Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

December 27, 2025 One of the most beautiful temples I’ve visited in Korea. Haedong Yonggungsa is unique because it sits right on the coast, giving you a stunning ocean view while exploring the temple grounds. The sound of the waves combined with the peaceful atmosphere makes the experience very calming and spiritual. The walk down to the temple is also interesting, with statues, lanterns, and small shops along the way. If you visit early in the morning, the place feels even more magical with fewer crowds. Definitely a must-visit spot in Busan for both sightseeing and quiet reflection.

From Busan city center, I took a public bus to visit Haedong Yonggungsa, a beautiful Buddhist temple by the sea. The temple sits on rocky cliffs facing the ocean, making it one of the most scenic temples in Korea. There were quite a lot of tourists when I visited, but the temple complex is large, so it didn’t feel too crowded. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the area, enjoying the views, and walking around the different parts of the temple.

Amazing place we stumbled across completely by accident after taking a wrong turn while heading to a restaurant. What initially felt like a small detour turned into one of the highlights of the day. The temple itself was beautiful — peaceful, well kept, and surprisingly quiet. It felt even more special because there were hardly any people around at all, most likely due to the freezing temperature, which was sitting at around –8°C. Despite the cold, the atmosphere was calm and unhurried, making it easy to take your time and really enjoy the surroundings. There was also a convenient car park nearby, which made the visit simple and stress-free, especially given the weather. Just outside the temple area, there was a good selection of street food vendors, which was very welcome in those temperatures. My girlfriend and I couldn’t resist trying a few things. We had spicy fish cakes served with a rich, warming spicy sauce, which were perfect for the cold. We also tried hotteok, choosing both honey and seed as well as honey and cheese versions crispy on the outside, soft inside, and incredibly comforting. We even shared a battered hot dog for good measure. A completely unexpected find, but one we’re very glad we came across

A unique temple in South Korea that build near to sea. You need to follow a path to the temple and surroundings. Great scenery and can be cool during winter windy season. Many people local or tourist come here to pray. The path is one way, and with some stairs. Will be slightly challenging for people have knee pain.

This has to be one of the most beautiful temples I've ever visited in Asia (and I have been to many of them). The setting near a rocky beach is gorgeous and the temple has plenty of good guidance and services, including clean bathrooms. There are also many souvenir shops and coffeehouses just outside the main gate. It is certainly very commercial and touristy but that does not make it less pretty or the visit less enjoyable. Must see place in Busan, although a bit fair via public transportation.