Established back in the year 1376 by a remarkable Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo dynasty, and reconstructed in 1970’s after the Japanese invasion, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is more than just a historical diorama that is revealed by both tourists and natives. While most temples are traditionally constructed on mountain edges, what makes the Haedong Yonngungsa Temple a rare find is the fact that it is situated along the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan, where one can indulge into the soothing sight of the ocean. The marvelous view of the sunrise is worth the long, exhausting trek. Some of the meritorious sights here are the different Buddha statues and shrines such as Haesu Gwanum Daebul or the Seawater Great Goddess Buddha, Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist sanctum which is located inside a cave, and a three-story pagoda with four lions which represent joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.
The most remarkable experience that one shouldn’t miss out in Haedong Yongungsa is the stairs with 108 steps, with stone lanterns along the rocky pathway.
The place is mostly visited on New Year, where people make wishes as the first sunrise of the year slowly peeps from the horizon; on April, when cherry blossom petals are beautifully unfolding; and during the celebration of Buddha’s birth, where the temple seemed like a descended heavenly kingdom because lanterns were lit around the temple.
*photo source: https://blog.naver.com/kkjman83/220012281705
