Tucked away in the mountains, Seokbulsa Temple holds ancient stone Buddhas that have watched over the land for over a thousand years. As you climb the moss-covered steps, the scent of sandalwood mingles with mountain mist—this is more than a temple, it’s a sanctuary for the soul.












Everything you need to know about Seokbulsa
Recommended stays include Shilla Stay Haeundae and Hotel 1000 Busan, both offering a serene blend of modern comfort and traditional Korean aesthetics. Located just 10 minutes from Seokbulsa Temple, these hotels feature hanok-inspired interiors, meditation gardens, and access to local Buddhist rituals. Guests can participate in morning chanting sessions and tea ceremonies, immersing themselves in authentic spiritual culture while enjoying excellent service and proximity to the temple's tranquil surroundings.
Take Busan Metro Line 2 from Haeundae Station or Nampo Station—both within a 15-minute walk from Seokbulsa Temple—to reach downtown Busan in under 30 minutes. Alternatively, hop on bus routes like 301 or 401 for direct access. Use a T-money card for seamless travel across all public transit options. This efficient network ensures quick, affordable, and stress-free transfers, making it easy to explore both the temple and the vibrant urban core.
Near Seokbulsa Temple, visitors can join daily Zen meditation sessions, experience traditional tea ceremony performances, and take part in calligraphy workshops led by local monks. During festivals, enjoy the Lantern Festival and chanting rituals illuminated by thousands of paper lanterns. These immersive activities offer deep insight into Korean Buddhist philosophy, fostering inner peace and cultural appreciation in a historically rich and spiritually resonant environment.
Yes, premium accommodations like Grand Hyatt Busan and Shangri-La Hotel Busan provide complimentary shuttles to Seokbulsa Temple, operating hourly from 9 AM to 5 PM. The ride takes about 15 minutes and is ideal for guests unfamiliar with local transit. Reservations are recommended via concierge. Even without shuttles, taxis and metro access remain convenient, ensuring hassle-free visits to the temple’s scenic grounds.
Ideal for families is Lotte Hotel Busan Haeundae, featuring a kids’ playroom, family pool, and free breakfast for children. Just 1.5 km from Seokbulsa Temple, it offers a safe, scenic walk through green pathways lined with small shrines. The hotel also provides multilingual staff (English/Chinese), child-sized amenities, and themed events, making it perfect for a peaceful, educational, and enjoyable family trip rooted in Korean heritage.
The illuminated lantern wall at Seokbulsa Temple is breathtaking after dark. Thousands of glowing lanterns reflect on the water, creating a dreamlike ambiance that draws visitors seeking tranquility. On weekends, guided night tours reveal hidden temple paths and ancient stories behind the carvings. Visit after 6 PM to avoid crowds and fully embrace the serene, meditative atmosphere—a perfect way to conclude a day immersed in nature and spirituality.
See what other travelers say about Seokbulsa

This was my first stay at this place, and I’ve been thinking hard before writing this review. The hotel is located just a 5-6 minute walk from Lotte Department Store in Seomyeon, and it’s super easy to spot from the street—especially at night. The rooftop café is dazzling with its vintage, glamorous lighting, making it really stand out. But when I arrived late at night, I couldn’t find the entrance at all—it was completely dark, and I circled around the building twice before figuring it out. By the time I made it upstairs, I’d already missed the check-in deadline by ten minutes. The café was completely empty, no staff around, and I was stuck wondering what to do. Then I noticed a clear plastic pouch hanging on the door handle right across from the elevator. Inside was my name and room key. I tried swiping it—and voilà, the door opened! It felt like a little surprise welcome. Check-out was equally hassle-free: I left the key in the room at 11 a.m. and walked away without any formalities. That was perfect for me, especially since I’m not great with language barriers. I wanted to grab breakfast or lunch at the café, but the barista said they only serve drinks—no food. So I had to leave disappointed. The elevator also took forever, and every floor we passed revealed something unexpected: the hotel shares an elevator with a local community hospital. Every time the doors opened, I saw patients lying on beds—something that honestly made me uneasy as someone who’s paranoid about health and even bought an 8-million-KRW travel insurance policy. The room itself was average, nothing special—but at least they provided a toothbrush, which I appreciated. Overall, I’d say this feels more like a boutique-style apartment managed by the café rather than a traditional hotel. If you’re staying here just to experience the café vibe, be prepared: you won’t get to enjoy food there. A bit of a letdown, but still, the unique entry experience and low-key service were refreshing.

The separate bathroom and toilet layout was a bit unusual at first, but actually made showering much more convenient—no more worrying about dampness or clutter. The hotel is located just steps from Exit 17 of Yeonsan Station, making transit incredibly easy. Whether you're heading out for shopping, dining, or exploring Busan’s highlights, everything is within walking distance. Super well-located, clean, and thoughtfully designed—this place really delivers on comfort and convenience. Highly recommend!

Staying at Central Seven Hotel by Kwon in Busan was a fantastic experience overall. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from Budaek Station on Line 1, either exiting through Exit 1 and crossing the street or coming up from Exit 9 of Budaek Underground Shopping Mall. The front desk is located on the 17th floor, and while only the 1st and 17th floors don’t require access cards, all other floors are secured with card entry, which adds a nice layer of safety. Staff were friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help with any request. On-site, you’ll find a GS25 convenience store and a Starbucks, plus the lively Budaek Market just steps away. It’s also close to Seomyeon, making dining and shopping super easy. Housekeeping came daily, and everything was spotless—the bathroom had a great hairdryer, and they even provided shampoo and body wash, so no need to pack extras. My only personal note: the room has carpeted flooring, which I’m not a fan of, but that’s just a matter of preference. Otherwise, the space felt spacious, well-lit, and included a full-length mirror—a nice touch for travelers. Overall, this is a top-tier choice for a comfortable, safe, and well-located stay in Busan.

Located right in the heart of Busan, this hotel offers unbeatable convenience—just a short walk from subway stations, shopping malls, and local eateries. I was truly impressed by the clean, well-maintained rooms and the friendly, attentive staff. The amenities were thoughtfully provided, and the overall experience felt premium without the premium price. It’s rare to find such a great value stay in a central location. Would absolutely book again if I ever return to Busan.

I stayed at Busan Seomyeon Thema and was pleasantly surprised by how good the experience was for a budget-friendly hotel. Located in the heart of Seomyeon, it's super convenient for exploring nearby attractions like Nampo-dong and the vibrant city center. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful—welcoming me with a smile, offering assistance with luggage, and checking in on my needs throughout my stay. I didn’t expect much from a low-cost hotel in Busan, but the room was clean, compact, and well-maintained, with reliable Wi-Fi and effective air conditioning. It’s perfect for travelers looking to save money without compromising on comfort or service. Definitely a great value option—I’d stay here again if I return to Busan.

I booked this place because it's conveniently located near Lotte, and the photos looked decent—plus, it seemed like a good deal. But when I arrived, I was surprised to find that parking wasn't included, even though it was a regular weekday. To make matters worse, they charged an extra 10,000 KRW for parking—something I’ve never seen at a motel before. I only stayed a few hours and left early, but due to a dust mite allergy, I woke up with constant runny nose. Ended up rushing to a pharmacy just to get medicine. In the end, trying to save a little money backfired—ended up spending more and feeling awful. Lesson learned: always read reviews carefully. Still, I guess it’s mostly my fault for not double-checking.

Staying at the Busan Yeonsan-Dong W was an absolute delight. The hotel is incredibly close to the subway station entrance—just a quick walk and you're on your way, which made getting around so convenient, especially for solo travelers like me. The room size is perfect for one person: compact but well-designed with all the essentials. The bed was super comfortable, and the overall atmosphere felt peaceful and modern. I was impressed by how much value you get for the price—this place truly delivers on comfort and convenience. A 10/10 experience that I’d definitely recommend and return to.

The stay was absolutely delightful and exceeded my expectations. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short subway ride to downtown, with plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. What made it even better was the late check-out time, which gave me extra flexibility to relax or grab some last-minute souvenirs without rushing. The room was spotless, cozy, and the bed was super comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep. With such great value and a welcoming atmosphere, I’d definitely book here again on my next trip to Busan. Highly recommended!

Gray 191 Hotel offers a truly pleasant stay in Busan, with a quiet and peaceful neighborhood that feels like a little retreat from the city buzz. The room was clean, well-designed, and comfortably spacious—perfect for both business and leisure travelers. I especially appreciated how close it was to several cozy cafés and the subway station, making it easy to explore the city without hassle. The location strikes a great balance between tranquility and convenience. With such a high score on comfort, service, and ambiance, this place definitely stands out. I’d happily return and recommend it to anyone visiting Busan who values a calm, stylish base with easy access to everything.

Staying at Hotel Kyungsung was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a 5-minute walk to Lotte Department Store, making shopping and dining super convenient. There are countless restaurants and small shops all around, so you never have to go far for a bite. Plus, the subway station is just a short stroll away, giving easy access to other parts of Busan. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful—always smiling and ready to assist with anything. One of the highlights? Free coffee on the rooftop terrace! It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a view of the city. This hotel truly delivers on comfort, service, and convenience. Highly recommend it for any traveler visiting Busan.

This was my second stay at Browndot Business Seomyeon, and I’m even more impressed this time around. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from the subway, with two great dining options right downstairs: a cozy izakaya and a fresh seafood spot, plus a popular whiskey bar that’s always buzzing. The room itself is spacious and immaculately clean, with fast check-in and a standout bathroom that feels like a mini retreat—huge space, full-length mirror, and complimentary slippers. The heated floor made it so cozy during winter, I actually opened the window to cool down! Staff are polite, helpful, and went out of their way to assist with an Uber request. Everything about this place screams value for money. I’ll definitely be back—this is one of the best stays I’ve had in Busan.

I was really frustrated during my check-in experience at Busan Seomyeon Sangkeum. The location marker on the app was completely off, and I ended up walking around for ages trying to find the hotel—exhausting and very time-consuming. To make things worse, the name displayed in the app didn’t match the actual hotel name, which caused a lot of confusion when trying to locate the entrance. This kind of inconsistency is really inconvenient for travelers, especially when relying on digital tools for navigation. Hope the management can update their listings and map accuracy soon to avoid similar issues for future guests.
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