Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Busan, Korea, South
1. Geumjeongsan National Park
A pristine mountainous park offering hiking trails with diverse wildlife, including the Korean ginseng, red pine trees, and black bears.
- Hiking Trails: Offers various difficulty levels for different experience levels
- Wildlife Sightings: High chance of spotting black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species
- Natural Beauty: Features scenic views of the Busan cityscape from higher elevations
2. Gwangalli Wildlife Conservation Center
An urban wildlife sanctuary with a focus on sea turtles, dolphins, and coastal birds, offering educational programs for visitors.
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: Provides care and rehabilitation for injured sea turtles before their release
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, exhibits, and presentations on marine conservation
- Coastal Wildlife: Home to a variety of coastal birds, dolphins, and other marine life
3. Songdo Global University Wild Bird Sanctuary
A peaceful sanctuary housing over 250 bird species with a boardwalk system providing easy viewing opportunities.
- Bird Watching: Ideal for bird watching enthusiasts due to the diverse bird population
- Boardwalk System: Easily accessible and comfortable walking paths throughout the sanctuary
- Environmental Education: Provides educational programs on bird conservation and local ecosystems
4. Samsandong National Reserve
A natural reserve protecting the habitat of the endangered Masked Palm Civet and other local wildlife.
- Masked Palm Civet: Rare opportunity to observe this elusive, critically-endangered species
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic trails through subtropical forests and coastal areas
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Provides guided tours, bird watching, and other eco-friendly activities
5. Yangyang Coastal Wildlife Refuge
A coastal refuge protecting migratory birds, seals, and the endangered Steller's Sea Eagle.
- Migratory Birds: Attracts a variety of migratory bird species during specific seasons
- Marine Life: Offers chances to see seals, dolphins, and other marine life
- Endangered Species: Provides crucial protection for the critically-endangered Steller's Sea Eagle
6. Taean National Park (Busan Branch)
A coastal park with a diverse ecosystem, home to dolphins, seals, and a variety of bird species.
- Coastal Wildlife: Features various marine and avian wildlife
- Dolphin Watching: Offers organized dolphin watching tours during specific seasons
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic coastal hiking trails for visitors
7. Gadeokdo Wildlife Sanctuary
An island sanctuary focusing on the protection and rehabilitation of injured sea turtles.
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: Provides care and rehabilitation for injured sea turtles before their release
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, exhibits, and presentations on marine conservation
- Island Exploration: Allows for exploration of the beautiful island surroundings
8. Uljongdo Wildlife Sanctuary
An island sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of the endangered Green Sea Turtles.
- Green Sea Turtle Protection: Offers a chance to observe these critically-endangered sea turtles
- Educational Programs: Provides workshops, exhibits, and presentations on marine conservation
- Island Exploration: Allows for exploration of the beautiful island surroundings
9. Hallasan National Park (Jeju Island Branch)
A volcanic national park with diverse wildlife, offering hiking trails, crater lakes, and unique plant species.
- Volcanic Landscape: Features a unique volcanic landscape with crater lakes and lava tubes
- Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails of different difficulty levels
- Wildlife Sightings: Features a diverse ecosystem with various wildlife species, including the endemic Jeju Stag
10. Seogwipo Mangrove Forest Eco Park
A coastal eco-park focusing on the preservation of mangrove forests and their diverse wildlife.
- Mangrove Forests: Protects one of the largest mangrove forests in Korea
- Wildlife Sightings: Features various bird and marine wildlife, such as crabs, mudskippers, and monitor lizards
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Provides eco-friendly activities like kayaking and guided tours
11. Jeju Wildlife Observatory
An observatory focusing on the protection and observation of endemic bird species in Jeju Island.
- Endemic Bird Species: Provides opportunities to observe various endemic bird species unique to Jeju Island
- Bird Watching: Offers guided bird watching tours for a better chance of sightings
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Provides eco-friendly activities like nature walks and photography workshops
12. Jeju National Park (Seogwipo Branch)
A coastal national park with diverse ecosystems, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and unique plant species.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Features various ecosystems, including subtropical forests, coastal areas, and volcanic landscapes
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking trails through diverse landscapes
- Wildlife Sightings: Features a variety of wildlife species, including the endemic Jeju Stag and various bird species
13. Jangsudong Mangrove Forest
A coastal mangrove forest offering kayak tours, wildlife sightings, and educational programs.
- Kayak Tours: Offers guided kayak tours for exploring the mangrove forest
- Wildlife Sightings: Features various bird and marine wildlife, such as crabs, mudskippers, and monitor lizards
- Educational Programs: Provides workshops, exhibits, and presentations on mangrove conservation and local ecosystems
14. Chejuhaen National Park (Jeju Island Branch)
A coastal national park featuring cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including the endemic Jeju Stag.
- Cliffs and Waterfalls: Features scenic coastal cliffs and waterfalls
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking trails through diverse landscapes
- Wildlife Sightings: Features a variety of wildlife species, including the endemic Jeju Stag and various bird species
15. Seongeup Folk Village and Mangrove Forest
A traditional village turned wildlife sanctuary, featuring a mangrove forest, birdwatching, and educational programs.
- Traditional Village: Provides a glimpse into Jeju's unique cultural heritage
- Mangrove Forest: Protects one of the largest mangrove forests in Korea
- Wildlife Sightings: Features various bird and marine wildlife, such as crabs, mudskippers, and monitor lizards