Haedong Yonggungsa Buddhist Temple attracts visitors for its unique location. Located right on the rocky seashore, it is one of the few Korean temples that does not stand in the mountains.
Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the main tourist attractions in Busan.
The history and appearance of the temple
Haedong Yonggungsa was built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty. It was completely destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century and reconstructed again in 1930.
The temple has two main smaller buildings standing on rocky outcrops on the coast. The gardens of the temple are decorated with dozens of animal statues and, of course, the golden statue of the sitting and laughing Buddha.
Most tourists come here during late March and April, when the cherry blossoms in the temple gardens are in full bloom.
Entrance fees and opening hours
The temple gates open to the public at 5:00 am every day and close just after sunset.
Admission is free.
Transport to the temple
Haedong Yonggungsa is located on the eastern outskirts of Busan, relatively far from the city centre.
The nearest bus stop is about 350 metres from the temple entrance (see map). Bus line 1001 runs directly to the centre of Busan (for example, to the train station), but journey times vary between 75 and 85 minutes.
The nearest suburban metro station of the Donghae-Nambu line is called OSIRIA and is about 1.5 km from the temple. However, from the metro, you can approach the temple by bus line 139.
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