Haedong Yonggungsa is a majestic Buddha temple located in Gijang-gun, Busan. Its name, Haedong Yonggungsa [해동 용궁사] translates to Korean Dragon Palace Temple and is well known for its architecture which lines by the coast of Busan whereby visitors can have a relaxing trip here.
How To Get There?
Check out the location of the Yonggungsa Temple below.
86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
On your way to Yonggungsa, you can find this sign by the road.
Upon arriving, you can find local hawkers selling Korean snacks such as tteokbokki, eomuk. One of the must try snack in Busan is Ssiat Hotteok [씨앗호떡] which is similar to the normal hotteok, but it has various types of seeds filling in it!
After passing through, you will see these beautifully-carved statues of the 12 Korean zodiacs which are also called the 12 Animal Gods. Each sign is named after an animal; Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The root of the animal zodiac is said to be based on a legend.
Just 12 animals turned up when Buddha invited all of the world’s animals to meet him. Then, in their honour, he named the year after them, in the order in which they arrived. And each year was symbolised by 12 animals.
Below is the zodiac dragon’s statue 🐉. It is called yongtti [용띠] in Korean.
At the end of the zodiac statues, you will also find Buddha’s statue.
After passing by the 12 zodiac statues, you will see this seven story stone pagoda with the tire shrine at its base. It is said that locals come and pray here to avoid accidents.
Shrine in front of the seven tier stone pagoda. After going through here, you will head downstairs to the main temple by climbing down exactly 108 stairs that symbolizes 108 delusion of minds in Buddhism.
Beautiful fountains and Buddha and other statues surrounding the little pond.
At the end of the trail, of course you will arrive at the picturesque bridge to facing to the breath taking view of the East Sea.
Would you go on a relaxing trip to Yonggungsa after this pandemic? 😍
MyDaehan 🍂 