Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

박혜민 · CC BY-SA 3.0

A rare temple built at the water's edge rather than in the mountains, catching Busan's first sunrise.

Most Korean temples sit deep in the hills; Yonggungsa clings to the rocks facing the East Sea. You descend 108 steps — one for each affliction — to a courtyard where waves break against the wall. It is said that a prayer offered here will grant one wish, so there is always someone bowing before the seaside Buddha. It is at its best at sunrise, or at Buddha's Birthday when thousands of paper lanterns cover every path.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?

Year-round; lantern season in April–May

How long do you need at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?

1.5 hours

What are the opening hours of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?

04:30–19:00 daily

Did you know

First founded in 1376 during the Goryeo dynasty.
One of very few Korean temples built right on the sea.
The entrance has 108 stone steps, for the 108 afflictions.
Extremely busy at Buddha's Birthday and on New Year's Day.

Travel tips

Come at sunrise for the light and the smaller crowd.
Bus 181 from Haeundae takes about 30 minutes.
The stone steps are slippery in the rain.

Source: https://breezekorea.com/haedong-yonggungsa-temple/

Updated: 2026-08-04