Busan

Walking Along the Lakebed from 80 Million Years Ago: Busan’s Songdo Peninsula

Songdo Peninsula is a coastal geological attraction in the Busan National Geopark, extending from Songdo Beach to Amnam Park. Along a single route, visitors can observe sedimentary layers deposited in the Dadaepo Basin at the end of the Cretaceous, volcanic rocks, and traces of dinosaur egg-nest fossils. However, the Songdo Coastal Trail is currently marked as closed due to falling rocks, so check which sections are accessible before setting out.

By the KOTourLive Editorial Team Updated: Aug 7, 2026 15 min 1,003

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‘A Record of a Lake’ from 80 Million Years Ago Created by the Dadaepo Basin

Songdo Peninsula is a long, narrow peninsula stretching from Amnam-dong in Seo-gu, Busan, between Songdo Beach and Gamcheon Port, with Amnam Park at its tip. Busan Geopark describes this area as a geological site where visitors can observe the Lower Dadaepo Formation from the late Cretaceous, approximately 80 million years ago, as well as subsequent crustal deformation.

At that time, movement along the Dongnae Fault and Yangsan Fault caused the crust to spread apart, forming the bowl-shaped Dadaepo Basin, where the Dadaepo Formation was deposited. The Lower Dadaepo Formation alternates between red mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, conglomerate, and marl, while the Upper Dadaepo Formation consists mainly of tuffaceous sedimentary rock containing abundant volcanic material.

부산국가지질공원 송도반도 전경입니다. — A panoramic view of Songdo Peninsula in Busan National Geopark. — Photo source: busan.go.kr

Why Dinosaur Eggs, Ripple Marks, and Dikes Can Be Read Along One Coast

The key to exploring Songdo Peninsula is that the coastal cliffs themselves form cross-sections of the geological record. Official information lists dinosaur skeletons and dinosaur egg nest fossils, calcareous paleosols, dikes and veins, faults, ripple marks, and reduction spots as features observable in this area.

Ripple marks are traces left on the surface of sediment by waves, while calcareous paleosols provide clues for interpreting the terrestrial environment and climate of the time. The Upper Dadaepo Formation is also noted for bedding, cross-bedding, cut-and-fill structures, and pyroclastic-flow rocks. Therefore, rather than viewing the area simply as a seaside walk, it is best to compare the rock names and sedimentary structures on the local information boards with what you see in the field.

부산국가지질공원 송도반도의 해안 지질 경관입니다. — The coastal geological landscape of Songdo Peninsula in Busan National Geopark. — Photo source: busan.go.kr

송도반도 해안의 지층과 바다 경관입니다. — Strata and seascape along the coast of Songdo Peninsula. — Photo source: busan.go.kr

Why ‘Songdo’ Was Named After the Pine Trees of Turtle Island

Songdo, meaning ‘Pine Island,’ was the name once used for what is now Turtle Island, named because pine trees grew naturally on the island. According to Busan Geopark records, in July 1913, during the period of Japanese colonial rule, Japanese residents established the Songdo Amusement Company and installed a rest area called ‘Sujeong’ on Turtle Island, substantially changing the island’s original form.

Songdo Beach is promoted as Korea’s first beach, opened in 1913. Thus, Songdo Peninsula is not merely a place to view Cretaceous strata; it is a coast where early modern beach development overlaps with the formation of today’s seaside tourist destination. Official information explains that from the Songdo Beach viewpoint, the sandy beach, Namhang Bridge, Yeongdo, and ships moored in Busan Port can all be seen within a single field of view.

송도반도에서 바라본 송도해수욕장 주변 경관입니다. — The landscape around Songdo Beach viewed from Songdo Peninsula. — Photo source: busan.go.kr

Distinguish the 0.8 km Songdo Beach Trail from Closure Notices First

The Songdo Coastal Walking Trail, which connects Songdo Beach and Amnam Park, is introduced in official tourism information as 0.8 km long and taking an average of 20 minutes. Three observatories, a suspension bridge, and fishing spots below the trail are mentioned, but the latest Busan Geopark information states that the Songdo Coastal Walking Trail has been closed due to falling rocks and is scheduled for renovation.

By contrast, the Songdo Peninsula trail itself is listed as available for exploration year-round. Plan to start at Songdo Beach or Amnam Park, but do not assume that the entire coastal walking trail can be traversed; always check the on-site control signs and Busan Geopark notices first. Avoiding access at night is recommended for safety.

Starting from Exit 7 of Jagalchi Station by Bus 7

Public transportation is easiest to plan around Jagalchi Station on Busan Metro Line 1. From Exit 7 of Jagalchi Station, walk to the Nampodong bus stop in the direction of Jungang-dong, then take Bus 7 to Songdo Beach. Busan City also recommends taking buses 9, 9-1, 30, or 71 from the bus stop near Exit 1 of Nampo Station.

Buses 7, 26, 30, 71, and 96 stop at the Songdo Beach bus stops (02-138 and 02-139). Set the destination on your car navigation system to ‘Songdo Beach’ or ‘Amnam Park’; the address near the breakwater at Amnam Park is given as 620-4 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan. Since the availability and fees of public parking lots may vary by season, check them just before departure.

An Outdoor Geological Site with Free Admission; Check the Schedule for Guided Tours

As an outdoor geological site, Songdo Peninsula has no admission fee for general exploration, and no separate regular opening or closing hours or scheduled closing days have been announced. However, some coastal routes may change depending on falling-rock controls and weather conditions. For safety, avoid planning to travel at night simply because the site has no operating hours.

Busan National Geopark has operated the Songdo Peninsula course of the ‘Earth Time Travel with a Geopark Interpreter’ program. The meeting point is the entrance to the Songdo Coastal Walking Trail at the Busan National Geopark Information Center, and inquiries can be directed to the Environmental Policy Division of Busan Metropolitan City at 051-888-3638 or 051-888-3636. The program does not have a fixed year-round schedule, so check the recruitment notices on Busan City’s integrated reservation page before deciding whether to book.

Combine It with Amnam Park, but Check On-Site Conditions for Wheelchair Access

Amnam Park at the end of Songdo Peninsula is introduced as a coastal park where sedimentary rocks formed approximately 100 million years ago remain alongside forest. It is also noted for approximately 100 species of wildflowers and more than 370 species of plants. Starting from Songdo Beach, it is natural to view the beach scenery and geological sites first, then continue toward Amnam Park as far as access permits.

Excluding controlled sections, allow 40–60 minutes to observe the area around Songdo Beach alone, or at least 1 hour 30 minutes if including accessible sections toward Amnam Park. Slopes, stairs, and controlled sections may occur along the coastal trail, so continuous passage for wheelchairs and strollers cannot be guaranteed. The regular availability of foreign-language information and barrier-free facilities has also not been officially confirmed; if mobility assistance is needed, contacting the relevant office in advance is the safest option.

송도반도와 두도의 부산국가지질공원 인증을 알리는 사진입니다. — A photo highlighting the Busan National Geopark certification of Songdo Peninsula and Dudo. — Photo source: bsseogu.go.kr

Before You Go

Address: Near Songdo Beach, Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan
Admission: Free
Phone: 051-888-3638, 051-888-3636
Official site: https://www.busan.go.kr/geopark/songdo
Transport: From Exit 7 of Jagalchi Station on Busan Metro Line 1, walk to the Nampodong bus stop and take Bus 7, then get off at Songdo Beach. Buses 7, 26, 30, 71, and 96 stop at the Songdo Beach bus stops.
Parking: Nearby public parking lots, including the off-street public parking lot at Amnam Park, are available. Check fees and operating conditions before departure.
Time needed: 40–60 minutes to observe the area around Songdo Beach; at least 1 hour 30 minutes if including exploration toward Amnam Park
Accessibility: Because of slopes, stairs, and falling-rock control sections along the coastal trail, on-site confirmation is required to determine whether wheelchairs and strollers can move continuously. Regular availability of foreign-language information has not been confirmed.