Springtime in Busan: Where Muslim Travellers Can Soak in Nature’s Best

Known for its breathtaking coastal views, lush parks, and Instagram-worthy cherry blossoms, Busan is a dream destination for nature lovers, especially during spring. And for Muslim travellers looking to explore the serene, scenic side of South Korea’s vibrant port city, Busan offers plenty of peaceful, halal-friendly experiences close to nature. I recently had the chance to visit, and trust me, every spot was more stunning in real life than any photo could capture.

If you’re craving fresh air, soul-soothing views, and a quiet escape from the city buzz, here are the best spots in Busan to include in your springtime adventure!

1. Dalmaji Road

Dalmaji Road, one of the Eight Scenic Views of Busan, is known for its stunning vistas of the blue sea, camellia blooms, and pine forest. During our visit in peak spring, we witnessed the 8 km stretch transform into a cherry blossom paradise. Strolling down the hill lined with delicate pink blooms while taking in the ocean breeze made for an unforgettable experience. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities here, so make sure to get that IG-worthy shot for your feed!

Midway along Dalmaji Road, you’ll find Haewolijeong Pavilion, the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the views. Be sure to visit during the first full moon of the lunar year, as this is the best time to catch the moonrise!

The road is also lined with numerous restaurants and cafes. I’d recommend Soban (소반), a cosy and homely restaurant serving authentic Korean food. While it’s not a Halal-certified eatery, it offers Muslim-friendly options like grilled mackerel and vegetable soup, which are both flavourful and free from pork or alcohol-based ingredients. The grilled mackerel here is exceptionally delicious, and the veggie soup hits the spot after a chilly spring day.

And the best part? You can enjoy the gorgeous views of cherry blossoms swaying in the wind outside the restaurant to look at while you eat.

HalalZilla Tip: Make sure to set aside ample time in your itinerary for Dalmaji Road. Between the scenic walk, cosy cafes, and unexpected photo spots around every bend, it’s easy to lose track of time here (in the best way possible!).

2. Haeundae Beach Train

Although the Sky Capsules are a popular choice, we opted for the vintage-looking Beach Train at Haeundae Blueline Park. It turned out to be a charming way to enjoy the scenic coastal views of East Busan while keeping things budget-friendly.

The Beach Train runs a round-trip route from Haeundae Mipo through Cheongsapo to Songjeong, offering beautiful coastal scenery along the way.

You can hop off at any stop and board again later, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Two notable stops along the route feature observation decks that let you walk over the sea.

HalalZilla Tip: Each stop also has rest areas, and while there aren’t official prayer rooms, some quiet corners are suitable for a short break or prayer, especially during off-peak hours.

Our first stop was the Haewol Skywalk. Situated at the boundary between Busan’s east and south coasts, it’s considered one of the best spots to witness both sunrise and moonrise in one place. The walkway features glass panels underfoot, giving the surreal feeling of walking over the ocean.

The next stop was the Cheongsapo Daritol Skywalk, a newly completed attraction with a fully glass-panelled floor as well. If you didn’t get enough of that sea-walking thrill at Haewol Skywalk, this one’s sure to deliver even more fun.

3. Busan X The Sky

For a panoramic view of the coastline and cherry blossoms from above, Busan X The Sky, located on the 98th to 100th floors of the Landmark LCT Tower, is a must-visit.

It’s the highest observatory in Korea, and on clear days, you can spot the sea, city, and mountain ranges all in one breathtaking view.

The elevator ride takes just 56 seconds to ascend, but during that time, you’ll be entertained by the cool visuals and sound effects playing on the screens, making you feel like you're lifting off in a hot air balloon.

If you’re a cheeky daredevil like me, walk across the Shocking Bridge, where you can look down directly to Haeundae Beach and see the waves below through the glass floor, all the way up from the 100th floor.

On your way back down, you’ll ride a different elevator, complete with visuals that take you deep into the ocean, where you’ll encounter all kinds of sea creatures. It looked cool, but I’ll admit, I was still a little terrified by the large animated shark that pretended to eat me!

HalalZilla Tip: Busan Mosque is the city’s main mosque and a meaningful stop for Muslim travellers if your itinerary allows. It is about an hour from the observation deck by subway and offers a serene space for prayer.

4. Taejongdae Recreational Park

If you’re craving a proper day out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Taejongdae Recreational Park is the perfect place for it. This rocky cliffside park is home to lush woods, dramatic ocean views and peaceful walking trails.

If you’re lazy like me, I’d recommend hopping on the adorable Danubi Train to go around the park, or you can hike up to the iconic lighthouse for sweeping coastal views. Since this spot is one of the top tourist attractions in Busan, try to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds and long lines for the train.

The first stop on the train route is at the Taejongdae Observation Deck. This three-storey observation deck overlooks the South Sea, where you can see the Tea Kettle Island and Japan’s Tsushima Island in the distance.

Upstairs, you'll find a cosy cafe where you can relax and escape the chilly winds. The views are just as magnificent, and it’s so much cosier than the first level!

The next stop is the magnificent Yeongdo Lighthouse, which was set up to guide ships entering and leaving the port of Busan. Fun fact: the light has never been extinguished since it was first lit in 1906! There’s also a cool art installation nearby that looks like it was built right into the cliffs of Taejongdae Park.

Even though there isn’t a dedicated prayer spot here, there are several prayer-friendly spots where you can enjoy a quiet moment of reflection and admire Allah’s creations. Subhannallah.

5. Hwangnyeongsan Observatory

Image credit (L): Visit Busan

This observatory is located on the Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, right in the heart of Busan, spanning across four districts. If you had one wish to see all of the cherry blossoms in Busan, this is the perfect place for it!

As you drive up the mountain, you’ll spot cherry blossoms lining the roads. Once you reach the top, there’s still a 10-minute climb to the summit, though with my short legs, it felt like hours!

At the summit, you’ll find a fire beacon signal station, where fires were once lit to warn residents of approaching danger, like the invasion of the Japanese army during the Joseon period.

From the top, we were treated to magnificent hues of pink and green of the cherry blossoms and trees around the city.

It was truly a remarkable view.

This trip truly highlighted just how much Busan has to offer for Muslim travellers. From its breathtaking coastal views to serene spots that immerse you in nature, the city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. Springtime in Busan is nothing short of magical, and if you’re ever planning on visiting, make sure to time it for the cherry blossom season. I was fortunate enough to visit in the first week of April, arriving just in time to enjoy the gorgeous blooms and escape the chilly winter temperatures. Until next time, Busan!

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Special thanks to Busan Tourism Organization for inviting me on such a memorable trip in Busan!