Visit this beautiful shore line Haedong Yonggungsa Temple against the mountain side in Korea.  This is one of the largest temples in Korea located between Busan and Gyeongju. This 1Adventure Traveler enjoyed a a trip to Yonggungsa Temple Busan day trip and is a must see while you’re here.

Yonggungsa Temple - 1AdventureTraveler

The temple was first built in 1376 in the Goryeo Dynasty with the main temple being reconstructed in 1970.  One the right side of the temple visit the small cave designed for the Buddhist sanctum.

Yonggungsa Temple - 1AdventureTraveler

Make sure to view the 4 lions in front of the main sanctuary where the 3 story pagoda is located.  The four lions symbolize joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.  Go down the 108 stairs lined with lanterns to the rocky terrain and see the beautiful view of the temple and hear the waves crashing against the rocks.

Yonggungsa Temple - 1AdventureTraveler

April is a beautiful time to visit with the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom. Also in April visit during the birth of Buddha and in the evening see the spectacular view of the lighted lanterns.  New Years day at sunrise is another time of the year to visit to make a wish for the new year.

Yonggungsa Temple - 1AdventureTraveler

Address

86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan; +82-51-722-7744 hrs: 0400-1900 fee for parking but admission is free but subject to change.

Directions

Subway & Bus directions:  Stop at Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7.  Take Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple (용궁사)..  If you take a taxi from the subway to the Temple I would recommend having the temple name written down in Korean.

Yonggungsa Temple - 1AdventureTraveler

For other day trip ideas in Busan or on Geoje Island visit my blog at 1adventuretraveler.com .  I also must also apologise for the terrible photos of this temple.  While on this adventure my camera went over the edge of that bridge and ended up in pieces.  Friends were along and one lady younger than me climbed down over the bridge and boulders to rescue parts of my camera and thankfully was able to save the memory stick with minimal damage to it.

Besides the camera going over the side of the bridge the blondes in the group were celebrities.  We were photographed numerous times with the locals that day and we loved our short term celebrity status.

What an adventure we had that day! 🙂

By: Stephanie Griggs