Songdo Marine Cable Car

Songdo opened in 1913 as the first public beach in Korea and had a cable car from the 1960s that was dismantled in 1988. The current line, branded Busan Air Cruise, opened in 2017: 1.62 kilometres from the eastern end of the beach out across the bay to Amnam park on the headland, with towers rising about eighty-six metres and cabins passing directly over open water. Crystal cabins with transparent floors cost more. At the Amnam end are cliff walks, a skywalk over the rocks and a cafe terrace; at the beach end there is a small park and the beachfront itself. Songdo also has a separate sea-level attraction, the Cloud Trails skywalk running out over the water from the sand. The line is best at sunset, when the light is behind the headland. It closes in high wind, which is common on this stretch of coast.

What you actually see

• The sea crossing - 1.62 km directly above open water.
• The crystal cabins - transparent floors, higher fare.
• Amnam park - cliff walks and a skywalk at the far end.
• Songdo beach - the country's oldest public beach below.

When to go

April to June and September to November, at sunset. Weekends and summer evenings queue. Closed in high wind.

Honest expectations

Ticketed, and the crystal cabins add cost and waiting. The ride itself is short. Songdo is less polished than Haeundae, which some prefer.

Nearby

Jagalchi market, Nampo and Gamcheon culture village are close.