There is a temple in Busan located right on the coastline. It’s called Yonggungsa (용궁사) and it is the third and final temple in Busan I’d like to introduce to you in this short series of things to do in Busan.

According to internet sources, Yonggungsa was built in 1376, burned down by Japanese forces (no date given), and rebuilt again. The temple is the furthest south of any other which is on the east coast. The story about Yonggungsa located on the temple’s website is written in hard-to-understand English, so I’m limited to these few points.

Yonggungsa Temple on the east coast

The temple website states that the motto of Haedong Yonggung temple is “At least one of your wishes will be answered here through your heartful prayers.” This saying makes complete sense once you’ve visited Yonggungsa.

Rub this statue and make a wish

There are at least four places in the temple grounds which I noticed that people can pray for something or another. For example, near the entrance of the temple is a statue of a seated, fat monk with a sign next to it that says (in Korean) that you can make a wish. The statues belly is black from people rubbing it as they make a wish. What’s funny is that the monk’s nipples are also black. I wonder what those people wished for.

Rub this statue and wish for a baby boy

The second place where you can make a wish is a little further inside the temple. There is another statue of a fat monk, however this one is standing. The sign says you can make a wish to have a baby boy. Having a baby boy, in Korea, has long been the standard dream of couples.

Make a wish to this guy for success in school

The third place I found to make a wish is a set of four statues of young monks. Next to them is a sign saying you can wish for success in school. You’ll notice coins on most of the statues in the temple. I suppose people believe their wishes have a better chance of coming true if they give a little something in return.

Ask this statue for abundance in your life

The fourth place for making wishes is in front of the giant golden fat monk statue. I think westerners commonly refer to it as a “Fat Buddha”, but I think the image is based on that of a monk. Nevertheless, the image symbolizes abundance and is a suitable place to ask for more from life.

Candles in the temple cavern

Right in the middle of the temple grounds is an underground cavern. It’s pretty small, so maybe 6-8 people can be in it at one time. There are some candles and incense sticks burning, and there is a water well down there which people were drinking or washing their hands with.

Contemplate life while looking at this statue and the ocean

On the edge of the coast is another metal statue fitted with some boxes for candles and an incense stick holder. Its location is interesting because in order to view it, you have to look at the vast blue ocean. Seems like a good place to contemplate life.

Nearby restaurant (recommended)

Once you’ve finished exploring this temple, don’t head home right away. There is an interesting place to eat just down the street from the bus stop in front of the temple. The restaurant’s name is “시골밥상집”. Don’t worry about the name though, just walk down the street until you see the sign in the picture I posted with this article. Once inside, you will have to sit on the floor while you eat. The meal costs 8,000 won per person.

8,000 won feast

Typically people eat in groups of two or more, but don’t be afraid to go there alone and order a single serving for yourself. You will get all the same side dishes as two people would.

Sitting at my desk and looking back, Yonggungsa is a worthwhile half-day trip for those in Busan, especially if you go for lunch at the restaurant I mentioned. The fact that the temple is on the coast makes it special, and the opportunity to rub a fat monk’s nipple makes this trip hard to pass up.

Resources
Yonggungsa Temple (Korea Tourism Organization)
Yonggungsa Temple (Official)

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