Temple Lights and a Rooftop Petting Zoo

This weekend we explored the Lotte Mall in Nopo, which we knew had some great panoramic views from the roof. We didn’t know the place was host to a fountain show on the first floor and a petting zoo on the roof though! So that was a pleasant surprise. After touring the mall, we headed over to the Samkwangsa Temple, to see the many lanterns they were preparing for Buddha’s birthday next week.

The amazing dancing fountain at the Lotte Mall in Nampo, not only did the bottom of the fountain sway to the beat, but the top of it let down mist in different patterns! It was pretty darn cool. And totally beat the Bellagio fountain, sorry guys.

The amazing dancing fountain at the Lotte Mall in Nampo, not only did the bottom of the fountain sway to the beat, but the top of it let down mist in different patterns! It was pretty darn cool. And totally beat the Bellagio fountain, sorry guys.

The bathrooms at the petting zoo!

The bathrooms at the petting zoo!

some pigs

some pigs

some larger pigs

some larger pigs

bunnies!

bunnies!

more bunnies!

more bunnies!

and more rabbits!

and more rabbits!

Rooftop view

Rooftop view

docks leading out to sea

docks leading out to sea

Love locks <3

Love locks <3

One of many lantern lined pathways

One of many lantern lined pathways

Preparation for Buddha's birthday celebration has begun

Preparation for Buddha’s birthday celebration has begun

lanterns up close

lanterns up close

Lanterns galore!

Lanterns galore!

Temple entrance

Temple entrance

Inside of the temple

Inside of the temple

View of the Daebo Pagoda

View of the Daebo Pagoda

Berry lanterns!

Berry lanterns!

Some parts of the temple are living quarters for Buddhists

Some parts of the temple are living quarters for Buddhists

Temple backyard

Temple backyard

Fierce rabbit warrior

Fierce rabbit warrior

and his friends. All of them represent a year from the zodiac.

and his friends. All of them represent a year from the zodiac.

white lanterns

white lanterns

Buddhist elephant!

Buddhist elephant!

The temple begins to light up.

The temple begins to light up.

A light up swirl machine

A light up swirl machine

lanterns around the base of the Daebo Pagoda

lanterns around the base of the Daebo Pagoda

Daebo Pagoda, constructed in 1997, and carved with 53 Buddhas praying for the unification of South and North Korea

Daebo Pagoda, constructed in 1997, and carved with 53 Buddhas praying for the unification of South and North Korea

Lantern views

Lantern views

Temple lit up take two!

Temple lit up take two!

A saxophone player leads the lighting ceremony!

A saxophone player leads the ceremony!

Last view of the lit up temple

Last view of the lit up temple

Phew, I know I keep saying this, but the weeks go by so fast here! Next weekend is Buddha’s birthday, so we are headed to Seoul. Talk to you again then!

 

안녕히 계세요!

Ariel