If you want to see Busan in all its glory, Hwangnyeongsan Mountain (황령산) is one of the best spots to go. From the top, you get panoramic views of the city that stretch from the coastline to the mountains, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Busan.
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| views after the sun had just set |
Here's a quick guide to visiting this spot.
How to Get to Hwangnyeongsan
There are a few ways to reach Hwangnyeongsan. Public transport is possible using a combination of subway and buses, but keep in mind that you’ll still have to walk or trek about 30 to 40 minutes uphill. Locals usually just drive, while tourists often take taxis straight to the observatory, but that can get expensive.
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| a blurred me with the city lights in the background |
I opted for a middle ground: taking the subway to City Hall Station, then booking an Uber from there. The ride cost me less than KRW6,000, or around PHP 260, which was much cheaper than taking a taxi all the way from my accommodation. The driver dropped me off at the parking lot and from there, it was only about a 10-minute hike to the Hwangnyeongsan Observatory, which is a far easier than trekking the full 40 minutes.
On the way back, I decided to trek down instead. It took about 30 minutes to reach the nearest bus stop, and even though it was already dark, it felt completely safe even as a female solo traveler. In fact, I passed by plenty of people still hiking their way up, which made the atmosphere feel lively and secure.
What to Expect at Hwangnyeongsan
The views from Hwangnyeongsan are incredible. Since I arrived before sunset, I got to see the city in three completely different moods: bright and clear in the late afternoon, golden and glowing as the sun dipped, and finally sparkling with lights once night fell. Each view was breathtaking in its own way.
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| before sunset |
At the observatory, you’ll find wide viewing platforms that make it easy to admire the city from above. From this angle, you can see Nampo, Songdo, and the southern parts of Busan stretching out toward the coastline. It’s a different perspective compared to other viewpoints in the city, and it really gives you a sense of Busan’s size and layout.
When night finally settled, the city lights created a glittering sea of colors against the dark mountains and ocean. It felt calm yet alive, and it’s the kind of view that makes the short trek completely worth it. Whether you come during the day or at night, Hwangnyeongsan is one of those places that captures the essence of Busan from above.
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| the city lights of Busan |
There’s also a cafe situated between the parking lot and the observatory, making it a comfortable spot to take a break. The cafe serves pastries along with the usual coffee and tea, and it stays open until 2am, which makes it convenient if you plan to linger and enjoy the night views.
Visiting Hwangnyeongsan was one of the highlights of my Busan trip. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but the views from the top were worth it. If you have time in your itinerary, I highly recommend coming here before sunset so you can experience the city in daylight, golden hour, and at night – all from one spot.
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