Busan | The Legend of Beomeosa Temple on Geumjeongsan Mountain: Experience the Majesty and Tranquility of the Buddhist Temple

Last time, I missed Beomeosa Temple due to time constraints, so this time I made it a must-visit on my list. According to legend, the temple was built by Master Uisang in the 18th year of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty. At that time, a well on the mountain ridge emitted golden light, and golden fish played on colorful clouds in the sky, giving the names Geumjeongsan and Beomeosa. During the Japanese invasions of Korea, Beomeosa Temple was burned down. The current buildings were constructed in 1713, and the Daeungjeon Hall and the three-story pagoda are designated as national treasures. Today, Beomeosa is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea, belonging to the Jogye Order. The most important part of a temple is the Daeungjeon Hall. With the permission of the temple volunteers, I took a photo of the ceiling. Unlike other temples' Daeungjeon Halls, which usually have octagonal roofs, Beomeosa's Daeungjeon Hall has a gabled roof due to the financial and labor constraints following the Japanese invasions. However, the decorations under the canopy still include auspicious clouds, dragons, and phoenixes, reflecting the historical background behind the simple architecture. Beomeosa Temple oversees ten hermitages on the mountain, with over 200 affiliated temples in total, making it one of the five major temples in Korea. In front of the temple, red and white plum blossoms bloom, emitting a fragrant aroma. During my visit, I noticed many buildings with white cloths indicating that they were off-limits due to ongoing practice. Additionally, after their prayers, some elderly women shared offerings, filling the atmosphere with warmth. 📍Address: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea 🚗Take Subway Line 1 to Nopo Station, exit at Exit 2, and transfer to Bus No. 90. After getting off, it's a three-minute walk to the temple.