Busan: temples, beaches, bridges

Korea 2016 Day 4 Activities

HaeDong YongGoong Temple
Haeundae Beach
Gwangalli Bridge

HaeDong YongGoong Temple

HaeDong YongGung Sa Buddhist Temple is a popular tourist attraction due to its free admission and close proximity north-east of the famous Haeundae Beach. It is fairly easy to travel to for tour buses and by taxi as parking is widely available at the entrance. However, it may be a little difficult for individuals making their way as the nearest public transport stops are mostly located 20 minutes' walk from the temple, which sits at the top of a small hill.
Entrance sign of the temple
One key selling point of the temple is its location on the cliffs of a beach, giving expansive sea views from most points on the edge of the ground
The sea view from the temple grounds


A view of the temple from the beachside 
 As expected from any tourist attraction, much of the entrance is lined by street food stalls which sell generally the same products as many street food places in Korea, and shops within the temple grounds sell Buddhist amulets and other religious items. The buildings are well-maintained, and facilities are available for those who go to pray, such as prayer rooms and shrines.
The pathway from the entrance to the temple grounds


Wishing wells. From the bridge to the temple, coins are tossed, and luck is granted if it lands within the bowls held by the statues.


Unfortunately, in terms of an attraction, it is not one I would recommend. I did not enjoy the pushy crowds, the way that the stalls exploited tourists, and that there seemed to be no boundaries between a place of worship and an exotic attraction. There is also an issue with accessibility, as paths from the entrance to the temple buildings are steep and narrow. That is not to say that tourist attractions are not like this normally, but there seemed to be no more serenity in the temple, and no respect for the religious leaders of the temple.

Narrow and steep steps leading from the entrance to the temple grounds.


Steps from the temple back to the entrance.

While I am not looking to discourage anyone from going, I hope this will serve as a word of warning for those who may be on the fence about going. By all means, if this is an interest, go. Despite my qualms, there are a few photographic opportunities for those who are particularly interested (though others may be scrabbling for shots not overwhelmed by people).

Crowds crossing the bridge from the entrance to the main temple grounds

Haeundae Beach

Busan, as a coastal city, is an easy getaway location for locals, who flock to its beaches over the weekend or summer breaks. Haeundae, arguably the most famous beach, and the setting of the famous disaster movie of the same name, is located only a few hundred metres from Haeundae train station, and is a must-visit location if in the area. It's unlike many beaches I've experienced, with pale, find sand that is virtually void of shells, sticks, and driftwood, so perfect it seems artificial.

Haeundae Beach

Locals and tourists enjoying the sun and sand

If the weather is nice, it's easy to spend a few hours relaxing. Despite visiting near the start of winter, there were still people at the beach engaged in various sports or relaxing in general. There are shops near the beach for refreshments, and attractions in the area such as Busan Sea Life Aquarium, and of course plenty of photo opportunities.

Gwangalli Bridge

Equally beautiful but marginally less famous, Gwangalli beach is located just south of Haeundae. It is also home to a bridge which was recommended as a gorgeous night scene. When dark, lights illuminate the bridge and changes colour to suit the season. If the only time you can spare is in the evening or after dark, Gwangalli beach is recommended over Haeundae for this reason.

Gwangalli beach night scene

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