2 Best Sights in Side Trips from Busan, South Korea

Nestled at the base of the stone-crowned Yeongchuksan, Korea's largest temple is a village unto itself. With more than 65 buildings within the temple grounds, Tongdosa is one of the country's "Three Jewel Temples" and is famous for having no outside statues of Buddha. This is because the temple contains relics of the Buddha himself, including a robe, a begging bowl, and a supposed piece of his skull. For all of its history, art, and heritage, Tongdosa shines brightest as a nature destination. The valley it calls home is a stunning piece of real estate, and the mountain that looms over the temple and surrounding town is like a gargantuan stone sentinel. You can feel the power emanating from the rock and understand at once why, centuries ago, it was decided that this was a holy place. Tongdosa also hosts temple stays, if you're in the mood to experience life from the inside.

Situated on the slopes of Toham mountain, Bulguksa is one of South Korea's greatest temples, classified not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also the nation's Historic and Scenic Site No. 1. The complex is a precious piece of national heritage with its pagodas, traditional wooden buildings, and stone terraces, and as a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, it's also a functioning place of worship and meditation, as well as one of the hosts of the country's temple stay program.

Located in the larger Bulguksa complex, the Seokguram Grotto is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. This hermitage overlooking the East Sea features some of the finest examples of Buddhist sculptures in the world. The detail of artistry—plus the grotto's sweeping ocean views—will imbue you with tranquility while also taking your breath away.