Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사, 海東龍宮寺) is uniquely situated on the rugged seaside terrain of Busan’s eastern coast, standing in stark contrast to the majority of Korean Buddhist temples, which traditionally adhere to mountain locations. This coastal setting is the first element that distinguishes it from other temples in Korea.
The temple’s name, Yonggungsa (meaning “Temple of the Dragon Palace”), reflects the importance of the dragon symbol to the site. In Korean culture, dragons are powerful symbols of water, good fortune, and protection, a fitting association for a temple overlooking the sea.
The site is also remarkable for its dedication to the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Gwan-eum (관음 / Gwanseum-bosal). Haedong Yonggungsa is recognized as one of the few temples in Korea devoted to this figure and specifically built by the sea, a location traditionally linked to the Bodhisattva’s compassionate nature and protective presence over waters. Visually emphasizing this devotion, the temple grounds feature the Haesu Gwan-eum Daebul (해수관음대불)—a large, white statue of Gwan-eum that gazes out over the ocean from a high vantage point above the main complex.
Originally established in 1376 by the Buddhist monk Naong Hyegeun (나옹혜근, 羅翁慧勤) during the Goryeo Dynasty, the temple later fell into ruin. For a time, the site was known as Bomunsa (보문사) and remained neglected until it was reconstructed in the 20th century, likely during the 1930s, after a long period of deterioration. The temple was restored and officially renamed Haedong Yonggungsa in 1974, reviving its historical identity and significance as one of Korea’s most scenic and spiritually evocative coastal temples.
Haedong Yonggungsa, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
Camera: Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i / Kiss X9i
Lens: TAMRON SP 28-75mm F/2.8 Di A09E
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 44.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/320
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 100
Photo Taken: April 28, 2025
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