The park was originally an island known as Dongbaekseom ('Camellia Island') before being joined to the mainland by natural sedimentation.
The Nurimaru APEC House, located within the park, was built specifically for the 2005 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
The name 'Dongbaek' is the Korean word for camellia, which serves as the official flower of Busan.
The site contains a memorial monument for Choi Chi-won, a prominent Silla Dynasty philosopher who is said to have visited the area to enjoy the coastal scenery.
A portion of the coastal trail is built on elevated wooden decks to protect the unique rocky ecosystem and shoreline vegetation.
Dongbaek Park is a coastal nature reserve located on the southern tip of the Haeundae peninsula in Busan. The park features a well-maintained wooden boardwalk that follows the rugged coastline, connecting Haeundae Beach to the Nurimaru APEC House. It is named after the native camellia trees, which bloom extensively throughout the area during the winter and early spring. The park's terrain consists of a small island that was historically separated from the mainland but became connected via sedimentation. Visitors can view the Gwangan Bridge and the Busan skyline from various lookout points along the circuit path. The park incorporates several monuments, including a statue and poem stone dedicated to the scholar Choi Chi-won. It serves as a natural transition point between the urban beach district and the rocky southern sea cliffs.
The observation deck near the Nurimaru APEC House, offering a direct view of the Gwangan Bridge and the lighthouse.
Walk the coastal circuit path in a counter-clockwise direction starting from Haeundae Beach to save the best skyline views for the final stretch.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path features several staircases and uneven rocky sections.
Bring a light windbreaker even in mild weather, as the coastal location is often subject to strong sea breezes.
Do not attempt to climb the fenced-off rocky cliffs outside the designated trails for safety reasons.
Stick to designated wooden boardwalks and paved paths to preserve local coastal flora; dispose of all trash in provided bins.
