If the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom floats your boat, you’re going to like the very small but very impressive temple called Seokbulsa (석불사) “Stone Buddhist Temple”. It’s located just outside of the Geumjoengsanseong Mountain Fortress (금정산성) walls in Busan, but it’s not easy to find. Nevertheless, the adventure of finding it will only add to the experience of visiting this unique temple.

Seokbulsa Temple

Upon entering the temple grounds, you’ll find that the temple is indeed made of stone. There are two stone buildings at the entrance, each with minimal paint. There is also a beautiful 3-story pagoda, a set of two protective lions, and an intricately designed lantern located in front of the main buildings.

Seokbulsa Temple

The back drop for the two main buildings is a giant U-shaped rock formation. The stone buildings in front of the larger stone background set the stage for what lies just behind them.

Beautiful And Exotic

Once you pass through the center of the two buildings, you are greeted with an awe inspiring work of Buddhist art. There are several images carved along the walls. The largest are the three images on the side walls. Each side includes two of the Sacheonwang (사천왕), or Four Heavenly Kings, whose job is to protect the temple. I don’t know what the third image on each side represents.

Awe Inspiring

Situated in the middle is the most exotic of the carvings. I’m guessing this is an image of the Buddha, but I’m not sure. The most striking feature for me is the several heads carved on the head of the figure. Not only that, the scene of the main figure combined with the stone alter and stone pillars set around it, gives me a feeling that is unlike any I’ve had at a Korean temple.

Stone Temple In The Mountain

A set of stairs leads you up a little higher behind the main carving. It will take you to a Sanshin Alter (산신단), a place for worshiping the mountain spirit. Looking down from there gives you another vantage point for admiring the immense carvings and the surrounding landscape.

Sitting at my desk and looking back, Seokbulsa goes high on my list of temples to visit for a few reasons. First, it’s a fascinating temple. Second, it’s located near two other recommendable tourist attractions including Beomeosa Temple, and Geumjeongsanseong Mountain Fortress. Not to mention the famous pajeon (파전), also known as “Korean pancake” in English, which is served in the Dongnae area.

Resources
Lonely Planet Korea, 8th Edition

Directions
To get there, go to Oncheonjang Station Exit #1. Cross the street and turn left. You will see a brown sign pointing toward Geumgang Park. Find the park and decide if you want to hike up or take the cable car to the edge of the fortress. I took the cable car.

From the cable car drop off find Nammun Village (남문 마을), a collection of restaurants and soccer-volleyball courts. Continue through the village, but stay on its left as you should be descending the mountain and following a small stream. Eventually you will come to a ‘Y’ in the road. Follow the path to the right which goes to Soekbulsa (석불사).

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