If you find yourself in Busan and are wanting to see something really unique and interesting, get ready to make the trek out to visit the Seokbulsa Temple (otherwise known as the “Stone Buddha Temple”). I had read and heard about how beautiful this temple was and I’m so glad I listened! Though the hike up to this Buddhist temple might be long and confusing, the trip was well worth the end result: the Seokbulsa Temple was unlike any other temple I have seen on my travels throughout Asia.
How to get there:
You can take the Metro to Oncheonjang Station (the Orange line,) and go out Exit 1. From here, you will want to head towards the Cable Car that will take you up Mt. Geumjeongsan. I read some blogs that suggested taking a cab to Geumgang Park (where you take the cable car up), but it’s not a very long walk. I’ve also read that some people hike up the mountain, but since the temple is still quite a distance from the top, it’s not worth your time to hike up. As long as you have a map or GPS, you’ll be fine – just follow the signs that lead to the park!
Once you get off the cable car, you will be making your way towards the South Gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress – again, just follow the signs. You’ll know you’ve made it to the South Gate when you see this…
From the South Gate, keep following the path you came from for a few more minutes (don’t back-track, just follow the path), which will then lead you to Namman Village. Here you’ll see some restaurants and badminton courts. Keep walking along the path and follow the arrows on the blue sign to your right (see photo below).
Continue heading down the path until you see this sign – finally in English, it’ll point you in the direction of “Seok Bul Sa”, a mere 0.8 km away. At this point, if you haven’t got lost at least once, congratulations!
Eventually you will come across a metal staircase with bright green paint and more stone stairs afterwards. Go down these and keep going a bit further until you reach a paved road.
From this point on, it’s easy-peasy (unless you do not have a good relationship with your cardiovascular system)! Just follow the rather steep paved road all the way up to the Seokbulsa Temple!
What to expect:
Once you’re at the top, you can take in the stunning views of the scenery and the beauty of the temple. The temple goes up and into the mountain and has intricate Buddha carvings on the sides. It’s likely you will see a few local people praying at the temple, and other tourists either cautiously exploring the area or taking a few moments to sit down and take everything in. If you take the time to walk around, you’ll find some small pathways and caves, and rooms with hundreds of Buddhas and candles.
Seokbulsa Temple is the perfect spot if you want to get away from the busy Busan city life below. This was definitely a highlight of my trip to Busan, along with visiting the Gamcheon Culture Village, that I would highly encourage anyone to visit!
cyndi
June 2, 2015 at 8:37 amHi, thanks for the comment and pictures on your blog. I just wanted to make sure the direction you provided is from Gimhae (Pus) airport to Seokbulsa temple right? just want to clarify that.
thisgirlabroad
June 2, 2015 at 1:47 pmHi Cyndi,
My directions are just general directions if you’re already in the city – they aren’t specifically from the airport. Hope that helps and enjoy the hike!
Lesley
August 21, 2015 at 9:17 amHi
This place sounds amazing, thinking about checking it out using your directions. Can you tell me roughly how long it takes to get there from the cable car?
Thanks!
thisgirlabroad
August 23, 2015 at 10:52 amIt was!
We got lost a few times, so it took a bit longer than expected, but I’d say around 2 or so hours to get up there from the start depending on your fitness level and how many times you get lost.
Enjoy!
Juli Ooi
November 19, 2015 at 3:18 pmHi. Just wondering if I can have your permission to use your picture that shows the Buddhist carvings at Seokbul Temple. I want to do a presentation to promote hiking in Busan.
I haven’t been there yet, so I don’t have my own pictures.
Appreciate your assistance. Thanks.
thisgirlabroad
November 19, 2015 at 4:42 pmHi Juli,
Thanks for asking! Yes, of course you can use my photos – would appreciate the credit for them though! 🙂
Laurie
April 17, 2018 at 2:10 pmThanks for this post…great descriptions and amazing photos! I see that you answered already that it took about 2 hours for you to get from the cable car to the temple. How long was the return? I’ve seen people mention walking to Mandeok station from the Temple. Is this a shorter walk?
Thank you!
thisgirlabroad
April 17, 2018 at 3:14 pmHi Laurie,
Thanks for your message! I’ll be totally honest – this was so long ago that I really can’t remember. It was definitely a long day, but I wouldn’t be able to give you a time. So sorry, but hopefully there are more recent guides out there to help!