Beomeosa Temple
Nestled in the mountains of Geumjeongsan in Busan, the Beomeosa Temple stands as a testament to the ancient Unified Silla era, established by the monk Uisang. Legend has it that atop a massive rock, standing about 50 feet high on Geumjeongsan, there's a spring that forever shimmers in a golden hue. Within this spring, golden fish, believed to have descended from the heavens on colorful clouds, frolic and swim. Due to this magical scenery, the temple was aptly named 'Beomeosa', which translates to 'Temple of the Nirvana Fish'. During a time of impending invasion by Japanese forces, Silla, in its desperation, sought the power of Monk Uisang and his profound Hwaeom Sinjung prayers. Miraculously, through his spiritual rituals, the invaders were repelled. In awe of this divine intervention, the King of Silla honored Monk Uisang and commissioned the construction of the Beomeosa Temple.
Cheongryeonam
Nestled within the serene grounds of Beomeosa, the expansive Jijangwon holds a special reverence as it enshrines Jijang Bodhisattva, the benevolent deity devoted to rescuing souls from hell. This sacred space magnetically draws devout believers, yearning for a blessed passage to the heavenly realms in the afterlife.
Geumjeong Mountain
Nestled in Busan stands Geumjeongsan, the guardian mountain, soaring to an impressive 801.5 meters at its peak, Godangbong. As Busan's jewel, the mountain boasts dramatic rock formations, sheer cliffs, and historical treasures like the ancient Geumjeongsanseong Fortress. From its peak, one can enjoy a breathtaking panorama where the East and South Seas converge. Just moments from the city center, with each season, Geumjeongsan undergoes a transformation: in spring, it dons a verdant cloak reminiscent of a city meadow, and come autumn, it's adorned with a vibrant mosaic of fall hues. The mountain's playful curves and ever-changing scenery make Geumjeongsan a captivating sight to behold. The 17-km long Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, constructed in 1703 during King Sukjong's reign, stands as a silent sentinel. Climbing its heights, you're imbued with the pulse of history, harkening back to when our ancestors bravely defended against foreign invasions.
Cheongsong Maetdol Sundubu
"Cheongsong Maetdol Sundubu". In line with a cherished Korean tradition, there's nothing like savoring a refreshing bowl of makgeolli, a milky, slightly effervescent rice wine, paired with an array of savory pancakes after a strenuous hike. At this cozy eatery near Beomeosa, not only will we rejuvenate our weary bodies but also indulge in the authentic taste and cultural experience of Korea.
3 Comments
4.6
We had an amazing time exploring the beautiful trails of Busan, with breathtaking views that left us in awe. The cultural insights shared by our guide added depth to our hike, though a bit more time at the scenic overlooks would have made it even better.
4.6
Our hiking adventure was a perfect blend of stunning views and rich cultural connections, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the area’s breathtaking landscapes. The private experience made it feel exclusively designed for us, and our guide was fantastic at sharing insights that enriched our journey. One small suggestion would be to include a slightly longer stop at a scenic viewpoint, as it was hard to leave such beauty behind so quickly.
4.4
The views from the top of the trail were absolutely breathtaking, offering a perfect blend of nature and the cityscape of Busan in the background. As we hiked, our guide shared fascinating stories about local culture and history, which made the experience even richer. One standout moment was when we paused to enjoy a traditional snack while admiring the panoramic scenery—definitely a highlight! While everything was well-organized, a little more time for each scenic spot would have been nice to fully soak it all in. Overall, this tour was a refreshing break from our busy schedules and a great way to connect with the area.