Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the few temples built at the seaside. Originally built the temple was built in the fourteenth century but was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the last sixteenth century. The temple was rebuilt in the early twentieth century and was renamed in 1974. The was first named during the Goryeo Dynasty as Bormun Temple.
The temple is close to Busan and is heavily visited by travelers to Busan. It is still worth the visit, the setting is lovely and there is much to see (and photograph).
The temple sits by the sea, very unusual for temples. But it felt more like a tourist destination than a temple. I’m happy to have seen it but didn’t find the peace and solitude that I usually experience at a Buddhist temple.
Golden Jipang Bosal
Maitreya Buddha or Future Buddha
Father teaching his child to bow and pray
The Goddess of Mercy and Compassion Quan Yin.
Right photo: I have struggled to understand the name – it seems to vary and I haven’t focused on the nuances. But she is seen throughout the Buddhist countries. In Bhutan she is pictured with 11 heads. Namgay, our Bhutan guide, total us her head exploded because of all the prayers and she needed 11 heads to her all the cries of all those who suffered. It seems somewhat logically that it is a goddess. In Korea you frequently see the additional heads in the headdress.