Saved from landfill threat, Busan's Dadaepo Beach becomes surfing, sunset hotspot

Surfers enjoying the waves at Dadaepo Beach, Busan, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Heung-soo

The sea rarely escaped the fog. The mist swirled low, just above the gentle waves, spreading across the water. The container port across the sea and Gadeokdo Island, the site of a new airport, appeared to be floating without foundations. At Dadaepo Beach on the western edge of Busan, travelers walk through this dreamy mirage.

When thinking of Busan's summer beaches, Haeundae and Gwangalli naturally come to mind. Besides these three urban beaches, including Songdo Beach, Busan boasts seven key beaches, including Imrang, Ilgwang, Songjeong in Gijang and Dadaepo at the western end.

Dadaepo is quite different from the six other beaches known for their clear, blue waters. At low tide, a vast expanse of sand stretches far out to sea. Unlike the western coast, the water doesn't completely recede, and it's not a muddy tidal flat.

The beach allows for endless walks on the lapping waves, with fine sand grains moving between one's toes. Children and adults alike sit down in the wet sand, playing and enjoying the beach. Dadaepo is where the Nakdong River meets the South Sea, forming a vast sandy field.

Travelers at Dadaepo Beach take photos as the sun briefly shines through the thick clouds, Friday. Recently, it has become a popular sunset spot, attracting many young visitors. Korea Times photo by Choi Heung-soo

Popular spot for sunset photography

Once relatively overlooked in Busan, Dadaepo's atmosphere has changed. The proximity of the Dadaepo Beach Station on Subway Line 1 makes it easily accessible, and it's a place where you can see both sunrise and sunset, attracting quite a few travelers.

Especially at dusk, the sea and sky turn red simultaneously, making it a popular spot for sunset photography. The beach, somewhat quiet during the day, becomes bustling in the evening, with young people eager to take pictures.

The shallow sandy beach transitions into a surfer's paradise. Although the waves aren't rough, the long wave periods make it especially popular among beginner surfers.

Next to the beach, the Gouni Ecological Trail has been created, featuring deck trails extending to the sea, where visitors can observe various aquatic plants and animals.

A surfer is seen carrying their surfing board at Dadaepo Beach, where the frequent sea fog creates a dreamy atmosphere. Korea Times photo by Choi Heung-soo

Beach saved from reclamation

Dadaepo Beach, now a treasure of western Busan, was once at risk of disappearing. A monument at the beach's entrance commemorates the cancellation of the Dadaepo reclamation project.

In 1991, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation planned to build a dedicated timber pier at Dadae Port, proposing a "basic plan for public waters reclamation."

However, strong opposition from residents led to the plan's withdrawal in 1996. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries revived the reclamation plan in 2000, including a proposal to build the Dadaepo pier by 2011, which would have included the reclamation of the beach.

This time, environmental groups led a city-wide opposition movement. Intense actions like petition drives, sit-ins at the mayor's office, and protests in Seoul eventually resulted in the plan being canceled in June 2002.

This is considered a significant example of where citizens resisted unilateral government development logic to protect the environment.

The beach that almost vanished was selected as an emerging small-scale tourist destination by the Korea Tourism Organization this year and has become a venue for Busan's prominent festivals. From Friday to Sunday, the Busan Sea Festival was held in the area.

Various food booths and tables were set up on the beach, and pool party performances filled Dadaepo with the romance of summer nights. Some programs were postponed due to inclement weather. Dog-friendly surfing and sunset surfing for beginners are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

The Star Sea Busan Night Music Camcnic, where people can enjoy night camping and concerts in the city, is planned to run every Friday and Saturday from Aug. 9 to 24.

A tourist takes a photo during the Busan Sea Festival. Korea Times photo by Choi Heung-soo

Molundae, where fog sleeps

While Dadaepo Beach is packed with tourists during vacation season, nearby Molundae remains a haven for locals.

Early in the morning, residents with mats in tow quietly disappear into Molundae's forest paths.

This area, extending about 1.5 kilometers out into the sea from the eastern end of the beach, is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest on wide and flat trails.

Molundae, meaning "a place submerged in clouds," is often foggy where the Nakdong River meets the sea, especially after it has rained. The peninsula's head jutting out through the mist creates an enchanting atmosphere.

Known for its scenic beauty, it has been called one of Busan's three scenic spots, along with Taejongdae and Haeundae.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.