Seokbulsa Temple (석불사) is one of the more secluded, less known temples in Busan, which is situated on a mountain top with relief carvings on the wall.
If you love temples, trekking, or enjoy getting off the beaten road, Seokbulsa Temple should be on your list of must-see attractions in Busan.
One of the reasons you won’t hear people talking much about this temple is that it’s tough to get there. However, the difficulty of accessing this piece of art just serves to heighten its allure and thrill.
Since hiking is a major part of appreciating Seokbulsa Temple, we will guide you to make the most of it in this article.
How To Reach The Temple?
There are two choices to get to Seokbulsa Temple.
First Option
Let’s start with the tougher but more interesting route. To help you better comprehend the journey, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1
It involves walking from the Oncheonjang subway stop to taking the Geumgang park cable car.
To get to Geumgang Park, go toward the mountain and follow the signs. Although the path is a little difficult for tourists to discover, English-language directions are provided, which will be helpful for those not fluent in Korean. You are on the right track if you see the police station on your route.
However, if you are traveling from somewhere far or want to save your energy for later, you may consider taking a car instead of walking.
Step 2
Once you get to the park, you can easily spot the cable car. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views while it takes you to the top.
Step 3
The four-gated Geumgangjeongsong Fortress surrounds the peak. The South Gate is well marked and may be reached on foot in 15 minutes from the cable car station. Just concentrate on finding the signs to avoid getting lost.
Step 4
Take some snaps at the South Gate but do not go through it. Instead, follow signs to Seokbulsa temple. Upon taking that, you will arrive at the South Gate village. You will see a tennis court. Stay on the downhill path to reach the parked cars.
The hardest hike yet awaits you. Keep walking uphill for around 500 meters, and you will reach your destination.
Second Option
The second alternative, though less appealing, will be more practical for people who don’t want to walk too much or are on a tight schedule.
Get down at Mandeok subway station and take a cab. A twisting automobile route takes you most of the path up to the top, where Seokbulsa is situated.
Some people also take the 2.4-kilometer ascending walk from the station through the winding path to reach the temple. But, if you truly want to hike, the first route will be a better choice because it is more scenic.
What To See in The Temple?
Seokbulsa temple is a hidden gem perched atop Busan’s tallest peak Geumjeongsan (Mt. Geumjeong), and includes striking Buddha images carved directly into the massive rock walls, some as high as 40 feet.
The temple has the highest number of Buddhist carvings, 29 to be specific, on the Byeongpung rock face, which makes it unique from other typical Korean temples. Among all of them, the most eye-catches carvings that deserve a separate mention include:
- Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara Bodhisatta
- Vairocana Buddha
- Four Guardians
- Bhaisajyaguru Buddha
While strolling around the temple and taking in its splendor, you will come across a staircase on the western side of the property. We suggest you take it because you can overlook the entire complex from there. As you ascend the stairs, you will see images of Buddha and Arhats.
Upon reaching the highest point, we assure you of some breathtaking views. The exquisite vista of Seokbulsa, huge carvings on both sides, luscious green mountains as the backdrop, and a distant fragment of Busan are one sight you will never forget.
How to Get Back?
The return hike to Geumgang Park Ropeway will take around an hour. If you want to skip that, take the paved route all the way down to reach Mandeok metro station.
Final Thoughts
Seokbulsa is a small place. Most people spend around 30 minutes there, but incorporating the hike to Seokbulsa Temple will make the ideal day excursion. Just start your journey early.
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