Haedong Younggungsa Temple & City Tour

Discover the area’s most iconic architecture, both ancient and modern, before immersing yourself in local daily life by visiting two bustling marketplaces.

After departing from the pier, you will soon drive across the 4.5-mile Gwangan Grand Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in South Korea. It makes a spectacular prelude to Haedong Yonggung, one of the few coastal temples. Originally built in the 14th century, it was reconstructed in 1970 using traditional colors. The temple is revered for its pagoda and unusual Buddhist sanctum inside a cave. It is said that the Great Goddess Budda lives in the sea and appears on the back of a dragon, making Haedong Yonggungsa one of three sacred places related to the Goddess Buddha. The 108 steps down to the Temple represent the 108 anguishes in Buddhist life.

Then, for a glimpse into South Korea’s modern architecture, you will visit the glass-and-steel domed APEC House. This airy, light-filled building was designed to represent the spirit of openness and cooperation, as it is used for meetings and international summits. Surrounded by camellia and pine trees, it perches on the tip of a rocky islet overlooking the sea.

Following a buffet lunch of both international and traditional Korean food, you will drive to the Gukje Market. Begun by refugees after the Korean War, it has grown into the country’s largest traditional market. While strolling the labyrinthine alleyways, you will find a staggering array of merchandise that includes clothing, jewelry and ceramics.

Your final stop is the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market. A favorite of locals, the fish market offers a wonderful glimpse into daily life and the bounty of the sea, as everything from sea squirts to sun-dried squid are displayed. After visiting, you will return to the pier.