Songdo Marine Cable Car Review: The Slowest Way to Cross the Ocean in Busan

After spending time around Haeundae, I wanted to add a different kind of scenery to my Busan trip.
That’s how I ended up visiting Songdo Marine Cable Car, also known as Busan Air Cruise.

Compared to the city-like atmosphere of Haeundae, Songdo feels more open and quieter, with the ocean taking center stage. The cable car itself becomes part of the experience rather than just a way to move from one place to another.

ongdo Marine Cable Car riding over the ocean in Busan, with bright blue water and modern city skyline in the background

What Is Songdo Marine Cable Car?

Songdo Marine Cable Car connects Songdo Beach and Amnam Park, carrying passengers directly over the sea.
Unlike many cable cars that move along mountains or hills, this one crosses open water, which makes the ride feel very different from the start.

There are standard cabins and crystal cabins with glass floors, but the route itself is the same.

What the Ride Felt Like

The cable car moves slowly and steadily.
Because of the pace, your attention naturally shifts to the scenery below rather than the ride itself.

Looking down, you see waves breaking against the shore, while the coastline and cliffs stretch out in the distance.
It’s not a thrilling or fast-paced attraction—instead, it’s a quiet, scenic experience that encourages you to slow down.

The crystal cabins offer a more dramatic view straight down to the water, but they can feel a bit intense if you’re sensitive to heights. Personally, the standard cabin felt more comfortable and just as enjoyable for taking in the view.

Weather Makes a Difference

Because the cable car travels directly over the ocean, weather plays a big role in the experience.

On clear days, the views feel wide and refreshing.
On windy or cloudy days, the ride can feel more exposed, and the scenery loses some of its impact.

Since the main appeal is the view, checking the weather before visiting makes a noticeable difference.

How Long Does It Take?

From ticketing to waiting and the round-trip ride, the total time is usually around 40–60 minutes.

The ride itself isn’t long, but waiting times can vary depending on the day.
Rather than squeezing it between other stops, it works better as part of a half-day plan focused on the Songdo area.

Visiting with Kids

For children, the idea of crossing the ocean in a cable car can be exciting.
However, there are no hands-on activities, and the experience is mainly visual.

Younger kids may enjoy the novelty
Older kids may lose interest once the ride ends

It’s best approached as a calm sightseeing activity, not an action-packed one.

Location and Getting There

Songdo Marine Cable Car is located in western Busan, near Songdo Beach.
If you’re staying in Haeundae, it’s not something you can easily combine on foot.

Planning a separate trip—by car or taxi—makes the experience much smoother.

Final Thoughts

Songdo Marine Cable Car isn’t about excitement or speed.
It’s about perspective—watching the ocean slowly pass beneath you and seeing a quieter side of Busan.

If you’re looking to:

add variety to a Haeundae-focused trip,
enjoy coastal views without much walking,
or experience Busan at a slower pace,

this ride fits naturally into your itinerary.