Halls
On the rocks.
Seokjoon Choi — CC BY 2.0 · David Lee from Redmond, WA, USA — CC BY 2.0 · lumoplank — CC0 · Anna L Martin — CC BY 2.0 · Mobius6 — CC BY-SA 4.0
Haedong Yonggungsa is a Buddhist temple on the rocky east coast of Busan, its colourful halls with curving roofs lined along the edge of the sea, waves breaking below, reached by an arched stone bridge over the water. The temple says it was first built in 1376, though this date is disputed. It is one of the few temples in Korea set on the sea, as most Korean temples stand in the mountains. Being close to Haeundae Beach, it has become one of Busan's most visited sights, above all at Buddha's Birthday, when the whole complex is hung with colourful paper lanterns. You walk down stone steps between bamboo and lanterns, cross the bridge to the halls on the rocks and stand at the edge to watch the waves and the sunrise over the sea. It is about 13 km in a straight line northeast of central Busan. It is very crowded at weekends, so go early in the morning, and keep quiet in the halls.
On the rocks.
Over the water.
In spring.
Gijang-gun, eastern Busan
Yes.
Early morning on weekdays.