범어사 (Beomeosa)

The Beomeosa (Beomeo Temple) is one of the main attractions in Busan. Beomeosa is located on the Kumjong-san (Kumjong-mountain). According to a Korean legend, the temples water has magic forces, and it is said to be very healthy mountain spring water. Every visitor of the temple drinks a sip of this water, before entering the temple for praying.

The temple was erected by master Uisang (625-702) during the time of the Silla-realm in 678. The Silla-realm was the first to unite all of Korea.

Legend of Beomeosa

During the 18th year of King Munmu reign of the Silla dynasty, a large group of Japanese invaders attempted to attack. The king was very concerned about the invaders’ barbarous acts. One day, in the king’s dream, a mountain guardian spirit told him to go to the top of the mountain and the god would reveal how to defeat the invaders. The king went to the mountain with a priest, Uisangdaesa, and followed the god’s instructions. Then, the invaders were easily defeated. The king was really happy and gave thanks to the god. He also ordered

Uisangdaesa to build a temple, and the temple is Beomeosa. At the top of the mountain, there is a well with golden colored water which never dries up. Legend has it that a gold-colored fish had lived there. The temple was named from “gold spring (Guemsaem)” and “fish from heaven.”

[refernce : Beomeosa Hompage]

▲ 15th of May in 2011 is Buddha's Birthday

In Korea, the birthday of Buddha is celebrated according to the Lunisolar calendar. This day is called 부처님 오신 날 (Bucheonim osin nal), meaning "the day when Buddha arrived" or 석가탄신일 (Seokka Tanshin-il) meaning "the day of Buddha's Birthday". Lotus lanterns cover the entire temple throughout the month which are often flooded down the street.

▲ path filled with Lotus lanterns

▲ one pillar gate (Il Ju Mun)


The One Pillar Gate is the first door that leads to the temple and represents the boundary between the secular world and the spiritual world where a visitor has to leave your complicated ideas and sufferings.. It is named as One Pillar Gate as the pillars are built in a row to support the roof, but generally two pillars are built side by side to support the roof on top. However, at the Beomeosa Temple, exceptionally four pillars support the roof with three kans in the front.

▲ Lotus lanterns


People can donate to temple and pray for their wishes through Lotus Lantern. It is similar to candles in cathedral in western contries.

▲ Daewoongjeon's front yard is filled with lots of Lotus lanterns

▲ a mineral spring in the backyard of Temple

Except special days in Buddism, Beomeo temples is silent and peaceful place because it lies on high mountain and clean area. so tourists can relax and feel peaceful atmosphere. Particulary the Temple offers accommodation for tourists.

Further up the mountain you will find more hidden, small shrines and temples. They are scattered all over the hills here. If you walk downwards there’s an entrance to a steep 20 minute hike that will take you to one of the best views of Busan you will get.