Information
Landmark: Haedong Yonggungsa TempleCity: Busan
Country: South Korea
Continent: Asia
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan, South Korea, Asia
Overview
Perched on Busan’s rocky northeastern coast, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사) offers one of South Korea’s most breathtaking views, its steps leading straight toward the crashing waves of the East Sea (Sea of Japan).Perched on a rocky coastline with waves crashing below, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple draws countless visitors as one of Korea’s most beloved Buddhist sites.Perched high on cliffs above the crashing waves, the temple offers a view that draws both locals and travelers who can’t resist stopping to take it in.Haedong Yonggungsa was founded in 1376, during the Goryeo Dynasty, by Shimamun-a priest from Cheongryangsa Temple in Gyeongju-when the scent of pine still drifted through the temple grounds.Yonggungsa means “Dragon Palace Temple” in English, a nod to the legend of a great dragon said to dwell among the foaming waters and rugged cliffs around the temple.The temple began as a modest meditation retreat, little more than a quiet hall scented with incense, but over the centuries it expanded and gained great significance.People have long come here to pray, especially for good health, steady prosperity, and protection-sometimes leaving fresh flowers at the gate.Haedong Yonggungsa Temple holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning, standing alone on a rocky cliff where waves crash below.Most temples in Korea hide high in the mountains, but Haedong Yonggungsa sits right on the rocky shore, where you can hear waves crashing against the cliffs.The temple’s most famous spot is its seawater shrine, where the air smells faintly of salt and devotees gather to pray for peace and prosperity.Many see it as a spiritual haven, especially for those hoping for healing or good fortune, and the temple’s graceful architecture and quiet, incense-scented air invite deep meditation and reflection.Main Temple Hall (Daeungjeon): The Daeungjeon, or Main Hall, stands at the heart of the temple, where sunlight spills across worn wooden floors.Visitors come here to pay their respects to the Buddha, pausing before the quiet glow of flickering candles.Inside, a towering golden Buddha catches your eye, its calm face framed by colorful Buddhist paintings and delicate icons.The Main Hall stands as a quiet symbol of peace, where visitors sink onto smooth wooden benches and let the stillness settle around them.Waves crash against the jagged rocks below, their steady rhythm carrying a calm that settles in the air.As you walk toward the main temple, a row of weathered stone lanterns lights your path, leading to one of its most unique sights-the Buddha’s hand-where visitors pause to whisper wishes and ask for protection and good fortune.Shaped like open hands, the sculptures carry the weight of Buddha’s blessing and the quiet strength of prayer.Seawater Shrine: Perched on the cliff’s edge, one of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple’s most striking features is its seawater shrine, where waves crash against the rocks below.Inside the shrine stands a Buddha statue, and locals say the crash of the ocean’s waves carries blessings to those who come to pray.This shrine stands out as one of the few places in Korea where you can kneel and pray right beside the waves, a rare meeting of faith and the sea’s salty breath.Crowds come here to pray for prosperity and success, some leaving fresh flowers or a folded note at the shrine.Statues and Monuments: The temple features several statues, among them a towering figure of the Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin) whose calm gaze is believed to bring protection and guidance to anyone seeking help.The temple holds intricate stone carvings and graceful Buddhist motifs, their worn edges catching the light and deepening the place’s quiet, sacred feel.Rising three stories high, the pagoda stands as one of the area’s most iconic statues, offering a sweeping view of the glittering sea and rolling hills beyond.At Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stone bridge stretches toward the sea, guiding visitors to a windswept terrace where the towering Dragon King stands among smaller, weathered Buddhist statues.The bridge feels almost sacred as it stretches from solid ground toward the open water, a quiet span uniting earth with the divine.From the bridge, you can take in sweeping views of the coastline, where waves flash white against the rocks-a perfect place to snap a photo.The Stone Lanterns: Strolling through the temple grounds, you’ll spot rows of traditional stone lanterns, their weathered surfaces catching the afternoon light-a familiar sight in Korean temples.These lanterns light the path for visitors on their spiritual journey, glowing softly during ceremonies and brightening the air at lively festivals.Dancing Dragon Statue: Visitors often stop to admire the temple’s dragons, their stone scales catching the afternoon light.The Dragon Dance statue especially captures the temple’s mythical spirit, linking it to the legendary dragon said to dwell in the dark, rippling waters beneath.Temple Grounds and Surroundings: Rocky cliffs rise behind the temple, framed by lush greenery, while the ocean stretches far out to the hazy horizon.In spring, the area draws crowds as wildflowers burst into color, and visitors wander the paths at an easy pace, breathing in the fresh, sweet air.From the temple’s edge, the cliffside views take your breath away, and you can linger in its quiet stillness while the deep crash of waves echoes off the rocks far below.At Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, many visitors pause to light incense and pray, asking for good health, success, and protection.The temple offers a calm spot to sit and let your thoughts settle, with the faint scent of incense in the air.Visitors are welcome to join the Buddhist rituals if they choose.Photography: The temple sits in a stunning spot, perfect for capturing shots of its sweeping ocean horizon and the sheer cliffs dropping into blue water.Sunrise paints the sky in soft gold, and sunset sets the horizon glowing-this is one of the best places to capture Busan’s coastline at its most beautiful.Wander through the temple grounds at your own pace, following winding garden paths past weathered stone statues and stopping to take in the sweeping views.Strolling through the temple, with incense drifting in the air, is a lovely way to pass the time.Visitors can explore Korean Buddhism, noticing the temple’s graceful rooflines and the meaning behind its carved symbols.You’ll often see signs at the temple that share the stories behind its buildings-weathered wood explaining centuries of history-and how Buddhism has shaped the region’s spiritual life.If you plan your trip just right, you might catch a Buddhist ceremony or festival at the temple-maybe the colorful celebrations for the Buddha’s Birthday or another sacred day marked on the Buddhist calendar.To get there by bus, hop on Busan’s public bus system-some routes head straight to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, winding past the sea.You’ll usually find the nearest bus stop labeled “Haedong Yonggungsa Temple” or just “Yonggungsa Temple.” From Haeundae Station, hop on a local bus or grab a taxi, and you’ll be at the temple in minutes.By taxi, it’s a simple ride to the temple from downtown Busan or Haeundae-just hop in, and you’ll be there before your coffee cools.Haedong Yonggungsa Temple welcomes visitors all year, from the hush of winter mornings to the bright bustle of summer days.The temple opens at 5 a.m., when the air is still cool, and closes its doors at 6 p.m. However, Busan Tower and a few spots inside the temple might follow their own hours-one café there doesn’t even open until noon.
