Beomeosa Temple 범어사

Beomeosa Temple 범어사 in Busan is a lot more peaceful and less visited then Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which makes for a more relaxing and slower feel. The grounds are fairly large and it also sits halfway up the side of a mountain (as you will know from the bus ride up or car depending on how you get there). Opening times for Beomeosa Temple are from 8:30am to 5:30pm and it is free.

Beomeosa Temple is located along the Geumjeongsanseong Fortress 금정산성 (once the largest fortress in Korea) and therefore provides the chance for some fantastic hiking. One Hike would consist of a hike to Godang-bong 고당봉, the highest peak in the region, standing at 801 meters on the city limit between Busan and Yangsan. This can be done by hiking to Geumjeongsanseong Fortress North Gate 금정산성 북문 and then turning right and follow it up to the top (about a 2-4 hour return hike depending on your condition).

Fancy a Temple Stay in Busan, then Beomeosa Temple has a great Temple Stay program. You can find out more details at this website. It is ₩70,000 for a 2 day/1 Night stay.

How to get to Beomeosa Temple

Getting to Beomeosa Temple 범어사 is pretty straight forward and can be done by catching the subway to Beomeosa Station 범어사역 and then catching bus #90 all the way up the mountain.

The next Temple is a BONUS when visiting Beomeosa Temple.

Geumgangam Hermitage 금강암

I found this amazing temple by chance on my hike to Geumjeongsanseong Fortress 금정산성 from Beomeosa Temple. There is a small stone sign towards the entrance which notifies hikers of the temple and I was so happy I took the time to take a look. This was virtually empty when I arrived which made the place extremely relaxing and peaceful.

You will be greeted by this amazing colourful woodwork all throughout Korea when vising temples and for me it never gets old, it always seems so impressive. Once you have arrived, simply take some time to relax and wander around the small temple grounds. Occasionally you will see some people praying and even then it remains very quiet and tranquil.

How to get to Geumgangam Hermitage

Getting to Geumgangam Hermitage 금강암 is very easy and only takes about 10 minutes from Beomeosa Temple. Simply go to the South-West area of Beomeosa Temple and you will find a well-used hiking trail (which can be used to hike along Geumjeongsanseong Fortress 금정산성) which you simply need to follow to Geumgangam Hermitage 금강암. Link to how to get there to Geumgangam Hermitage 금강암.