Experiencing the Heaundae Beach Train in Busan (2023)
If you're planning a trip to Busan, South Korea, you won't want to miss a an experience with the Haeundae Beach Train, which is also known as the Haeundae Blueline. In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know about this train, including its route, schedule, and some tips for riding it.
About the Haeundae Beach Train or Haeundae Blueline
The Haeundae Beach Train is a monorail system that connects Songjeong Beach to Haeundae Beach in Busan. It opened in July 2019 and has since become a popular mode of transportation for tourists and locals alike. The train runs on an elevated track, offering riders a great view of the city and the coastline.
The path (or park) to the Mipo station is also an instagrammable place.
The train starts at Mipo Station which is just a walking distance from the northern tip of Haeundae Beach (for reference, the northern tip is where the three very tall buildings are located). From the road, you would have to walk about 250 meters to reach the train station where you can buy your ticket and wait for your ride. There are actually several stops along the scenic route, but it is best to start from Mipo Station. You can buy a one way or a round trip ticket.
The train operates from 9 AM to 10 PM, with trains departing every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. You can purchase tickets at the stations.
There is also an option to ride instead the Haeundae Sky Capsule where up to only four people can fit into one cabin. This can be a better option if you’re okay with the price difference. You can read my blog post HERE.
Some important notes when doing the Haeundae beach train activity
One thing to note is that the Haeundae Beach Train can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, it's best to ride it during the early morning or late afternoon. When the crowds are really in huge numbers, be prepared to get a scheduled ride where you have to wait it our for several hours.
Here’s also a tip - there are three “levels” inside the train. The first line faces the panoramic window and gives you an unimpeded view of the scenery. And of course, the ride will be most comfortable . The second line will give you the view of the scenery, as well as the back of the heads of those sitting in the first line, And the last line would be for the unfortunate ones who have to stand up by the wall of the train and witnessing not only the scenery, but also of the folks sitting on the first and second lines. What you should do is take note of the flow of the passengers. There is a waiting line for the next batch of passengers. Try your best to be waiting at the front and ahead of everybody else. So that when you are ushered to the loading platform, you have the first dibs to get the prime seats.
If you're planning to visit Haeundae Beach, this is a great option for transportation. Not only is it convenient and affordable, but it also offers a unique perspective of Busan's stunning coastline. And if you’re planning to fully enjoy the site, I would suggest you get only a one way ticket, and explore the coffee shops and the skywalk during your leisurely walk back to after experiencing the Haeundae Beach Train. You can read my blog post on the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory HERE.
