Seon

Busan · Ocean view

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

A rare seaside temple perched dramatically on rugged coastal ocean cliffs

Unlike most mountain temples, it sits directly on the ocean cliffs. Best visited at dawn to beat the dense daytime crowds.

  • Ocean view
Dramatic coastal cliff panorama over the East Sea
Dramatic coastal cliff panorama over the East Sea. Photo: Londenp, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

Before you decide

How to visit
Walk in, no booking needed
Opening hours
04:30 - 20:30 (Open year-round)
Admission
Free
Time to allow
About 60 min
English-friendliness
High
Getting there
Not yet confirmed
Google Maps rating
4.5 out of 5 from 20,000+ Google Maps reviews (tracked 2026-10-07)

English-friendliness and time to allow are an editorial assessment of available sources. Conditions vary by program and visit.

Sources and checks

Information may change after the check date. Items not listed here are outside these source checks.

Quick answers

Can I visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple without a reservation?
Yes. You can walk in and explore the grounds during opening hours.
Is there an admission fee at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?
No. Admission is free.
What are the opening hours of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?
04:30 - 20:30 (Open year-round)

Good to know

  • Incomparable open ocean sunrise panorama
  • Vibrant and dramatic coastal cliff photos
  • Near Haeundae Beach

Keep in mind

  • Extremely high daytime tourist crowds
  • Steep 108 stone stairs down to the sea

Getting there

From Seoul (Gateway Route): 2.5 hrs to Busan via KTX

By public transit

From Busan Metro Line 2 Haeundae Station, take bus 181 from the Haeundae Station stop to the Yonggungsa / National Institute of Fisheries Science stop and walk to the temple (about 50 minutes including walking). A taxi from Haeundae Station covers about 8 km and takes around 30 minutes in traffic (roughly 12,000 KRW).

Last stretch on foot

From the Haeundae Station (Line 2) stop, take bus 181 (or 1001/100) to the Yonggungsa / National Institute of Fisheries Science stop and walk to the temple. From Osiria Station (Donghae Line) it is about 2 km by taxi.

Nearby

Easily combined with Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli, and Osiria Tourism Complex (Lotte World Busan)

86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea

Travel times and fares are estimates and vary with your starting point and traffic. Check the current route using the maps below.

View on the temple map

Booking & programs

Self-guided day visit only (no overnight templestay)

  • 108 Longevity Steps Coastal Walk

    Daily (04:30 - 19:30). Free walk-in entry

Before you go

Terrain and accessibility

108 steep stone steps through rock crevices and coastal bridge; strictly inaccessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Sturdy footwear essential.

Coming by car?

2,000 KRW for first 30 mins (500 KRW per additional 10 mins / card only)

Temple etiquette basics

  • Chasu: hands folded — Inside the grounds, lightly hold the back of your left hand with your right.
  • Hapjang: a bow with palms together — Meeting a monk outdoors, stop and bow with palms together.
  • Bow before entering a hall — Pause and bow toward the center as you enter or leave a hall.
  • Use the side doors — Use the side doors and sit away from the center.
  • Keep quiet in the hall — Speak softly and walk behind people who are praying.
  • No drinking, smoking or noise — No drinking, smoking or loud behavior.

If this temple's signs or staff say otherwise, follow them.

Read the full visitor guide →

Visitor tips

Synthesized by Seon editors from public reviews and travel sources as of 2026-10-07. These are editorial tips, not individual reviews or guarantees. Read the original reviews on Google Maps

  • Early Morning Tip

    Absolutely stunning coastal temple! Waves crashing against the rocks right below the main pagoda. CRITICAL TIP: Arrive before 8:30 AM to beat the massive tour bus crowds.

  • Ocean Panorama

    One of the most photogenic temples in all of Asia. The walk down the 108 stone steps through the bamboo forest opens up to a breathtaking ocean vista.

  • Coastal Atmosphere

    Spectacular views, but very commercialized near the entrance with food stalls. Once you pass through the gate and hear the ocean, the spiritual majesty takes over.

  • Sunrise Spot

    Sunrise over the East Sea viewed from the terrace beside the Haesu Gwaneum statue is a breathtaking highlight of coastal Busan.

Show 6 more tips

  • Transport & Shoes

    Catch bus 1001 or take a taxi from Haeundae (about 12,000 KRW, per Kakao Map). Wear sneakers because the coastal rock stairs require careful footing.

  • Unique Setting

    Unique among Korean temples which are almost all tucked into mountains. The golden Buddha statue and ocean bridge are iconic.

  • Best Angle

    The sea breeze, incense, and sound of waves create an unforgettable sensory experience. Take photos from the red bridge looking back.

  • Zodiac Statues

    Crowded on weekends, but still worth seeing. The 12 Chinese zodiac stone statues at the entrance are fun for kids to find their birth animals.

  • Dramatic Coastal

    Even on overcast mornings, the crashing waves against the rugged rocky shoreline create dramatic and wild coastal scenery.

  • Itinerary Synergy

    Admission is free, parking is cheap. Combine with a walk along the coastal trails toward Gijang or Haeundae Blue Line Park.

History & scenery

Established in 1376 by Great Master Naong; legendary coastal temple honoring Haesu Gwaneum (Sea Water Great Goddess of Mercy) who grants one sincere wish

Dramatic sea rock outcrop where waves crash against temple foundations, viewed from the Sunrise Terrace and Yongmungyo Bridge

Stone bridge and oceanfront prayer platforms
Stone bridge and oceanfront prayer platforms. Photo: Anna L Martin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

Teaching · Traditional attribution

Traditionally attributed to Master Naong (Hyegeun, 1320–1376)

'The Blue Mountains Bid Me' (traditional attribution; not found in Naong's verse collection)

The green mountains bid me live in silence; the vast sky bids me live without stain. Casting off love, casting off hatred, live like water, live like the wind.

'The Blue Mountains Bid Me' is widely known as a Seon poem by Master Naong of late Goryeo, but it does not appear in the Naong hwasang gasong, the collection of his songs and verses, and some say it is a poem by the Tang monk Hanshan. The words above are the Korean lyrics sung widely today. Resentment burns the heart of the one who carries it before it touches anyone else. Set down the heavy garments of love and hatred for a while, and let them pass like water, like the wind.

To reflect onIs there a lingering grievance in your heart today that you can allow to blow away like breeze?

Seasons & daily schedule

When to visit

Spring
Lanterns illuminate the coastal rocks; mild ocean breezes.
Summer
Best visited at 05:00 - 07:00 AM for sunrise to beat heat and crowds.
Autumn
Crisp clear skies with deep blue East Sea waters and golden sunsets.
Winter
Epic winter sunrises directly behind the stone pagoda on the rocks.

Seasonal highlights

Dates change every year. Check the temple's notices for this year's dates.

  • New Year Ocean Sunrise Festival

    New Year (Jan 1). Watching the first red sun rise directly out of the East Sea horizon.

  • Coastal Lotus Lantern Illumination

    Spring (May). Hundreds of lanterns line the ocean bridge and stone pagodas by the sea.

Daily schedule

04:30 - 05:30

Dawn Chanting

Early morning quiet worship

10:00 - 11:00

Morning Coastal Prayer

Open

18:00 - 18:30

Sunset Chanting

Coastal terrace viewing

Times represent regular monastic operational schedules and traditional seasonal periods. Confirmed dates for specific annual festivals should be verified via official temple notices prior to visiting.

Confirmed events

No confirmed events listed

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