Busan
86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line as most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo dynasty.

The main sanctuary of the temple was reconstructed in 1970 with careful attention paid to the colors that were traditionally used in such structures. On the right-hand side, inside a cave, is a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum, while situated just in front of the main sanctuary is a three-story pagoda with four lions. The four lions symbolize joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. 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.

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Traveler's Guide

Why visit: Haedong Yonggungsa breaks the rule that Korean temples live in the mountains: this one is built directly onto oceanside rocks northeast of Busan, where waves crash below the halls and the Sea Goddess Buddha watches the horizon. Founded in the 14th century and rebuilt after wartime destruction, it is at its most striking at sunrise — and at Buddha's Birthday, when lanterns roof the entire cliff in color.

• Come for sunrise if you possibly can — the temple faces due east over open water, and dawn here is famous nationwide.
• Count the 108 stone steps down through the arch — each one, tradition says, sheds one worldly desire.
• The golden statues along the approach (zodiac animals, the laughing Podae-hwasang) invite a slower entrance than most temples.
• Pair with Blueline Park and Songjeong Beach — the temple sits just beyond them up the coast.

Good to know: No subway reaches it — bus 181 from Haeundae or a taxi is the way. Free entry; weekends and Buddhist holidays are intensely busy by mid-morning.

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