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Iljumun Gate
Iljumun is the formal entrance gate to the Samgwangsa temple complex in Busan, and the first architectural feature visitors encounter upon arrival. The name literally means "gate of one pillar", referring to a clever optical illusion: when viewed from the side, the structure appears to balance on a single support. This distinctive gateway marks the threshold between the secular world and the sacred temple grounds beyond.
Jigwanjeon Pavilion
Jigwanjeon is the central prayer hall of Samgwangsa temple, South Korea's largest Buddhist cultural centre, accommodating up to ten thousand worshippers at once. Inside are 10,000 gilded bronze Buddha statues representing all the Buddhas of the present age. The interior layout resembles a theatre rather than a traditional temple, which facilitates services and ceremonial gatherings. What to see: the hall's striking architectural design and the impressive array of statuary.
Beopwhasa Temple
The Beopwhasammaedang, a striking five-storey structure, stands in the main plaza of Samgwangsa temple, opposite the Jigwanjeon pavilion. It ranks as South Korea's largest building of its kind. The name translates as "Hall of the Lotus Sutra Samadhi", reflecting its purpose as a centre for study, deep meditative practice and teachings from this Buddhist text. The building houses the temple's Templestay programme facilities and the Yaksajeon hall.
Medicine Hall
The Yaksajeon (Medicine Hall) sits within the Beopwhasammaedang pavilion at Samgwangsa temple in Busan. Dedicated to Yaksa Yeorae, the Buddha of Medicine, it houses a seated stone sculpture of the Medicine Buddha at its centre. This sculpture is designated as Busan Cultural Property No. 145 and represents an important example of Buddhist religious art and heritage to visit whilst in the city.
Pabellón Beomjonggak
The Beomjonggak is the bell pavilion of Samgwangsa temple, a traditional two-storey wooden structure with a hipped roof completed in 1991. It houses the temple's principal bell alongside other traditional Buddhist ritual instruments, playing a central role in the daily and ceremonial life of the compound. Visitors can see what to see and experience how these instruments function within the temple's spiritual practices.
Pagoda Daebo
The Daebo Pagoda is an impressive nine-storey, eight-sided structure standing 30 metres tall, built as a monument to world peace and Korean unification. Its name translates as "great treasure," reflecting its profound spiritual and cultural significance within the temple grounds. This striking landmark combines traditional architectural elements with its symbolic purpose, making it a notable sight to visit when exploring Busan's religious and historical heritage.
Daeungbojeon Temple
Daeungbojeon is the spiritual heart of Samgwangsa temple and its principal hall of worship, dedicated to prayers for national peace and the wellbeing of the Korean people. Inside, you'll find the main altar honouring a trinity of Buddhist deities: Amitabha Buddha at the centre, flanked by Gwanseum Bosal, the bodhisattva of compassion, and Daesaeji Bosal, the bodhisattva of great strength. This sacred space remains one of the temple's most significant areas for visitors to experience.
Daejosajeon Temple
Daejosajeon is a pavilion within Samgwangsa temple, erected to honour Sangwol Wongak Daejosa, who restored the Cheontae order in South Korea. Completed in March 2023, it ranks as the second such pavilion built by the order nationwide, with the first being at Guinsa temple. Accessible via a modest mountain path, Daejosajeon serves as the centre for practising and promoting Cheontae order principles throughout Busan.
Pabellón Jijangjeon
Jijangjeon is a two-storey pavilion built in 2000, dedicated to Jijang Bosal, the bodhisattva revered as protector of those suffering in the lower realms of existence. Known as the Korean equivalent of the Japanese Jizo, this structure serves as the principal prayer space for the deceased and a place of intercession for ancestors. It embodies Jijang Bosal's great vow to forgo enlightenment until all hells are emptied.
Geuglagjeong Temple
Geuglagjeon is the main hall of Samgwangsa Temple, dedicated to Amitabha Buddha—the Buddha of Infinite Light who presides over the Western Paradise, known in Korean as Geungnak or the Pure Land of the West. Positioned adjacent to the Jijangjeon pavilion, this hall serves as a focal point for Buddhist devotees seeking rebirth in this celestial realm. The temple remains an important site for worship and pilgrimage in Busan.
Hillingseulgil Healing Path
The Hillingseulgil, signposted at the temple as "the path of healing," is an uphill trail beginning behind the Daejosajeon pavilion. Beyond serving as a pedestrian route, it delivers sweeping views across Busan. A worthwhile visit if you're exploring the temple grounds and want to take in the city's panorama from above.
- 1.Iljumun Gate
- 2.Jigwanjeon Pavilion
- 3.Beopwhasa Temple
- 4.Medicine Hall
- 5.Pabellón Beomjonggak
- 6.Pagoda Daebo
- 7.Daeungbojeon Temple
- 8.Daejosajeon Temple
- 9.Pabellón Jijangjeon
- 10.Geuglagjeong Temple
- 11.Hillingseulgil Healing Path
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