Korea’s Most Beautiful Oceanside Temple 

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple 

Today, let’s explore a truly special place together! Have you ever heard of the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan? The name itself has an epic feeling, right? "Hae" means sea or ocean, and "Yong" means dragon. A temple with a connection to both dragons and the ocean—it’s already pretty magical. This place is famous for making wishes come true when you pray earnestly. So, let’s dive into the beauty of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. 

Built in 1376, Haedong Yonggungsa is a temple perched on a seaside cliff. When you think of temples, you probably picture them nestled in the mountains, right? But this one’s different, located right by the deep blue East Sea, giving the impression that the ocean and the temple are one. Regardless of religion, it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Korea!

The name 'Haedong' refers to the eastern sea, and 'Yonggung' means the Dragon Palace. Each morning, with the sunrise over the eastern horizon, this place truly feels like the temple of the dragon. The temple is shaped to resemble a dragon’s body, and the sun rising over its front makes it look like a dragon holding a precious gem. Haedong Yonggungsa is Korea’s earliest sunrise spot, with the sunrise so breathtaking that it’s often called the 'Jewel of Haedong Yonggungsa'.

As you walk through the entrance of the temple, you’ll be greeted by twelve animal statues known as the Sibijisin or the Twelve Zodiac Guardians. These statues feature animals such as the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each animal is a guardian spirit that protects the land, with faces of animals and human-like bodies. They feel like powerful protectors, watching over visitors as they enter.

Get ready for jaw-dropping, breathtaking views you won’t find anywhere else. When you visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, taking photos is a must. Every angle looks like it’s straight out of a travel magazine. With the ocean as a backdrop, the temple creates picture-perfect scenes you’ll want to capture for a lifetime. 

If you’re aiming for Insta-worthy shots, have your camera ready from the moment you step through the entrance. Surrounded by stunning skies and the endless sea, you’ll feel like a movie star in each snap.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is famous for making wishes come true, drawing visitors from all over the world. Just like the love locks at N Seoul Tower, here you can make a wish to the dragon god of the sea. There's a legend that if you write down your wish at Haedong Yonggungsa and send it toward the sea, the dragon god will grant it. Why not make a wish in this magical place when you visit?

Inside the temple, you’ll also find a spot like the one in the picture above. From the bridge, you can toss a coin into a pagoda below. If your coin lands inside, it’s said to bring you luck. It might not be easy to get it in on the first try, but focus and give it your best shot! If you succeed, your life will be filled with good fortune from that moment on.

Another way to make a wish is to step inside the temple and bow quietly before Buddha or to visit the Seaside Guanyin Statue, one of Haedong Yonggungsa’s most iconic symbols. This massive statue faces the ocean, watching over the endless horizon. Up close, it feels even more awe-inspiring, like a strong guardian protecting everything beyond the sea. Many visitors stand before the statue, gathering their thoughts, making wishes, and finding a sense of peace. 

Standing nearby and gazing out at the ocean, you’ll feel a calming sensation as the gentle waves bring a sense of tranquility. The Seaside Guanyin Statue is an unforgettable highlight of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

One more unique experience you shouldn’t miss at Haedong Yonggungsa is the Gwanbul ritual. This ceremony involves gently pouring purified water over a statue of the baby Buddha, symbolizing the cleansing of the heart and washing away worries. As you pour water over the Buddha, it’s a chance to clear away negative emotions like desire, anger, and ignorance, and to welcome in wisdom and blessings. The ritual is simple yet deeply calming; you only need to pour the water three times to complete it. When you visit Haedong Yonggungsa, experiencing Gwanbul can be a meaningful way to find inner peace.

Haedong Yonggungsa isn’t just a temple to stroll around—it’s a place to find peace in nature, where you can spend quiet moments by yourself, feeling the fresh ocean breeze. It’s a perfect escape from daily life, a true healing experience. Throughout the temple, you’ll find various Buddha statues and unique structures that hold a deep connection to Haedong Yonggungsa. Capturing these sights with your eyes is a beautiful experience in itself. 

And just like that, our journey through Haedong Yonggungsa comes to an end. With the ocean, the temple, and its legends all blending together, this place really leaves a special impression. Visit with friends, take unforgettable photos, and make a wish—these are the memories you’ll hold onto forever.

Address

부산 기장군 기장읍 용궁길 86 해동용궁사 

86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, Korea 

💎 KST 4:30 ~ 19:20
 

Inquiries

+82-51-722-7744