Temples To Visit During Your Stay In Busan

South Korea is home to a fair number of Buddhist temples. Those situated in and around Busan are some of the country’s most beautiful and unique. From complexes that overlook the sea, to ones that boast mystical cavernous shrines, these are the temples to visit during your stay in Korea’s second biggest city.

1. Haedong Yonggung Temple (해동 용궁사)

If you only go to one temple in Busan, make it Haedong Yonggung Temple. In contrast to the majority of Korea’s temples, which are nestled in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa is situated on the coast, overlooking the Sea of Japan, or the East Sea, as it is called in Korea.

Also referred to as “The Water Temple” for the breathtaking coastal views it offers, Haedong Yonggungsa dates back to 1376, when it was constructed by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong. The three story pagoda is flanked by four lions that represent joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Visitors should take the walkway of 108 stairs, which is lined by stone lanterns.

Haedong Yonggung, 416-3 Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea, +82-51-722-7744

Haedong Yonggung Temple | © cezzie901 / Flickr

2. Tongdo Temple (통도사)

Bridge

One of the “Three Jewel Temples of Korea,” 1,500-year-old Tongdo Temple is a tribute to Buddha himself. Strangely there is not a single statue or image of the sage in the complex. Instead, Tongdosa boasts a collection of relics, including Buddha’s skull and robe (or so it is believed). Legend also says that an eternal flame was supposed to have been kept for over 1,300 years at this site.

The temple is one of the largest in Korea, and requires a couple hours to see in its entirety. Located just a few kilometers north of Busan’s Nopo Bus Terminal, it is an easy half day trip from the city.

108 Tongdosa-ro, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, +82-55-382-7182

Stone bridge, Tongdo Temple | © Greg Williamson / Flickr

3. Beomeo Temple (범어사)

Perched on Gaumjeong Mountain, Beomeo Temple boasts some 1,300 years of history. Although the complex was originally constructed in 678 CE during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla Kingdom, it was destroyed in 5192 during Japanese invasion. The temple that stands today was completed in 1713, and is still just as beautiful, particularly in spring, when the wisteria are in full bloom.

Daeungjeon, the main temple hall, which was built in 1614, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Joseon-era architecture, while the royal palace wings and three story pagoda also warrant a visit. For an unforgettable experience, opt to participate in a temple stay, an overnight program that gives visitors a unique look into monastic life.

250 Beomeosa-ro, Cheongnyongnopo-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea, +82-51-508-3122

Beomeo Temple | © BODHICITTA / Flickr

5. Samgwang Temple (삼광사)

Positioned on the hillside of Baekyang Mountain, Samgwangsa is one of Busan’s newer temples, having been established in 1986. It is always open and locals come here for prayer at all times of the day.

While there’s plenty to do and see at the temple all year round, the best time to visit Samgwangsa is during Buddha’s Birthday, when the entire temple is beautifully illuminated with colorful lanterns. It does get crowded, so consider going in the early morning or late night to witness the temple in all its glory.

77 Choeupcheon-ro 43beon-gil, Choeup-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea, +82-51-808-7111

Samgwang Temple | © Byung Jun Kim /Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.