Dong-gu is one of 16 cities, counties and districts in Busan. It has 12 neighborhoods (12 dong) and 82,988 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Choryang 3-dong with 13,058.
12neighborhoods
82,988residents
Landmark stamp: Choryang Ibagu-gil
Winding up steep hillsides in Dong-gu, this historic storytelling route features vintage residential alleys, a hillside monorail, and sweeping port views.
What to see
Riding the monorail up the steep 168 Stairs provides a panoramic overlook of traditional rooftops and busy Busan Port.
Legends & stories
Winding hillside passages preserve the touching heritage and personal stories of war refugees who built homes upon steep slopes.
Food nearby
Travelers often stop for pan-fried dumplings near the station or enjoy savory marinated pork sets along the local street.
Food, festivals and stories of Dong-gu
Local food
Dong-gu is celebrated for savory dumplings in Choryang Chinatown and tender marinated pork ribs along the Choryang alley.
Local story
The steep 168 Stairs and Choryang Ibagu-gil preserve heartwarming historical memories of refugees who settled on these hillsides.
Did you know?
As the main railway gateway to Busan, Busan Station welcomes travelers arriving on high-speed trains from across South Korea.
Neighborhoods of Dong-gu (12)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Choryang 1-dong초량1동dong · 4,764 residents
Name: The area earned its name from Chinese characters meaning grass and passage, reflecting a historically overgrown path.
Photo spot: You can take vibrant souvenir photos along Shanghai Street, which is lined with striking red gates and exotic cultural murals.
Food: Traditional Chinese eateries tucked away in the lively alleys serve freshly fried dumplings with deliciously crispy skins.
Food: The local pork rib alley draws visitors who crave tender ribs marinated in a savory and subtly sweet sauce.
Story: The rib alley originated during the Korean War when exhausted dockworkers gathered here to share affordable meat and drinks.
Fun fact: Visitors can browse through various fresh seasonal ingredients at Choryang Traditional Market, where friendly longtime vendors welcome shoppers daily.
Fun fact: Busan Station Plaza, serving as a gateway to the Eurasian railway network, regularly hosts lively cultural exhibitions and community gatherings.
Photo spot: The outdoor deck of Busan Eurasia Platform illuminates beautifully at night, providing a fantastic viewpoint for urban night photography.
Photo spot: The Cultural Empathy Center Sujeong, featuring preserved Japanese wooden architecture and lush tranquil gardens, offers a charming setting for photography.
Food: Visitors strolling through Sujeong Traditional Market can savor freshly steamed rice cakes and traditional street snacks from friendly stallholders.
Story: Heartwarming stories survive of postwar refugees who supported each other while constructing stone terrace walls along the steep mountain ridge.
Photo spot: Standing atop the steep stairway alleys reveals an inspiring vista of Busan Port framed by tightly clustered neighborhood rooftops.
Story: The Jeonggongdan altar commemorates General Jeong Bal and his loyal soldiers who bravely sacrificed their lives defending the town during the Imjin War.
Photo spot: The historic brick building of Busanjin Ilsin Girls' School showcases early modern Western-style architecture surrounded by tranquil historical grounds.
Fun fact: The Jwacheon Cave, an air-raid shelter from the colonial period, has been revitalized into an intriguing cool refuge for exploring visitors.
Name: The district derived its name using the Chinese character for tiger, inspired by ancient streams where tigers supposedly roamed.
Story: Traces of fortress ramparts built during the Imjin War remain here, reminding modern visitors of turbulent wartime struggles.
Photo spot: Climbing to Jinnamdai pavilion atop Busanjinseong Park provides a wonderful backdrop blending historical greenery with modern city skyscrapers.
Fun fact: The area houses Busanjin Market, widely celebrated across the nation for its extensive collection of traditional hanbok fabrics and wedding supplies.
Photo spot: The bustling Gold Theme Street, filled with hundreds of sparkling jewelry shops, offers a dazzling urban atmosphere perfect for street photography.
Story: The historic marketplace traces its vibrant trading legacy back to the five-day Joseon markets that served regional merchants for generations.
Story: Postwar refugees divided former colonial horse stables on reclaimed land into tiny homes, creating an enduring community with labyrinthine alleys.
Photo spot: Maechukji Village preserves nostalgic retro alleys and weathered slate roofs that have served as scenic backdrops for acclaimed cinema productions.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.