Busan’s 8 Most Beautiful Temples At A Glance

The coastal city of Busan is full of wonderful activities, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood, but not only that, as the city also boasts a range of magnificent temples that will captivate you. Here’s my top 8!

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1. Samgwangsa (삼광사)

Address: 77, Choeupcheon-ro 43beon-gil, Busanjin-gu
How to get there: from Seomyeon station, take exit 9, walk for 1mn and take the Busanjin-gu 15 bus opposite the Young Kwang bookshop for 10 stops and get off at Samgwangsa.
Opening hours: all day, every day

Less than a hundred years old, Samgwangsa, located at the foot of Baegyangsan Mountain, is one of the most beautiful temples I’ve ever had the chance to visit, which is why I had to put it at the top of my list, as it is, in fact, my favorite in Busan!

Why visit it?

Firstly, because it’s the kind of temple you’d want to include in your itinerary if you’re looking for a serene escape from the city without the crowds! But also because the bright colors, refined details and craftsmanship of the various structures make this a unique gem in the coastal city!

Take a stroll through each building, admiring the murals, the tiled roofs, the dancheong (coloring of the wooden buildings) and the tradition that permeates the temple surrounded by a peaceful, natural environment.

If you need convincing, the temple is also known worldwide for its Lotus Lantern Festival, which attracts thousands of people in May, on Buddha’s birthday. One thing’s for sure, Samgwangsa won’t leave you indifferent!

2. Beomeosa (범어사)

Address: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 1, orange) until Beomeosa station, then hop on bus 90 for 5 stops and get off at Beomeosa Parking Lot (범어사주차장).
Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 every day

Beomeosa Temple, although almost completely destroyed by fire during the Imjin War, has been renovated since 1613 to become what it is today: one of South Korea’s most important temples. Located on Geumjeongsan Mountain, the site blends perfectly into its surroundings, offering visitors a unique experience.

Why visit it?

Fancy a moment of calm and tradition? Beomeosa is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy preserved history and splendid architecture.

Plus, the fact that the temple is located right next to the forest and trail leading to the Geumjeongsanseong fortress and the breathtaking views of Godangbong Peak are reason enough to visit, don’t you think?

And, if you’re looking for an even richer immersion, know that a temple stay is even available here!

Click here to read my guide on Beomeosa Temple!

3. Taejongsa (태종사)

Address: 24, Yeongdo-gu
How to get there: by following Jeoryeong Coastal Trail OR from Nampo station (line 1, orange), take exit 6, walk 50m and take bus 8, 30, 186 or 88 and stop at Taejongdae/Taejongdae Hot Springs.
Opening hours: 04:00-00:00 (March-October) and 05:00-24:00 (November-February)

Named after King Taejong Muyeol, the park where is located Taejongsa temple is my idea of a perfect, tranquil afternoon. Although smaller than its counterparts, for me it’s a must-see, especially if you’re planning a walk in the park.

Why visit it?

The temple, which you’ll find after following a secret path, is like a hidden treasure in the forest, offering you a moment of relaxation not far from the sounds of the ocean and its wonderful coastal scenery.

And if you’re in the area in summer (early July), the place is adorned with pretty hydrangeas during the Hydrangea Flower Cultural Festival, a sight to behold and very popular as it attracts large numbers of locals and tourists alike. Take a stroll along the flower path, enjoy the ocean breeze and leave your worries behind.

4. Baekryeonsa (백련사)

Address: 257, Jeolyeong-ro, Yeongdo-gu
How to get there: from Busan station, take exit 7, walk 200m, hop on bus 508 for 14 stops and get off at Baekryeonsa OR walk along the Jeoryeong Coastal Trail.
Opening hours: all day, every day

With so many temples in Busan and throughout Korea, it can be hard to choose when visiting the city. But if you want to spend your time in a serene atmosphere, this little-known place is for you.

Why visit it?

As a hidden gem of Busan, the likelihood that you’ll have the place to yourself is, well, pretty high. But the temple’s main charm lies in its panoramic view of the ocean.

You know the next best thing to breathtaking views? You can also combine your excursion with the Jeoryeong Coastal Trail, which takes you past the cultural village of Huinnyeoul and Jungni Beach. And if you want even more coastal scenery, I strongly urge you to hike Bongnaesan Mountain – I promise you won’t be disappointed.

5. Seokbulsa (석불사)

Address: 143-79, Mandeokgogaegil, Buk-gu
How to get there: you have two options: you can get off at Oncheonjang station (line 1, orange), walk to Geumgang Park and take the cable car to the top before walking to Seokbulsa (the longer but more picturesque option) OR take the metro (line 3, brown) and stop at Mandeok station before walking without getting lost, or at least trying not to…, to the temple (~1hr).
Opening hours: 07:00-16:30 every day

Known as a branch of Beomeosa Temple, Seokbulsa has become extremely popular thanks to its unique setting and landscape. Built by a monk named Jo Ilhyeon in the 1930s, today it’s a must-see if you’re planning to visit the beautiful city of Busan.

Why visit it?

This secluded temple and its giant carved stone Buddhas, not to mention the healing path to get there, make Seokbulsa a gentle haven away from the city’s busiest attractions.

Its unique ambiance and scenery also contribute to its success, and even if it’s not the easiest to get to, I suppose its breathtaking views are worth a little effort, aren’t they?

6. Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사)

Address: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun
How to get there: from Haeundae station, take bus 181 for 30 minutes, get off at Yonggungsa and walk 10mn.
Opening hours: 04:30-19:20 every day

Of course, you can’t visit Busan without including this famous temple in your trip! Plus, it’s said that at least one of your wishes will come true, so what are you waiting for? Try your luck at Haedong Yonggungsa!

Why visit it?

Perched on a cliff and surrounded by the sea, this temple is quite different from what you’re used to seeing in Korea! Start your exploration by finding your zodiac animal god at the entrance, cross the Yongmungyo bridge, throw a coin in the hope of fulfilling your wish and let yourself be awed by the breathtaking scenery while listening to the sound of the waves crashing right beneath your feet.

Don’t forget to follow the path beside Daeungjeon Hall for a full panorama of the temple and the blue ocean!

7. Hongbeopsa Temple (홍법사)

Address: 202, Dugu-ro 33beop-gil, Geumjeong-gu
How to get there: from Nopo station (bus terminal), take bus Geumjeong-gu2-2 for 11 minutes and get off at 조리경로당.
Opening hours: 09:00-17:30 every day

Hongbeopsa Temple is another of those places you won’t find anywhere else but in Korea! Ready for a spiritual experience in a relaxing atmosphere?

Why visit it?

Renowned for its 21 m seated golden statue of Buddha (Great Amitabha Buddha), the largest in Korea, this temple has a rather different setting: instead of being nestled in a mountain, it stretches out on flat ground, surrounded by pretty gardens where time seems to have stood still.

Impressive, picturesque and peaceful: an unmissable temple!

8. Anjeoksa (안적사)

Address: 461-16 Naeru-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun
How to get there: from Gochon station (blue line), take bus 36, 183, 73, 187 or Gijang-gun11 for 3 stops, get off at Anpyeong.Gochon and walk for 1h.

A thousand-year-old temple lost in the mountains? I say yes!

Why visit it?

If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, I’m not sure you’ll find it! To tell the truth, the hardest part is getting there, but once you’ve set foot within its walls, all difficulties will be forgotten!

Few people really know Anjeoksa or want to venture there without a car. So you can be sure that this historic temple and its tranquil ambience won’t be disturbed by crowds of tourists. If you want to get away from it all, this haven of peace is certainly for you.

How to get to Busan

Depending on your departure city, here are the different modes of transport you can use:

From Seoul

• By KTX (or high-speed train): from Seoul station to Busan, a ticket will cost you 50,800 KRW ($37) and take around 2.5hours.
• By bus: the journey will cost you 38,300 KRW ($28) and will take betwenn 4 and 5 hours.

From Gyeongju

• By KTX: this time, the journey takes 30 minutes and costs 11,000 KRW ($8).
• By bus: from Gyeongju bus terminal, a ticket to Busan will cost you 6,000 KRW ($4) for 55minutes.

If you’d like to check the various timetables and prices, here are the KTX and bus websites.

So which temple caught your eye? Or do you have another favorite temple in Busan that isn’t on this list?

If you’re interested in my top 15 most fascinating temples in all of Korea, read on!

Looking for free activities in the coastal city? I’ve got you covered! Here are 20 Free Things To Do & Hidden Gems In Busan!

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