Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan South Korea

Friday, January 29, 2016

Walk with Cham in Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

The first day of 2016 was spent visiting a temple and not just an ordinary temple. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is the most popular among all the other buddhist temples in Busan especially during New Year.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple sits on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan making it a one-of-a-kind temple among others that are usually located in the mountains.

Opening

4:00 am - 7:00 pm

How to go to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Alight Haeundae Station (Line 2), Exit 7

Take Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple for 1,200 won each (P50)

You can take a cab from the Haeundae Station for around 10,000 won (P400) - 15,000 won (P600)

While waiting for Bus 181, a green bus with the label Haedong Yonggungsa Temple stopped in front of us, but because it was not bus 181 I double checked with the driver. Fortunately, it was the bus we were waiting for. I just have to warn you that the buses going to the temple have 15 - 20 minute intervals, during our time there were so many people who wanted to visit the temple so the bus got packed quickly, luckily my Mama and Papa found available seats.

Bus going to the temple

It took us 20 minutes to reach the temple, so if you're the type who wants to have a comfortable ride, you can opt on getting a cab to take you there. Going back we decided to get one, as all the buses were jam-packed and we didn't want to stand during the whole course of the trip.

Haedong Yonggung Temple

After the bus ride, we walked further for about 15-20 minutes to reach the temple. It was a long inclined walk. So yes, you better take a cab so it would drive you up to the entrance. Riding a cab is a better option especially if you're with oldies like my parents who kept on complaining during the entire uphill walk. hehehe.

Chasing pavements

Fee

Good thing there were no entrance fees.

As we walked towards the temple a flock of tourists were making their way to the same path. New Year's day is quite popular in this temple. Souvenir shops and street foods filled the place too.

Crowd? What Crowd?

This temple is famous during sunrise and ideally, I would have visited this place during dawn but because we were too tired from yesterday's events (we witnessed the fireworks display) we came here mid-noon.

12 Zodiac Stone Figures
An array of the 12 zodiac stone statue greeted us. They stood in a straight line position following the path as if they were soldiers guarding the way. They were there to protect the temple.

My zodiac- Rat

8 Story Pagoda
Before entering the actual temple, we came across this pagoda where you can pray for traffic safety.

The 8 Story Pagoda

This marks the entrance of the Temple

Daengjeon Main Sanctuary

Upon entering, the main sanctuary welcomed us. It was just an ordinary Buddhist temple for me but what sets it apart from all the rest was the view, we were left in awe. It was my first time to visit a seaside temple so this was something unique for me.

Daengjeon Main Sanctuary

Buddhist worshiping at the main sanctuary

The Three-Story Pagoda with 4 Lions

Infront of the main sanctuary is where the three-story pagoda with four lions is placed. I wasn't able to see the four lions but the view of the pagoda facing the vast blue sky and ocean was truly magnificent.

The Three story Pagdo with 4 Lions

Bronze Plate for Sale

This temple is popular during New Year's Day as (they say) your wishes will most likely to be granted by writing your wishes on a bronze plate and that at least one of your wishes on the plate will come true. Ideally, people do it during sunrise although this activity is a whole day thing.

Bronze Plates

Yongwangdang Shrine and Golden Fat Buddha

There are different types of buddhas and you'll see some of them in this temple. We saw a fat golden one just right beside the main sanctuary.

Golden Fat Buddha

Haesu Gwaneum Daebul

Another type of Buddha, her name means Seawater Great Goddess Buddha of Mercy. And they say that when you chant her name repeatedly you will achieve your goals and wishes.

Haesu Gwaneum Daebul

Worshippers

Mini Monks

A collection of miniature monks were scattered around the temple. People offer these monks whenever their wishes came true.

Mini monks

More of them

Too cute <3

Statue of the Dragon

This dragon represents the Divine god of the East Sea.

Statue of the Dragon

Out of all the activities here, appreciating the view is a must. The turquoise sea and the sky-blue space was a good relaxation retreat. The fresh air was therapeutic. The sound of waves crashing onto the rocky island felt serene. I would have stayed here longer but the big crowd ruined my almost peaceful meditation.

Serene view

Blue

Another Golden Buddha

First #selfie of 2016

Bridge under construction

Using GoPro

I love the view from here. The group of rocks look amazing

Visiting the temple during New Year has its pros and cons. Because it is a famous attraction during new year it's also one of the few landmarks that are open too, so expect a lot of people. I would have loved to stay at the rocky mountain while gazing at the horizon if the place wasn't packed and if I wasn't with my parents.