Busan has no shortage of things to do — but two spots keep coming up over and over in every “hidden gem” list I’ve come across.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — the only seaside Buddhist temple in Korea, sitting dramatically on a cliff above the ocean.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village — a cliffside neighborhood of colorful houses and narrow alleys so photogenic it’s been called the Santorini of Korea.
Both are genuinely stunning. Both are a little tricky to get to on your own. And if you’re trying to fit both into a single day in Busan, a bit of planning goes a long way.
I’ve gone deep on researching the best way to do both — here’s everything you need to know.
This post is for you if…
- ▶ You’re visiting Busan and want something beyond Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli
- ▶ You’ve seen the photos of Haedong Yonggungsa and need to know if it’s actually worth the trip
- ▶ You want that “Santorini of Korea” Huinnyeoul shot but have no idea where to start
- ▶ You’re trying to fit both spots into one day without the transport headache
- ▶ You’re traveling solo or as a couple and want a hassle-free way to see both
Table of Contents
- What makes Haedong Yonggungsa Temple so special?
- What is Huinnyeoul Culture Village?
- Can you do both in one day?
- The easiest way to visit — Klook tour option
- FAQ
- Honest tips before you go
1. What Makes Haedong Yonggungsa Temple So Special?
Most Buddhist temples in Korea are tucked away in mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa is different — it sits right on the edge of the sea, with waves crashing against the rocks below.
Built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty, it’s one of the oldest temples in Busan — and genuinely one of the most dramatic settings I’ve come across in all my research on Korean travel spots. The combination of traditional temple architecture against an open ocean backdrop is something you don’t see anywhere else in Korea.
A few things that make it worth the trip:
- The coastal approach — the walk down to the temple, past stone statues and dragon sculptures, is part of the experience
- Korean zodiac stone statues — each one representing a different zodiac sign, lining the path to the main hall
- The prayer legend — it’s said that if you pray here with a sincere heart, one wish will come true. Whether you believe it or not, the atmosphere makes it easy to see why people do
One thing to keep in mind: this place has become very popular, so weekday mornings are significantly quieter. Weekends can get crowded.
👉 Check the easiest way to visit Haedong Yonggungsa on Klook
2. What is Huinnyeoul Culture Village?
If Haedong Yonggungsa is Busan’s most dramatic religious site, Huinnyeoul (흰여울문화마을) is its most photogenic neighborhood — full stop.
Perched on the cliffs of Yeongdo Island, the village is a maze of narrow alleys, colorful houses, and breathtaking ocean views. The name itself comes from a nearby stream whose water is so clear it looks like white snow — and the whole place has that dreamlike quality that makes photos look almost too good to be real.
What you’ll find there:
- The blue coastal pathway — the iconic shot everyone comes for
- Rainbow piano stairs — one of the most photographed spots in Busan
- Jeoryeong Coastal Walk — a long scenic path hugging the cliffs with stunning sea views
- Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel — a short tunnel full of art installations and light, leading to more of the coastal walk
- Cliffside cafes — ocean view cafes everywhere, with coffee running around 4,500–6,500 KRW
The vibe here is slow and wandering — not a checklist attraction. Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours if you want to actually soak it in rather than rush through for photos.
It’s sometimes called the Santorini of Korea, and after looking at the photos — honestly, that comparison holds up.
3. Can You Do Both in One Day?
Yes — and this is actually the recommended way to do it.
Haedong Yonggungsa and Huinnyeoul are on opposite ends of Busan, so doing them back to back on public transport requires a bit of planning. The route involves multiple subway lines and buses, and if you’re not familiar with Busan’s transit system yet, it can eat up a surprising amount of time.
The most common approach is:
Morning → Haedong Yonggungsa (go early to beat the crowds — opening is 5 AM, and mornings are genuinely peaceful)
Afternoon → Huinnyeoul Culture Village (late afternoon light is the best for photos — the golden hour here is something else)
The late afternoon timing at Huinnyeoul is worth planning around specifically. The lighting hits the cliffside houses in a way that makes every shot look like it was taken by a professional.
4. The Easiest Way to Visit — Klook Tour Option
If navigating Busan’s transit system for two opposite-end attractions sounds like a lot — there’s an easier option.
The Klook tour that covers Haedong Yonggungsa and the Huinnyeoul area takes care of all the transport and logistics, so you can actually focus on enjoying the spots instead of figuring out bus routes.
What makes it worth considering:
- No transit planning needed — everything is handled
- Guide takes you through the highlights at each spot
- Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date
- Multiple departure times available — pick what works for your schedule
For first-time visitors to Busan especially, this kind of guided option can be the difference between a stressful day and a genuinely enjoyable one.
👉 Check availability and book on Klook
FAQ
Q. Is Haedong Yonggungsa worth visiting in Busan? A. Based on everything I’ve researched — yes, genuinely. It’s the only seaside temple in Korea and the setting is unlike anything else in the country. Even if you’re not particularly into temples, the combination of ocean views and traditional architecture makes it worth the trip.
Q. What time should I visit Haedong Yonggungsa? A. Early morning is strongly recommended. The temple opens at 5 AM and weekday mornings are significantly quieter. By late morning on weekends, crowds can be heavy enough to impact the experience.
Q. How long do I need at Huinnyeoul Culture Village? A. Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours. It’s the kind of place you want to wander slowly — the narrow alleys, coastal walk, and tunnel all take time to properly explore. Rushing through for a few photos misses the point.
Q. Is Huinnyeoul Culture Village free to enter? A. Yes — the village itself is free to enter and walk around. You’ll only spend money at cafes or shops if you choose to.
Q. Is Huinnyeoul wheelchair accessible? A. Unfortunately not really. The village has significant slopes and stairs throughout, which makes it difficult for wheelchairs or strollers.
Q. How do I get to Huinnyeoul Culture Village by public transport? A. Take Busan Metro Line 1 to either Nampo or Jagalchi Station, then catch a bus (routes 6, 7, 71, or 508) and get off at the Huinnyeoul Culture Village stop (흰여울문화마을). If taking a taxi, search for ‘흰여울문화마을거점센터’ on Naver Maps for the most accurate drop-off point.
✨ Honest Tips Before You Go
▶ Haedong Yonggungsa: go early. Weekday mornings before 9 AM are the sweet spot — peaceful atmosphere, no crowds, and the light is beautiful.
▶ Huinnyeoul: aim for late afternoon. Golden hour light on those cliffside houses is genuinely magical. It’s the best time for photos by a long stretch.
▶ Start at the top of Huinnyeoul and walk down. The village is on a slope — starting from the top and making your way down toward the coastal trail is much easier on your legs.
▶ Wear comfortable shoes. Both spots involve a fair amount of walking on uneven ground and stairs. Not the day for new shoes.
▶ Bring sun protection if you’re going in summer. Huinnyeoul is fully exposed on the cliffside — it gets seriously hot with no shade on the path.
▶ Huinnyeoul is a residential area. Real people live here. Keep noise levels down, especially in the narrower alleys.
Want to skip the transport stress and just enjoy both spots?
👉 Book the Busan tour covering Haedong Yonggungsa + Huinnyeoul on Klook
Hope this helped you plan your Busan day!
If this post was useful, feel free to save or share it — it really helps me keep putting content like this together. 🙏
See you in Busan, Aeri ✈️