Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is the only temple located on the coast of Busan while all other temples in Korea are mostly situated on hills. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is famous for its seaside location and watching picturesque sunrise or sunset. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was built by Great Buddhist Teacher Naong Hyegeun during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376 and was originally called by Bomun Temple. During Japanese invasion of Korea from 1592-1598 this temple was partially destroyed. In 1930, this temple was reconstructed by monks from Tongdosa Temple. It was then renamed into Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which means “Korean Dragon Palace Temple”.

This temple was dedicated to Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Goddess of seawater). By walking on the narrow path and crossing the number of food stalls visitors can reach the temple entrance. Inside the temple area you can watch 12 large sized animal statues standing in rows, some stone carvings and seven story pagodas. From the point of 7 story pagoda, 108 stone stairs descend into a bamboo forest may contain some stone lanterns and five statues of Buddha.

Following this you can see sunrise point and it continuously goes downward to the stone bridge and it reaches the main temple area. At the sunrise platform you can spot the golden statue of Jijang-bosal and at 350 meters down reach the National Fisheries Science Museum. The main temple area contains Daeungjeon Main Hall which was built in 1970 and on its eastern side you can watch a massive golden statue of Podae-hwasang (Future Buddha).

The Main Hall is a three-story pagoda with four lion faces represents joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Many of the tourists take selfie with this future Buddha. As it was a Buddhist temple, locals celebrate the birthday of Buddha like a festival. At that time, the whole temple complex is decorated with paper lanterns.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan is the country’s most exclusive holy site with lot of scenic views. On the way to the temple there is lot of food stalls selling freshly prepared sea foods.

From Haeundae Station, it takes 20 minutes to reach this temple by taxi.

Website: http://www.yongkungsa.or.kr/

Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

Phone: +82 51-722-7744

Opening Hours: Opens daily from – 5am to 7pm