Haedong Yonggungsa — Seaside Buddhist Temple
Busan, South Korea
About This Activity
Haedong Yonggungsa is one of very few Korean Buddhist temples built directly on the ocean coast, its pagoda and shrine buildings cascading down rocky cliffs above the East Sea. Founded in 1376, the sea-facing main shrine dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy is flanked by dragon and fish carvings. The coastal path down passes stone statues, fortune-telling stones, and small shrines. Entry is free; arrive before 9am on weekdays to beat tour buses. The spring Buddha's Birthday festival (April) brings paper lanterns and a particularly atmospheric visit. Bus 181 from Haeundae Station takes 20 minutes.
Seasonal note: Year-round; spring cherry blossoms and the Buddha's Birthday lantern festival (April) are exceptional. Summer is hottest and most crowded.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 53 of our curated itineraries.
Best 5 Days in South Korea
Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju
Best 5 Days in South Korea — Temples & Shrines
Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju
Best 5 Days in South Korea — Nature
Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju
Best 5 Days in South Korea — Family Friendly
Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju
Best 5 Days in South Korea — Romantic
Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju
Best 5 Days in South Korea — Adventure
Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju
More Activities in Busan
Haeundae Beach
Walk South Korea's most famous urban beach — 1.5km of golden sand backed by a luxury hotel skyline (2h)
Gamcheon Culture Village
Climb Busan's pastel hillside art village — rainbow alleyways, murals, the iconic Little Prince viewpoint, and a ₩2,000 stamp trail map (2h)
Jagalchi Fish Market
Pick live fish from the tanks at Korea's largest seafood market, then have it sliced as hoe (sashimi) upstairs (1.5–2h)
Beomeosa Temple — Geumjeongsan Mountain
Hike pine-forested mountain slopes to reach one of Korea's most important 7th-century Buddhist temples above Busan (2.5h)
Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge at Night
Watch Busan's 7.4km suspension bridge glow at night from craft-beer bars and indie cafés along the beachfront (2h)
Busan Cinema Center — BIFF Festival Venue
Visit the award-winning Coop Himmelblau building — world's longest cantilevered LED roof and home of Asia's largest film festival (1h)
Free Day in Busan
A free day to explore Busan's beaches, markets, and mountain trails at your own pace