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Picture this: you are suspended hundreds of meters above the air with a vast ocean stretching below. You are not stuck; instead, you are gliding across the never-ending sea on a slow ride. This is the Busan Songdo Marine Cable Car, one of the most scenic experiences in Busan. The first thing that stands out from this epic air cruise is the breathtaking views. You will have the chance to let your eyes feast on everything Busan offers. And that’s not all, there are more exciting opportunities awaiting at the top. Stick with us till the end to know things no one tells you about the Songdo Marine Cable Car.
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- Things to Do in Haeundae-gu Busan
- 🚠 Songdo Marine Cable Car's Rebranding As Busan Air Cruise
- 🚡 How Long Is The Songdo Marine Cable Car Ride?
- 🚉 How To Go To Songdo Cable Car?
- 🚟 Songdo Marine Cable Car Opening Hours & Schedule
- 🎟️ Songdo Marine Cable Car Price
- 🎫 Songdo Marine Cable Car Busan Pass
- 🏖️ Things To Do In Songdo Beach
- 🌟 Popular Attractions Near Busan Air Cruise
🚠 Songdo Marine Cable Car’s Rebranding As Busan Air Cruise
If this is your first rodeo, Songdo Marine Cable Car was part of a major restoration project to revive the declining popularity of Korea’s first public beach, Songdo Beach. Back in the 1960s, Songdo Beach was at the pinnacle of success thanks to its recreation facilities, such as a marine cable car, sky bridge, and diving board, leading to the rising number of beachgoers. The Songdo Marine Cable Car was launched in 1964 and covered the 420 m distance from the beach to the beach hill. It was also a hit back then, with many people lining up to take a ride.
Unfortunately, Songdo Beach’s popularity didn’t last long due to water pollution. The cable car was also shut down in 1988 and completely demolished in 2002. Finally, the Korean government launched a restoration project to develop Songdo Beach as a tourist destination. After 27 years of initiative, the Songdo Marine Cable Car was opened as “Busan Air Cruise” in June 2017. The new fleet has 39 eight-seater cabins, including regular and 13 crystal cabins.
- Address: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
- Opening Date: June 2017 (Originally launched in 1964)
- Phone Number: +82 51-247-9900
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
🚡 How Long Is The Songdo Marine Cable Car Ride?
Unlike other cable cars, Busan Air Cruise doesn’t travel above mountains; it passes above the ocean, making it one of the rarest cable cars to do so. The rebranded Songdo Marine Cable Car is 1.62 km long and takes a 15-minute scenic journey from Songdo Bay Station at Songdo Beach to Songdo Sky Park Station at Amnam Park. Throughout the journey, you will get stunning views of Songdo Beach, Yeongdo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Trail, and the surroundings from 86 m above in the air.
Throughout the 15-minute ride, there are no intermediate stops or platforms; it’s a non-stop journey where you are treated to breathtaking views of the ocean, coastline, road cliffs, and bridges. For an enhanced experience, we suggest booking a “Crystal Cabin,” whose transparent floors allow riders to look below. You will feel like flying in the sky on this dizzying flight. If that’s out of your comfort zone, simply hop aboard a regular cabin or air cruise.
🚉 How To Go To Songdo Cable Car?
Songdo Cable Car is a must-have on your Busan Itinerary. To get there, you have multiple options. First is driving yourself or booking a private transfer to the venue. For those driving, group bus parking is free at Namhang Parking Lot for Songdo Marine Cable Car users. A more budget-friendly approach would be public transportation, of which multiple bus lines serve the Songdo Bay Station, the starting point of the Busan Air Cruise.
🚆 Getting To Songdo Bay Station:
- Gimhae Airport: Take the Gyeongjeon Line from Gyeongjeon Airport Station to Sasang Station. Then, transfer to the regular bus no 161 and get off at Songdo Entrance.
- Busan Station (Line 1, Exit 7): Take general bus no 26 or normal bus no 17 or 61 to Songdo Entrance.
- Nampo Station (Line 1, Exit 1 or 8): Take bus no 6, 26, 30, or 71 to Songdo Entrance.
- Jagalchi Station (Line 1, Exit 1): Take bus no 6, 26, 30, 71, 96, or 96-1 to Songdo Entrance.
After arriving at Songdo Bay Station, enter the building and ride the elevator to the fourth floor. That’s where you will find the platform for the cable ride.
🚟 Songdo Marine Cable Car Opening Hours & Schedule
Before heading to any destination, it’s critical to know about its operating hours, especially popular attractions like Busan Air Cruise. Take a quick look at the Songdo Cable Car’s opening hours and plan your visit accordingly.
| Months | Business Hours |
| December to February | 09 AM – 08 PM |
| March to June, September to November | 09 AM – 09 PM |
| July to August | 09 AM – 10 PM |
Sondo Marine Cable Car’s schedule or operations may sometimes be suspended due to rough weather conditions. So, check Busan Air Cruise’s official website or social media accounts for real-time updates.
* Important Notice: Songdo Cable Car is closed for major maintenance from March 9 to 25, 2026.
🎟️ Songdo Marine Cable Car Price
You need to buy tickets to ride the Busan Air Cruise. The best option is to buy online tickets so you don’t have to queue upon your arrival. You may have to book them at least one day in advance. That said, same-day purchases are also possible at the on-site ticket booth. Take a look at the following table that categorizes Songdo Cable Car prices for one-way and round-trip tickets:
| Type of Cruises & Passes | Ticket Prices For Adults (13+) | Ticket Prices For Children (36 months to 12 years) |
| Crystal Cruise (with glass floors) | One-way: ₩17,000 Round trip: ₩22,000 | One-way: ₩13,000 Round trip: ₩16,000 |
| Air Cruise (with closed floors) | One-way: ₩13,000 Round trip: ₩17,000 | One-way: ₩10,000 Round trip: ₩12,000 |
| One-Day Free Pass (Unlimited rides in the desired cabin for a day) | ₩30,000 | ₩25,000 |
| Speedy Cruise (anyone boarding without waiting) | Crystal Cruise: ₩50,000 Air Cruise: ₩40,000 | Crystal Cruise: ₩50,000 Air Cruise: ₩40,000 |
| Premium Cruise (Board without waiting in one cabin) | Crystal Cruise: ₩300,000 Air Cruise: ₩240,000 | Crystal Cruise: ₩300,000 Air Cruise: ₩240,000 |
* Note: Senior citizens, national contributors, disabled persons, multi-child families, and Munhwa Nuri card and Green umbrella sharing card holders will only have to pay ₩2,000. Busan residents will also get special discounts on cable car rides.
🎫 Songdo Marine Cable Car Busan Pass
Feeling like Busan Air Cruise’s tickets are expensive? Then, we have the perfect solution! Purchase the Busan Pass, a cost-effective solution for budget travelers. This pass covers over 34 paid tourist facilities in Busan, including Songdo Marine Cable Car, Busan Tower, Busan X the Sky Observatory, and Lotte World Adventure Busan. You will also get prepaid access to the subway and public bus, as well as discounts at over 150 restaurants, shopping, and accommodations. The process is simple: buy a 24 or 48-hour Busan pass, then show the physical card’s QR code or scan the QR code from the mobile app at the Busan Air Cruise ticket booth. The card is activated the first time you use it at any attraction. Also, remember each attraction can only be visited once per pass.
🏖️ Things To Do In Songdo Beach
From the starting point at Songdo Bay Station to the departure point at Songdo Sky Walk, many exciting adventures await visitors. Here are some highly recommended things to do for first-time travelers:
👀 Catch Stunning Views From The Sky Harbor Observatory
Songdo Marine Cable Car is not the only one with the views. Head to Songdo Sky Park’s third floor, where the Sky Harbor Observatory Platform guarantees a breathtaking scene of the vast Songdo sea and passing cable cars. It is ideal for those who can’t ride cable cars or those with acrophobia. 💡 Tip: Also, visit the Bay Terrace Observation Deck located on Songdo Bay Station’s third floor.
- 📍 Location: Songdo Sky Park 3rd Floor
🦖 Feel Small Next To Dinosaurs At Dino Adventure
Step back in the Mesozoic Era at Dino Adventure. See gigantic dinosaurs from 70 to 80 million years ago moving vividly in front of your eyes. Follow dinosaur traces, snap a selfie or two in front of them, and be amazed at their magnificent presence. There is also a Snail Garden at the Park Square.
📍 Location: Songdo Sky Park 1st Floor Park Square, Songdo Bay Station 4th Floor Bay Harbor Rooftop Garden
🤳 Snap A Selfie With Le Petit Prince
Little Prince has come to Songdo Island! Meet Little Prince, the highlight of Le Petit Prince, who is on a trip with his friends. Take a picture with the prince’s statues, in front of the rose-shaped installation, and behind a giant yellow star. ✨ Tip: For more photo ops, head to Busan’s Moon, located on the third floor of Songdo Sky Park.
📍 Location: Songdo Sky Park 3rd Floor Sky Harbor Observatory
🚠 Step Back In Time At Cable Car Museum
Feeling curious about Songdo Cable Car’s history? Then, visit the Songdo Doppelmayr World, your one-stop for getting information about the cable car’s past, principles, and actual models. Here, you can see the original Busan Air cruise model, vintage cabins, the world’s first circulating gondola model, and the latest D-Line Cabin. The best part? Entry is completely free!
📍 Location: Songdo Sky Park B1F
🔒 Add Your Lock To Love Lock Zone
If you are visiting as a couple, there are so many romantic things to do at Songdo Sky Park. Right on its first floor, you will find the Love Lock zone. Yes, it’s the same one as seen in dramas, where you can add a lock of your own with a message written atop. This lock can be your token of love that pledges eternal love. The standard ticket price is 15,000 won, while the cable car users only have to pay 10,000 won. Next, continue your romantic escapade to the Message Bottle to store your memories, the Moment Capsule to store your Songdo Beach moments, and the Dragon of Wishes to seek and pray for good fortune.
📍 Location: Songdo Sky Park 1st Floor
🌟 Popular Attractions Near Busan Air Cruise
🌉 Cross The Songdo Yonggung Cloud Bridge
- Address: 620-53 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Getting There: Jagalchi Station (Line 1, Exit 1)→Bus No. 7→Amnam Park Stop
- Admission Fee: ₩1,000
- Phone: +82 51-240-4087
See the Songdo Sea a little closer from the Songdo Yonggung Cloud Bridge. This 127-meter suspension bridge connects Amnam Park to Dongseom Island. It is believed to bring good luck and connect love, given its key-shaped appearance. First, follow the trail among the dense pine forests of Amnam Park to reach the bridge. As you start crossing, be prepared to be mesmerized by the stunning blue sea, coastline, uniquely shaped sea cliffs, and green trees beneath your feet. Don’t forget to snap pictures as you move along.
🚶 Take A Walk Across Songdo Skywalk
- Address: 129-4 암남동 Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM
- Getting There: Jagalchi Station (Line 1, Exit 2)→Bus No. 26, 30, 96, or 71→Songdo Beach Bus Stop
- Phone: +82 51-240-4126
Just a short distance from Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, you will find the iconic Songdo Skywalk, aka Songdo Cloud Trails. This 365 m walkway connects Songdo Beach and Turtle Island. Built over the sea, the trail’s curved shape gives it a unique dragon-like appearance. The highlight is Songdo Skywalk’s glass floor sections, which offer thrilling views of the ocean below. Take your time, soak in the panoramic views of the coastline, the small lighthouse, & the surroundings, and feel like you are walking in the air.
And that’s it for today’s blog! Book your Songdo Marine Cable Car tickets in advance for a convenient visit. Decide on your itinerary, pack your bags, grab your passport, and head to Busan for an epic journey. We also have plenty of themed itineraries (cherry blossom, BTS fans, local food, nature lovers) for you to start from. If you want to create one from scratch, use Korea Trip Planner to create your very own Busan Itinerary. Don’t forget to share it in the community~
