Itinerary | Recommended Tour

A Gijang Day Trip for the Chuseok Holiday

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Written and Photographed by Han Go-un, 6th Batch of GoBoogi Creators

The Chuseok holiday is just around the corner, and many of us will be spending time with family. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the long weekend together, here’s a day trip itinerary for Gijang.

- Sowonsa Temple

Located in Jeonggwan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, Sowonsa Temple has long been popular with locals and has recently attracted more visitors after gaining attention on social media. Set in the mountains yet not far from the city, the temple is easy to reach and offers beautiful natural scenery year-round.

There’s a dedicated parking lot beside the entrance to Sowonsa Temple. Follow the path from the entrance, and you’ll come across statues of the Twelve Zodiac Guardians and the Four Heavenly Kings. Further along, you’ll find a statue of Maitreya Buddha surrounded by wind chimes. Whenever the breeze blows, their gentle ringing fills the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

There is also a small shop selling Buddhist items and Sowonsa Temple merchandise. A cute but shy dog lives at the temple as well. The shop accepts contributions toward roof tiles, and you can browse bracelets, wind chimes, and other small items while you’re there.

The Reclining Buddha is what makes Sowonsa Temple stand out. The path to it has a few stairs and a gentle incline, so wear comfortable shoes.

Once you climb the stairs, you’ll be greeted by the impressive sight of a massive Buddha statue. The Reclining Buddha at Sowonsa Temple in Gijang stands 7 meters high and stretches 25 meters long, making it difficult to take in all at once.

The Reclining Buddha rests with its head supported by one hand and a peaceful expression on its face. Walk up to the statue and over to its feet, where you can read about the Buddha’s feet. There is a tradition of rubbing the soles of the Reclining Buddha’s feet while making a wish. Legend has it that the Reclining Buddha will grant one wish, so be sure to stop by during your trip to Gijang and make a wish of your own.

A wooden boardwalk extends farther into the grounds beyond the Reclining Buddha. Follow the path, and you’ll come across a pond set in beautiful surroundings. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk and some fresh air, so if you visit Sowonsa Temple, be sure to explore this walking trail as well!

Visitor Information

Address
198 Jeonggwanjungang-ro, Jeonggwan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Hours
Open 24 hours, year-round (columbarium: 8 AM–6 PM)
Admission
Free

- Park Tae-joon Memorial Hall

The Park Tae-joon Memorial Hall sits beside Imnang Beach in Gijang, and its architecture is the first thing that catches your eye.

Park Tae-joon served as the first chairman of Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO). A leading figure in the rise of Korea’s steel industry, he made a major contribution to the country’s economic development. The Park Tae-joon Memorial Hall is a cultural space where visitors can learn about the life and philosophy of Park Tae-joon, also known by his pen name Cheongam, and take time to reflect on their own lives.

Currently, only the Sujeongwon Garden and the library are open to visitors. The door to Sujeongwon Garden made me feel as though I were entering a secret place.

Push open the heavy door, and you’ll find a long, dark corridor with light filtering in from the far end. The building itself has a striking presence. Designed by architect Cho Byoung-soo, it won the Minister’s Award at the 2021 Good Place Awards.

At the heart of the curved corridor, the space opens up to the sky and a beautifully landscaped garden. Japanese black pines and deodar cedars stand among the lush greenery, adding to the garden’s natural beauty.
A cool breeze passes through the open-air garden, which takes on a different look with each season.

Walk a little farther in, and you’ll come across an opening in the lower part of the corridor. Look through it to see the sky reflected in the water below—it’s well worth going all the way in for the view!

Visitor Information

Address
1 Imnanghaean-gil, Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Hours
- 9 AM–6 PM (last admission: 5:30 PM)
- Closed on Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) and on September 25 for Chuseok
Admission
Free

- Ocean-View Café: Deokmi Gijang

Our last stop in Gijang is an ocean-view café. Located in a quiet fishing village, Deokmi Gijang is a peaceful spot to unwind over a cup of coffee. The ocean is just steps away, with the sound of the waves in the background. There is no dedicated parking lot, so visitors can park along nearby roads.

The café has two buildings, a main building and an annex, both with large windows that offer ocean views from inside. It’s not a large café, so seating is limited, but the quiet setting is perfect for enjoying the wide-open view of the sea. Sit back with a cup of coffee and gaze out at the sea for a relaxing end to your trip.

Visitor Information

Address
77 Dongamhaean-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Hours
- Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
- Chuseok holiday hours (September 24–27): 10:30 AM–9:30 PM

Q&A

Q. Can I follow this Gijang itinerary by public transportation?

A. If you’re planning to get around Gijang by public transportation, it’s worth considering your route in advance. All of the destinations on this itinerary except Sowonsa Temple are accessible by public transportation. Still, a car is more convenient for exploring Gijang. If you’re looking for places in Gijang that are easy to reach by public transportation, consider Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Lotte Premium Outlets Dongbusan in Osiria, and Lotte World Adventure Busan. You can reach these attractions using the Donghae Line or Bus No. 1001, depending on your destination.

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