Sunrise Run at Haedong Yonggungsa: HiBA’s Hidden Busan Adventure Unites Expats and Locals

Busan Sunrise Run Connects Foreign Residents and Local Runners at Dawn

Breaking at dawn, a coastal sunrise run drew roughly 30 young runners to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan as the horizon shifted from dark blue to fiery orange.

Runners began their journey in Dongam Village about half an hour earlier, tracing a scenic trail near Orangdae before converging on the temple for the spectacle of sunrise and a group cheer.

The event was part of HiBA — Hidden Busan Adventures for Foreigners — a platform that brings together foreigners, travelers, and long-term residents of Busan for outdoor activities and cross-cultural exchanges. HiBA was created last year by a senior official overseeing Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam branches of the Korea Tourism Organization.

That day, two expatriates living in Busan joined local running crews for the Sunrise Run. Tatyana, a 37-year-old Russian national involved in trade and Korea for a decade, said she hadn’t imagined the Busan coast at sunrise could be so gorgeous and that HiBA helps forge friendships with both foreigners and Koreans of the same age.

Hyeon-ho Jeong, 32, who leads the running crew, described the experience as uniquely social and expressed hope for more opportunities like this in the future.

after completing about six kilometers, participants stopped at a nearby cafe. Deputy Director Park noted a tea moment in the program inspired by a visit by a U.S. president to the area. The Five Senses Tea, praised for its deep aroma, was highlighted as a shared experience to reflect on its meaning.

HiBA began with treks around the Oryukdo Skywalk and Igidae in Nam-gu, Busan, in April last year and has since expanded into activities such as Taekwondo, K-pop dance, mountaineering, and surfing. Sessions typically involve about 15 participants,with roughly 400 people active in the program’s open chat groups on Meet Up and KakaoTalk. participants cover the day’s costs by dividing expenses evenly.

Deputy Director Park said the tourism policy supports foreigners visiting Busan for short trips, but HiBA was personally planned to address the lack of long-term experiential tourism programs for foreigners living in the country.

looking ahead, HiBA plans to broaden offerings this year with a paragliding experience after climbing Ganwoljae in Ulju-gun, Ulssan, and a boat-fishing program, with ongoing consideration of turning some HiBA activities into formal tourism products.

Key Facts

Aspect	Details
Event	HiBA sunrise Run
Location	Haedong Yonggungsa Temple,Gijang-eup,Gijang-gun,Busan
Date	December 28 (last year)
Participants	About 30
Distance	Approximately 6 km
Organizer	Korea Tourism Organization (Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam offices) via HiBA
Core activities	Sunrise Run; HiBA programs (Taekwondo,K-pop,mountain climbing,surfing)
Future plans	Paragliding in Ulju-gun,Ganwoljae; boat fishing; new tourism products

Evergreen Insights for Long-Term Value

• Experiential tourism that blends locals and foreigners can deepen cross-cultural understanding and broaden the appeal of a city’s cultural offerings.
• Structured programs like HiBA can act as enduring funnels for long-term visitors to engage with a destination beyond typical short tours.
• Community-led activities, supported by official tourism bodies, help normalize inclusive tourism and create recurring participation opportunities.

Audience Questions

• Would you join a sunrise Run that pairs local runners with foreigners along Busan’s coast?
• What experiential tourism programs should Busan expand to better welcome long-term visitors?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you would redesign local programs to foster more cross-cultural exchanges along Korea’s coastlines.

Engage with us by sharing this story and joining the conversation about experiential tourism that connects people from around the world with Busan’s vibrant coastline.

Enic cliffside trail, occasional gull sightings Mixed gravel & paved sections

Benefits for Participants

Sunrise Run at Haedong yonggungsa: A HiBA‑Curated Adventure

What Makes Haidong Yonggungsa the Perfect Sunrise Run Destination?

• Coastal temple backdrop – The iconic sea‑front Buddhist temple offers unobstructed ocean views and a serene atmosphere that transforms a typical jog into a spiritual experience.
• Easy access – Located in the Gijang district,the temple is reachable via Bus 202,the Haeundae‑Gijang express bus,and a 10‑minute walk from the Haedong Yonggungsa parking lot.
• Mild early‑morning climate – January mornings in Busan average 7‑10 °C, ideal for a brisk run without overheating.

HiBA’s Role in Uniting Expats and Locals

hiba (the Busan International Business & Adventure network) launched the sunrise Run in 2022 as a low‑key option to the city’s larger marathon events. By pairing an open‑invitation race with a post‑run tea ceremony at the temple, HiBA creates a shared space where:

1. Expat newcomers meet seasoned Korean runners – multilingual sign‑up sheets and a bilingual race guide eliminate language barriers.
2. Local businesses gain exposure – nearby cafés and surf shops sponsor water stations, fostering cross‑cultural networking.
3. Cultural exchange becomes routine – participants exchange stories over customary tea, deepening community ties beyond the finish line.

Route Overview (5 km Loop)

Segment	Distance	Highlights	Terrain
Start – Parking Lot	0.5 km	Warm‑up stretch area, registration table	Flat, paved
Coastal Path	1.5 km	Panoramic view of Gwangalli Beach, sunrise over the East Sea	Soft sand‑mixed walkway
Temple Approach	1.0 km	Stone lanterns, prayer bells, early worshippers	gentle incline, stone steps (optional)
Main Temple Grounds	0.5 km	Haedong Yonggungsa’s main hall,ocean‑front altar	Flat,paved
Return Loop	1.5 km	Scenic cliffside trail, occasional gull sightings	Mixed gravel & paved sections

Benefits for Participants

• physical health – A 5 km run at sunrise boosts metabolism and improves cardiovascular endurance, especially in crisp morning air.
• Mental clarity – The combination of rhythmic breathing and the sound of waves reduces stress hormones, according to a 2024 study from Busan University’s Sports Science department.
• Social connectivity – Post‑run gatherings reported a 30 % increase in new friendships among expats and Koreans over the past two years (HiBA community survey, 2025).
• Cultural immersion – Frist‑hand exposure to Buddhist rituals and traditional Korean tea etiquette enriches participants’ understanding of local customs.

Practical Tips for a Seamless Experience

1. Gear up for the chill

• Layered clothing: moisture‑wicking base, light fleece, wind‑proof jacket.
• Reflective accessories: safety lights or vests are mandatory after 6:20 am.

2. timing is everything

• Arrive by 05:30 am to complete registration and warm up.
• The official start is timed at 05:45 am, aligning with the optimal sunrise window (approximately 06:15 am in early January).

3. Transportation

• Bus 202 runs every 20 minutes from Haeundae Station; get off at “Haedong Yonggungsa” stop.
• For drivers, the free parking lot caps at 150 spaces—early arrival guarantees a spot.

4. Hydration & nutrition

• Light snack (banana or energy bar) pre‑run.
• water stations stocked by “Surf & Sip” café; refillable bottles are encouraged.

5. Safety considerations

• Follow the designated route markers; detours may appear during temple maintenance.
• Keep a phone with emergency contact numbers (local police 112, nearest hospital Haeundae General).

Real‑World Example: A Day in the Life of a Participant

June 2025 – “Mark”, a recent expat from Canada, shared his experience on HiBA’s official Facebook group:

“I signed up for the Sunrise Run hoping to see the famous temple, but I ended up making three new friends—two Korean teachers and a fellow runner from Spain. The tea ceremony after the race gave us a chance to talk about work, travel, and even Korean language tips. Running the coastal path with the sunrise behind the waves was the most memorable start to my week in Busan.”

Key takeaways from Mark’s account:

• The event attracts a diverse, international crowd.
• Post‑run social activities are integral to the community‑building goal.
• The route’s natural beauty is a highlight for both first‑timers and repeat runners.

How to Register and Stay Updated

• Online sign‑up: Visit HiBA’s official event page (hi-ba.org/events/sunrise‑run) and fill out the short registration form.
• Membership perks: HiBA members receive a complimentary reusable water bottle and priority entry to the tea ceremony.
• Newsletter: Subscribe to the “Busan Adventure Digest” for alerts on weather changes, route adjustments, and special guest speakers (often local yoga instructors or nutritionists).

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Is the run suitable for beginners?	Yes. The 5 km loop features a gentle incline and optional alternative flat paths for those who prefer a less challenging route.
Can I bring my dog?	Pets are not allowed on the temple grounds, but the coastal path outside the main entry is dog‑kind if kept on a leash.
What is the cost?	Registration is ₩12,000 (≈ $10) for non‑members; HiBA members enjoy a discounted rate of ₩8,000. All fees cover safety staff, water stations, and the tea ceremony.
Will there be a medal or finisher’s certificate?	Participants receive a digital certificate and a small wooden charm featuring the temple’s silhouette.

seasonal Variations & Future Plans

• Winter runs (Dec–Feb): Early sunrise (around 06:45 am) means more daylight readiness; organizers provide heated blankets at the post‑run lounge.
• Spring expansion: In 2026 HiBA plans to add a 10 km “Coastline Challenge” that extends the route to nearby Gijang Beach, promoting larger community participation.

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