Perhaps the goddess of compassion led you here to Yongunsa. This temple by the sea holds a special place in Busan’s history. It offers a unique blend of spiritual solace and scenic beauty.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple’s story stretches back to 1376. The great Buddhist teacher Naong Hyegeun built it during the Goryeo Dynasty. Originally, it was called Bomun Temple. It was dedicated to Gwanseum-bosal. She is the Goddess of Compassion. You can still see her large white statue here today.
Imagine the temple in its early days. Monks chanted sutras. Pilgrims sought blessings. The waves crashed gently against the rocks below.
The temple faced hardship. It was partially destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion of Korea from 1592 to 1598. It lay abandoned for many years. Some parts of the temple date back to the 1930s. Monks from Tongdosa reestablished it then. Much has been added recently in the last 20 years.
In 1974, Bomun Temple received a new name. It became Haedong Yonggungsa. This means Korean Dragon Palace Temple. The name came from a vision. Jeong-am was the head monk at the time. He meditated. He saw the Goddess of Mercy riding a dragon.
Notice the layout of Haedong Yonggungsa. It sits on a rocky peninsula. It is located on the northeast coast of Busan.
As you approached Haedong Yonggungsa, vendors sold trinkets. You pass twelve zodiac animals. These statues lead you to a seven-story pagoda. People pray here to avoid car accidents.
Descend the 108 stone steps. These stairs are auspicious in Buddhism. They lead through a bamboo forest. Stone lanterns line the path. You will see a statue of Podae-hwasang. He is an incarnation of the Future Buddha. Rub his belly for good luck.
The sunrise platform offers stunning views. Many people gather here to watch the first sunrise of the year. Even on a cloudy day, the view is special. You can see the temple from the sea.
The Daeungjeon Main Hall dominates the temple area. It was built in 1970. A three-tier stone pagoda faces the sea. It looks like a lighthouse.
An oversized golden statue of Podae-hwasang sits on the eastern side of the hall. Stairs lead to a lookout platform. There you will find a tall statue of Gwanseeum-bosal. From here, you can see the entire temple grounds and the East Sea.
Haedong Yonggungsa offers a unique experience. It is a temple by the sea. Its history and beauty make it a special place. Remember the goddess of compassion. She watches over this sacred site.