Boriam Hermitage tour from Busan: Mountain shrine & coastal views

A mountain shrine where Buddhists come to pray, with views across Korea's south coast

This guided day trip from Busan takes you to Boriam Hermitage, a prestigious Buddhist prayer site on Geumsan Mountain (704 meters) alongside two other revered temples in Korea. The bus departs Busan in the morning, arrives at the hermitage by 9 a.m., and returns by 4 p.m. You'll explore the shrine dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, visit the nearby Dangunseongjeon Hall and Ssanghongmun Gate, and see the islands of Hallyeohaesang Park spread across the sea below.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Boriam Hermitage and nearby sites

• Arrive at Boriam Hermitage
• Explore Boriam Hermitage and surroundings
• Visit Dangunseongjeon Hall and Ssanghongmun Gate
• Depart Boriam Hermitage
• Return to Busan

The experience

Boriam Hermitage sits on Geumsan Mountain, a peak that was renamed by King Taejo after he founded the Joseon dynasty. The hermitage ranks among Korea's three most prestigious prayer spots (alongside Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwado Island and Hongnyeonam Hermitage at Naksansa Temple), and draws Buddhists who believe Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva grants wishes to those who pray there. The mountain itself has deeper roots: it was once called Bogwangsan and housed Bogwangsa Temple, built by Monk Wonhyo centuries earlier. You'll spend time exploring the hermitage and its surroundings before the return journey to Busan.

The day runs about nine to ten hours total. Your bus picks you up in Busan and arrives at Boriam by 9 a.m., giving you several hours to walk the shrine grounds and take in the views. Near the hermitage, you'll also visit Dangunseongjeon Hall and Ssanghongmun Gate, both tied to Korea's founding mythology. The route down from Geumsan Mountain opens onto Hallyeohaesang Park, where the large and small islands scattered across the water make up one of Korea's most photographed coastal landscapes. Departure from the hermitage is at 1 p.m., with arrival back in Busan around 4 p.m.

The tour includes lunch and snacks, served in an air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide speaks English or Chinese and can explain the history and spiritual significance of the sites as you move through them. Public transportation options are available near the hermitage if you want to explore on your own, though the guided route covers the main stops efficiently.

What’s included

• Lunch and snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• English or Chinese-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (8 to 65 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Dorawayo experience activity

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day and want a guided pace with meals included. The 9 a.m. start and 4 p.m. return fit a single Busan day without needing your own transport to the mountain temple.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

What is Boriam Hermitage and why do Buddhists visit it?

Boriam Hermitage is one of Korea's three most prestigious prayer sites, known for its shrine to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Many Buddhists visit because they believe their wishes can be fulfilled through prayer there. It sits on Geumsan Mountain and ranks alongside Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwado Island and Hongnyeonam Hermitage at Naksansa Temple as a major spiritual destination.

What else will I see besides the hermitage itself?

You'll visit Dangunseongjeon Hall and Ssanghongmun Gate, both located near Boriam Hermitage and connected to the founding of Korea's first state by Dangun Wanggeom. From the mountain, you can see the islands of Hallyeohaesang Park spread across the sea: a major scenic highlight of the south coast.

How much time do I actually spend at Boriam Hermitage?

The bus arrives at 9 a.m. and departs at 1 p.m., giving you roughly four hours to explore the hermitage, the nearby shrines, and the surrounding area before heading back to Busan, where you arrive around 4 p.m.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves climbing Geumsan Mountain (704 meters) and walking around the hermitage grounds. The operator recommends a high level of physical fitness and notes the tour is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the price?

Lunch and snacks are included, along with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a guide who speaks English or Chinese. Travel insurance and private expenses are not included.