168 Stairs (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is 168 Stairs?
What makes it 76% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can climb or use the free incline lift, study murals and skyline, and finish in 30 minutes with no tickets or services needed. Rain can make steps slick, so wear good shoes.
Positives:
- Free Entry: No admission fee to climb the stairs or view murals.
- Local Culture: Murals and plaques share authentic post-war community stories.
- Flexible Pace: Combine stair climb with the monorail for a custom effort level.
Challenges:
- Steep Ascent: All 168 steps can tire unprepared legs.
- Narrow Path: Limited space may feel crowded during peak hours.
- Limited Facilities: Restrooms and seating only at the monorail station and summit café.
What is 168 Stairs?
- A steep outdoor stairway of 168 stone steps ascending Choryang Hill in Busan’s Dong-gu District
- An historic urban passage that once served as the primary link between hilltop residences and the city’s lowlands
- An adjacent inclined elevator (formerly a small monorail) running beside the stairs, with walls adorned by colorful murals depicting local history
What is so special about 168 Stairs for solo trip?
- Historic outdoor stairway with no entrance fee.
- Panoramic Busan harbor views from the top.
- Free monorail option for a gentler ride.
- Colorful murals narrate local history.
- Summit café offers rest and refreshments.
Recommended visit duration: 20-30 minutes
Why 20-30 minutes visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to climb, explore murals and relax at the summit café.
Solo-Friendly Activities in 168 Stairs
Climb the 168 Steps:
Ascend the full flight for a mini workout and changing city views.
Tip: Start at the base well to taste cool spring water before climbing.
Ride the Inclined Monorail:
Take the free monorail next to the stairs for a gentle ascent or descent.
Tip: Use it to save time or rest your legs—priority boarding for solo visitors.
Explore Colorful Murals:
Read Story Road plaques and admire murals depicting Busan’s history.
Tip: Look for hidden details about post-war life as you climb.
Relax at Summit Café:
Enjoy coffee or tea on the balcony with panoramic harbor views.
Tip: Order a drink and sit near the railing for the best vantage point.
Visit the Guardian Spirit Shrine:
Find a quiet moment at the small shrine near the top café.
Tip: Pause here to write a travel note or light an incense stick.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to 168 Stairs
- Arrive Before Sunset: Start the climb 30 minutes before sunset to capture golden-hour views.
- Use Monorail for Descent: Save leg energy by riding down and walking up for a workout.
- Download Offline Map: Nearby alleys have weak signal; offline maps help navigate.
Reviews of 168 Stairs
Pedro Vera Obrador
Beautiful, not easy to get there, uphill.
thekyuhyunfan
168 was not that tiring as we were served by resting area and city view from above in middle of the way. This is also filming location of SALTY TOUR 짠내투어 korean variety show
Soul travel stories
One of the most beautiful outposts to get a view over busan. There are several small historical details along the way. There used to be a small ride you could take to the top, but it is not operating anymore. It seems the entire place is undergoing refurbishing touches. For now, it has unfortunately a little bit of a construction site feel to it. However, as mentioned, one of the best view spots...
ariane wagner
I walked up these stairs twice because the view from up here is beautiful. You can see all of Busan from up here. Right at the top, you find a viewing platform and a nice cafe with fantastic views and good coffee. It is a lot of stairs, and it takes a little effort to climb up. There are a couple of viewing platforms on the way. There seems to be a tram going up, but both times I went to was not i...
orange_tree_au
We walked the stairs as the monorail seems to have been decommissioned. The walk wasn't as bad as I expected but it was quite steep so can be a little nerve wrecking. There are a couple of viewing platforms on the way to the top which have great views of the city.
When is the best time to visit 168 Stairs (Busan, South Korea)?
Monorail runs until 21:00 in summer and 20:00 in winter. Visit 30 minutes before sunset for daylight-to-night transitions and city lights.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Monorail ride | KRW 0 |
| Coffee at summit café | KRW 5,000 |
| Snack | KRW 3,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 8,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of 168 Stairs
Address: South Korea, Busan, Dong-gu, Yeongcho-gil, 191
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About 168 Stairs
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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