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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동용궁사), Busan, South Korea

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea

Introduction to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the rare Korean temples situated on the seaside. The temple sits along the east coast shoreline of Gijang-gun, Busan, offering a breathtaking view of a wide-open ocean and rocky coastlines. 

The history of Haedong Yonggungsa temple has been controversial: the people on the temple side claim that the great monk Naong built the temple in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty. Later, the temple was destroyed during Imjinwaeran, the Japanese invasion of Korea in the 16th century, and it was rebuilt in the 1930s in a different name. The temple got its name, ‘Haedong Yonggungsa,’ in 1974.

On the other hand, a local newspaper reported that Haedong Yonggungsa temple was just established in the 1970s, and the report was based on historical studies and testimonials by the local residents. 

Whether the temple was a recreation or it was newly built in the 1970s, it wouldn’t really matter once you start absorbing the awe-inspiring moments that the temple offers.

Location

86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea


Getting There

Take Busan Metro (Subway) Line 2 and get off at Haeundae Station (해운대). Take Exit 7 > Transfer to Bus No. 181 > Get off at Yonggungsa Temple (용궁사) bus stop.

If you take a taxi from the Haeundae station, it will take about 25 minutes and cost 9,000 Korean won (time and fare can change depending on traffic conditions.)

Hours

5 a.m. – sunset

Admission (Entrance Fee)

Free

Contact

Phone: +82-51-722-7744
Website: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple website (Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese available)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you. If you use these links to purchase a tour or other items, I may earn a commission.


What to See at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The trip to Haedong Yonggungsa practically begins from the bus stop or the parking lot. The street to the temple is dotted with food vendors and souvenir shops. If you expect more serene and isolated surroundings like Seokbulsa temple, you may feel it’s too touristy. In fact, Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the most visited destinations in Busan. Don’t be disappointed too soon and keep walking.

The Road to The Temple

Street dotted with food vendors and souvenir shops
12 Zodiac Statues

Near the entrance of the temple, 12 stone Chinese zodiac statues welcome you first (If you wonder about your Chinese zodiac sign, click here.)

Guanyin statue
Traffic safety prayer pagoda in Busan, South Korea

Right in front of the entrance, you will find a tall pagoda standing. Interestingly, an automobile tire sits in front of the pagoda. This pagoda wishes for traffic safety for everyone on the road.

Here comes Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Isle to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan
Buddha of granting a son statue

After you enter the temple, you will see the Happy Buddha statue on the wall. The statue has a dark-colored belly because people have rubbed it so many times. The statue has the name, ‘Buddha of Granting a Son.’ The myth goes that you will have a son if you pray while you are rubbing the belly of Happy Buddha (Podaehwasang). Just like touching the shoe of the John Havard Statue at Harvard University for luck.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea

On the way, you will see a sign that says “the most beautiful temple in Korea.” I can’t find any legit resources that support this claim, but it’s not easy to dispute its claim. I am not sure if it is the most beautiful temple, but, for sure, it is a beautiful temple.

The most beautiful temple in Korea sign
Medicine Buddha statue at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in South Korea
Yaksayeorae Statue (Healing or Medicine Buddha)
16 Buddha's Disciples at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea

From the bridge to the temple, visitors toss coins to these wells wishing good luck, just like Trevi Fountain.

Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary

Dragon Statue at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea
Daeungjeon Hall at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan

Daeungjeon (대웅전) is the main worship hall.

Buddha statues in Daeungjeon Hall at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

More sections of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Happy Buddha statue at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan
Golden Statue of Happy Buddha (Podaehwasang)
Young monk miniatures
Monument at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in South Korea
Guanyin Statue overlooking the ocean at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haesu Gwaneum Daebul stands looking over the temple and East Sea. This is the goddess bodhisattva of mercy. You will see people prostrate in front of the statue.

View of Gijang in South Korea from Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Ksitigarbha Buddha statue at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

On the other side of the main temple ground, the statue of Jijangbosal (Kṣitigarbha) sits on the top of the rocky cliff. You can see a complete view of the main area of Haedong Yonggungsa temple from here.

Stairs at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan

The number of the stairs to the temple is 108, which is a sacred number in Buddhism.

the monument at rocky oceanside near the temple

When to Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Younggungsa is famous for its amazing sunrise so the place attracts quite a crowd on New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year’s Day. In addition, blooming cherry blossoms make it even better from late March to mid-April. Of course, around Buddha’s birthday (April 8th on the lunar calendar), the numerous lanterns decorate the whole temple.

These are great times to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. But, on the other hand, these days are times you want to avoid if you want a “relatively” quiet and spiritual experience.


Things to Do near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple sits in Gijang-gun, Busan. Gijang district recently has become one of the hottest destinations in Busan. The area offers a full slate of famous restaurants, hip cafes, and other points of interest such as Jukseong Church and Dongbusan Outlets. Although the temple is technically in Gijang, it is quite close to Songjeong so you may want to find and enjoy some of Sonjeong’s places as well.


Do You Need a Tour in Busan? Busan Day and Night Full Day Tour by Trazy

If you are looking for the most convenient way to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Trazy offers a great local tour that includes Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and other essential points of interest in Busan such as Gamcheon Culture Village. Visit its page and find out more information about the tour including reviews from previous guests.

Busan Day & Night Full Day Tour


  • Planning a trip to South Korea? Click here to find more destinations here.
  • Do you want to study in South Korea? Here is a basic guide to start with.
  • Want to learn about Korean culture and more? Click here to find more information about it.
  • Trying to learn Korean language? I have some interesting real expressions for you.
  • A big fan of Korean food? How about some Korean noodles?

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