Geumjeongsan National Park

Overview

Geumjeongsan is the "Guardian Mountain" of Busan, reaching 801.5m at its highest peak, Godangbong. Designated as South Korea’s 24th National Park in late 2025, it is the country's first "Urban National Park," where pristine nature coexists with a metropolitan city. It is a biodiversity hotspot with 1,782 wildlife species and 127 cultural assets, the highest number of cultural resources among all national parks in Korea.

History

The name "Geumjeong" (Golden Well) stems from a legend that a golden fish descended from heaven to play in a well on the mountain ridge that never dries. It has served as a strategic defense point since the Three Kingdoms period. The present-day fortress was heavily reconstructed in 1703 (King Sukjong) after the Japanese invasions. After 20 years of civic effort, it was upgraded from a provincial park to a National Park to ensure sustainable conservation.

Things to see

• **Geumjeongsanseong Fortress**: The largest mountain fortress in Korea, stretching over 18.8km with four grand gates (East, West, South, North) and watchtowers along the ridges.

• **Beomeosa Temple**: One of Korea's most important temples, founded in 678 AD. It is famous for its serene atmosphere and the "Daeungjeon" main hall (National Treasure).

• **Godangbong Peak**: The summit offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Busan, the Nakdonggang River, and even the East Sea on clear days.

• **Geumsaem (Golden Well)**: A natural rock hole on top of a cliff near the summit that, as legend says, stays filled with golden-hued water year-round.

Things to do

• **Geumjeongsanseong Trail Trekking**: Hike along the fortress walls. The course from the East Gate to the North Gate is considered the most scenic route.

• **Geumgang Park Cable Car**: A convenient way to ascend the mountain, providing a bird's-eye view of Oncheonjang and downtown Busan.

• **Sanseong Village Delicacies**: Visit the village inside the fortress for its famous charcoal-grilled goat meat and "Sanseong Makgeolli," Korea's first folk liquor.

• **Temple Stay at Beomeosa**: Experience traditional monastic life and meditation in the heart of the national park.