Day 2 of our Busan itinerary centred around the Haeundae area. We began with a trip to the revered seaside temple Haedong Yonggungsa (해동 용궁사). From Busan Station, we took the subway to Haeundae Station and waited for Bus 181.
The bus was crowded with many ahjummas on board and we actually missed our stop coz the place we were supposed to alight at was pretty nondescript! As soon as we realised our mistake, we wanted to alight and catch a cab to our destination but the bus travelled deeper and deeper into the ulu areas! We were in the middle of nowhere! Then suddenly, we came to a bus stop where all the ahjummas alighted so we decided to get off too to see what was going on. Somehow we ended up at a roadside market by the sea! The ahjummas came here to buy super fresh fish and seaweed! OMG! We wanted to catch a bus on the opposite side of the road, but thankfully we saw there were a line of taxis waiting there! YOSH! We quickly climbed on board one and headed towards the temple. We were there within five minutes (3600KRW)! If we had taken the bus and gotten off at the correct stop, we would have to make a 15-min trek uphill to get to the temple. Maybe getting lost wasn’t such a bad idea after all!
The bus was crowded with many ahjummas on board and we actually missed our stop coz the place we were supposed to alight at was pretty nondescript! As soon as we realised our mistake, we wanted to alight and catch a cab to our destination but the bus travelled deeper and deeper into the ulu areas! We were in the middle of nowhere! Then suddenly, we came to a bus stop where all the ahjummas alighted so we decided to get off too to see what was going on. Somehow we ended up at a roadside market by the sea! The ahjummas came here to buy super fresh fish and seaweed! OMG! We wanted to catch a bus on the opposite side of the road, but thankfully we saw there were a line of taxis waiting there! YOSH! We quickly climbed on board one and headed towards the temple. We were there within five minutes (3600KRW)! If we had taken the bus and gotten off at the correct stop, we would have to make a 15-min trek uphill to get to the temple. Maybe getting lost wasn’t such a bad idea after all!
The taxi dropped us off near the parking lot where many vendors congregated to peddle touristy souvenirs, snacks, beverages and even vegetables.
Walking past the street market, there was an area that was lined with stone statues of the twelve zodiac creatures, a large relief carving of Guan Yin and a large stone pagoda.
Near the pagoda stands the wooden gate heralding the start of the narrow passage of 108 steps that led down to the temple. The 108 steps actually represent the 108 agonies of earthly desire of Buddhism. The stair-climbing isn’t physically challenging, and you’ll be able to see the main temple complex very soon. I think no words are required to describe the beauty of this temple, I’ll just let pictures do the talking (I find it incredible that the view here is exactly like the pictures we see on the Internet!).
Walking past the street market, there was an area that was lined with stone statues of the twelve zodiac creatures, a large relief carving of Guan Yin and a large stone pagoda.
Near the pagoda stands the wooden gate heralding the start of the narrow passage of 108 steps that led down to the temple. The 108 steps actually represent the 108 agonies of earthly desire of Buddhism. The stair-climbing isn’t physically challenging, and you’ll be able to see the main temple complex very soon. I think no words are required to describe the beauty of this temple, I’ll just let pictures do the talking (I find it incredible that the view here is exactly like the pictures we see on the Internet!).
Most temples in Korea are built in the deep mountains but Haedong Yonggungsa is very unique because it overlooks the ocean directly. In fact, the main deity worshipped here is the Goddess of Mercy, who is known to protect seafarers and ships with safe harbour.
After coming here, it’s easy to see why so many people make their pilgrimage to this temple. There are so many different areas to make your wishes! In fact, according to the temple’s website, the temple’s motto is “At least one of your wishes will be answered here through your heartful prayers.” You can toss coins into a wishing well, pray for the birth of a baby boy, scholastic achievements, road safety, fortune etc!
- Hakeupbul is a Buddha statue granting successful studies
- Deuknambul is a Buddha statue granting the birth of an offspring
- Hwanggeum dweji – Golden pigs! Rub its belly for good fortune
We were also very lucky that our visit coincided with Buddha’s birthday, so the temple grounds were decorated with many of these colourful paper lanterns. The night view would be even more impressive I think! You can make a donation to the temple (could be a way of making merit) and get to write your name and wish on the paper lanterns. There will be temple staff on hand to help you to hang them up too.
After we finished exploring the temple, we also walked down a small trail to take photos by the cliffs because that’s what the other Koreans are doing! What a fun experience!
Whether seen faraway or upstairs, this temple is magnificent! A must visit!
Ended our visit to the temple with my favourite street snack: odeng!
Ended our visit to the temple with my favourite street snack: odeng!
Directions to Haedong Yonggungsa
Take subway to Haeundae Station (Exit 7)
Alight at National Fisheries Research & Development Center (one stop after Lotte Duty Free).
From the Fisheries bus stop, it will be a 10 minute uphill walk to the entrance of the temple.
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