Brief description: wonderful Buddhist temple located in front of the sea. The only problem is that it is so beautiful that it is always very crowded... so we recommend going very early (sunrise ir gorgeous here). The temple was first built in 1376 by a Buddhist master, but it was destroyed during the Japanese invasion. It was rebuilt in 1970 trying to maintain its original appearance. A curious path leads us to the temple, where you first pass through a square where animals from different Chinese years are represented. Then take the 108 steps staircase, shich gives way to the magnificent bridge that crosses to the temple. On the temple grounds we can find: Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (the great Buddhist goddess of the sea), the main shrine of Daeungjeon, the Yongwangdang temple and a 3-story pagoda protected by 4 dragons that symbolize joy, anger, sadness and happiness. Right in front of it is a cave that you can enter to see the Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctuary. When you leave, take the path to the right after the birdge that leads to a golden Buddha. From there we will have the best views of the temple.
Duration of the visit: 2h
Hours: from 05.00 until sunset.
Cost: free.
How to get there: if you stay in Haeundae, you can take Bus 100 in Jungdong 1-ro. If you are in other areas of the city, reach Haeundae station (subway line 2), take exit 7 and take bus 181 or 100. The bus takes 30 minutes to reach the Haedong Yonggungsa stop (you recognize it because all the tourists get off) and from here you have to walk for 15 minutes on a red path after crossing the road. Another option is to take a taxi directly from Haeundae to the temple (20min, 10,000W).