168 Stairs Monorail, Busan - blue and white metal bridge
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168 Stairs Monorail Busan

4.3
·10 reviews·, South Korea

A charming, free monorail ascending a steep hill in Busan, leading to a vibrant mural village and scenic views. A true local gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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168 Stairs Monorail, Busan - blue and white metal bridge

168 Stairs Monorail Busan

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, free monorail ascending a steep hill in Busan, leading to a vibrant mural village and scenic views. A true local gem.

4.3
(10 reviews)

"This free monorail is a charming local amenity offering retro vibes and a peek into Busan's hilly neighborhoods."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Ride Alert! 💰

The monorail is free for everyone, offering a unique way to experience the local neighborhood. Enjoy the ride!

Check Monorail Status ⚠️

The monorail can sometimes be closed for maintenance. It's wise to check its operating status before your visit.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

168 Stairs Monorail Ride

168 Stairs Monorail Ride

Choryang-dong

A charming, free monorail ascending a steep hill, offering retro vibes and city views. A unique local experience.

Mural Village Exploration

Mural Village Exploration

Base of the stairs

Discover colorful murals and hidden art installations in the charming neighborhood below the monorail. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Inguk Trail Challenge

Inguk Trail Challenge

168 Stairs

Test your speed by climbing the 168 stairs in under 2 minutes for a fun challenge and bragging rights. Medals are awarded!

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds and Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and potential crowds. The monorail is a local amenity, so be mindful of residents' needs. Check operating status as it can sometimes be closed for maintenance.Instagram

Embrace the Local Vibe

This isn't a typical tourist attraction but a charming local transport. The monorail is free and operated by friendly locals who might share photo tips. Enjoy the retro neighborhood and mural village below.TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The cutest monorail in Busan, called Somang Stairs, Stairs of Wishes or 소망계단 경사형모노레일 in Korean 🌈🧚‍♀️ It’s meant for residents first, but anyone can use it and its totally free! The kind locals who operate the monorail will be happy to help and they even gave me great tips for photo spots in the mural village below. This is a must see when you visit Busan 😍 #busan #busanmonorail #busantravel #korea...
@iwanderlista
23.3K likes • 328.6K views

Free Ride Alert! 💰

The monorail is free for everyone, offering a unique way to experience the local neighborhood. Enjoy the ride! TikTok

Check Monorail Status ⚠️

The monorail can sometimes be closed for maintenance. It's wise to check its operating status before your visit. Instagram

Passing by a cute monorail in Busan 🚠 📝Actually this monorail is NOT tourist attraction, it was built to help elderly in going up and down since the village located on a steep hill and has many stairs.. But when I went there no one in need to use the monorail, so the ahjussi who operate it was very kind to let me ride this 🤗 📌소망계단 모노레일 부산 서구 동대신동2가 87-302 📌87-302, Dongdaesin-dong 2(i)-ga, Seo-gu,...
@hellousagii
23.2K likes • 393.7K views
We headed over to the iconic 168 Stairs Monorail after riding the Somang Stairs Monorail. This little hillside gem glides slowly up the slope, letting you soak in the retro neighbourhood vibes and glimpse the coastal charm of Busan. 🏘️🌊 The ride is short but full of character — and at the top, you’ll find quiet viewpoints and tucked-away murals waiting to be discovered. Even if you don’t explor...
claraluvclare
0 likes • 673 views

Explore the Murals 🎨

Don't just ride the monorail; wander through the charming mural village at the base for colorful street art.

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.

BUSAN !! 부산 !! . . I really love this monorail in Busan. Using stairs to go up is too tired, you should use this monorail ( CHORYANG 168 Stairs monorail ) . . 📍CHORYANG 168 stairs [ 초량 168 계단 ] 994-213 Choryang-dong Dong-gu Busan #busankorea #koreatravel #busanisgood #michtravelinbusan #168stairs #choryang #monorail #168계단 #부산여행 #부산 #초량 #fyp .
michtravel09
12 likes • 452 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Ride Alert! 💰

The monorail is free for everyone, offering a unique way to experience the local neighborhood. Enjoy the ride! TikTok

Check Monorail Status ⚠️

The monorail can sometimes be closed for maintenance. It's wise to check its operating status before your visit. Instagram

Explore the Murals 🎨

Don't just ride the monorail; wander through the charming mural village at the base for colorful street art.

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.

Challenge Yourself! 💪

Try the 'Inguk Trail' challenge to climb the 168 stairs quickly and earn a medal. It's a fun experience! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the 168 Stairs Monorail for its unique charm, free ride, and the delightful mural village below. It's seen as a genuine local experience offering great photo opportunities and a glimpse into Busan's hilly landscape. Some note its occasional closures and the physical demands of the stairs.

"For those who lack the energy, definitely take the cable car!
The view of Busan from the top is beautiful and well worth it, but it will strain your legs."

J.Y.C

"2021-07-18 168-step monorail

After eating, I rode the monorail right next to the store.
It goes up and down like an elevator,
but it was free, so it was worth riding once.
If I had been a little less hungry, I would have tried climbing the 168 steps quickly,
but next time...
The highest record of the day and the highest record of all time were written above,
but I don't know how the highest record of all time was obtained."

더러운캔디

"Monday, January 1, 2024, 10:20 PM
The cable car seems to be under renovation. 🥲
The cable car seems to be under renovation. 🥲"

Allen Chang (AE)

What People Like

Free monorail ride
Charming mural village
Local atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional closures
Steep stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The 168 Stairs Monorail is located in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan. You can reach it by taking public transport to Busan Station and then walking a short distance. It's often mentioned in itineraries near Jagalchi Market or Gamcheon Culture Village.InstagramReddit

Yes, the 168 Stairs Monorail is conveniently located near Busan Station, making it an accessible spot for travelers arriving by train.Instagram

Most visitors arrive via public transportation to Busan Station and then walk. Taxis are also an option if you prefer direct transport.

Yes, it's close to Jagalchi Market, Gwangbok Fashion Street, and the Busan Tower area, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing activities.Reddit

Absolutely! Taxis are readily available in Busan and can drop you off close to the base of the stairs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The monorail ride itself is completely free! It's a local amenity designed to help residents, but visitors are welcome to use it.TikTok

No, tickets are not required as the monorail is free to use for everyone.

Operating hours can vary, and the monorail may occasionally close for maintenance. It's best to check locally or look for recent updates online before your visit.Instagram

The mural village at the base of the stairs is free to explore. You can wander through the alleys and admire the artwork without any charge.

Yes, you can climb the 168 stairs. There's even a challenge to see if you can reach the top quickly! Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The monorail itself is very photogenic. From the top, you get lovely views of the surrounding neighborhood and a glimpse of the coast. The murals in the village below also offer great photo opportunities.TikTokInstagram

Yes, the view from the top offers a beautiful perspective of Busan's hilly landscape and coastal charm. It's a great spot to appreciate the city's unique topography.Instagram

Yes, you can take pictures from the monorail, but be mindful of other passengers and the short duration of the ride.

The 'Inguk Trail' challenge encourages visitors to climb the stairs quickly, which can make for dynamic action shots if you're participating or watching others.Instagram

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors of the murals and the city views.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

It's a short, free ride up a steep hill, offering a glimpse into a residential neighborhood. Locals are often friendly and may offer tips. The charm is in its simplicity and local feel.TikTok+1

The monorail is designed to assist residents, so it's helpful for those who find the stairs challenging. However, the surrounding village still involves stairs and inclines.TikTok

It's a fun challenge where you try to climb the 168 stairs in under 2 minutes. Participants who succeed receive a medal.Instagram

The monorail ride itself is very short, lasting only a minute or two. However, exploring the mural village and climbing the stairs can take longer.

Unfortunately, the monorail can sometimes break down or be closed for maintenance. It's a good idea to have a backup plan or check for recent updates.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 168 Stairs Monorail offers a fun and easy way for families to experience a unique part of Busan. The short, free monorail ride is exciting for children, and the colorful murals in the village below provide plenty of visual stimulation. It's a great alternative to more strenuous activities, allowing kids to enjoy the scenery without getting too tired.

While the monorail itself is accessible, be aware that the surrounding village still involves stairs and inclines, so keep a close eye on younger children. The 'Inguk Trail' challenge might be too intense for very young kids, but they can still enjoy watching others or exploring the murals at their own pace. Pack snacks and water, as exploring the village can take a couple of hours.

🚶 Budget Travelers

This destination is a dream for budget travelers! The 168 Stairs Monorail is completely free to ride, and exploring the charming mural village at its base costs nothing. It's a fantastic way to experience local Busan culture and enjoy scenic views without spending a won.

Combine your visit with a walk from Busan Station to save on transportation. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at tourist prices. The entire experience offers high value for zero cost, making it a must-visit for those watching their wallets.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The 168 Stairs Monorail and its surrounding mural village are a photographer's delight. The retro aesthetic of the monorail, the vibrant street art, and the panoramic city views from the top offer diverse shooting opportunities. Capture the unique charm of this local amenity and the colorful artistry that adorns the neighborhood.

Consider visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon for soft, warm light that enhances the colors of the murals and the cityscape. The 'Inguk Trail' challenge also presents dynamic photo opportunities, whether you're participating or capturing others in action.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of the 168 Stairs Monorail

The 168 Stairs Monorail in Busan is more than just a mode of transport; it's a slice of local life. Originally built to assist residents navigating the steep hillside, this free monorail offers a unique and charming experience for visitors. The ride is short but memorable, providing a gentle ascent with glimpses of the surrounding retro neighborhood. It's a testament to community spirit and thoughtful urban planning.

Many visitors are delighted by the kindness of the local operators, who are often happy to share tips and make guests feel welcome.TikTok+1 The monorail's charm lies in its simplicity and its role as a genuine amenity for the people living in the area. While it's not a high-speed thrill ride, its value comes from the authentic local interaction and the picturesque views it offers as you glide up the incline.

It's important to note that the monorail can sometimes be out of service for maintenance.Instagram This is a reminder that it's a functional part of the community, not solely a tourist attraction. When it is operational, it provides a delightful and accessible way to experience a less-touristed, yet incredibly picturesque, part of Busan.

Exploring the Mural Village and Inguk Trail

At the base of the 168 Stairs, you'll find a vibrant mural village waiting to be explored. This area is adorned with colorful and creative street art, turning ordinary walls into captivating canvases. Wandering through the narrow alleys offers a delightful visual feast and plenty of opportunities for unique photos. The murals often depict local life, whimsical characters, and abstract designs, making each turn a discovery.

For the more adventurous, the Inguk Trail challenge beckons. This involves climbing the entire 168 stairs as quickly as possible, with a target time of under two minutes. Those who succeed are rewarded with a medal, adding a fun, competitive element to the visit.Instagram Even if you don't aim for the speed record, climbing the stairs offers a sense of accomplishment and provides different vantage points of the village and the monorail track.

Combining the monorail ride with an exploration of the mural village and perhaps a dash up the stairs offers a well-rounded experience. It’s a chance to engage with local art, enjoy scenic views, and participate in a unique community challenge, all within a compact and accessible area of Busan.

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