In the southeast corner of South Korea, you’ll find the beautiful port city of Busan. As the second-largest city in the country, Busan is an important economic and cultural center, with history stretching back nearly 2,000 years. Since it has such a long history, Busan is home to many iconic and gorgeous temples. Whether you go with a Korea travel guide or a Korea tour agency, make sure you don’t miss the top 7 must-see temples in Busan!
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
On a list of must-see temples in Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple has to make the top! This temple is unique among temples in Korea for the beautiful, seaside landscape it offers. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is built directly into the rocks alongside the East Sea of Busan. It is a magical location to visit, as to get there you have to cross an intricate wood bridge to reach the temple. Although it was destroyed during the Imjin War, the temple returned to its former glory in reconstruction in the 1970’s. As if the stunning views weren’t enough, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple also houses a famous Buddha, the Yacksayeorae Healing statue that is thought to relieve suffering.
Beomeosa Temple
Widely known as one of the most famous temples in Busan and Korea at large, Beomeosa Temple is a key part of Buddhist culture in Korea. Its history dates all the way back to 678, when it was founded by a monk. Although the majority of the temple was destroyed in the Imjin War, Beomeosa Temple was restored in the 1600’s. The architecture is incredible and extremely detailed; it is bound to stun you. As if that weren’t enough, Beomeosa Temple is surrounded by beautiful scenery with tons of walking trails and wooded paths. The best time to visit is around Buddha’s birthday, when the temple is decked out with paper lanterns, which only enhances the temple’s beauty.
Seokbulsa Temple
Although Seokbulsa Temple is not one of the most frequently visited temples in Busan, it is definitely worth the trip! This temple is built directly into Mount Geumjeong’s scenic, sandstone cliffs. As the tallest mountain in Busan, Mount Geumjeong offers impressive views all around. Since the temple is carved into the rock, all the Buddhas (some ten feet talls) and adornments are part of the rock as well. It is not the most frequented temple in the region, because it can be quite the journey. It normally takes 4.5 hours to make the roundtrip to Seokbulsa Temple, and the trip includes a ride in the Geumgang Park Cable Car and hiking sections. Don’t let the hiking intimidate you! The views and the unique atmosphere of Seokbulsa Temple are totally worth it!
Taejongsa Temple
Located in the scenic Taejongdae Park, Taejongsa Temple is a beautiful, modern temple. Despite being established relatively recently in the 1980’s, the temple has become known for its enshrined Buddha statue, as well as the stunning hydrangeas that flourish in the area. There are over 30 varieties of hydrangeas in the area, which make the visit all the more notable. If you plan your visit correctly, you might even catch the Hydrangea Flower Cultural Festival if you’re there between the end of June and early July. Between the Taejongsa Temple, the multi-colored hydrangeas, and the coastal scenery, you’ll easily see why Taejongsa ranks among the best temples to visit in Busan.
Hongbeopsa Temple
If you’re willing to trek to the northern area of Busan, you have to make a visit to Hongbeopsa Temple! Hongbeopsa Temple actually features the largest seated Buddha statue in all of Korea, glowing over the surrounding area with its golden shine. When you visit the temple, you can get an up-close view of the enormous Buddha statue and even go inside a section of the statue. The Buddha statue sits atop the temple’s main hall, which is also open to visitors. When you’re done marveling at the temple itself, you can wander around the temple grounds, which makes for a marvelous break from the city.
Samgwangsa Temple
Built in 1983, Samgwangsa Temple is a newer addition to the circuit of best temples to visit in Busan. Despite this, the temple has become one of the most notable temples in the whole city. The Samgwangsa Temple stretches over 100,000 square meters in the city center on the slopes of Mt. Baekyang. As a bonus, it is one of the easier temples to visit in Busan, owing to its location near Busan’s center. If you have the flexibility, you should visit this notable temple of Busan during Buddha’s birthday season. At this time of year, Samgwangsa Temple is adorned with over 40,000 colorful, paper lanterns over the entire structure, which only enhances the scenery.
Top Temples to Visit in Busan, South Korea
Whether you want to appreciate the local culture or look for a moment of zen in an iconic temple, these beautiful Buddhist temples in Busan are perfect for you! Busan even offers some differentiated temple views, nestled by the seashore, like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. In other parts of South Korea, these temples are normally located in the mountains. In Busan, you won’t have to choose between these two atmospheres; you can explore both! Check out these top temples in Busan, South Korea by booking through a Korea tour agency today!
