A ride along the sea in Busan
Busan has a way of revealing itself slowly. The sound of waves brushing against the shore and the scent of salt in the air amongst the high-rise buildings combine to create a unique rhythm found nowhere else in South Korea. One of the best ways to experience this is aboard the Haeundae beach train and the sky capsule, both part of the Haeundae Tourism Special Zone in Busan. Running along the old Donghae Nambu railway line, the Haeundae Beach Train connects some of Busan’s most beautiful seaside neighbourhoods as well as offering uninterrupted views of the East Sea. The sky capsule lifts you into the sky, where the views continue, offering a postcard worthy view of the softer side of the city.
Our journey along the Haeundae Blueline Park, Busan
Our journey began aboard the beach train, its carriages moving at an unhurried pace that encouraged us to look outward. On one side, the sea stretches endlessly, glistening in the sunlight and on the other, the city rises slowly, softened by green hills. The train glides past small beaches, viewpoints, and walking paths, making it easy to hop off and explore whenever something caught our eye. It’s slow travel at its best—deliberately calming. Each station has its own character. Some open directly onto coastal walking paths, while others lead up towards cafes perched above the water. The beach train ends at Cheongsapo, a former fishing village that still retains its old-school feel. Seafood restaurants line the streets, their main view overlooking the lighthouse that sits at the centre of the harbour. We linger here a while, sipping on takeaway coffee as we mooch around the harbour, enjoying the view of fishing boats bobbing atop the water. From here, our experience turns playful as we board the candy-coloured sky capsule. Suspended above the tracks in small private pods, the capsules roll gently along the coastline, offering an uninterrupted view of the sea below. As the capsule glides toward Songjeong, the scenery softens into wide beaches and rolling surf. From above, we watch the surfers as they look like dots dancing on the water, and the pace of life seems to slow even further. The ride ends near Songjeong Beach, where we jumped off to walk along the sand, before stopping at a cafe to watch the sky capsules glide across the sky. Both the beach train and the sky capsule offer tourists the perfect, slow-paced experience to appreciate the magic of Busan.
Practical Tips for Visiting Haeundae Blueline Park
Book ahead if possible: Sky Capsule tickets are timed and often sell out, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. Booking online in advance saves time and disappointment.
Best starting point: Many visitors start at Mipo Station (near Haeundae Beach) and travel toward Cheongsapo or Songjeong, but the route works well in the opposite direction and you are more likely to get tickets if you choose this route
Beach Train flexibility: Beach Train tickets allow you to hop on and off at different stations, making it easy to explore viewpoints, cafes, and coastal walks along the way.
Sky Capsule timing: The Sky Capsule requires a specific time slot and boards from a separate entrance at the station—arrive at least 10–15 minutes early.
Best time of day: Late afternoon offers beautiful light for photos, while early morning is quieter and more relaxed.
Weather matters: Clear days offer the best views. Windy or rainy weather can reduce visibility, especially from the Sky Capsule.
Book your tickets here.
