Haeundae Arboretum: From the Seokdae Landfill to a 62.8-ha Forest

How the Seokdae landfill became a forest in May 2021 after operating from 1987 to 1993

Haeundae Arboretum is a space that revitalized the former Seokdae landfill in the area around 77 Seokdae-dong, Haeundae-gu. The site was used as a landfill for approximately six years, from June 1987 to May 1993. After receiving a suitable assessment in the Korea Forest Service feasibility review in May 2009, Busan has been pursuing the arboretum development project from 2010 through 2029.

The total project area is 628,275㎡, and the plan includes 30 themed gardens, ecological ponds, cultural facilities, and sports facilities. The first-stage Healing Forest, developed first, was completed between 2011 and 2017 across approximately 414,000㎡. It was temporarily opened in May 2021 with 20 themed gardens and a 655-space parking lot.

Differences among the Rose Garden, Moon Garden, and Ecological Wetland Garden created by 667 species and 377,536 plants

According to the official management figures, the arboretum contains 180,420 woody plants of 574 species and 197,116 herbaceous plants of 93 species, for a total of 667 species and 377,536 plants. The visitor areas are divided into the Japanese Cedar Garden, Dead Tree and Climbing Plant Garden, Ecological Wetland Garden, Autumn Garden, Warm-Temperate Forest Garden, Moon Garden, Topiary Garden, Rose Garden, Herb Trail, and Spring Flower Garden. Rather than viewing just one type of garden and turning back, it is better to walk along the connected circular route.

In terms of planting composition, the Rose Garden contains 145 species, including roses and flowering quince; the Moon Garden has 82 species, including gardenia and weigela; the Forest of Life has 127 species, including deutzia and azaleas; and the Spring Flower Garden has 93 species, including king cherry trees and magnolias. The Fragrance Garden contains 28 species, including gardenia and sweet osmanthus, while the Herb Trail contains 25 species, including lavender and Russian sage. The peak flowering period may therefore vary each year depending on the weather.

Visitor hours: 09:00–18:00 from March to October, closing at 17:00 from November to February

The main arboretum is open from 09:00 to 18:00 from March through October, with last admission at 17:30. From November through February, it is open from 09:00 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:30—one hour shorter. The regular closing day is Tuesday; when Tuesday is a public holiday, it closes on the next weekday. It is also closed on January 1 and on the days of Seollal and Chuseok.

Admission and parking are both free. The main inquiry number is 051-888-7131. It is advisable to check the Haeundae Arboretum information page of the Busan Metropolitan City Green City Development Office before setting out for operating changes and seasonal programs. Maintenance work may take place throughout the year, so some routes or activities may change.

Practical access from Exit 1 or 2 of Line 4’s Banyeo Agricultural and Fishery Market Station using buses 106 and 107

Walking the entire way from the Busan Metro Line 4 Banyeo Agricultural and Fishery Market Station takes approximately 1.5 km, or about 35 minutes. From Exit 1, transfer to bus 106, or from Exit 2, transfer to bus 107, then get off at the Haeundae Arboretum stop to access the arboretum’s interior area.

Buses 106 and 107 stop at Haeundae Arboretum between 08:30 and 18:30 when traveling toward the Seokdae Flower Complex. Buses 36, 73, 115-1, 129-1, 183, 189, and 189-1 require passengers to get off at the Seokdae-dong stop and walk for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, transfer to bus 106 or 107 at the stop toward the Seokdae Flower Complex.

• Car navigation search terms: Haeundae Arboretum or 77 Seokdae-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
• Estimated travel from Busan Station: about 30 minutes via Beonyeong-ro and Seokdae Intersection
• Estimated travel from Buk-gu: about 30 minutes via Manduk 2 Tunnel and Banyeo Agricultural and Fishery Market

A 2–3-hour route planned around the 655-space free parking lot and five restrooms

The parking lot was completed in January 2019 and has 655 spaces across 24,556㎡. Since parking is free, during the spring flower and rose blooming seasons and on weekends, it is more realistic to consider spaces farther from the entrance first rather than waiting for a nearby spot. Allow 2–3 hours for a leisurely walk around the main arboretum, and at least three hours if you want to see the Rose Garden, Small Animal Zoo, and Ecological Wetland Garden.

There are five restrooms: two at the entrance plaza, one to the left of the Family Yard, one to the right of the Oak Garden, and one at the top of the Warm-Temperate Forest Garden. There are 20 thatched-roof shelters in total: one in the Japanese Cedar Garden, four in the Ecological Wetland Garden, three in the Autumn Garden, two in the Rose Garden, two at the Lawn Plaza, and three in the Children's Playground Garden, with additional locations included in the park Information. Even for a short walk, deciding on midway rest points can reduce the need to turn back across the extensive grounds.

Small Animal Zoo and 2026 Wednesday–Sunday programs: sheep release and reptile reservations

The arboretum has a Small Animal Zoo, four ecological ponds, and three waterwheels. From April through November 2026, the “Would You Like to Walk with the Sheep?” program takes place at 11:00 every Wednesday through Sunday. The sheep move from the Small Animal Zoo to the Lawn Plaza, where they are released to roam freely, and usually return to the sheep shelter around 14:00–16:00. The release may be canceled depending on on-site conditions, such as fertilizer or pesticide application.

The Reptile House program “My Friend Rep Star” operates twice daily at 10:00 and 14:00 every Wednesday through Sunday from April through December 2026. Advance reservations are required through the Busan Metropolitan City integrated reservation website. If your main interest is animal viewing or hands-on activities, avoid the Tuesday closing day and check the day’s program notice and remaining reservation slots first.

Why mobility-assistance carts and sports-facility reservations should be distinguished from the main arboretum visit

In the past, electric-cart tours for visitors with walking difficulties operated from the rear gate to the Circular Plaza from Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–17:00. Programs accompanied by a forest interpreter have also operated with a maximum of eight participants per session. However, carts and guided tours are not permanently fixed services and may vary according to notices and program-specific registration. When needed, call 051-888-7131 to ask whether accessibility assistance is available.

The separate sports facilities operate from 07:00 to 22:00 and include a soccer field, futsal court, tennis court, foot volleyball court, badminton court, and basketball court. The soccer field, tennis court, foot volleyball court, and futsal court are paid facilities, while the gateball court, basketball court, and badminton court are free. Facilities requiring reservations can be booked through the Busan Metropolitan City integrated reservation system from 14 days to one day before use. On the day, call 051-888-7156 or inquire on site about available spaces.

May for the Rose Garden; weekday mornings if you want to walk the extensive paths

The Rose Garden is a themed garden with 145 species, including roses and flowering quince, making it suitable for visitors who want a clear destination during the rose-blooming season. A local video covering the rose bloom rate in May 2025 was also released, but the bloom rate varies annually with temperature and precipitation. If you have chosen a date, it is better to cross-check that week’s conditions through Busan Metropolitan City notices or recent videos and reviews.

Even the 41.4-hectare first stage of the arboretum involves long walking distances. It may therefore be demanding for people expecting a short route like a beach walk or those who have difficulty with long walks during hot, unshaded daytime hours. Conversely, travelers who want to walk the expansive Lawn Plaza, Japanese Cedar Garden, Ecological Wetland Garden, and Rose Garden in one visit should prioritize around 09:00, immediately after opening, or a weekday to manage their route more easily.