fishing villages. I am not sure that prices are a good deal, but seafood should be fresh.
On the way down to the Haenyeochon (해녀촌), wherever you turn your head, photo spots are waiting for you. You can see Taejongdae Resort Park, Yeongdo neighborhood, and a part of Sinseondae port.
At the dock, you can walk up to the edge of the coastal line when the weather permits. You will feel fresh ocean breeze (or strong wind depending on your luck) at the cobblestone and rocky shore area. The closest island(s) are Sotseom and Bangpaeseom, and they look like two islands when the tide is high, which gives the name of this popular place, Oryukdo (5 or 6 islands).
Oryukdo Sunrise Park (오륙도 해맞이공원) and Haeparang Trail (해파랑길)
Oryukdo Sunrise Park (오륙도 해맞이공원) is the starting point of Haeparang-gil (해파랑길 / Haeparang trail), the longest tracking trail in South Korea, which stretches 770km to the Unification Observatory (통일전망대) in Gangwon-do (강원도 / Gangwon Province). If you are in the mood for a long walk, you can follow this trail along Igidae Coastal Walk.
At the park, you can walk through ecological trails or just sitting at a bench to enjoy the breathtaking view of this nature’s gift. During springtime, the park shows off bright yellow daffodils.
The tourist information center and cafe are near the sign of Oryukdo Skywalk. It opens between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. You can call them at +82 051-607-6395.
The name of this large apartment complex looking down Oryukdo Island is Oryukdo SK View. I can’t agree more that it should have “view” in its name.