It formerly hosted a waegwan (Japanese ethnic enclave) during the Joseon period, Ryūtōsan Shrine between the 17th and 20th centuries, and shanty towns of refugees during the Korean War.

Now, a number of historical monuments and attractions are densely packed in the park, which has an elevated and scenic view of Busan.

The name is an allusion to the similarity of the mountain park, which is said to resemble the head of a dragon which symbolically protected Busan from wokou (Japanese maritime raiders).

[2][1] One of the highlights of the Yongdusan Park is the statue of Yi Sun-sin, Korea's 16th-century naval hero.

The unique feature of the museum is that visitors are allowed to handle and play the instruments on display.

[1] The park turns into a festival site every Saturday at 3 pm onward as a traditional arts performance is held there.