Well worth the long hike getting there, Seokbulsa is ranked #1 for “must see things” in Busan by Lonely Planet. Also known as Byeongpung-am (Folding Screen Hermitage), the peacefulness is distinctive, like entering an air-conditioned room after roasting in the sweltering heat â calm and contentment just envelope you.
Don’t be misled by the name Seokbulsa is not a temple made of stone, unceremoniously perched on the mountain ledge. It is the mountain – embedded on the side of Geumjeongsan, cradled in the strong rock’s clutch. A massive Buddhist figure stands in front of a polished stone prayer platform. The three sides of the temple are mountain rock transposed into towering walls, 40 meters tall, adorned with intricate carvings of six Buddhist figures. Numerous religious designs are etched directly into the mountain side, staring down at you from tremendous heights. Two small caverns house modest shrines where prayers and offerings can be made. The cave walls are cool and damp, and the darkness is cut only by flickering candles and the sunlight pouring through the entrance.
Address: San 2, Mandoek 1 dong, Buk-gu, Busan, Korea
Tel: 054-746-9933
Web: jikimi.cha.go.kr
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00
