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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Our visit to the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple located on the coastline of Busan.

Jeongyeong Yeo
3 years ago
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan-thumbnail
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan-thumbnail

In addition to being the second largest city in Korea, Busan's location on the sea means that it offers plenty of scenic views.

One of the most popular sights is accessible by bus from Haeundae Beach, namely the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

As one of the few temples in Korea located by the sea, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a popular destination for travelers to Busan.

We want to share with you our visit to this temple to help you plan for yours.


Information


Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 용궁길 86
86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan

Hours: 05:00 until sunset

Entrance Fee: Free

Transportation: 40-minute ride on Bus #181 in front of exit 7 of Haeundae Station


Our Visit


Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Street vendors outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

This is the entrance to the temple.

It is bustling with visitors and vendors.

There's even an emart24 convenience store here, which is perfect if you need to buy some extra water on a hot summer day.

Street vendors outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Street vendors outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Street vendors outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Don't feel that you need to rush to reach the temple.

Instead, take in the sights and discover what the street vendors here have to offer as you make your way along this winding road to the temple.

Street vendors outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Walking between street stands outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Walking between street stands outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Walking between street stands outside Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

There are so many things to see as you make your way to the temple.

Before you know it, you will arrive at the entrance of the temple where you will see statues of the twelve zodiac animals.

From here, you only need to go through the gate and walk down the 108 stairs to reach Haedong Yonggungsa Temple!

The 12 Zodiac Animal Deities outside Donghae Yonggungsa TempleThe 12 Zodiac Animal Deities outside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The 12 Zodiac Animal Deities outside Donghae Yonggungsa TempleThe 12 Zodiac Animal Deities outside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Entering Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Because of its location on a cliff by the sea, you will need to go up and down a number of stone steps in order to reach the temple.

Please plan for this accordingly.

Entering Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is packed with people both during the week and on weekends.

If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend that you go early in the morning.

View once arriving at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

View once arriving at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

After making your way down the stairs, you will be welcomed by this picturesque view of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

One of the few temples in Korea by the sea, it was build in 1376 and was originally called Bomunsa Temple.

The temple was later destroyed by the Japanese during the Imjin War but was restored in the 1930s.

Coastline by Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Coastline by Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

You can hear the sound of the ocean waves as you take in the beautiful sights!

Golden statue at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Up until not long ago, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was not that well known among tourists.

However, once stunning pictures of the temple and the surrounding seashore started to emerge, people from around the world began to add it as a must go-to destination in Korea.

At Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Rocks below Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The sea surrounds the temple on three sides, and the sunrise and sunset here are sights to behold.

Stone statues at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Stone statues at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Rocks below Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

On your way across the bridge toward Daeungbojeon Hall in the center of the temple grounds, you can see several stone sculptures.

After you cross this bridge, make sure to look back to take in another view of the sea.

Coastline below Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Although Haedong Yonggungsa is located by the sea, it has never experienced any major natural disasters over the years.

Some people believe this is because a divine power is protecting and blessing this scenic place.

Sea by Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The clear water can look enticing on a hot summer day, but be careful not to go beyond the fence or fall down as you enjoy the views.

Daeungbojeon Hall of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Daeungbojeon Hall of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Up close, the beauty of the temple is breathtaking.

Although there are plenty of people around, there seems to be a mutual respect among visitors not to disturb the peace of this place.

Reclining Buddha, Daeungbojeon Hall of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Daeungbojeon Hall of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Since it takes a while to get to the temple, we recommend that you make the most of your visit, spending at least a couple of hours here to explore and take pictures.

Although there are plenty of things to see, there are a limited number of spots from where you can get that perfect shot.

Beautiful day at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

Beautiful day at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

Beautiful day at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

Beautiful day and views at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

If you're not a fan of crowds, you might want to brace yourself before visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Early mornings can be less crowded, but you will still have to share the temple grounds with other early bird visitors.

We think the beauty of this temple though makes up for the crowds!


How To Get There


Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

After you get off of Bus #181 at the Yonggungsa stop (용궁사 정류장), walk back about 50 meters in the direction your bus came from.

Look for this sign for Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

From here, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the temple.

Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan

You can also choose to take a taxi to this temple.

Although it's more expensive, this might be a good option for you if there are a few of you to share the taxi fare.

Please note that it might be difficult to find an available taxi for the trip back.


We hope you enjoyed reading about our visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

If you visit Busan, we highly recommend that you visit this beautiful temple.

For more attractions in Busan, please click here.