If there is only one temple you should check out in Busan, it is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사). There are many temples in South Korea, some are small, some are on top of mountains, some are grand and far in the countryside, and some are near the ocean like the temple that I will be sharing about in this reading.
This temple can be dated back to 1376. It was built by a Master named Naong Hyegeun (나옹혜근). The temple was first named Bomun Temple (보문사). In 1592, the Imjin War broke out. Japan invaded Korea for six years. During that time, the temple was destroyed. For a while, the area was left untouched. About three centuries later, the temple was rebuilt by a monk and then renamed to the current name that we know today, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사).
This is such a fantastic tourist attraction that you can find this stop in the itinerary of Busan-guided day tours. These tour packages are amazing because they include a tour guide who will bring you to the sites. Lunch is also included depending on the tour package. Your day is all planned out for you so you don’t need to worry about getting lost and spending time looking up directions. This one-day tour of the most popular sites in Busan will make your trip easier. There will be a lot of colorful and picturesque views to see in that package. Another great tour package is this one that will take you to four of Busan’s east coast attractions! It includes another temple, which is in a park that I enjoyed walking in. You can read about my walk around Taejongsa Temple here. If you enjoy walking in the sky, then you might like this package that includes the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple plus three skywalks! All three packages include the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Read each one to see which tour interests you!
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple has free admission. The temple is open to the public from 5AM to 8PM. It is a nice walk if you come in the morning on a sunny cool day in spring or fall. Of course, it is beautiful all year round. Just make sure to dress accordingly. The ocean breeze can be either cooling or freezing.
How to Get to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple:
- If you are driving here, a parking area is available for a fee. There will be a number of cars lined up as you get closer to the entrance of the temple. The streets get very busy. So expect some car and foot traffic.
- If you are taking a taxi, I would advise you to get dropped off about a street away and walk.
- If you are taking public transportation and you are near Haeundae Beach, the best option is to take Red bus 1001. You will get off at the Yonggungsa Entrance stop and walk about ten minutes to the Temple.
As I walked the street towards the temple, I noticed that there are a lot of stalls lined up on both sides of the pathway. You can hear older Korean vendors shouting to try their snacks or food. One vendor was passing out samples to passersby. My hand gently reached out and took it not knowing exactly what it was. It was crunchy and tasted like hard caramel candy. It wasn’t bad.
After winding through many groups of people, we finally reached the entrance area of the temple. On the right, there are statues of twelve animals of the zodiac. Each one represents a year. They are all standing strong and mighty. Mine is a pig. What’s yours?
Before walking down the path towards the temple an ocean view, there is a seven-tier pagoda at the entrance front. There is also a statue of a car tire by the pagoda for good luck and road safety.
There is so much significance at this temple. The many statues of Gods will bring you various positivities. You will find statues emanating good luck, prosperity, higher academic success, and compassion.
Swipe left/right or click on the arrows below to see some of the statues around the Temple.
My group and I went during the afternoon, which was very busy. Being able to walk closer to catch a glimpse and admire the ocean view without someone bumping into me was like a difficult game of Super Mario Bros. However, if you walk the left path that goes away from the bottom of the temple, there may be fewer crowds there. You can also get very nice shots of the Temple and the ocean landscape from there.
To avoid the crowds, plan to come early in the morning. If you are joining a tour group, be prepared to walk slowly and navigate around other people. I can imagine the area being very peaceful when there are fewer people around.
What do you think about the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?
Sincerely,
Amy♡
AMY HANG in BUSAN. Day 4.
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