A trip to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple - Busan

Trip to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple - Busan

(해동 용궁사)

 

In this winter vacation, I went on a 3days 2nights trip to Busan. In my day-2 I visited Haeundae beach, Sea Aquarium, Haedong Yonggungsa and Gwangalli beach. Here I will write about my trip to Haedong Yonggungsa temple. Check my other posts to know about the places.

This popular Buddhist temple is located at Gijang-gun, Busan. As we know, Busan is the 2nd largest city of South Korea and has a lot of tourist attractions. This is a religious place yet one of the main tourist attractions in Busan.

This temple was built by the Buddhist teacher named Naong from the old Goryeo dynasty in the 13th century. It was called Bomun Temple (보문사). But destroyed during the Japanese invasion. Then it had been rebuilt in the year 1930 and named as Haedong Yonggungsa in 1974.

This temple is in the north-east Busan and connected to the Haeundae beach. It is a rare finding of a temple along the seashore line as most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. The scenery is an eye-catching one due to the clear sea. And the old-style Buddhist temple construction is also a notable one. Even though its a religious place, people visit here regardless of their religions. You can simply refer to it as a must-visit place in one's Busan trip.

You can visit this place along with Haeundae beach. Because it is just 30mins away from the Haeundae beach. This place doesn't have a subway(지하철) access. Either you should take the bus from Haeundae or a taxi. My suggestion is to go by bus as it is the cheapest option and you can experience sightseeing all your way till the Haedong Yonggungsa bus stop. From the bus stop, you have to walk for 10-15min until the entrance.

The temple will welcome you with Korean birth year animal statues and other Buddhism related statues.

Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions - The four lions are symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. These can all be seen looking out over the ocean.

Other special sites at the temple are the 108 stairs and stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape. After going down the 108 steps, one will be delighted with the beauty of the temple. Midway down the 108 steps, one can stop and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves, and view the majestic sunrise. Thing is you will be kept on walking from the moment you've entered the place until you take the return bus. As I didn't have time to rest, I was totally worn out.

Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum - This is a place where you can taste the holy water. This is a small enclosed cave in the temple.

 

This is a place is to make your wish and it is believed that your wish will definitely come true if you tie it here.

 
Buddhist goddess of mercy statue is the tallest one in this temple.

The beach view here is too beautiful with rocky bluish water. This beach is called as Songjeong Beach (송정해수욕장). You can see the beach from the cliff view. In the entrance you will find a separate way to the beach, that will lead to the cliff view. Sadly, I didn't go as I had other plans.

Many people often come to this spot on New Year's Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up. April is an especially beautiful time of year to visit with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The birth of Buddha is also celebrated in the fourth month of the lunar calendar and offers a spectacular night view as the temple area is aglow with lit lanterns.

In this temple, you can spend 2 - 3 hours including your travelling time from Haeundae beach. Sightseeing time might change from person to person but this is an approximate time scale one can spend here.

Every place in Korea is easily reachable. All you need is an internet connection and a T-money card. Happy journey!!