Beomeosa Temple (범어사) is one of Busan’s great Seon (Zen) mountain temples, set on the wooded slopes of Geumjeongsan (금정산) in the city’s north. It was founded in 678 CE during the Silla era and is free to enter, open daily from about 08:00 to 17:00, reachable by Busan Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station and then bus 90. This guide covers Beomeosa Temple’s history, what to see, the templestay program, opening hours, entry cost, and exactly how to get there.
Last updated: June 2026 · Written for first-time visitors to Busan.
What is Beomeosa Temple?
Beomeosa Temple (범어사) is a major Seon (Zen) Buddhist mountain temple on Geumjeongsan (금정산) in Geumjeong-gu, northern Busan, and one of the most important temples in southeastern Korea. Along with Tongdosa and Haeinsa, it is counted among the three great temples of the Yeongnam region, and it serves as a head temple of the Jogye Order, the largest school of Korean Buddhism.
The name “Beomeosa” comes from a local legend tied to the mountain. In the story, a golden fish (eo 어, 魚) descended from the heavens and played in a well on the peak of Geumjeongsan, whose name means “Golden Well Mountain.” Unlike the seaside temples Busan is famous for, Beomeosa sits up in the forest, so a visit pairs old wooden halls with mountain air and hiking trails.
When was Beomeosa Temple founded, and by whom?
Beomeosa Temple was founded in 678 CE, during the reign of King Munmu of Silla, and is traditionally attributed to the monk Uisang (의상, 625–702 CE). Uisang was one of the most influential figures in early Korean Buddhism, and Beomeosa is counted among the ten Hwaeom (Avatamsaka) temples he is said to have established.
The temple was largely destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s (the Imjin War) and rebuilt in the early 1600s. Most of the main wooden structures you see today, including the main hall and the gates, date from this 1613–1614 reconstruction. So while the temple’s roots are over 1,300 years old, the buildings themselves are early-Joseon survivors — which is exactly why several of them are protected as national heritage.
What is there to see at Beomeosa Temple?
The highlights are the Iljumun entrance gate, the Daeungjeon main hall, the three-story stone pagoda, and — in spring — a large wild wisteria grove on the slopes around the temple. The grounds climb the hillside, so you walk uphill through a sequence of gates and halls rather than around a single courtyard.
- Iljumun (일주문) — the “One Pillar Gate.” Beomeosa’s striking entrance gate, locally called the Jogyemun, is held up on a single line of stone-and-wood pillars. It dates to the early 1600s and is a designated national Treasure.
- Daeungjeon (대웅전) — the main hall. Rebuilt in 1614, this is the spiritual heart of the temple, housing the principal Buddha statues. It is one of Korea’s most valued wooden Joseon-era halls.
- Three-story stone pagoda (삼층석탑). A Silla-era stone pagoda standing in front of the main hall, among the oldest features on the site.
- Wisteria grove (등나무 군락). The slopes around Beomeosa hold a large stand of wild wisteria — reportedly thousands of plants, protected as a Natural Monument — which bursts into purple bloom in late spring.
- Geumjeongsan trails. The temple is a popular trailhead for hiking Geumjeongsan, including the long Geumjeong Fortress wall above it.
Tip: come in late April to May if you want to catch the wisteria in flower. For a complete contrast on the same trip, pair this mountain temple with the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa temple on the coast.
How much does it cost to visit Beomeosa Temple?
Entry to Beomeosa Temple is free. Busan City abolished the temple’s admission fee in 2008 for both local and foreign visitors, so there is no ticket to buy at the gate. (Before that, the fee was a token 1,000 won for adults.)
The only likely costs are transport to the temple and parking, which is charged if you drive. A separate templestay program is paid and booked in advance (see below). Because temple policies can change, treat “free entry” as current as of 2026 and confirm if you are planning around it.
What are Beomeosa Temple’s opening hours?
Beomeosa Temple is generally open every day from about 08:00 to 17:00, year-round. As a working temple it is busiest with services in the morning, and the mountain setting means it gets dark and cold earlier than the city below in winter.
Tip: aim to arrive in the morning. You get the calmest atmosphere, time to walk the halls without crowds, and the option to continue up onto the Geumjeongsan trails afterward. Hours can shift on Buddhist holidays — Buddha’s Birthday in spring is especially busy and beautiful, with lanterns hung across the grounds.
Can you do a templestay at Beomeosa?
Yes — Beomeosa runs an official templestay program where you can stay overnight and join the daily life of the temple. Beomeosa places a strong emphasis on Seon (Zen) meditation, and its templestay is a well-known way for visitors to experience Korean Buddhist practice firsthand.
A typical program may include Seon meditation, the 108 prostrations, a tea ceremony (dado 다도), prayer-bead making, a temple tour, a Dharma talk, and simple vegetarian temple meals. Programs and dates are released a couple of months ahead and can fill up, so book early. Pricing varies by program and is not fixed year to year, so check the current rate and available dates on the official templestay site before you plan.
How do I get to Beomeosa Temple?
Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station (범어사역), leave by Exit 5 or 7, then ride bus 90 up the mountain to the temple. The subway gets you to the foot of the mountain, but the temple itself sits well above the station, so you still need the bus or a taxi for the final stretch.
- Subway to Beomeosa Station. Ride Busan Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station (범어사역) and come out at Exit 5 or Exit 7.
- Walk to the bus stop. Walk a few minutes to the nearby Samsin bus stop.
- Take bus 90. Board bus 90 and ride up the mountain to the Beomeosa stop / parking lot near the ticket office.
- Walk up to the gate. From the bus stop it is a short uphill walk through the temple’s first gates to the main grounds.
Tip: a taxi from Beomeosa Station to the temple is short and only costs a few thousand won, which can be worth it if you miss the bus or are short on time. New to the system? Our guide to using the Busan subway covers fares, T-money and transfers.
Beomeosa Temple at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What it is | Major Seon (Zen) mountain temple on Geumjeongsan (금정산), Geumjeong-gu, Busan |
| Founded | 678 CE, Silla era — traditionally by the monk Uisang (의상); main halls rebuilt 1613–1614 |
| Entry cost | Free (admission fee abolished in 2008) |
| Hours | Daily, about 08:00–17:00, year-round (varies; verify) |
| Don’t miss | Iljumun gate, Daeungjeon main hall, three-story stone pagoda, spring wisteria |
| Best time to visit | Morning; late April–May for the wisteria bloom |
| Templestay | Available (overnight, Seon meditation); book ahead via the official site, price varies |
| Nearest station | Beomeosa Station (범어사역), Line 1, Exit 5 or 7 |
| From the station | Bus 90 up the mountain, or a short taxi ride |
FAQ
Is Beomeosa Temple free to enter?
Yes. Entry to Beomeosa Temple is free for both local and foreign visitors — Busan City abolished the admission fee in 2008. The only likely costs are getting there by bus or taxi and a parking charge if you drive. The overnight templestay program is paid separately and booked in advance.
How do I get to Beomeosa Temple from central Busan?
Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station (범어사역) and use Exit 5 or 7, then ride bus 90 up the mountain to the temple. A taxi from the station to the temple is also short and inexpensive. From the city center the whole trip usually takes around 40–60 minutes depending on where you start.
How old is Beomeosa Temple?
Beomeosa was founded in 678 CE during the Silla era, traditionally by the monk Uisang, making the temple over 1,300 years old. However, most of the wooden buildings standing today, including the Daeungjeon main hall, were rebuilt in 1613–1614 after the temple was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s.
When is the best time to visit Beomeosa Temple?
Mornings are best for a calm visit and to leave time for the Geumjeongsan trails. For scenery, come in late April to May, when the temple’s wild wisteria grove blooms purple, or around Buddha’s Birthday in spring, when colorful lanterns fill the grounds. Autumn foliage on the mountain is also beautiful.
Is Beomeosa worth visiting compared to Haedong Yonggungsa?
They offer very different experiences, and many visitors do both. Beomeosa is a quiet, historic mountain temple in the forest, strong on heritage and meditation, while Haedong Yonggungsa is a dramatic seaside temple built on coastal rocks. If you have time for two temples in Busan, this contrast — mountain versus sea — is a great pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Beomeosa Temple from central Busan?
Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station, then board bus 90. The temple is located on the wooded slopes of Geumjeongsan mountain in the Geumjeong-gu district in northern Busan, making it very accessible by public transport.
Is there an admission fee to enter Beomeosa Temple?
No, entry to Beomeosa Temple is completely free. Busan City abolished the admission fee, so you can explore the temple grounds without any entrance charge.
When is the best time to visit Beomeosa Temple?
Late April to May is ideal if you want to see the spectacular wild wisteria grove in full purple bloom. The wisteria grove, reportedly containing thousands of protected plants, is one of the temple's most spectacular natural features during this season.
What are the main things to see at Beomeosa Temple?
The highlights include the striking one-pillar Iljumun entrance gate (a national Treasure from the early 1600s), the Daeungjeon main hall with its principal Buddha statues, a Silla-era three-story stone pagoda, and hiking trails up Geumjeongsan mountain. The grounds climb the hillside, so you walk uphill through a sequence of gates and halls in a forest setting.
What are the typical opening hours for Beomeosa Temple?
The temple is open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though it's wise to check the official site to confirm exact times before your visit. Plan for at least a couple of hours to properly explore the temple and its surroundings.
Explore more Korea Go Now guides
- Understand the customs and layout of temples with our guide to Korean Buddhist temples.
- Pair this mountain temple with the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa temple on the coast.
- See where Beomeosa fits among the city’s highlights in our Top 10 things to do in Busan.
- Slot it into a full trip with the perfect 3-day Busan itinerary.
- Get there easily using our guide to the Busan subway.