Looking through our ever-increasing stash of digital snapshots the other day, I realized that we have been sorely inefficient in documenting all the things we’ve been up to since we got here in July.  I’d apologize, but I’m not really all that sorry that we’ve been too busy living life to stay home and write about all our adventures.  However, as we endure a last blast or two of cold weather before spring, I’m going to try to get caught up on some of the things we did and saw when it was warmer outside.

We spent my birthday here.  Located in northeast Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa is definitely one of the most impressive temples we’ve seen since coming to Korea–and we’ve seen A LOT of temples.  It’s built right into this ocean cliffside, so wherever you are on the temple grounds, you can hear the sound of the ocean.  The views are spectacular!

The temple was originally built in the late 1300s, but it, like many artifacts in southern Korea, was completely desecrated during one of many Japanese invasions.  Reconstruction began in the 1970s, and the existing structures have been built as faithfully to the originals as possible.  

We also loved all of the Buddhist sculptures and artwork.  Each temple kind of has its own personality, and the artwork here is full of images of jovial, chubby Buddhas wishing prosperity and luck.  

However, Buddha really isn’t the main attraction here, which makes this temple pretty unique compared to others we’ve seen in Korea.  People flock here by the thousands (especially on Buddhist holidays) to pay tribute to the Goddess of Mercy, who has reportedly appeared to people here over the centuries. 

A stories-high statue of the Goddess watches over the goings-on at Yonggungsa, and it is said that she will grant at least one of your wishes if you offer her a heartfelt prayer.  

All in all, an amazing place.  I know sometimes Korea is so full of mountainside temples that they all start to run together, but trust me when I say this one is a must see. It definitely sticks out in my memory as one of the most beautiful and interesting spots we’ve visited here in Korea.  

To get there:  From Haeundae Station, take bus 181.  Get off when you see the sign for the temple (it’s in English).  Walk up the hill to enter the temple grounds. 

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Busan, Korea, places to see, temple