Busan, is the second largest city in South Korea following Seoul. With the city’s special location in between East Sea and East China Sea, Busan has been an important sea port in Asia since long ago. The city if often referred as the essence of Korea because of its unique diversity in culture and ethnic from the huge flow of visitors and tourists all year round. Things to experience and explore in Busan are countless, but one thing not to miss is always the wonderful and majestic places for the best sea views from different part of Busan. Thus, here are some of the places for the best sea view in Busan.
Taejongdae Resort Park
Background
Taejungdae, located at the Southern Busan Coast is one of the places that offers the best sea view and is also a significant representation of Busan. It is especially famous for the rocky beach and cliffs formed during earth quacks long time ago. The name “Taejong” was after the 29th king of the Korean Silla Kingdom, Taejong Kim because it was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows the most out of many other.
One of the most mesmerizing sea view I have seen in my whole life
The Park
After renovations and constant upgrading, Taejongdae Resort Park is in many ocean lover’s checklist during their trip in Busan. The park is filled with pine trees planted all around and consist of two Buddhist Temples which are open to public. Do not let the name confuse you, this area is not a resort and does not have any resort, it is basically nature park located at the southern end of Yeongdo Island.
Read more: Busan Taejongdae Park – A Gateway To A Scenic Escape
Attraction Spots and Facilities
The park has a few attraction spots but most visitor will head directly to Taejongdae Observatory and Yeongdo Lighthouse for the infamous coastal view. There is nothing more mesmerizing than the view of the ocean from this observatory. However, the place might get touristy during holiday seasons. Hence, you can plan your trip ahead and try coming on a weekday.
On the other hand, the park has a loop track that is about 4km long which leads you to all the attraction spots. Some choose to walk along the track but most visitors prefer taking the Danubi Train to travel around the resort park without getting too tired.
Operating Hours: 04:00 ~ 24:00
Admission: Free of Charge
How to get there:
From Busan station, take bus No.88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff Bus Stop
Danubi Train Admission:
- Individuals: Adults 3,000 won / Youths 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won
- Groups(30 people or more): Adults 2,400 won / Youths 1,600 won / Children 1,200 won
Ticket Office Hours: 9:00~ 17:30
Operating Hours: 09:20 ~ 17:30
Haedong Yonggung Temple
Background
Next, Haedong Yonggung Temple, or Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the most majestic temple in South Korea that you should not miss out. This is because another beautiful sea view in Busan can be found here too. Many visits also to witness the picturesque coastal view and experience this special temple. This temple is one of a kind because it is located along the shore line instead of in between mountains.
View of the majestic temple
The starting history of this temple can be traced all the way 600 years back in 1397. The temple was damaged and rebuilt many times over the years like many temples and historical buildings in that exist today. In the 70s, a newly appointed head monk of the temple had a vision about Goddess of Mercy riding on the back of a dragon in his dream, which the vision later contributed into his decision of naming the temple “Haedong Yonggongsa” which literally means “Dragon Palace Temple”.
Temple Layout and attraction spots
The temple is a hot spot for watching sunrise throughout the year. Also, peak visiting seasons include early April. That is when cherry blossoms bloom and on Buddha’s Birthday, when paper lantern decorations filled the whole place.
Stone carved 12 zodiac animals at the entrance of the temple
At the entrance of the temples, visitors will be greeted by the 12 large zodiac animals carved stones. At the end of the zodiac animal pathway there will be this 7-stories pagoda. It is believed that of one can avoid car accidents if prayed sincerely at this pagoda. These are all stone carves and very beautiful, the zodiac animals are especially carved in detail that you almost feel that they could come alive.
Complimenting the great history of Haedong Yonggungsa, the unique architectural structure and breathtaking sea view continue to bring more fame to the temple and escalate number of visitors each year. Thus, this is definitely not a place to miss when visiting Busan.
A great combination of nature and stone carvings
Breathtaking sea view from the top of the temple
Operating Hours: 05:00 ~ 19:00
Admission: Free of charge
How to get there:
From Haeundae station Exit 7, take bus No.1001, 181, or 100 for 25 ~ 30minutes and get off at Bus Stop to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The temple is 15minutes walk away from the Bus stop.
If you do not like walking, you can take taxi from Haeundae Station to get down right in front of the temple entrance at around KRW11,000.
Website: www.yongkungsa.or.kr
