Yeondeungsa Temple is a Buddhist temple affiliated with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located in Jwacheon-dong, Dong-gu, Busan. It is a city temple near Busan Subway Line 1 Jwacheon Station and Busanjin Station, attracting many visitors. In Buddhism, yeondeung (lotus lantern) symbolizes illuminating ignorance to gain wisdom. The use of yeondeung in the temple name is rare, indicating its deep Buddhist faith since ancient times. Unfortunately, there are no records of its founding or maintenance, but around the 1860s, a monk built a small hermitage upon seeing the energy of Palgeumsan Mountain and began spreading Buddhism, according to local elders. In 1882, Monk Deoksan resided here, constructing the current Daeungjeon, Samseonggak, and monastic quarters, naming it Yeondeungsa. Within the temple are statues believed to have been created in the early 20th century: Amitabha Buddha seated statue, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva seated statue, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva seated statue. Also present are later Joseon Dynasty-era wooden Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva seated statue, stone Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva seated statue, Ksitigarbha painting, Shinjung painting, Chilseong painting, and Yeondeungsa Yeongsan Hoesangdo painting designated as Busan Gwangyeoksi cultural assets. Additionally, one stone Arhat statue, a bronze temple bell, and two stone pagodas can be seen.
Busanjin Ilsin Girls' School is Busan's first modern female educational institution located in Jwacheon-dong, Dong-gu. It holds great architectural significance for preserving both the original Western-style modern building constructed in 1909 and its subsequent expansions. Unlike most modern buildings in Busan built during the Japanese colonial period, this Western-style building was constructed by Australian missionaries and was designated a Busan Metropolitan City Monument in May 2003 in recognition of this value. The exterior of the first floor is stone, the second floor is red brick, but the interior is uniquely wrapped in wood. The bricklaying technique on the exterior is exceptional, and the front stairs and second-floor railing of the building preserve the appearance of early 20th-century Western-style architecture. Like other educational institutions founded by missionaries, Busanjin Ilsin Girls' School taught the Bible and English, as well as various subjects including Hangul, history, mathematics, and psychology. During the Japanese colonial period when discriminatory education by ethnicity and gender was practiced, Busanjin Ilsin Girls' School taught how to view the world as Koreans and as women.
This site was the location of the Busanjinseong fortress before the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) and the Busanjin Admiral's Office fortress after the war. The fortress once covered a very large area, but the original appearance cannot be found due to the tramway construction and land reclamation during the Japanese colonial era. It was rebuilt into its current form during a purification and restoration project. It includes Jindongmun Gate, Geumruguan Pavilion, and Seunggajeong Pavilion. To the left of the West Gate stands a stone pillar inscribed with Namyoinhura, and to the right another inscribed with Seomunswaeyak. These two stone pillars were originally discarded on the grounds of Seongnam Elementary School, which was the former site of the Busanjin Admiral's Office fortress, and were restored and relocated to their current positions during the 1975 restoration project. East of Seunggajeong is a monument dedicated to General Cheon Man-ri, known as Chungjanggong. Additionally, a shrine honoring General Choe Yeong, who repelled Japanese pirate invaders in the late Goryeo period, has been established here.
Located in Dong-gu, Busan, Busanjinseong Park was formerly known as Jaseongdae Park but its official name has been changed to Busanjinseong Park. The main entrance is the West Gate, marked with Geumrugwan. There is an Ujuseok, a stone pillar built at the corner boundary of a house or fortress, believed to have been made to raise awareness against Japanese invasions. Additionally, there is a cozy forest library filled with rich books, where visitors can seek spiritual fulfillment. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely and comfortable walking trail.
Jeungsan Park, a neighborhood park in the city center serving as a resting place for citizens, opened in 1982 and continues to the present. It is surrounded by forest and equipped with a playground, basketball court, jokgu court, badminton court, gateball court, and simple exercise facilities, along with a central plaza. Nearby is Busanjin Fortress, built in early Joseon. The name Jeungsan comes from the mountain's shape resembling a siru (steaming vessel), and according to Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam (1481), the name Busan originates here, meaning 'mountain like a kettle,' with the base being Busanpo. At the highest open space is the Jeungsan Observatory, offering panoramic views of Busan Port, featuring Busan’s first inclined elevator. Well-maintained walking trails and various sports facilities make it an ideal urban park for exercise and relaxation. Nearby are An Yongbok Busanpo Opening Culture Center, Dong-gu Library, Jaseongdae Park, Mallisan Sports Park, Jeonpo Dolsan Park, and Busan Central Pier.
Located on the rooftop of Dong-gu Library, Chaekmaru Observatory offers views of Hwangnyeongsan, Busan South Port, Busan Harbor Bridge, and other scenic spots in Busan. Visitors can reach the 4th floor by stairs from the 3rd floor of the library or by using the outdoor elevator dedicated to the observatory. The observatory features various sculptures, including monitor-type frames and book-shaped installations, making it a popular place for taking photos. At night, visitors can enjoy Busan's stunning nightscape. Eating and drinking are prohibited, as well as unauthorized video recording such as with drones, and bringing pets is not allowed. Visitors must follow these usage rules.
