Geumjeongsan: Busan’s New National Park & Korea’s First Urban National Park

When people think of Busan, they imagine beaches like Haeundae, Gwangalli, and the long coastline stretching across the city.But Busan just earned a new identity.

In October 2024, Geumjeong Mountain was officially designated as Korea’s 24th National Park — and the first urban national park in the country.This marks a historic moment not only for Busan, but for Korea’s environmental and cultural preservation.

Geumjeongsan is where nature, history, and city life converge: fortress walls, ancient temples, wildlife, panoramic ocean views, and a living spiritual heritage that has shaped Busan for centuries.

💡 The Story Behind the Designation

The national park title didn’t come overnight.

Busan citizens began pushing for this designation back in 2005. After two decades of petitions, environmental research, and cooperation between city officials and monastic communities such as Beomeosa, the vision finally came true.

This isn’t just a mountain. It’s a symbol of Busan’s community effort, identity, and connection to nature.

What Makes Geumjeongsan Special?

Spanning 66.9 km² across Busan (78%) and Yangsan (22%), Geumjeongsan offers one of the most diverse landscapes among all Korean national parks.

🌿 Rich Biodiversity

• 1,782 wild species, including

  • 14 endangered species

  • 127 cultural heritage assets

  • 71 natural viewpointsThis makes Geumjeongsan the most culturally rich national park ever designated in Korea.

🏯 Ancient Temples & Fortress Walls

Geumjeongsan is home to:

• Beomeosa Temple, one of Korea’s most important temples

• Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, the largest mountain fortress in the country

• Dozens of hermitages and cultural sites

Here, hikers walk through a living museum where nature and history coexist.

Traveler’s Guide: How to Enjoy Geumjeongsan

Whether you’re a traveler, expat, or local resident, Geumjeongsan offers experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Busan.

▲ Best Hiking Route

Beomeosa Temple → Geumjeongsanseong FortressA scenic trail featuring forest paths, temple gates, and breathtaking views over Busan city.

▲ Cultural Experience

Stop by a temple teahouse and enjoy a quiet cup of tea while listening to monks chanting in the distance.

▲ Best Sunset Spot

Watch the sun set over Busan Harbor from the fortress walls — a hidden viewpoint that few tourists know about.

Why You Should Visit Now

Before it became a national park, Geumjeongsan already welcomed 3.12 million visitors annually.Now, this number is expected to exceed 4 million.

Visit now, before the trails get crowded and experience Busan from an entirely new angle.

🌊 A New Side of Busan

Busan has always been known for beaches. But the city’s identity reaches far beyond the shoreline.

From the ocean to the mountaintops, Busan is a city of landscapes that continue to surprise even longtime residents. If you’re looking for a place where modern city life meets ancient mountain culture, Geumjeongsan National Park should be at the top of your list.

Final Thoughts

Geumjeongsan’s designation as Korea’s first urban national park is more than a title — it’s a promise to preserve the city’s cultural heart and natural heritage for generations to come.

Whether you’re here for hiking, history, photography, meditation, or simply a fresh perspective of Busan, Geumjeongsan offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Korea.

Explore Busan deeper — with Busan Social.