Igidae Coastal Walk Guide + Best Starting Point

During my 3rd trip to Busan, I hiked the Igidae Coastal Walk trail and it was a top highlight from my visit.

The views of the sea throughout the hike were worth it.

I had to keep stopping to take in and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking Igidae Coastal Walk trail, including how to get there, what to expect, and general tips for this trail.

New to South Korea? Read my essential South Korea travel tips.

Table of Contents

Basic Information

Name: Igidae Coastal Walk 이기대 해안산책로

Length of hike: 4.7 km one way / 2.9 miles

Hike duration: 1-1.5 hour one way

Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate (lots of flat paths + stairs)

Entrance: Free / No reservations required

Hours: Open 24 hours, but best to walk during the day

Two Starting points: Oryukdo Skywalk Entrance (south end) or Yongho Starlight Park (north end)

Recommended Starting Point

A scenic view of the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, featuring a wooden staircase with brown railings and yellow-striped steps leading down towards a coastal path. The turquoise ocean stretches to the horizon, with rocky islets and cliffs in the background. A small cluster of white buildings is nestled along the shore under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

There are two starting points that you can take for the Igidae Coastal Walk:

Oryukdo Skywalk Entrance (south end) or
Yongho Starlight Park (north end)

I was already visiting the Oryukdo Skywalk, so #1 is the starting point I took AND after doing the hike, I suggest you do the same.

Route #1 has less stairs you have to climb up (so, if you take route #2 you’ll walk up a lot of the stairs vs down).

There can be quite a bit of stairs, so it adds up!

What to Expect on the Hike

A wooden staircase with dark railings descends along the rocky coastline of the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea. The stairs lead to a scenic boardwalk that hugs the rugged shore, offering breathtaking views of the deep blue sea and distant hills covered in lush greenery. The sky is dotted with scattered clouds, and waves crash against the jagged rocks below, creating a serene yet dramatic coastal landscape.

A 10-minute leisurely walk from Oryukdo Skywalk to the start of trail.
A toilet near the start of the entrance, but none throughout.
A mix of flat paths and long staircases.
Some narrow paths where one has to give way to any group of hikers.
A few observatory resting decks throughout the hike.
Strong mobile signal throughout the trail.

2025 Trail Update

I hiked it again in November 2025. There’s current construction on a part of the walking path towards the middle of the hike.

You have to take a quick detour through a paved dirt road.

The hike is still worth it. You’ll still get coastal trail views — you just have to be careful going over the dirt paved path that may not be kid-friendly.

Clifftop trail overlooking a blue sea is blocked by red and white caution tape and orange cones around a wooden railing. A sign with a cartoon face reads 출입금지 meaning no entry as foliage and rocky shoreline frame the scene.

Best Time to Hike Igidae Coastal Walk

A narrow dirt trail along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, winding along the edge of a lush, green hillside. A rustic wooden fence runs parallel to the path, providing a barrier between the trail and the steep drop toward the ocean below. The deep blue sea stretches to the horizon under a bright sky with scattered clouds, creating a serene and picturesque hiking route.

I hiked in late November, so it was a bit cold but still bearable.

If you’re visiting in peak summer, make sure to bring water with you and light-weight clothing.

If you are visiting after it just rained, be extra mindful of your steps.

Best time to hike Igidae Coastal Walk:

Morning time or afternoon while the sun is not too strong.
The trail may get a little crowded around lunch time, especially weekends.
Go on a weekday if you can.

Preparing for the Hike

Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Wear comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and a hat.
Bring water and wear sunscreen.
Charge electronic devices and consider bringing a portable charger.
Listen to your body and take breaks as needed!

How to get to the Igidae Coastal Walk

Buses $24 and #131 stop at a 4-minute walk from Oryukdo Skywalk.
The closest subway station is a 1.5 hour walk away. You’ll need to take a short bus from the nearest station.

Entrance to Igidae Coastal Walk

A scenic coastal view from the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, overlooking the Oryukdo Skywalk and surrounding ocean. A person wearing a backpack is walking down a wooden staircase with brown railings, leading towards a path below. The image includes labeled annotations pointing out the "Oryukdo Skywalk," "Restrooms," and "go up these stairs," providing directions for visitors. In the background, high-rise buildings, a small pond, and the coastline stretch under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

If starting at Oryukdo Skywalk (which I recommend), follow these directions:

1. From Oryukdo Skywalk head to these stairs going towards Oryukdo Sunrise Park.

2. Walk up the stairs.

3. Once there, you’ll see a dirt path that indicates the start of the hike for this entrance.

There’s really only one main trail after this point, so it’s easy to stay on track.

A shaded dirt trail along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, surrounded by lush green foliage and tall trees. A rustic wooden fence runs alongside the path, with a blue directional sign in Korean indicating distances to nearby points of interest: 3.9 km to a hiking route and 0.4 km to a coastal observation deck. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere.

Views During Igidae Coastal Walk

A rugged coastline along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, where waves crash against dark, jagged rocks. A forested hillside covered in lush green trees rises above the shoreline, with a wooden walkway winding along the cliffside. The churning blue waters contrast with the rocky terrain, creating a dramatic and picturesque seaside landscape.

A steep wooden staircase with brown railings leads down towards the ocean along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea. The steps descend toward a small viewing platform where a person is standing near a yellow warning sign. The deep blue sea stretches to the horizon, with waves gently rippling under an overcast sky, framed by green foliage and a pine tree branch in the foreground.

Sites Towards End of Igidae Coastal Walk

Here’s some attractions to expect towards the end of the hike.

Igidae Rest Area

A coastal rest area along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, featuring tiered concrete seating overlooking the ocean. A person sits on the steps, enjoying the view of the deep blue sea, with the modern skyline of Haeundae and the iconic Gwangan Bridge visible in the distance. The scene is framed by lush green pine trees, a gravel path, and a wooden fence leading toward the rocky shoreline under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

Small Suspension Bridges

A suspension bridge along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, stretching over rocky cliffs with the ocean below. The bridge's sturdy metal frame and cable supports contrast against the natural surroundings, with a modern glass building visible in the background. The blue waters and distant view of Gwangan Bridge add to the dramatic coastal scenery under a clear sky.

Photo Zones and Statues

A heart-themed metal sculpture at a scenic viewpoint along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea. The white circular frame, adorned with heart shapes, features Korean text that reads "남구가 드리는 한아름 동생말 전망대," which translates to "Nam-gu’s Loving Dongsaengmal Observatory." In the background, the deep blue ocean stretches towards the skyline of Haeundae, with the iconic Gwangan Bridge and towering skyscrapers set against a backdrop of lush mountains under a bright sky.

Views of Gwangan Bridge

A stunning view of Gwangan Bridge in Busan, South Korea, stretching across the deep blue waters with the modern skyline of Haeundae in the background. The bridge's white suspension towers contrast against the backdrop of lush green mountains and scattered clouds in the golden light of late afternoon. The ocean's textured waves add depth to the scene, creating a picturesque blend of urban and natural beauty.

Yongho Starlight Park

Directions Back to the City

Depending on where you’re heading to next, you’ll likely take two short bus rides.
The closest bus stop is an 8-minute walk from Yongho Starlight Park.
The closest subway stations are Namcheon Station and Kyungsung University station, which are both around a 30-minute walk from Yongho Starlight Park.
You can also take an Uber in Busan or Kakao T taxi (fastest and relatively cheap – I regret not taking one though I enjoy bus rides in Korea).

My Hiking Experience

A winding wooden staircase along the Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan, South Korea, surrounded by dense green foliage and tall trees. The perspective is from a hiker’s point of view, looking down at their black shoes as they prepare to descend the steep steps. The staircase features brown railings and anti-slip strips on each step, blending into the natural forested environment.

I consider myself moderately in shape and hiking the Igidae Coastal Walk was a nice workout.

Though some of the stairs kicked my butt!

Still, the views from the cliffs and being surrounded by the sea were absolutely worth it.

I would do this again!

Have a fun and safe time exploring the Igidae Coastal Walk. 🏞️