By tram or hiking up to Busan’s At Taejongdae Cliffs, the southern most point of Korea’s coastal and second largest city, Busan, located on\u00a0Yeongdo (\uc601\ub3c4\uad6c) island, nestles up to a natural park and opens to the serenity of the open sea. \u00a0There the observatory and lighthouse on the edge of the dense, evergreen forest combines the modernity of Korea’s active shipping routes and growing tourism market with the classic tales of Korea’s unified kingdoms around the\u00a0peak of the peninsula’s\u00a0past.<\/p>\n
The cliffs are named after\u00a0King Taejong Muyeol (\ud0dc\uc885 \ubb34\uc5f4\uc655), who many scholars credit with leading a unification between Korea’s Three Kingdoms (\uc0bc\uad6d\uc2dc\ub300)–Baekje \ubc31\uc81c, Silla \uc2e0\ub77c, Goryeo \uace0\uad6c\ub824–in the 7th century. \u00a0He is said to have practiced archery there, which is the inspiration behind the coastal monument of an arrow pointing to towards the sea.<\/p>\n
Visiting Taejongdae is one of the must-dos in Busan<\/a>\u00a0\ubd80\uc0b0\u00a0if you have a long weekend there. \u00a0Its highest peak is a comfortable 200 meters above the sea and is surrounded by more than 200 types of trees in a dense forest. \u00a0Below the lighthouse, Korean history at the cliffs turns to myth. \u00a0At the rock there, named Sinseon, it is said this was where gods and goddesses came to rest. \u00a0It is also here where the story of\u00a0Mangbuseok takes place. \u00a0In this legend, a woman waits for her husband, who was taken to Japan by invading forces. \u00a0From the observatory on clear days, one can see Japan’s Tsushima Island. \u00a0The cliffs are also the home of the superstitious ritual of praying for rain. \u00a0On the lunar calendar, if it rains on the 10th day of May, it is called Taejong Rain.<\/p>\n Taejongdae also proves Busan and its surrounding coast is more than just beaches<\/a>, even though Taejongdae has a rocky beach for tanning, eating, or very strong swimmers. \u00a0One can hike up to the free observatory–a relatively intense exercise along the road or trails–or take the tram for less than $2 (1,500 won \uc6d0). \u00a0Along the way, on the rocks, are the food tents. \u00a0And this is where it is more of a photo-op and serene getaway from the neon lights and heavy traffic of Korea’s cities. \u00a0This is one of the many places for experiencing Busan’s incredible seafood cuisine<\/a>.<\/p>\n From the tents and seaside plastic dining tables and chairs, there is live octopus (\uc0b0\ub099\uc9c0) and oysters (\ucd08\uac1c)<\/a>. \u00a0For someone who lived in the city for four years, there is no doubt that when I think of a reunion with Busan, I think of an afternoon with Taejongdae, fresh seafood, soju \uc18c\uc8fc and makgeolli \ub9c9\uac78\ub9ac, and finding peace and contemplation on the Taejongdae Cliffs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n