Autumn 2024. Ten years after my first trip to Seoul in 2014, I am returning to the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Not solo this time, but with Oriol, who has never been to Korea. On the itinerary: flying with Qatar Airways to Incheon via Doha, the capital Seoul, the historic city of Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island and a second stint in Seoul, where we are joined by Sehyeon. We’re spending two weeks in South Korea. The ROK is such a popular destination now. Will we experience overtourism?  

In Busan there is ‘thing’ – I’m calling it a ‘thing’ for now – where there is a park, a railway with an adjacent walking trail, a beachside train ride and small overhead moving capsules. 

To find out more you can google either of these therms: Haedong Blue Line Park, Sky Capsules, Beach Train and / or Haeundae Green Railway. They refer to the same but also not. 

Haedong Blue Line Park

Haedong Blue Line Park is a scenic coastal railway and leisure area in Busan that repurposes an old railway line into a space for sightseeing and recreational activities along the stunning East Sea coastline. 

Developed to enhance Busan’s tourism appeal, this attraction includes several key features: the Sky Capsules, the Beach Train, and the Green Railway. Each provides visitors with different ways to enjoy the scenic seaside vistas, making the park a popular destination for both local and international travelers.

Sky Capsules

The Sky Capsules are small, pastel-colored, single-cabin cars that run along an elevated track separate from the main railway line. Suspended approximately two to three meters above ground level, the capsules offer panoramic ocean views from a height, allowing passengers to enjoy the sights in a quiet, private setting. 

Each Sky Capsule can accommodate up to four people and moves at a leisurely pace of around 5 kilometers per hour, taking about 30 minutes to travel from Mipo to Cheongsapo, covering a distance of roughly 2 kilometres. 

Designed to provide a relaxed and intimate experience, the Sky Capsules have become particularly popular for couples and families. They allow visitors to take in the landscape, including views of the coastline, beaches, and surrounding green hills, without being disturbed by other passengers or crowding. The popularity of these capsules has made them an iconic attraction in the Haedong Blue Line Park.

Beach Train

The Beach Train runs on the original railway track, stretching for 4.8 kilometres between Mipo and Songjeong Beach, with stops at Cheongsapo and Gudeokpo along the way. 

Designed in a retro style, the Beach Train has large windows to maximize the viewing experience, allowing passengers to see the coastline and various landmarks as it travels at a comfortable speed of around 15 kilometres per hour. 

This open and leisurely ride creates a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of classic train journeys, and is suited for tourists who want a longer and more flexible journey along Busan’s coastline. 

The Beach Train offers the convenience of hop-on-hop-off access at each station, giving passengers the opportunity to explore local attractions at each stop before re-boarding. 

For example, at Cheongsapo, passengers can see the famous lighthouses and a variety of seafood restaurants, while Songjeong Beach is known for its surfing culture and relaxed beach atmosphere. Each station is designed with a distinctive aesthetic, and the train itself is decorated in a retro theme, adding to the vintage ambiance.

Green Railway

The Green Railway is a pedestrian and cycling path that runs parallel to the Haedong Blue Line Park and traces much of the same route as the Beach Train. As a converted railway track, the Green Railway offers walkers and cyclists a safe, scenic path free from vehicle traffic. 

This path stretches from Mipo to Songjeong Beach and is approximately 5 kilometres long, making it a popular route for those who want to experience Busan’s coastal scenery at their own pace. The path is landscaped with greenery and seating areas, providing spots where visitors can stop, rest, and enjoy the view. 

The route features coastal overlooks and access to some of Busan’s smaller, quieter beaches, as well as viewpoints overlooking the East Sea. There are also informational signs along the way that explain the area’s history, including the origins of the original railway line. 

The Green Railway is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and it has become a popular choice for locals seeking outdoor exercise and tourists looking for a relaxing walk by the sea.

A leisure destination

Haedong Blue Line Park has revitalized Busan’s coastline by offering multiple ways for visitors to enjoy the scenic views. Each element of the park—the Sky Capsules, the Beach Train, and the Green Railway—offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and interests. 

Together, they make the park a comprehensive leisure destination that highlights the natural beauty of Busan’s eastern shoreline, blending historic charm with modern conveniences. 

The Sky Capsules offer an exclusive, elevated journey; the Beach Train provides a nostalgic, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing experience; and the Green Railway gives pedestrians and cyclists a tranquil path to explore the coast. 

This combination has transformed the Haedong Blue Line Park into one of Busan’s most popular attractions, providing a multifaceted way to appreciate the area’s scenic and cultural offerings.

Finding all this

It was quite difficult to find a starting point for all this. I’d recommend to look for Songjeong (송정정거장) on side or Mipo (미포정거장) on the other side via Naver or Kakao Map. 

The Sky Capsules start on the Mipo side of the Blue Line Park. 

Book well in advance

Both the Beach Train and the Sky Capsules were fully booked. We could have booked the train, but we would have had to wait too long and we like to use our time efficiently. 

You can book via the park website. But apparently you need a Korean card. Klook is another option. 

A walk

So anyway, we walked the 5 km. Which is a nice thing to do and provides pretty photo opportunities of the train and the capsules.

the trail is easy and accessible. Don’t miss the two skywalks.

Daritdol Skywalk mandates you cover your shoes with slippers. But the glass floor is impressive.

Haewol Skywalk is a bit shorter. 

So?

Haedong Blue Line Park is a proper tourist attraction, attracting people from over the world but also many Koreans. Book in advance if you don’t want to walk the 5 km. 

South Korea 2024

1. QUESTION | Should you be scared of travelling to South Korea?.
2. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – Brussels to Doha.
3. QATAR | Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
4. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Airbus A350 – Doha to Seoul / Incheon.
5. SOUTH KOREA | Landing at Incheon, retrieving the Wowpass and taking the AREX to Seoul Station.
6. REVIEW | Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul near City Hall.
7. SEOUL | Deoksugung Palace by day.
8. SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum.
9. SEOUL | Bukchon Hanok Village – Insadong Culture Street – Jogyesa Temple – Gwangjang Market – Cheonggyecheon Stream.
10. SEOUL 2024 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
11. SHOPPING IN SEOUL | Myeongdong – Lotte Young Plaza – Avenuel – Lotte Department Store.
12. SEOUL | Namsan Mountain Park and N Seoul Tower.
13. SOUTH KOREA | Seoul Station.
14. REVIEW | Korail KTX Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan.
15. GYEONGJU | Daereungwong – Cheonmachong – Cheomseongdae Observatory – Banwolseong Fortress – Anapji Pond – Woljeonggyo Bridge – Gyo-dong.
16. REVIEW | Hotel Palace in Gyeongju.
17. GYEONGJU | Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
18. GYEONGJU | Woljeonggyo Bridge – Gyeongju National Museum – Eupseong Fortress – Shopping.
19. REVIEW | Korail KTX Gyeongju to Busan 1st class.
20. BUSAN | Gamcheon Culture Village.
21. BUSAN | Jagalchi Fish Market.
22. REVIEW | Commodore Hotel Busan.
23. KOREA | Haedong Yonggung Temple in Busan.