The long, long winter started to show its end. Last weekend which was especially warm, I went off for a trip to Taejongdae feeling the spring that has approached suddenly. Taejongdae with a blue sea that spreads endlessly, a rugged cliff that greets the white waves and with a delicious smell of roasted clams. The wide ocean there was greeting the spring with its head and ears.
Taejongdae is the state-designated cultural property beauty spot no.17, and while the King Muyeol of Silla went around the whole country after achieving the unification of the three nations, it is said that he was fascinated by the scenery here and enjoyed shooting arrows here. Being called the Shinsundae because it was said to be a place where the gods lived, the nice paths, the sea and the seashore cliffs of Taejongdae are the best.
Where the magnolia has started to bloom, the love of families, friends and lovers are full at Taejongdae. Walking slowly with an enjoyable one at this warm weather, happiness comes out automatically.
There are various ways to enjoy Taejongdae. There are people who walk hand in hand, and there are those who take a look at the sea route on a cruise ship. There are ones that take a look at the scenery on a train, and the train is the ‘Danubi’ train. Another specialty of Taejongdae which is the Danubi train starts off at the entrance and ‘crisscrosses’ all attractions of Taejongdae such as the Taewon pebble yard, the observatory and the Youngdo lighthouse. The price is 1,500won for adults, 1,000won for youths and 600won for children, and there is also a discount for families, so you can enjoy it with a cheap price. It runs until 7 PM in the winter season and 8 PM in the summer season, so there is no need to hurry.
The Taewon pebble yard is located not so far away from the entrance. The stone tower which has filled the cliff all the way loads all the wishes of people. You can enjoy the cruise ship ride, and taste the fresh seafood that the haenyeo(female diver) have caught in person. Above all, the beautiful scenery in front of you makes you forget all worries and concerns. Sitting down looking at the sea, you don’t even know the time passing.
If you keep on walking you arrive at the South Port Viewing Point. If you stand here on a clear day and look at the sea you can see Songdo, Dadaepo and also Geojedo. You can use the telescope prepared there as much as you like even without 500won. The dense forest of pine trees adds the greenery to the Taejongdae.
Let’s go up to the observatory. It takes less than an hour to walk up the observatory from the entrance. The cool sea breeze blowing from every side cools down your sweat and soothes your tired body. At the cafeteria that greets you with a hamburger on its hand, you can enjoy light snack and refreshments looking at the sea. If you satisfy your appetite and go up again the vast sea proves its real worth. The sea, trees and the cliff mingle together to fill your sights making a scenery that the gods might live in. Looking at the magnificent view that holds the history of hundreds, or thousands of years, you can feel the courage and the spirit rising inside of you.
There is a photo exhibition being held at the observatory, with photos that Choi Ji Woo the actress has taken traveling all around Busan personally. The photos are of the representative tourist attractions of Busan such as Haeundae, the aquarium, Nampo-dong and the city tour buses, so it might be good to learn about Busan while watching the photos.
On the way to the Youngdo lighthouse, there are various spectacles prepared such as the lighthouse observatory, the Mangbuseok Shinseon Rock(a legendary faithful wife who died and was turned to stone waiting for her husband), the Taejong Rock and also the hall of fame of marine technicians. The Youngdo lighthouse that has lit the Busan harbor for the last 100 years since 1906 was born again as a cultural space in 2004. There is the artwork gallery ‘see&sea,’ the museum of natural history displaying the dinosaur fossils commemorating this place which is considered as the dinosaur habitat and the dinosaur footmarks of the Cretaceous period, and the lighthouse provides opportunities to appreciated interesting pieces added to the natural beautiful sceneries.
I took the Danubi train from the lighthouse and headed to the platform again. The breeze that comes in through the window of the slow moving Danubi train is refreshing. If you go towards the parking lot from the entrance there is a roasted clam village called the Gamji beach. It is a place that you must not miss if you have visited Taejongdae. It has become the talk of the town after being introduced through the broadcast media several times. 3 people can enjoy plentiful various seafood and roasted clams with only 30,000won here. People who don’t enjoy seafood usually get to enjoy it here, where there is the soft sounds of the waves, warm sunshine, and the kind heart of the people at the stores. This is the Taejongdae roasted clam village.
As the air of spring with magnolias blooming all around, is you want to feel the spring of Busan, Taejongdae will be the best place to enjoy it. If you are tired of the busy daily life and want to enjoy the relaxation and peace, come to Taejongdae. The ‘Healing Camp’ is not faraway.
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