For this route, which is approximately 10 kilometers, you can start at either end, but for the sake of your taste buds, I am going to suggest Dusil as your starting point. Besides, from here it is all downhill! If you get off at Dusil Station, # 131 on the orange line, you should get out of exit eight. You'll know that you're on the correct side of the street if Geumjeong Mountain is on the other side. Walk towards the Mosque (Masjid), so you can have lunch upstairs at the Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant. In case they're closed, you can also try the Turkish place just below the mosque for some lunch specials, mint tea and some sweet baklava. After you've had your fill of Mediterranean delights, find the nearby river, literally down below street level. At the river head down stream. This route literally takes you all the way to the Suyeong River.
Along the way, you will find several dozen workout stations, where you can lift weights, use some machines, swing the hoola hoop, play
badminton, basketball or get into the kiddie pool to cool off during the dog days of summer (maybe just for the kids). There are many birds, fish and assorted items in the river. Once, an otter was spotted, playfully showing off on a Facebook video. Please note that there are parts along this path that are not pleasant to our sense of smell. There is a bike path following the entire walking route, too. Some choose to skateboard their way along. There are several bridges, some of which are stepping-stones, crossing the river, which are romantic and convenient, if you want to get out of the sun, see some flowers on the other side, or need to use the washroom.
약 10킬로미터 정도 되는 이 구간은 양쪽 끝 어디에서나 시작해도 괜찮지만, 식도락을 위해 지하철 1호선 두실역에서부터 시작하는 것을 추천한다. 두실역에서 출발하면 내리막길이기 때문이다! 두실역 8번 출구로 나오면(맞은편에 금정산이 보이면 맞는 방향으로 나온 것이다.) 모스크가 보이는데, 모스크를 향해 걸으면 카사블랑카 모로코 레스토랑에서 점심을 먹을 수 있다. 만약 레스토랑이 문을 열지 않았다면, 모스크 바로 아래에 있는 터키 식당에서 민트티와 달콤한 바클라바를 런치 스페셜로 먹을 수 있다. 지중해의 맛을 충분히 즐겼다면 온천천근처로 가면 된다. 온천천은 도로 아래쪽에 난 천으로, 여기서부터 수영강까지 쭉 이어져 있다.
길을 따라가다 보면 여러 운동 기구들을 볼 수 있다. 근력 운동을 하거나 기구를 사용할 수도 있고, 훌라후프, 배드민턴, 농구를 즐기거나 삼복더위에는 열을 식힐 수 있는 어린이용 수영장도 있다(어쩌면 어린이만 들어갈 수 있는 곳일지도 모른다). 온천천에서는 여러 가지 새와 물고기를 비롯해 물 속의 다양한 것들을 구경할 수 있다. 한 번은 수달이 포착되어 페이스북에 영상이 돌아다닌 적도 있다. 특정 구간에서는 케케묵은 냄새가 나기도 한다. 그러나 온천천은 전반적으로는 잘 정비되어 있으며, 산책로 전체에는 자전거 도로도 잘 구비되어 있다. 어떤 사람들은 스케이트 보드를 타기도 한다. 다리도 몇 개 있고, 온천천을 가로지르는 로맨틱하고 편리한 징검다리도 있다. 햇볕을 피하고 싶다면 다른 쪽으로 건너가 꽃을 구경하거나 화장실을 이용해도 좋다.
Oncheonjang 온천천
There are several public washrooms along the way, as well as the subway washrooms, as this river follows the Orange Line all the way to Busan University of Education. Many people like to picnic here, walk during their lunchtime, or nap. Also along the Orange Line River Walking path are local artists' renditions painted along the various walls lining the river, as well as photographs. The cherry blossoms are out in full bloom during the spring on this route. There are plenty of stores along the way up on street level, in case you need water or a cup of java. If you chance upon Oncheonjang Station, and have had enough, walk towards Geumjeong Mountain and dip your tired feet into one of the free public outdoor hot springs, or try some makgeolli (local rice wine). For those who really love walking, like me, keep going; once you pass Busan University of Education, there aren't any more subway stops, but the scene takes a turn for the betterment of the walk. The workout stations are larger, the river expands, so you can see even more fish, birds, and the occasional office chair or umbrella. At times, you will have to walk on a wooden boardwalk up at street level, as is what happens in the Dongnae-gu section. A bit further along, you will meet up with the Suyeong River. Turn left, and you can walk forever towards the Agriculture Market, or turn right, like I did, and you'll head towards Suyeong junction, Haeundae or Gwangalli Beach. This stretch of the way provides a chance to see larger fish jumping, more bikes and walkers, as well as an opportunity to reward yourself with a fresh roasted coffee at the Tera Rosa café in the Kiswire Art Space F1963 behind Costco. Take this walk, walk for your mind, body, spirit (or spirits if you have some makgeolli) and enjoy the views and the food!