Most people know Busan for its multiple gorgeous beaches. These are always fully packed in the summer, which is arguably the best season to visit the seaside city.
However, those who have done their homework may also know that the city boasts a rare seaside temple that draws lots of crowds, from devotees to curious tourists.
While most Korean temples are typically located in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is strangely located along Busan’s beautiful shore line.
It is one of the three sacred places related to the Goddess of Buddha of South Korea. Its motto is ‘at least one of your wishes will be answered here through sincere prayers‘.
What to see at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
The entrance leading to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is marked by stone statues depicting the 12 zodiac animals.
They look a bit different from the Chinese zodiac animals that we (Singaporeans) are used to, so remember to snap some photos!
At the end of the row of zodiac animal statues, there’s a towering 7-story pagoda. I didn’t snap a photo but at the base of this pagoda sits a car wheel shrine, where people can pray to avoid car accidents.
It is said that this Buddhist temple in Busan was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. Unfortunately, the Japanese invasion of Korea destroyed the temple with fire. It was later rebuilt in the 1930s, and further reconstructed in the 1970s.
See if you can spot these little monk figurines on your way to the temple!
I’ve actually visited Haedong Yonggungsa Temple twice. However, on both occasions, we only stopped by the main temple area marked by Daeungjeon Main Hall.
We were not very religious so did not really see the point of stepping in for prayers. It was nonetheless quite interesting to see the devotees doing their rounds and engaging in prayer at the temple.
What’s waiting for you at the top near Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Sea water Great Goddess Buddha – the gold statue)? A breathtaking aerial view of the temple, the coastal line, as well as the beautiful blue waters of Busan.
For a casual tourist and non-devotee, this was certainly the highlight of my visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
The experience is very different from visiting one of Busan’s popular beaches. The rock formation vaguely reminds me of Jeju more than Busan. I find it difficult to explain in detail why this occurs though!
Is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple worth visiting?
Although I’m not a believe or devotee, I enjoyed visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple for the experience and more importantly, the gorgeous seaside views that it confers.
Some may argue that this temple is full of tourists and touristy knick-knacks (see photo below):
However, I find it difficult to fully escape the crowds in famous tourist attractions. And with the crowds, you’d surely expect related businesses to pop up.
I find it helpful to keep an open mind and take in as much interesting tidbits as I can. Hence, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple ticks the boxes for me.
Of course, temple visits are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I can vouch that the views make up for it.
DIRECTIONS
Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
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