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KampungboyCitygal’s 7 Days Seoul & Busan Itinerary – click here.
While walking through the subway stations in South Korea, one can’t miss these cute little snacks called manjoo. It is a corn-shaped and creamy custard filled cakes that comes in bite size portion. It is made by pouring a mixture of flour and egg into the heated molds. We tried it while at Haeundae Metro Station and they tasted really good! Even the cab driver stole two pieces from us!
Towards the final day of our trip at South Korea, we have decided to take things slowly. Instead of rushing to Jinhae town for cherry blossom (again!), we left to our last Busan destination – Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. We took a train to Haeundae Station and from there, Bus 181 took us to the temple.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. The temple is very unique as it is situated next to the ocean, which is quite rare in South Korea as most temples in the country are found in the mountains.
statue of twelve zodiac signs
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. It was said that the Divine Sea god of the East Sea appeared in his dream telling him to construct the temple.
Many people often come to this spot on New Year’s Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up. April is an especially beautiful time of year with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The birth of Buddha is also celebrated in April (following the lunar calendar) and offers a spectacular night view as the temple area is aglow with electrically lit lanterns.
We knew that we were near to the temple as we spotted this pagoda, standing tall next to the gold dragon entrance gate.
After passing by a tunnel ,we walked these 108 steps of stairs that is said to symbolize the 108 sufferings of Buddhism. After going down the 108 steps, we were delighted with the beauty of the temple.
The sight overlooking the ocean is magnificent!
At the shrine hall, we found the peace and serenity that a temple garden somehow seems to promise.
We found a lot of other Buddha statues in different sizes and colors around the temple. The temple area is quite huge, as we took quite some time to cover the whole place.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Directions
Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7.
Take Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple (용궁사).
Next Up: Seoul + Busan Itinerary Day 7: HangangYeouido Spring Flower Festival
Dear Citygal, do you know how to get to Jinhae from Busan? If yes, please advise. Do also let me know the travel time from Busan to Jinhae.
By they way, is there still cherry blossom available after mid april?
Thank you.
hi winnie, after mid april it will be in seoul. coz busan n jinhae is south so it will be earlier. during the cherry blossom season, theres special train from busan to jinhae, u need to check from korail website. normal time will be bus 🙂