Samgwangsa: Guide To One Of Busan’s Most Beautiful Temples

Have you ever heard of the magnificent Samgwangsa Temple (삼광사)? If so, it’s probably because of its famous Lotus Lantern Festival, held every May to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it if you’re not around at that time! This majestic temple deserves to be known and visited at any time of year, thanks to its magnificent site and relaxed atmosphere! Here’s my guide!

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History of Samgwangsa

Built in 1983, Samgwangsa temple is located at the foot of Baegyangsan mountain and belongs to the Cheontae order of Korean Buddhism. Although less than a hundred years old, it is now considered one of Busan’s most important temples.

Samgwangsa, which means “three rays of lights from Buddha”, referring to the lights of mercy, wisdom and the white tiger, is dedicated to the Buddhist practice of Avalokitesvara or Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Although I consider it one of Busan’s most splendid temples, it is in fact one of the city’s lesser-known places, housing many magnificent structures and treasures and offering a peaceful, traditional escape from the city.

Visit of Samgwangsa

1. Iljumun (일주문)

Whether you arrive by bus or car, the Iljumun Gate, present in every temple, is the first point of entry that also symbolizes your first step into the world of Buddhism.

If you’re coming on foot, you’ll then climb the staircase, decorated on either side with the South Korean flag and the banner of the Order of Cheontae. Soothe your mind with the sounds of nature around you before arriving in the temple courtyard and beginning your exploration of the grounds.

Ready to discover the temple? Let’s go!

2. Beophwa Sammaedang (법화삼매당)

This five-story building, home to the stone seated Buddha statue, is also the place to enjoy Korean architecture and its colorful details for as long as you like. It also offers a beautiful viewpoint thanks to its height, but don’t worry about that as I’ve got another one coming up that will seduce you instantly.

Beophwa Sammaedang also houses classes for monks, offices and a prayer hall.

3. Beomjonggak (범종각)

Located right next to Beophwa Sammaedang, this pavilion is where the finely decorated Daebeom bell sits. Its intricate features are exquisite and will leave you pondering for a while. Spend some time studying the 13-ton bell and get ready to explore the most famous part of Samgwangsa temple.

4. Daebo Tower (대보탑)

Also known as the “Great Treasure Pagoda”, this nine-story, 30-metre-high stone structure, built in 1992 as a symbol of the desired peaceful unification between North and South, is not only considered a spiritual icon, but also a historical one.

It consists of the base, where representations of the zodiac and scenes from Buddha’s life can be seen, the body, where 53 Buddhas are carved in stone, and finally the top, with its golden lotus supporting the Dharma wheel.

The eight-sided pagoda, already of profound significance to believers, is also said to house Buddha relics from all over Asia. Right next to the Daebo Tower, you’ll also find the Daeungbojeon Hall, whose walls and paintings illustrate the life of Buddha.

It’s a must-see at the temple, although you can’t really pass it by without seeing it anyway!

5. Jigwanjeon (지관전)

At the top of the stairs and on the left side of the courtyard is Jigwanjeon Hall, where up to 10,000 people can practice meditation and relax from their daily worries.

6. Short trail to the other part of Samgwangsa

Fancy a breathtaking view of the temple and surrounding area? To the left of Jiwangjeon Hall and past the small pond, keep walking until you come to a “dirt track” and follow the path until you reach the two temples above.

This path offers the best panoramic view of Samgwangsa and also provides a nice walk through the forest and its beautiful flora and fauna. The higher I climbed, the more splendid it became, and wait until you reach the top.

7. Geungnakjeon & Jijangjeon (극락전 – 지장전)

Probably my favorite part of Samgwangsa temple, thanks to its location right next to the forest and the area’s superb, colorful dancheong.

There are also many paintings depicting goddesses, filial piety…, all majestically and beautifully decorated around the pavilion.
I don’t know about you, but the place immediately fascinated me with its vibrant golden hues. It really is magnificent, isn’t it, and yet the photos don’t do it justice enough.

This is where you’ll find the temple stay training hall (for locals only) too. But workshops are also available for foreigners wishing to learn about traditional culture.

As for Jijanjeon, behind Geungnakjeon, this is where you’ll see on the second floor the majestic jade Buddha Ksitigarbha and Shiwang or the Ten Kings of the Underworld, who are there to judge and determine the gravity of man’s sins. Enter this two-story building and discover its mythological history.

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.

How to get to Samgwangsa temple

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.

Entrance to the temple is free and it’s open all day, every day!

Best time to go

Of course, as I said earlier, if you’re lucky enough to be in Busan in May, you must visit the temple during the Lotus Lantern Festival, which celebrates Buddha’s birthday, as the lights and decorations make the place truly magical. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but be warned that it’s very crowded as it’s one of the highlights of the year.

Almost all the photos you’ll find on the internet are from that day, but that doesn’t mean you should only include it in your itinerary at that time of year!

My advice: don’t wait for this special occasion and visit during the day too, as the calm and impressive Samgwangsa is well worth a visit at any time of year.

In a nutshell

Looking for somewhere serene and traditional, away from the crowds? Look no further than Samgwangsa, one of Busan’s most beautiful temples and a must-see. Popular around the world for its enchanting, colorful lanterns on the night of the Lotus Lantern Festival, this temple is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Want to see other underrated places in Busan? This is the place!

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