In a nutshellThe architectural marvels of South Korea unleash all their charm in an extraordinary Buddhist temple, the only in the country built by the sea. Its incredible mystical atmosphere mingles with the lively colours and cheerful noises of the Gukje traditional market, an ideal place to look for the perfect souvenir.

Main stops

Ancient Haedong Yonggungsa temple
Sanctuary in an underground cave and Buddha statue
Stop for photos on the magnificent bridge leading to the temple
Gukje traditional market: free time and shopping

The programme

The first stop on our excursion is located along the coast slightly north of Busan: the Haedong Yonggungsa temple dates back to 1376 and is perched on the rocks directly overlooking the water.
We climb up the imposing flight of steps flanked by beautiful sculptures and reach the area of the temple where we have the opportunity of visiting a famous shrine in an underground cave with a small spring of “holy water” and admire the large golden Buddha statue among the pagodas with a forest backdrop.
During our visit, we also stop to take a few photographs of the magnificent bridge leading to the temple right above the cliffs and overlooked by the pagoda roofs of the complex.
We then move on to Gukje market, the largest traditional market in Busan which, in the 1950s, were once given over to the refugees who could open up shops to earn a living.
We have some free time available to wander among the stalls of this popular colourful market, where we can find practically everything at a reasonable price. A unique opportunity to find the perfect souvenir to take home with us!

Good to know

We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places and English guides are available.
Gukje market could be closed with no notice. In this event, it will be replaced with some free time in the BIFF Square in front of it.
Traffic jams are to be expected during tourist season.
Visibility during the tour is subject to weather conditions.
Comfortable shoes with a low heel are recommended.
We recommend buying Korean currency beforehand.