The Galmaetgil trails span across Busan, about half of them wind along the extensive coastline, giving them the name “Seagull Path” in Hangeul. They explore all the best that this wonderful city of ours has to offer, the whole shebang covers around 270km, so where to start? Here’s your super awesome and helpful guide to help you out in this tricky conundrum.

Course Two: The most popular course among the locals, and the most ‘famous’ according to Busanites.

The shortest course end to end.

Course Two Part One: Very easy and familiar walk from Dalmaji Hill to Gwangalli beach, with some great views of the bridge and a lovely walk around Dongbaek Island. Not strenuous.

Course Two Part Two: A more strenuous walk from Gwangalli to Oryukdo, but some amazing views out over the whole coast from Haeundae to Gwangalli, definitely worth a try if you’re feeling energetic. 5km of this
walk is all up and down the stairway built into the cliff-face though, not for the first-timer. Take your own snacks, shops are hard to come by.

Course Three: The second favorite among the locals. This one is a mixed bag of city and mountain walking.

Course Three Part One: Oryukdo to Dayeon UN Memorial Park and Cemetery. A wonderful start, walking from Oryukdo to Sinseondae gives great views of the islands (five or six of them) and the part around Sinseondae Observatory shows amazing views of the Naval Base and the harbour where you can watch the transporter ships load and unload in the dock. After that it’s all road walking to Dayeon. Easy flat walk, but no natural beauty really.

Course Three Part Two: A super awesome walk that takes you through parts of the city you might otherwise miss. From Busanjin Market to Busan station, the first part is a proper rural city walk taking you past local markets, and then winding up through local houses onto Eomgwangsan, where you can look out over the whole city, and at the same time enjoy the fresh mountain air. Perfect mix of Busan’s best assets.