Once a separate city, Dongnae-gu now forms part of Busan’s urban sprawl. It’s famed as the home of pro-gamer Park Soo-ho, who goes by the locally-inspired name of “DongRaeGu”. Museums and cultural attractions cluster in Geumgang Park while the Dongnae Market offers a traditional Korean shopping experience.
Things to do in Dongnae-gu
One of Dongnae-gu’s most popular attractions is the Busan Marine Natural Historic Museum, which was established in 1994 to showcase the diverse marine environments. You can learn about Korean shellfish, polar birds and tropical corals in the 777-square-metre exhibition hall, then get up close to an immense jumbo squid. The Busan Marine Natural History Museum also hosts children’s education programs that include hands-on learning activities.
Sprawling across the north of Dongnae-gu is Geumgang Park, which encompasses hiking trails, craggy cliffs and the Geumgang Botanical Garden. Wander between its greenhouses and duck-filled ponds, then learn about traditional Korean dance at the Busan Folk Art Center. Geumgang Park is nestled at the foot of Geumjeong Mountain, with a cable car linking to its 802-metre-high summit, from where you can hike to the 18th-century Geumjeongsanseong Fortress.
Once you’ve built up an appetite, head to the Dongnae Market, which has been attracting diners and shoppers for the last 250 years. You can feast on steaming bowls of noodles, green onion pancakes and spicy “tteokbokki” (rice cakes) before shopping for herbal medicines, locally inspired souvenirs or the latest fashion accessories.
Getting around Dongnae-gu
Dongnae-gu is around 35 minutes by train from Busan railway station and 45 minutes from Gimhae International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Subway stations are dotted throughout the district and buses connect to most of Dongnae-gu’s attractions.