x-default

Beomeo-sa

Top choice in Busan


This magnificent temple is Busan’s best sight. Despite its city location, Beomeo-sa is a world away from the urban jungle, with beautiful architecture set against an extraordinary mountain backdrop. Beomeo-sa can be a busy place on weekends and holidays, as the path leading to the temple is the northern starting point for trails across Geumjeong-san. Before heading back to the city, visit the pajeon (파전; green onion pancake) restaurants near the bus stop.

At street level from Beomeo-sa station, spin 180 degrees, turn left at the corner and walk 200m to the terminus. Catch bus 90 (₩1200, 20 minutes, every 15 minutes) or take a taxi (₩5000) to the temple entrance. To fully appreciate the beauty of this temple, sign up for the templestay program. The pre-dawn chanting is hauntingly beautiful. Signing up for a templestay is usually completed online. Reservations are required, often two weeks in advance. Payment is by bank transfer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Busan attractions

1. North Gate

0.92 MILES

It's a steady climb up to the North Gate from Beomeo-sa.

2. Geumjeong Fortress

1.89 MILES

Travellers climbing Geumjeong-san (금정산; Geumjeong Mountain) expecting to see a fort will be disappointed because there isn’t one. Geumjeong Fortress…

3. West Gate

2.46 MILES

An attractive gate on Geumjeong-san, but less visited because it's off the ridge trail.

6. Geumgang Park

4.06 MILES

This park features a cable car, located about 150m from the park entrance; follow the Ropeway signs.

7. Seokbul-sa

4.22 MILES

Hard to find, difficult to reach and a wonder to behold, this hermitage has Buddhist images meticulously etched into stone. Visually powerful in scale and…

8. Geumgang Park Cable Car

4.45 MILES

Add this cable car to your list of must-do activities. The panoramic view of development coursing through valleys of verdant mountains is breathtaking. On…