May 17, 2014: Dadaepo Beach Camping

Technically, Dadaepo Beach (다대포해수욕장) is in Busan, but it’s quite a trip from the bustling parts of town and nowhere near a subway station. It’s about a 15,000₩ taxi ride from the Kyungsung University (경성대학교) subway or you could take the bus (from Busan Station take bus 2 or 98, from Nampo-dong take bus 11, from Sinpyeong Station or Goejeong Station take bus 2, 11, 96, or 98). I recommend traveling with friends and sharing a taxi. It’s a long ride.

Depending on the weather, you can play in the water from early June to late August. Free entry and there are bathrooms (including showers) nearby. Some 24-hour convenience stores and hotels (walk up the main road that heads north from the east side of the beach) are within walking distance. Our friends opted for beach camping, which is allowed. We also had a fire, which I believe is not allowed.

Also, from March or April to early November, you can check out the Dadaepo Fountains (also known as The Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams - 다대포 꿈의 낙조분수). Apparently the first in Busan, it’s a choreographed show of lights, water, and music. It plays four times during the day, and once in the evening (twice on Saturday, Sunday and national holidays), but no shows on Mondays. Be wary of the seats that are too close to the fountains —you can get wet.