Coming out of the 20th Century, South Korea emerges as a cultural power in the international community, wielding a strong level of soft power. As the new millennium progresses, South Korea establishes itself as a leading example of soft power through "Hallyu" or the "Korean Wave." Visitors around the world flock to South Korea to witness the beauty of Korean pop culture in its homeland. While people immerse themselves in different K-Beauty products and visit locations their favorite idol or celebrity have appeared on screen, they discover there is more to Korean culture and history than just K-Pop and K-Beauty.
So the next time you are in Busan and you have finished your duty-free shopping and your K-Pop adventure, take a break from the hectic, modern world as you explore the cultural and historical sites that South Korea, and more specifically Busan, has to offer. Fully experience South Korea's rich culture and history as you take a scenic walk through the Haedong Yonggung Temple and pay respect to the fallen heroes at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan.
Haedong Yonggung Temple
The beautiful Haedong Yonggung Temple is one of the most popular Buddhist temple in South Korea. Situated by the shoreline, this remarkable temple is one of the few temples in South Korea set by the coast and instead of the mountains like the other temples. Originally named the Bomun Temple, the Haedong Yonggung Temple has a deep history, dating back to its construction in 1376 by a Buddhist teacher named Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty (this is even older than the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, in 1443!). According to the temple, the Goryeo kingdom was having a drought and the people were suffering. In a dream, Naong was told by a sea deity to go to the site where the temple is today and build a temple and pray there. If he did so, the people's hardships would go away and happiness will return to the kingdom. Hence, the temple was constructed. During the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1592, the temple was destroyed and left in ruins until the 1930s. Buddhist monk Ungang began the reconstruction of the temple, and other Buddhist monks continued the project until its completion in the 1970s.
Inside the Haedong Yonggung Temple is the Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, where visitors can come and pray and make wishes. At the top of the temple site is the statue of Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (the Sea water Great Goddess Buddha). Here the visitors can pay respect to the Buddha that brought mercy and happiness to the Goryeo kingdom. The temple also has a three-story pagoda with four stone lions standing right in front of it, with the lion symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.
Wrapping around and through the temple is the famous 108 steps and stone lanterns of the Haedong Yonggung Temple. The journey through the steps bring peace and calm to one's mind as you enjoy the view of the ocean. Depending on the time of the day, you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise or sunset along the crashing waves of the temple. If you visit the spring, you can even experience the blooming of thousands of cherry blossoms planted by the gates.
Located away from the city center, visitors are isolated from the world as they are given a unique, historical experience at the temple. Cafes, food stalls, and other shops can be found near the temple for visitors to enjoy the oceanic view as well as the temple itself. During Buddha's Birthday celebrations and New Year's Day, the temple and surrounding area becomes even more festive and livelier as tourists and locals flock to the temple to pay respect and submerge in the festive atmosphere.
United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea
The UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) is designated as the only United Nations Memorial Cemetery in the world. Acting as the final resting place for the UN servicemen who gave up their lives for world peace and freedom, the UNMCK was established in 1951 for the fallen UN troops during the Korean War. The UNMCK has multiple facilities that honor the different UN forces in the war. The Symbolic Area holds the national flags of the twenty-two UN nations that participated in the Korean War which is hung above everyday. The Symbolic Area represents the 8 countries who remains were retrieved back to their home countries. The Main Cemetery Area holds the buried remains of the 11 countries (Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States) as well as the UN non-combatant and unnamed soldiers.
The memorial site also consists of other facilities such as the Green Area, Veterans' Grave Area, the UN Forces Monument, the Wall of Remembrance, Thai-Korean Friendship Bridge, and the Unknown Soldier's Pathway. In particular, the Unknown Soldier's Pathway represent the number 11, which of great significance. First, the pathway consists of 11 steps, symbolizing the number of countries whose remains are currently buried at the UNMCK. 11 cascades of water, 11 water fountains, and 11 pine trees along each side of the pathway, all representing the 11 countries. When adding up both sides, the total is 22, representing the 22 nations (including South Korea) who participated in the Korean War.
After you finished walking through the historical site, freshen up the solemn mood with the nature of the UNMCK. The 33-acres site has two ponds with various trees, seasonal flowers and animals (ducks, fish, turtles, pheasants, and magpies) that represent the 4 seasons.