Chungnyeolsa enshrines the memorial tablets of patriots who died defending the Busan area during the Imjin War, including Dongnae Magistrate Song Sang-hyeon, Busanjin Commander Jeong Bal, and Dadaejin Commander Yun Heung-sin. It was designated as a Busan Gwangyeok-si Tangible Cultural Asset on June 26, 1972. In 1605 (Seonjo 38), then-Dongnae Magistrate Yoon Hwon built Songgongsa at Nongjusan outside the south gate of Dongnae Eupseong to enshrine Song Sang-hyeon's tablet and hold annual rites. Following a memorial by Seonwisa Lee Min-gu, Songgongsa was renamed Chungnyeolsa in 1624 (Injo 2). In 1652 (Hyojong 3), Dongnae Magistrate Yoon Mun-geo relocated Chungnyeolsa to its current site (Allak-dong), building a lecture hall (Sojuldang) and east and west dormitories (boarding houses) in front of the shrine, naming it Allakseowon to teach future generations the patriotism and scholarship of the patriots led by Song Sang-hyeon. Despite Heungseon Daewongun's 1871 (Gojong 8) order to abolish seowons, Allakseowon was spared due to its unique establishment and still exists today. The current Chungnyeolsa was renovated in 1978 and includes the main shrine (Bonjeon), Uiyeolgak, a memorial hall, a purification monument, a monument with Song Sang-hyeon's famous sayings, and the Chungnyeol Tower. Annual rites are conducted by the city on May 25, and additional rites are held at Allakseowon within Chungnyeolsa on the lunar calendar dates of the 2nd and 8th month 중정일 (Jungjeongil).
Chungnyeol Tower represents the spirit of the patriots who defended the country and the nation, symbolizing the firm resistance during the Imjin War. Busan Chungnyeolsa honors the spirits of those patriots who heroically sacrificed their lives fighting against Japanese invaders to protect the nation during the Imjin War. Before entering Chungnyeolsa, the Chungnyeol Tower is the first landmark you will see. The tower is 28.6 meters tall with a 6.4-meter base and features six figures (civilian, official, soldier, beacon keeper, trumpeter, woman), symbolizing the unity of our people during the Imjin War.
Beomnyunsa Temple is located at Hakso-dae in Chilsan-dong, Dongnae-gu. This place is historically significant as it is believed to have been the site of Geochilsan-guk mentioned in the Samguk Sagi, based on the Bokcheon-dong tumuli where gilt-bronze crowns and weapons were excavated, and Hakso-dae where a group of cranes nested. The sight of Hakso-dae rising prominently in the center of Dongnae, surrounded by dense pine trees, clearly indicates it has long been a famous spot suitable for cranes. Beomnyunsa was founded as a branch temple of Beomeosa Temple and served as a center for promoting literacy through night schools, as well as a base for the March 1st Movement fostering popular education and national spirit. Beomeosa Temple established five branch temples in the Busan area, but only the Dongnae branch remains, making Beomnyunsa a key site for popular missionary work and the heart of modern Yeongnam Buddhist faith. Though located in the city center, Beomnyunsa offers beautiful scenery and is near tourist attractions such as the Dongnae Bokcheon-dong tumuli.
Site of Dongnaeeupseong Walled Town, built towards the end of the Goryeo dynasty and the early Joseon dynasty, was a significant fortress during the Imjin War in 1592. It served as the main battleground where civilians, officials, and soldiers united to resist the Japanese forces. Recognizing the strategic importance of the Dongnae area, a much larger fortress was constructed in 1731, replacing the original structure from one built during war. Today, only traces of the fortress remain, with the Bukmun Gate, Insaengmun Gate, Dongjangdae Command Post, Seojangdae Command Post, and Bukjangdae Command Post having been restored.
Dongnae Eupseong Site is a fortress built in a typical pyeongsanseong (flat mountain fortress) style in an area including hill terrain from the mountain behind Chungnyeolsa with Dongjangdae, across Maansan, to the mountain behind Dongnae Hyanggyo with Seojangdae, as well as some of the flat land in the current center of Dongnae city. It is a representative eupseong that combines the advantages of mountain and flat fortresses. After being neglected following the Imjin War, in 1731 (Yeongjo 7), Dongnae magistrate Jeong Eonseop built a much larger fortress considering the importance of Dongnae as a gateway to the country than the fortress during the Imjin War, which is the origin of the current Dongnae Eupseong remains. The fortress wall was restored by stacking new bricks over the old ones. Walking along the fortress walls offers the enjoyment of comparing the old with the shiny new. It is a comfortable walking path full of leisure and tranquility where the history and pain of Dongnae can be deeply felt.
These are Gaya-period tombs located on the hills around Busan Bokcheon-dong. Over 40 tombs have been confirmed through multiple excavations, but most remain underground. The tomb types include pit-style tombs with large chambers containing wooden coffins, stone chamber tombs built underground with square stone walls and covered ceilings, and simple pit graves where bodies are directly buried, among various other forms. Also known as Haksodae (鶴巢臺) burial mounds, named after the hill’s original name. About 10 tombs were first excavated by Dong-A University, followed by Busan University excavating three tombs on the eastern slope in 1974. Since then, more than 100 tombs have been investigated by Busan National University Museum and Busan Museum. Many large, untouched tombs yielded diverse relics. Pottery such as tripod plates, wooden jars, and pottery lamps represent characteristic artifacts of the lower Nakdong River region. Various iron armor and helmets were also excavated.
