The park's name, Yongdusan, literally translates to 'Dragon Head Mountain' due to the hill's shape, which is said to resemble a dragon climbing from the sea.
The park was historically known as Shinto-san during the Japanese colonial period, housing a shrine that was removed after Korea's liberation.
The Busan Tower within the park was modeled after the Dabotap Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju.
The park contains the Citizens' Bell, which is struck during the annual New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony.
The floral clock located in the park is one of the few functional outdoor floral clocks remaining in South Korea.
Yongdusan Park is a prominent hilltop green space in central Busan, dominated by the 120-meter-tall Busan Tower. The park serves as a historical landmark, housing a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and a monument to the 1950s Korean War refugees. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of the Busan Port and the surrounding urban landscape. The grounds feature a floral clock, a bell pavilion, and several memorial monuments. It is accessible via an outdoor escalator system that connects the lower city streets to the park plateau. The area is a hub for cultural events and public gatherings in the Jung-gu district.
The plaza in front of the Busan Tower offering an unobstructed view of the tower against the cityscape.
Use the outdoor escalator system from the main street to save energy on the steep climb to the park plateau.
Visit the park's observation deck at dusk to witness the transition from daylight to the city's night illumination.
Combine your visit with the nearby Gukje Market for a full afternoon of exploring the local Jung-gu district.
Do not mistake the base of the hill for the park entrance; ensure you find the main escalator entry point to avoid an unnecessary steep hike.
