There were two attractions in Busan I missed during my first trip: the Busan Air Cruise and Songdo Sky Park, so this time, I made sure not to skip them. I even managed to squeeze in a quick stop at the Songdo Cloud Trails afterward. Together, these three made for a fun and scenic half-day in Busan.
 |
| view of the cable cars and the city from Songdo Sky Park |
Busan Air Cruise
The Busan Air Cruise is a cable car ride that glides over Songdo Beach, offering panoramic views of the sea and city. I’ll admit, I forgot to book my ticket in advance, which is unusual for me, but when I saw the long line at the counter, I noticed the ticket machine had no queue. A quick tap of my card and I had my roundtrip ticket without the wait.
There are two options: the regular cabin (KRW17,000 roundtrip) and the crystal cabin (KRW22,000 roundtrip), which has transparent floors. I chose the regular one because it was cheaper, and I anticipated that the queue for the crystal would be much longer. I was right – the regular line moved quickly, and soon enough I was on board. Each cabin can seat up to eight people, so unless you’re in a big group, expect to share with other travelers.
 |
| view from the cable car ride |
The ride itself was smooth and relaxing, taking about 15 to 20 minutes across a 1.6 km stretch from Songdo Bay Station to Amnam Park. The views were beautiful, including the sea below, Songdo Beach, the city skyline in the distance, and even a glimpse of bridges linking the city. It’s definitely a unique way to see Busan.
Songdo Sky Park
Once the cable car arrives, you’re dropped off at Songdo Sky Park in Amnam Park. You can also get here by car or take the scenic walking trail along the coast, which many people enjoy for the views. Since it was a hot summer day, I opted for the cable car instead, but either way, the reward is the same – the park’s main highlight is the observatory, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the city from above.
 |
| photo with the Busan Air Cruise signage and ocean views |
There are also plenty of photo spots on the rooftop area, which is where you’ll find the best views of the city and the sea. The café and restaurant inside the building also have seating areas with nice views, making them good options if you want to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
 |
| more photospots at Songdo Sky Park |
The food park is located on the second floor and doesn’t have the same views, but it’s a convenient spot for affordable Korean street food. That’s where I stopped for a quick bite before heading back. There’s also a convenience store inside the building, handy if you just want snacks or drinks on the go.
Songdo Cloud Trails
After taking the cable car back to Songdo Bay Station, I made a detour to check out the Songdo Cloud Trails, also known as Songdo Skywalk. This is a free attraction right along Songdo Beach, and it adds a nice bonus to the whole Air Cruise experience.
 |
| ocean views from the trail |
The trail starts off with paved paths along the coast, making for an easy stroll at the beginning. After a short while, it splits into two routes: one goes into a covered walkway with a rocky floor and informational panels about Songdo, while the other continues as an outdoor rocky path that’s a little uneven but open to the sea breeze. Both paths eventually connect back to the main built skywalk, which stretches out over the ocean and includes sections of glass flooring where you can look straight down at the waves.
Out on the trail, you’re treated to wide views of the ocean and coastline. It curves gently over the water and leads to a small turtle-shaped island, which features statues tied to a local legend. Scattered along the way are fun photo spots, including the “turtle egg shell” seat for couples, which has become a popular stop. Walking here after the cable car ride felt refreshing and gave me yet another perspective of Busan’s coastal beauty.
 |
| you can see the cable cars from the trail |
Even though I had to improvise with ticketing, visiting the Busan Air Cruise, Songdo Sky Park, and Songdo Cloud Trails turned out to be one of my favorite experiences in Busan. It combined great views, light activity, and enough comfort to enjoy solo or with company. Next time, I might even try the crystal cabin or stick around for the night tour with the city lights.
0 Comments