Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan
A 14th-century Buddhist temple dramatically perched on Busan's coast, offering stunning sea views and a serene spiritual escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan
Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century Buddhist temple dramatically perched on Busan's coast, offering stunning sea views and a serene spiritual escape.
"This temple is stunning! Built right by the sea, the view is breathtaking. "
🌅 Sunrise Serenity
Witnessing the sunrise here is a life-changing experience! Arrive before dawn for ultimate peace.
🚶♀️ Stairs & Shaded Paths
Be prepared for stairs! The shaded paths offer relief from the sun, especially in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oceanfront Vistas
Coastal cliffs
A breathtaking Buddhist temple perched on dramatic cliffs, offering unparalleled views of the vast ocean.
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Colorful Lanterns
Temple grounds
Vibrant lanterns adorn the temple, creating a picturesque and spiritual ambiance, especially during festive seasons.
Wish-Making Spots
Various altars and statues
Discover numerous spots within the temple grounds where visitors make wishes, adding a layer of personal connection.
Seaside Prayer Hall
Main prayer hall
Experience the unique setting of a prayer hall directly overlooking the crashing waves of the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise Serenity
Witnessing the sunrise here is a life-changing experience! Arrive before dawn for ultimate peace.
🚶♀️ Stairs & Shaded Paths
Be prepared for stairs! The shaded paths offer relief from the sun, especially in summer.
🚕 Taxi vs. Public Transport
Taxis are faster but pricier. Public transport involves subway/bus transfers and takes longer. +1
🙏 Make a Wish
Explore the many spots for making wishes; it's a unique part of the temple experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Serenity
Witnessing the sunrise here is a life-changing experience! Arrive before dawn for ultimate peace.
🚶♀️ Stairs & Shaded Paths
Be prepared for stairs! The shaded paths offer relief from the sun, especially in summer.
🚕 Taxi vs. Public Transport
Taxis are faster but pricier. Public transport involves subway/bus transfers and takes longer. +1
🙏 Make a Wish
Explore the many spots for making wishes; it's a unique part of the temple experience.
📸 Capture the Views
Mornings offer the best light and fewer people for stunning photos of the temple and sea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Haedong Yonggungsa Temple for its breathtaking seaside location and serene atmosphere. The unique architecture and the sound of the waves create a spiritual and picturesque experience. While it can get crowded, many find the journey and the views to be well worth it.
"This temple is stunning! Built right by the sea, the view is breathtaking. You can hear the waves while walking through the temple grounds. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual.
There are many small statues and spots to make wishes. The path down is beautiful, with colorful lanterns and carvings."
Auriane D
"Stunning temple built in to the rock face and natural landscape surrounding it. It is cushioned in nature and was an absolutely serene temple to visit. The route around the temple was overall well shaded and a nice relief from the hot summer sun!
Can’t recommend this enough."
Karina O'Flynn
"It's a very beautiful temple located beside the sea. There are stairs to climb but it was worthy, you can see from the pictures. The temple is very peaceful and we managed to catch the prayer time.
We went there on Monday afternoon and it was crowded. Entry was free."
T T Hlaing
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Busan Station, you can take the KTX to BEXCO station, then transfer to Subway Line 2 towards Jangsan and get off at Jangsan Station. From there, take Bus No. 181 to Yonggungsa Temple. Alternatively, a taxi from Busan Station will take about 70 minutes and cost around 32,000-33,000 KRW. +1
From Haeundae Station (Subway Line 2, Exit 7), transfer to Bus No. 181. The bus ride is a convenient option to reach the temple.
Public transport, like the subway, typically starts running around 5 AM, which might be too late for sunrise. Taxis are available earlier but can be expensive.
Yes, taxis are readily available. From Gwangalli Beach, it's about a 25-minute ride costing around 15,000 KRW. From Busan Station, expect a higher fare. +1
Express Bus 1001 can take you to the Yonggungsa Temple bus stop, but it requires an uphill walk of about 700 meters to reach the temple itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is free.
The temple is generally open from 5 AM to 7:30 PM, allowing for early morning visits.
Yes, you can visit on weekdays. While there might be a fair amount of crowd, it's still possible to find peaceful moments and good photo opportunities.
The temple has stairs and is built into the natural landscape, so some areas might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Mornings, especially before 9 AM, are recommended to avoid the peak crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastal cliffs, the main prayer hall overlooking the sea, and the pathways adorned with colorful lanterns offer the most picturesque photo opportunities.
Early mornings provide soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the temple's beauty. Sunsets also offer a beautiful golden hour glow.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, but always be respectful of worshippers and any designated no-photo zones.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites to maintain peace and respect. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and temple architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
🎫 🧘 Onsite Experience
The temple offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, enhanced by the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.
Visitors can observe prayer times and participate in making wishes at designated spots. Some may find the experience deeply spiritual.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the temple grounds, enjoy the views, and soak in the atmosphere.
Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a place of worship. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the stairs.
While there are local vendors and eateries outside the temple gates, food options within the temple itself are limited.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a visit with nearby attractions like the Haeundae Blueline Park or Skyline Luge can create a full day of family fun. The luge is within walking distance and offers an exciting activity after the temple visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the grandeur of the setting, and use a telephoto lens for intricate details of the temple's design. The colorful lanterns, especially during festive periods, add vibrant pops of color to your images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Temple Born of the Sea
+1The temple's architecture is a stunning blend of traditional Korean design and its dramatic seaside setting. Visitors can explore various halls, pagodas, and statues, all while being serenaded by the rhythmic crashing of waves. The vibrant lanterns and intricate carvings add to the visual splendor, making it a photographer's delight and a place of profound peace.
+1Many visitors find the atmosphere incredibly serene, even with moderate crowds. The proximity to the ocean creates a unique meditative environment, where one can listen to the waves while contemplating the temple's history and spiritual significance. It's a place that truly connects the earthly with the divine.
Navigating to Yonggungsa: A Traveler's Guide
For those prioritizing speed and convenience, taxis are an option. A taxi ride from Haeundae Beach is approximately 25 minutes and costs around 15,000 KRW. From Busan Station, the fare can be significantly higher, around 32,000-33,000 KRW, with a travel time of about 70 minutes.
Some travelers suggest taking the subway to Jangsan Station and then a taxi, as buses can be slow. If you're aiming for a sunrise visit, be aware that public transport may not be running early enough, making a pre-booked taxi or a dedicated tour a more reliable choice.
The Spiritual Heart: Wishes and Worship
The temple's unique seaside location is believed to enhance its spiritual power. It's common to see locals and tourists alike engaging in prayer and contemplation, seeking blessings and peace. The sound of the waves often complements the meditative atmosphere, creating a deeply immersive experience for those who visit.
While the temple is free to enter, the local economy surrounding it thrives on tourism. You'll find vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, and religious items. It's a good idea to be mindful of the local customs and traditions while exploring the temple and its surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit