Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사) is a rare oceanfront Buddhist temple built onto the sea cliffs in Gijang (기장), northeast Busan. Most Korean temples sit in the mountains, but this one stands right above the waves — its nickname is roughly “temple of the sea.” Entry is free, the views are stunning, and you only need about 1 to 1.5 hours. This guide covers hours, how to get there, the best time to visit, and what to expect.
What is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?
Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the few Korean Buddhist temples built right on the coast, instead of in the mountains. It sits on the sea cliffs of Gijang (기장) in northeast Busan, with prayer halls perched directly over the ocean.
The temple was founded in 1376, during the Goryeo dynasty, by the monk Naong (나옹). The buildings you see today were largely rebuilt in the 1930s. The temple is tied to a sea-dragon legend, so you will see dragon motifs throughout the grounds. Locals come here to pray with the sound of waves below.
What makes the temple special is its setting. Instead of a quiet forest, the backdrop is open sea, rocks, and sky. The halls, the golden Buddha, and the stone lanterns all sit close to the water, so the salt air and crashing waves are part of the visit. For many travelers, this is one of the most memorable stops in Busan.
How much does it cost to visit?
Entry is free. There is no ticket needed to enter Haedong Yonggungsa. You only pay if you want to buy a snack, a drink, or an item from the small shops near the entrance.
Tip: There is no fee, but parking and the bus or taxi ride to get here will cost a little. Bring some cash for snacks along the path up.
What are the opening hours?
The temple opens very early, at around 05:00, and stays open until sunset. Because it faces the sea, the sunrise here is iconic, and many people come early just to watch it.
Two days draw the biggest crowds: New Year’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday. On these days, visitors arrive before dawn to pray and watch the first sunrise. Expect very large crowds if you come then. Hours can change on holidays, so check before a special date.
Tip: Because the temple opens so early, it works well as a first stop before a full day of sightseeing. You can watch the sunrise, finish your visit, and still have the whole day free for the rest of Busan.
How do I get to Haedong Yonggungsa?
The easiest ways are by bus from Haeundae or by metro plus a short taxi ride. The temple is in Gijang, away from the city center, so plan a little travel time.
- By bus: From Haeundae, take Bus 181 toward Gijang and get off near the temple. Then walk a short distance to the entrance.
- By metro + taxi: Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Osiria Station (오시리아역), then take a taxi or a short ride to the temple.
- By taxi: A taxi from Haeundae is quick and easy if you are short on time.
From the city center, the trip takes roughly 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and your route. The bus is the cheapest option, the metro-plus-taxi mix is reliable, and a direct taxi is fastest. If you plan to use the subway during your trip, our guide to the Busan subway for tourists explains lines, fares, and T-money cards.
Tip: From Osiria Station, the temple is a little far to walk, so a short taxi ride is the easy choice. Have the Korean name, Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사), ready to show your driver.
Quick facts: Haedong Yonggungsa
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free entry |
| Hours | About 05:00 to sunset (varies on holidays) |
| Time needed | About 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest access | Osiria Station (오시리아역, Line 2) + taxi, or Bus 181 from Haeundae |
| Best time to visit | Early morning (sunrise) on a weekday |
What is the best time to visit?
The best time is early morning on a weekday. The light is best for photos at sunrise, and there are far fewer people. The temple gets very crowded on weekends and holidays.
If you arrive soon after opening, you can walk the path and the halls in quiet. Later in the day, the narrow stairs and bridges fill up with visitors. Tip: Avoid New Year’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday unless you want the big sunrise crowds.
What will I see at the temple?
You walk down about 108 steps to reach the temple, with stone lanterns lining the path. At the bottom, the halls sit right over the sea, with the waves just below.
Highlights to look for:
- The path of 108 steps down to the temple grounds.
- Stone lanterns lining the walkway.
- A golden Buddha statue.
- Dragon motifs, tied to the temple’s sea-dragon legend.
- Prayer halls perched over the sea, with ocean views.
If you want to understand the styles and symbols you will see here, a deeper guide to Korean Buddhist temple architecture is a good next read (coming soon on Korea Go Now).
What should I wear and know before visiting?
Haedong Yonggungsa is an active place of worship, not just a tourist site. Dress modestly, with covered shoulders and knees, keep your voice low, and follow the signs.
People come here to pray, so be respectful around the halls and statues. The path has many steps and can be slippery near the water, so wear comfortable shoes. Learning a few words of Korean also helps; see our list of essential Korean phrases for Busan.
A few more practical notes for a smooth visit:
- Go early to find space on the narrow stairs and bridges.
- Watch your step near the cliff edges and on wet stone.
- Take photos respectfully and avoid blocking people who are praying.
- Bring water and a light layer, as the sea breeze can be cool at sunrise.
What is nearby?
The temple sits in the Osiria area, which has several other attractions close together. You can easily combine your visit with a few of them.
- Lotte Premium Outlets — a large shopping outlet mall.
- National Maritime Museum — exhibits on the sea and ships.
- Osiria theme parks — family-friendly attractions in the same district.
Because these sites are close together, a common plan is to visit Haedong Yonggungsa at sunrise, then spend the rest of the day at the outlets, the museum, or a theme park. This makes a full and easy day trip out to Gijang (기장) without much backtracking.
For ideas on fitting the temple into a longer trip, see our perfect 3-day Busan itinerary and our list of the top 10 things to do in Busan. Hungry after your visit? Our Busan food guide covers must-try dishes around the city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Haedong Yonggungsa free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free. You only pay for food, drinks, or items from the shops near the entrance.
How long should I spend at the temple?
Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours. That gives you time to walk the steps, see the halls over the sea, and take photos without rushing.
When does Haedong Yonggungsa open?
It opens very early, at around 05:00, and stays open until sunset. Sunrise is the most popular time, especially on New Year’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday.
How do I get there from Haeundae?
Take Bus 181 from Haeundae toward Gijang and get off near the temple. A taxi from Haeundae is also quick and easy if you are short on time.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. It is an active temple, so dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, keep quiet, and follow the posted signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple?
Entry to the temple is completely free—no ticket required. However, you may want to bring cash for small purchases like snacks and drinks from the shops near the entrance, plus transportation costs (bus fare, taxi, or parking).
What is the best time to visit this temple?
Early morning on a weekday is ideal, especially to catch the sunrise, which is iconic at this seaside location. Avoid New Year's Day and Buddha's Birthday, when massive crowds arrive before dawn to pray and watch the first sunrise.
How do I get to Haedong Yonggungsa from Busan city center?
The most reliable option is taking Busan Metro Line 2 to Osiria Station, then catching a short taxi ride to the temple. Alternatively, you can take Bus 181 from Haeundae, or take a direct taxi from the city center, which typically takes around 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
How long do I need to spend at the temple?
You'll typically need about 1 to 1.5 hours to see the full site. Since the temple opens very early (around 5 AM), it works well as a first stop before spending the rest of your day exploring other Busan attractions.
What makes Haedong Yonggungsa different from other Korean temples?
Unlike most Korean temples built in the mountains, this one is a rare oceanfront temple perched directly on sea cliffs with prayer halls overlooking the waves. The dragon motifs throughout tie to local sea-dragon legends, and the stunning ocean backdrop and sound of waves create a truly unique experience.
Explore more Korea Go Now guides
- Top 10 things to do in Busan
- The perfect 3-day Busan itinerary
- How to use the Busan subway: a tourist’s guide
- Busan food guide: 8 must-try dishes and where to eat them
Last updated June 2026.