Samgwangsa Temple Busan
A breathtaking Buddhist temple famous for its dazzling lantern festival, offering a spiritual and visually stunning experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lantern festival magic
Samgwangsa Temple Busan
Best Time
Lantern festival magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking Buddhist temple famous for its dazzling lantern festival, offering a spiritual and visually stunning experience.
"Thousands upon thousands of lanterns that light up at night. Very lively scene in the day too. Remarkable atmosphere."
🎯 Visit during Lantern Festival
Experience the temple's most magical display with over 40,000 lanterns!
🚌 Shuttle Bus Available
Skip the 108 steps and take the shuttle bus up the mountain for easy access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thousands of Colorful Lanterns
Main temple grounds
Witness a breathtaking sea of over 40,000 vibrant lanterns illuminating the night sky during the festival.
Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Main temple grounds
Experience the lively atmosphere and cultural significance of this important Buddhist celebration.
Peaceful Mountain Retreat
Temple complex
Enjoy the serene ambiance and beautiful architecture, even outside of festival times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Lantern Festival
Getting to Samgwangsa Temple
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit during Lantern Festival
Experience the temple's most magical display with over 40,000 lanterns! 
🚌 Shuttle Bus Available
Skip the 108 steps and take the shuttle bus up the mountain for easy access.
🌃 Evening is Best
Lanterns light up from 7 PM, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
🌧️ Rainy Day Magic
Fewer crowds and a unique, peaceful experience even in the rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit during Lantern Festival
Experience the temple's most magical display with over 40,000 lanterns!
🚌 Shuttle Bus Available
Skip the 108 steps and take the shuttle bus up the mountain for easy access.
🌃 Evening is Best
Lanterns light up from 7 PM, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
🌧️ Rainy Day Magic
Fewer crowds and a unique, peaceful experience even in the rain.
🧘♀️ Free Soy Milk & Cake
Enjoy complimentary treats while waiting for the lanterns to light up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Samgwangsa Temple is most renowned for its spectacular Lantern Festival, a breathtaking display of thousands of colorful lanterns that draws visitors from around the world. Even outside of this event, the temple offers a peaceful and architecturally beautiful retreat. While crowds can be significant during the festival, many find the experience deeply meaningful and visually stunning.
"I know that everybody visits this temple for the Buddha’s birth festival when it is fully adorned with lanterns. But even if you are in Busan in another month, it is still a really nice visit without all the tourists of the city. There is a bus that drops you right in front of the temple and it is a very nice and magical experience. I really recommend it!"
Alba Toll Privat
"Samgwangsa Temple is a very peaceful place. The atmosphere is calm, and it’s great for a quiet walk. The architecture is beautiful, with lots of details to see. It’s a lovely spot to unwind and take in the scenery. Worth visiting!"
Florian Deram
"We went to the Samgwangsa temple to see the lantern festival for Buddha's birthday.
We arrived at the temple around 5.30 pm and the lantern time started at 7 pm so we had to walk around for a while to wait. The staff told us to go get some free soy milk and cake that they were given out at that moment so we went to get some for snack. I also attempted making the paper lotus flower to kill time. We also walked around to see the decorations before they lit up.
We visited on Children's day, public holiday, so the temple was absolutely crazy busy 🤣 still worth it for the lantern festival!"
Penny Gaffney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Samgwangsa Temple by taking a bus that drops you directly in front of the temple. Alternatively, you can climb the 108 steps for a more traditional pilgrimage experience.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the temple. If you are arriving by car, you can search for 'Samgwangsa Temple parking' on your navigation app.
The travel time can vary depending on traffic, but it typically takes around an hour by public transport.
Yes, taxis are a convenient option to reach Samgwangsa Temple, especially if you are traveling with luggage or prefer direct transport.
Yes, there are bus routes that go directly to Samgwangsa Temple, making it accessible for visitors using public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Samgwangsa Temple is generally free, especially outside of special events. During the lantern festival, entry is also free, though donations are welcome.
The temple grounds are usually accessible throughout the day. However, for the full lantern festival experience, the lanterns light up from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
The Samgwangsa Temple Lantern Festival typically runs from April 12th to May 5th or 6th, celebrating Buddha's Birthday.
No, tickets are not required for the Samgwangsa Temple Lantern Festival as admission is free. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
Yes, Samgwangsa Temple is still a beautiful and peaceful place to visit year-round, offering a serene atmosphere and impressive architecture.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photos are taken during the lantern festival in the evening when the temple is illuminated. Golden hour before sunset can also offer beautiful light.
The main temple grounds with the sea of lanterns are the most popular photo spots. Look for elevated viewpoints for panoramic shots.
Tripods are generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors, especially during crowded festival times. It's best to use them in less congested areas.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for capturing the lanterns at night. A wide-angle lens can help capture the scale of the displays.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites to maintain peace and respect. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the lantern festival, you might find some vendors selling snacks and drinks. The temple also sometimes offers free soy milk and cake.
The surrounding areas might have local Korean restaurants. For a wider variety, consider dining in the city center before or after your visit.
Bringing your own snacks and water is generally acceptable, but it's important to be respectful and clean up after yourself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1To make the visit more comfortable for families, consider utilizing the shuttle bus to reach the temple, avoiding a strenuous climb. If visiting during the festival, be prepared for crowds and perhaps bring some snacks and drinks. The temple sometimes offers free treats like soy milk and cake, which can be a fun bonus for kids.
📸 Photographers
+1For the best results, bring a camera with good low-light capabilities and consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the displays. While tripods are generally allowed, be considerate of other visitors during peak times. Exploring different angles and perspectives, especially from slightly elevated points, can yield unique and memorable photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Lantern Festival
+2The lanterns are lit each evening from around 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM, creating a truly magical and dreamlike atmosphere. Visitors often describe the experience as otherworldly, with the colorful lights reflecting off the temple's architecture and the surrounding mountainside. It's a time when the temple becomes a hub of celebration, attracting both religious devotees and tourists eager to witness this unique cultural event.
While the festival is the main draw, it also means the temple can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays like Children's Day. Some visitors have found that visiting on a rainy day or during the week can offer a more peaceful experience, allowing for better photos and a more contemplative visit.
Beyond the Festival: Samgwangsa Temple Year-Round
The temple complex itself is architecturally impressive, featuring richly decorated pavilions, intricate statues, and vibrant murals. Visitors can explore the peaceful courtyards, observe monks and worshippers, and find quiet corners for meditation or simply soaking in the calm atmosphere. The climb up the traditional 108 steps can be a pilgrimage in itself, symbolizing purification and enlightenment.
For those who prefer to save their energy, a convenient shuttle bus service is available to take visitors directly to the temple grounds. This makes Samgwangsa Temple accessible to a wider range of visitors, ensuring everyone can experience its spiritual and aesthetic beauty.
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