Hayden Cineer | Restaurant Guide | K-Travel Mate

Among the four gatehouses of Geumjeongsanseong, the East Gate is the largest and offers excellent views. It is located at the 415m-high pass on the main ridge of Geumjeongsan, and is the most easily accessible gate for locals, making it the foremost gateway of Geumjeongsanseong. According to the Geumjeongsanseong construction monument, earthwork began in late autumn of 1807 and the East Gate was completed within a month. The East Gate is a single-story, gable-and-hip roofed gatehouse with three bays at the front and two bays on the sides, built in the style of a rainbow arch gate (虹霓式門). Regarding its origin, when Administrator Jeong Hyeondeok of Dongnae was working on rebuilding the East and West gates, he found two stonemasons who were master and apprentice. The master was assigned the East Gate and the apprentice the West Gate. The master, greedy and ambitious, wanted to build grandly, but the technically superior apprentice completed the West Gate first with refined beauty. People disliked the jealous master and praised the apprentice's skill. After completing the East and West gates, the two then cooperated on the construction of Yeongnamru in Miryang.

This brewery makes Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli, a representative traditional liquor of Busan, crafted by Korea's first recognized food master in the makgeolli field. It is made using the climate and clean water at the 400m elevation foothills of Geumjeong Mountain and a 500-year-old traditional foot-pressed nuruk (fermentation starter) made by the brewery. Its origins date back to the Joseon Dynasty, and it follows traditional brewing methods, being the only makgeolli designated as a local folk liquor nationwide. The makgeolli is sold both online and offline, with discounts offered for purchases made on-site. Groups of five or more who make reservations can tour the brewery and participate in hands-on experiences such as nuruk treading, brewing makgeolli, and filtering makgeolli.

Hwamyung Arboretum, located at the foothills of Geumjeongsan, is Busan's first public arboretum, dedicated to the conservation, propagation, and exhibition of tree genetic resources to preserve the local ecosystem. It offers diverse and attractive natural scenery and opportunities to observe biodiversity with seasonal changes. Various experiential programs are operated to establish correct values regarding forests. The site includes nine themed gardens, a forest exhibition hall, exhibition greenhouse, forest rest area, and facilities such as restrooms and parking.

Located in Geumseong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, a famous area of Busan, Sanseong Village offers fresh air and pristine natural surroundings. It features Busan’s local specialty, 'Black Goat Bulgogi,' and the regionally renowned traditional liquor, Busan’s first folk wine 'Sanseong Makgeolli,' attracting many visitors continuously. Unlike other regions, Geumjeongsanseong Black Goat Bulgogi uses a direct grilling method where marinated meat is cooked immediately on a charcoal grill, preserving its distinctive savory flavor. Currently, there are about 80 restaurants offering black goat bulgogi, duck bulgogi, and duck baeksuk, popular among hikers, company dinners, social gatherings, and family outings from various areas.

Gukcheongsa is an ancient temple founded by Uisang Daesa during the Silla period. It was restored and named Gukcheongsa alongside the construction of Geumjeongsanseong in the 29th year of King Sukjong of Joseon and has remained through a reconstruction in the 26th year of King Sunjo. According to the Gukcheongsaji records, it enshrined the spirits of hundreds, including Dongnae magistrate Song Sang-hyeon, Busanjin commander Jeong Bal, Dadaepo commander Yun Heung-shin, and monk generals Manhong, Jeongan, Seonggwan, and Gwanchal, indicating it was likely used as a base for righteous armies during the Imjin War. In 1703, with the reconstruction of Geumjeongsanseong, Gukcheongsa and Haewolsa temples were built. Gukcheongsa has undergone several renovations recently: the Samsunggak was built in 1978, a three-story stone pagoda was erected in the pond’s center by monks Changbong and Hyeseong in 1982, the Daewoongjeon was constructed in 1992, the monk lodgings in 1998, and the Iljumun gate in 2010. Gukcheongsa preserved a metal seal of the Geumjeongsanseong monk general from the Joseon era, showing it was a central site for the righteous army. Both Gukcheongsa and Haewolsa served as patriotic temples defending the mountain fortress; Gukcheongsa was likely the command post of the righteous army guarding the fortress with the presence of the monk general commander.

Geumjeongsanseong Fortress is built along the ridges and valleys on the top of Geumjeongsan Mountain. It was constructed as a refuge and resistance fortress by the Dongnae residents who suffered severe damage during the Imjin War. It is the largest mountain fortress in Korea. In 1707, Han Baeha, the Dongnae magistrate, built an inner fortress dividing it into northern and southern sections due to its wide area, and supplemented facilities such as watchtowers and armories. In 1806, Dongnae magistrate Oh Hanwon repaired the fortress, built a new east gate, constructed gatehouses at the west, south, and north gates, and stationed defense troops. There is a fortress village within Geumjeongsanseong where Sanseong Makgeolli, a traditional Korean folk rice wine, is produced. The village also has many restaurants and cafes, making it a good tourist spot for visitors to rest. To reach Geumjeongsanseong, visitors can use private cars or public buses.