From:  https://english.busan.go.kr/bsnews01/1492105

Social Distancing Level in Busan Area: Level 1.5 (with some adjusted quarantine measures) 

(Effective Monday, June 14 until Sunday, July 4, 2021)

 

Quarantine Measures for Prevention and Control (Common):

Required quarantine rules:

① Wear a mask, ② Keep a visitor log (except shops·marts·department stores),

③ Ventilate and disinfect regularly,

④ Prohibit eating outside in food service areas, excluding water and non-alcoholic beverages,

⑤ Restrict entry of those with symptoms, ⑥ Appoint a disease control and prevention supervisor, ⑦ Public notice of quarantine measures for prevention and control, and facility capacity

 

1. Gatherings/Events

Private gatherings:

Private gatherings of 5 or more persons are prohibited

*Except when immediate family are gathering (gatherings of up to 8 persons to be allowed); when the families of the bride and the bridegroom have a meeting (gatherings of up to 8 persons to be allowed); when the private gatherings are accompanied with infants aged under 6 (gatherings of up to 8 persons to be allowed, only gatherings of up to 4 persons except infants aged under 6); when it is required for the care of children, the elderly, or the disabled; when a person is about to pass away requiring the family to gather; when people gather for sports games at sports facilities with their facility’s manager (hosting sports games at indoor and outdoor futsal fields, soccer fields and baseball fields); when people gather for traditional first-birthday parties for babies, celebrations known as doljanchi, at specialized venues with disinfection protocols.

*Those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 won’t be included in the count for family gatherings of up to 8 people, meaning it is possible to exceed gatherings of 8 family members.

*People who are vaccinated against COVID-19 include those who have received two vaccine doses (or completed applicable single-dose vaccination); those who have passed 14 days after getting their first dose of the vaccine.

 

– Reservations or entrance of 5 or more persons to multi-purpose facilities, including restaurants are prohibited

 

Other gatherings & events

- Gatherings or events with over 500 participants need to be reported and discussed with local governments. Mandatory compliance with quarantine measures

- Ban on rallies, festivals, large scale concerts and academic events with over 100 participants

- Wear a mask indoors, keep a visitor log, ventilate and disinfect regularly

Maintain 2-meter (at least 1-meter) distancing in the facilities

 

2. Multi-use Facilities

Comply with mandatory quarantine measures (wear a mask, keep visitor log (excluding department stores, marts, shops), ventilate and disinfect regularly, appoint a disease control and prevention supervisor)

▷ Priority facilities:

5 types of entertainment facilities (bars, including night clubs and room salons, colatecs (Korean-style cabaret), karaoke bars, pubs, hunting pochas), Hold’em pubs (card game pubs)): Suspension of operations after 12AM until 5AM the next day, Required use of electronic log systems (including staff), limit on the number of people (1 person/8㎡, including staff and dealer), required to wear gloves when using public goods such as dice, cards, etc., when singing wear a facemask (install partitions and only one person singing at a time is allowed), dancing is prohibited (no operation of dancing halls or dance floors), Prohibited for people to move from room/table to room/table.

 

Door-to-door sales and direct sales promotion halls: Suspension of operations after 10PM until 5AM the next day, no eating (water and non-alcoholic beverages allowed) and singing, limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡)

 

Singing rooms (including coin singing rooms): Suspension of operations after 12AM until 5AM the next day, required use of an electronic log system, limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡), No eating (water and non-alcoholic beverages allowed rooms must be immediately disinfected and ventilate for more than 10 minutes after use.

 

Indoor standing performance halls: No eating (water and non-alcoholic beverages allowed), limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡)

 

Restaurants/cafes (including unmanned cafes):

-When more than two customers order only coffee, a beverage or dessert menu item, they will be strongly recommended to stay for up to an hour only.

-Take-out and delivery only past 12AM until 5AM the next day

-Facilities of 50㎡ or larger in size, comply with one of the following measures: ① Distance of 1 meter between tables; ② Empty seats/tables between seats/tables; ③ Install partitions between tables

-Buffets: Use of plastic gloves or hand sanitizers before and after use of tongs, plates, and utensils; keep distance between users in line for food.

 

▷ Regular facilities:

- Indoor sports facilities (including indoor winter sports facilities): Eating food is prohibited (water, non-alcohol beverage is permitted), limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡)

- Private academies (excluding study rooms), job training centers: Limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡) or keeping one empty seat between seats, No eating (water and non-alcoholic beverages allowed)

- Wedding halls, funeral halls: Limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡).

- Bathhouses: Limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡), eating food is prohibited (except water and non-alcohol beverage), no operations of saunas in bathhouses

- Movie theaters, Concert halls: Keep one seat empty between customers (sitting next to a companion is permitted); eating food is prohibited (except water and non-alcohol beverage)

- PC rooms: Keep one seat empty between customers; eating food is prohibited (except water and non-alcohol beverage)

- Multi-rooms/DVD rooms: Limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡); No eating (eating in individual spaces divided with partitions is acceptable; water and non-alcoholic beverages allowed)

- Study rooms and cafes: Keep one seat empty between visitors (except with partitions), group rooms up to 50% capacity (up to 4 persons), No eating (eating in individual spaces divided with partitions or in food zone is acceptable; water and non-alcoholic beverages allowed)

- Amusement and water parks: Limit on number of users to 1/2 of capacity

- Barbershops/hair salons: Limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡) or keep one seat empty between customers, eating food is prohibited (except water and non-alcohol beverage).

- Department stores·large supermarkets: Visitor temperature checks, mandatory to wear a face mask, ventilate and disinfect regularly

- Retail stores other than department stores and large supermarkets (larger than 300 ㎡): Mandatory to wear a face mask, ventilate and disinfect regularly

- Convenience stores are only permitted take-out and delivery past 12AM until 5AM the next day (eating food and providing an area to eat including outdoor tables are prohibited).

- Street vendors are only permitted take-out and delivery past 12AM. until 5AM the next day (eating food is prohibited).

 

3. Daily Life and Social & Economic Activities

▷ Mandatory to wear a face mask

All indoor facilities, outdoor locations where people cannot stay 2 meters apart; administrative fine to be imposed for violations

▷ Sports activities: Limited spectators (30%)

▷Use of public transportation: Mandatory to wear a face mask

▷School: 2/3 of student capacity recommended

▷Religious activities: In-person worship services (i.e. Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Cheondoist) at less than 30 percent seat capacity, but prohibited from holding meetings, providing meals and accommodation. Especially, prohibited from holding meetings and events except regular religious activities at prayer houses, retreat and missionary centers.

▷Work Pattern:

Working from home recommended for a proportion of workers per organization/division (e.g: 1/3 of employees)

Mandatory wearing of face masks in businesses considered high-risk (distribution and logistics centers, call centers)

 

Other Activities

▷ Accommodations: prohibited from exceeding capacity of people in one room; a ban on gatherings for events and parties hosted at accommodation venues, public notice of hosting private parties, resulting in compulsory check-out

▷ Party rooms: Limit on the number of people (1 person/8㎡), comply with one of the following measures: ① Distance of 1 meter between tables; ② Empty seats/tables between seats/tables; ③ Install partitions between tables

▷ Sales businesses with experiential activities and briefing sessions (regardless of being registered or unregistered): Ban on briefing sessions; ban on close contact between salespeople and customers during experiential activities. (Clean or sanitize customers’ hands and equipment after experiential activities, keep two meters distance between customers)

▷ Exhibits and expos: Limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡), no eating (water and non-alcoholic beverages allowed)

▷ International conferences: Limit on the number of people (1 person/4㎡)

▷ National and public facilities: Suspended operations of velodromes, regattas and race courses, Casinos limited to 20% of visitor capacity; Other facilities (including sports facilities) limited to 50% capacity

▷ Social welfare facilities: Operating under strict quarantine measures.

※ Facilities’ operations shall be partially suspended and only provide emergency care in consideration of increasing virus cases within a region or the risk/disinfection situation at facilities

 

The city government will impose a “one-strike-out” policy on rule violations. A violation of the quarantine rules even once will immediately result in operations being shut down.

 

Violations of the quarantine rules: Fines of up to 100,000 won for individual violators and up to 3 million won for facility managers, business owners and operators.

 

 

 

 

 

This post covers what you need to know about jobs in Korea for foreigners.

 

It includes:

 

• How to find your first job
• The pros and cons of working in Korea

 

I got my first job in South Korea in 2006 and worked at a variety of companies. Here's what I learned from my experience.

 

Let's dive right in!

 

How to Get your First Job in South Korea as an Expat

 

Step 1. Make sure you have the right qualifications

 

To qualify for a basic work visa, you need:

 

• Passport
• Bachelor's Degree
• Clean criminal record
• Health screening

 

Step 2. Find the right job online

 

Decide which city you want to live in and what kind of work you want to do.

 

Check the company's reputation online. You can check some private English academies through Dave's ESL Cafe.

 

Step 3. Apply

 

Send all required documents including:

 

• Resume
• Picture

 

Be prepared to do a phone or video interview.

 

If you get the job, ask to see pictures of your housing.

 

Step 4. Get packed

 

Make sure to bring:

 

• Warm winter clothes
• Prescription medication in bulk
• Vitamins and pain relievers in bulk
• Melanin for light sleepers
• Unlocked phone
• Your favorite spices
• Power converter if you're not coming from the EU (they use 220 volt plug C and F)

My experience working in South Korea

I worked in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do for 10 years, and started a business I've been running since 2013. I only had to apply for one job during that period (I've spent more time helping others find work). It was actually a position I found on monster.com in 2006, before leaving the states. Even though I didn't have much work experience, there were many options.

I found the best opportunities through networking. 

 

While living in Korea, I found work as an actor, model, marketer, salesperson, translator, lecturer, and interviewer. I gave private English lessons to celebrities, CEOs, and high-ranking government officials. I even worked at a Stewardess Academy, a concept that doesn't exist in most countries.

 

Working in Korea provided me with a wealth of experience and a new perspective. I also learned the language and traveled all over the region.

 

It even helped me start a business, which I wouldn’t have done back home.

 

I highly recommend it for recent college graduates or anyone looking to make a change in their life.

 

 

What are the benefits of working in Korea?

There are many benefits to working in Korea. 

 

With its natural beauty, ultra-modern cities and vibrant expat community, Korea is a great place to relocate. 

 

There are many opportunities for English-speakers that you won't find at home.

 

It’s fun to live in Korea, especially in your twenties. There are enough neighborhoods with bars, clubs and restaurants to keep you busy for a decade. 

 

In Fact:

 

You can have a high-standard of living in South Korea. Even for entry-level private academy jobs, the base salary is around 2 million KRW ($1,800) along with housing and insurance. This is enough to live comfortably and enjoy a variety of activities.

 

Korea has fast and convenient online shopping.

 

You can even save money in the process and spend it on travel in between contracts.

 

South Korea has an excellent healthcare system that will cost you about 100 USD a month.

 

You get paid one month's salary for every year you work. This is known as 퇴직금 or severance pay.

 

Many jobs pay for your flight into the country and flight home after a year.

 

Korea has very effective disease control measures and takes pandemics seriously. Infection rates are relatively low given the dense population.

 

Korea has a rich and unique culture that’s fascinating to learn about.

 

The country has something for everyone. Whether you're into nature, history, food, or K-dramas and K-pop, you'll never get bored.

 

Korea has a relatively low crime rate for a developed country. It's not uncommon for people to forget their laptops or wallets at a café and come back to find them untouched.

 

Violent crime is also very low, even in a densely-packed city like Seoul.

 

Education has been a priority in Korea for hundreds of years. Families can send their children to a range of international schools.

 

Korea has top universities as well. There are also ways to get your master’s degree for free at universities like Yonsei.

 

Seoul attracts expats from all over the world, so you’ll interact with a diverse group of people.

 

You won’t need a car in Seoul and most parts of the country.

 

Korea has a network of buses and a modern subway that can be accessed with one transportation card.

 

Since a round trip on public transport costs around 2 dollars, your transportation budget can be $50-100 dollars a month.

Expats can start a business once they have the right visa.

 

What are the drawbacks to working in Korea?

 

Life in Korea comes with many emotional peaks and valleys. There are times when it's the best place in the world, and times when you wish you were elsewhere. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. But, you'll never know until you try.

 

Working hours can be long and you're somewhat expected to stay longer (You can get away not doing this, but Koreans are pressured to stay until the boss leaves and sometimes even attend after-work gatherings).

Harmony and relationships are often more important that merit and results. This is a positive for some.

 

Politics might be part of your job description whether you like it or not. (Having Noonchi or intuition helps!)

 

Traffic can be an issue during commuting times in Seoul and even Busan. It’s often quicker to take the subway. Make sure to check how far your place is from work.

 

 

 

---

 

Check out Lingua Asia for more helpful tips on living in Korea. Find out more below: 

Moving to Korea | Where to Live | Expat life in Korea | Haggling in Korea | Korean female models | Korean labor rights

 

 

 

Temple History

Seoknamsa Temple, which is pronounced Seongnamsa, means “South Rock Temple” in English. The name of the temple is in reference to its southern location on Mt. Gajisan (1,240 m). Seoknamsa Temple was first established in 824 A.D. by the highly influential monk Doui-guksa (?-825 A.D.). It was built to pray for the nation. The temple continued to be enlarged until it was eventually destroyed in 1592 during the Imjin War (1592-1598). During the Imjin War, the temple was used as a centre for the training of the Righteous Army to help defend the area from the invading Japanese.

Eventually, and in 1674, Seoknamsa Temple was rebuilt. And through the years it was enlarged both in 1803 and 1912. The temple would be completely destroyed during the Korean War (1950-1953). In 1959, the temple was rebuilt by Abbot Inhong-sunim, a Bhikkuni (Buddhist nun). It’s from this time that the temple would exclusively become a temple for Bhikkhuni and their training.

Seoknamsa Temple is home to a Korean Treasure. This is the Stupa of Seongnamsa Temple, which is Korean Treasure #369. Additionally, the three-story stone pagoda at Seoknamsa Temple is Ulsan Tangible Cultural Heritage #22.

Admission to the temple for adults is 1,700 won. And it’s 1,300 won for teenagers, and 1,000 won for elementary age children. However, the temple is free for non-student aged children.

Temple Layout

Seoknamsa Temple is situated under the towering Mt. Gajisan and alongside a cascading river valley. After passing under the colourful Iljumun Gate, you’ll make your way up to the temple courtyard, which is seven hundred metres away. This stretch is one of the most beautiful you’ll find at a Korean Buddhist temple. At the end of the trail, you’ll come to a clearing, where you’ll find a beautiful new bridge. Underneath this bridge flows crystal clear cascading water. There are rock stairs that lead down to the base of the valley where the cascading water flows. Finally crossing over the newly built bridge, and up around a bend in the road, you’ll find the elevated outskirts of the main courtyard at Seoknamsa Temple. Hanging a left past the twisted red pine, you’ll pass through another entry gate. This time, this entry gate is adorned with four Sanskrit letters and a central Manja (swastika) image. Each of the four Sanskrit letters are meant to rid yourself of bad karma, while the central image of the Manja is meant to be a sign for good luck and auspiciousness.

Up the stairs, you’ll first be greeted by the Silla-era three-story pagoda that’s also Ulsan Tangible Cultural Heritage #22. It’s believed that the pagoda was built by Doui-guksa, and it dates back to the founding of the temple in 824 A.D. The pagoda, like the temple, was built in hopes of protecting the nation from foreign invasion. Unfortunately, the intention of the pagoda didn’t quite come to fruition, as the pagoda and the temple were destroyed in 1592. In 1973, the pagoda was restored, like so much else at the temple, by the Abbot Inhong-sunim

Behind this ancient pagoda stands the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to this main hall are adorned with a beautiful collection of Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes of the Historical Buddha’s Life). While these paintings are now cracking, they are still beautiful in their composition. There are also images of the Buddha up near the eaves of the Daeung-jeon with smoky emissions rising forth from their heads. Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find three statues resting on the main altar. They are centred by an image of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). This central statue is joined on either side by Yeondeung-bul (The Past Buddha) and Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha).

To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall is an area that’s off-limits to the general public. It’s the living quarters for the nuns at Seoknamsa Temple. And to the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the Geukrak-jeon Hall. Inside this temple shrine hall, and resting on the main altar, is a diminutive triad centred by Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). This statue is joined on either side by Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul). The exterior to this wall includes various Buddhist motif murals including a mural of monkeys playing. Also housed inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall are two beautiful shaman murals. One is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), while the other is dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). And on the far right wall is the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).

Directly behind the Geukrak-jeon Hall is the Josa-jeon Hall. At the centre of the collection of portraits of monks and nuns that once called Seoknamsa Temple home is a painting dedicated to the famed Doui-guksa.

To the right, and behind the Daeung-jeon Hall, are a couple flights of stairs and a well-manicured clearing that houses the Stupa of Seoknamsa Temple. This stupa was once called the Stupa of Doui; however, in 1962, when the stupa was taken apart, it was discovered that the sari reliquary was empty. The sari (crystallized remains) had either been stolen or gone missing. As for the design of the stupa, it’s a standard octagonal stone stupa. At the base of the stupa, you’ll find a lion and clouds prominently engraved on it. Also around the base of the stupa, on panels, you’ll find the symbolic images of elephant’s eyes. Within the panel design, you’ll find flower shapes in the centre with a belt connecting to them. As for the body that’s shaped like a pillar, there is a front and rear side that have doors on each side. However, there is only a lock on the front side of these two door designs. And there are guardians placed on either side of the door designs. As for the roof of the stupa, it’s rather short and narrow.

It’s from this historic stupa that you get a great view of the entire temple grounds. There are some beautiful views of the valley, the temple, and the mountains from this beautiful vantage point.

How To Get There

First, you’ll either have to get to Miryang, Ulsan or Eonyang to get a connecting bus to Seoknamsa Temple. From Miryang, you can take one of the numerous buses that travels throughout the day from the Miryang Bus Terminal. The cost of the bus ride is about 5,000 won. You can take Bus #807 or #1713 from near the Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal. Also, you can take an Eonyang city bus that travels out to the temple eleven times during the day.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

One of the main highlights to Seoknamsa Temple is its scenic location with the towering mountains overhead and the cascading waters down the rocky valley. Adding to the temple’s aesthetic beauty are its two historic stone artifacts. Both the Stupa of Seoknamsa Temple and the Silla-era three-story pagoda are something to enjoy while at this Buddhist temple. Also of interest are the beautiful paintings surrounding the shrine halls at Seoknamsa Temple.

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Introduction

If you’ve ever looked close enough, especially around the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, perhaps you were lucky enough to see the image of an “Agwi – 아귀,” or “Hungry Ghost/Spirit” in English. Or more likely, you’ve probably seen this demon-like creature, but you weren’t sure what it was. So what exactly is an Agwi? Where can you find them? And what are they supposed to represent?

Physical Description of an Agwi

An Agwi, or “Hungry Ghost” in English, was formerly a human who is now suffering in the afterlife from hunger and thirst as a part of their karma for their bad deeds. These deeds can include killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, desire, greed, anger, and ignorance, while they were alive. As a result of their actions, their appearance reflects their misdeeds.

Agwi are human-like in appearance. They have sunken, mummy-like skin. They also have small limbs with bulging eyes, open mouths, distended bellies, and a long narrow neck. Also, they are hardly wearing any clothes on their bodies. Their eyebrows are knitted in anger, while they are either bald or losing their hair. Additionally, they typically wear a lot of jewelry like bracelets or anklets. Also, their ears are typically pierced with gold earrings. But perhaps the easiest way to identify Agwi is by the red wings that appear from behind their ears. Their overall appearance, especially the large belly and narrow necks, are meant to symbolize their insatiable appetites that are never satisfied.

History of the Agwi

Agwi appear in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and local folk religions. They have their origins in Indian religions; however, there are many myths surrounding the origins of Agwi. Agwi were later adopted into Eastern religions by way of the spread of Buddhism eastward. In Sanskrit, they are called Preta. Preta means “departed or deceased”, and it comes from “pra-ita”, which literally means “gone forth/departed.” The Chinese translation for the word Preta is Egui (餓鬼), which literally means “Starving Ghost” in English. Agwi is a transliteration of the Chinese Egui. In East Asian Buddhism, Agwi are also called “burning mouths.” The reason for this very literal name is that when Agwi put food to their mouths; the food bursts into flames so that the Agwi can’t consume the food.

Agwi are believed to live in the afterlife in the Agwi Realm. This is believed to be located far beneath the earth’s surface, but it’s located above hell. Agwi are reincarnated in one of the three evil destinies. This belief comes from the idea of “The Doctrine of the Ten Worlds and Their Mutual Possession.” In Korean, this is known as “Sibgye – 십계.” Of these ten realms, there are four upper realms and six lower realms. They are distinguished by the degrees of enlightenment that an individual has achieved. The four upper realms are 1. Śrāvaka (Disciples), 2. Pratyekabuddha (lone Buddha), 3. Bodhisattva, 4. Buddhahood (fully enlightened being). As for the lower realms of enlightenment, they are known as the Six Realms. And these Six Realms are: Hell (Naraka), The Agwi Realm, Beasts, Asuras (demigods), Humans, and Heaven (or realm of the deities). So because these individuals lived a past life as someone that consumed with insatiable desires and/or cravings, they have been reborn in the Six Realms in the Agwi Realm. In this Realm, and according to Buddhist sutras, there are thirty-six different types of Agwi.

More specifically, Agwi were once humans. In fact, they could even be a deceased member of your family. A good example of this can be found in the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). Of the sixteen Nahan, one, Mahākālika, or “Gariga – 가리가” in Korean, saved his own mother from the Agwi Realm. Ceremonies are performed in Korea at Buddhist temples to help “feed” Agwi. They are held by people for their own deceased family members, or they can be held by monks for those spirits suffering as Agwi in the afterlife. This ceremony is typically held inside the main hall at the temple or inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall in front of a Gamno-do (Sweet Dew Mural). Typically, the ceremony involves chanting and the performing of Buddhist instruments like drums, bells, or cymbals in front of the Gamno-do to help comfort Agwi.

Agwi in Buddhist Texts

One of the most common places to find Agwi is in the “One Hundred Fables Sutra,” which is from the early third century. Here are just a few examples of stories related to Agwi found in this sutra:

One tale from the “One Hundred Fables Sutra” is about a rich man who travels selling sugar cane juice. One day, a monk came to the rich man’s house looking for some juice to help cure his illness. The man had to leave rather abruptly, so the man instructed his wife to give the monk a drink of juice, while he was gone. Instead of doing this, the wife secretly urinated in the monk’s bowl, added a bit of sugar cane juice, and gave it to the monk to drink. The monk was not easily fooled, so he poured out the contents of the bowl. When the wife eventually died, she was reborn as an Agwi.

Another tale is entitled “An Operation of the Mouth.” In this tale, there is a man who visited his wife’s home. There he saw people removing the husk of the rice. He stole some of this rice and hid it in his mouth. When his wife came to talk to him, instead of opening his mouth and confessing to the rice he had stolen, the husband remained silent. She said, “On his way over, my husband suddenly got a swollen mouth and is unable to speak,” so immediately the wife’s father called a doctor. When the doctor arrived, he said “Very serious is your illness. It will be cured by an operation.” The operation was completed and the husband’s theft was revealed. The conclusion of the tale says, “In doing evil deeds it breaks the pure commandments and hiding sins, people descend to the Three Evil Ways of hell, beasts, and Hungry Ghosts.”

Yet another tale from the “One Hundred Fables Sutra” describes a man who was giving and kind. One day, he was about to leave his house when a monk came begging. The man told his wife to give the monk some food. After the man left the house, his wife was overcome with greed. The wife decided she would teach the monk a lesson, so she locked the monk up inside an empty room all day without food. When she eventually died and was reborn, she was reborn as a Hungry Ghost [Agwi] for an unlimited amount of lifetimes.

Agwi Examples

There are some wonderful examples of Agwi spread throughout the Korean peninsula at Buddhist temples and hermitages. Here are just a few of these examples. First, there’s a pair of 17th century Agwi murals inside the historic Daegwang-jeon Hall at Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. There are other historic murals of Agwi that can be found in Gamno-do (Sweet Dew Mural) at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. There is also a beautiful collection of Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld) in the museum at Girimsa Temple in eastern Gyeongju that have amazing images of Agwi. For more contemporary Gamno-do images, you can find them at Boseongsa Temple near Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do and Naewonam Hermitage near Unmunsa Temple in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do. And finally, there are images of Agwi adorning both the interior and exterior walls of temple shrine halls like at Seongjusa Temple in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do and Nammireuksa Temple in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do.

Conclusion

This tortured creature often appears around temple shrine halls at Korean Buddhist temples, especially in paintings. The most common place to find these desperate spirits is around the main hall and the Myeongbu-jeon Hall especially in Gamno-do (Sweet Dew Murals). Typically, you can find monks and/or descendants making offerings to the deceased to help pacify and aid these Hungry Ghosts. So the next time you’re at a Korean Buddhist temple or hermitage, have a look around for these red-winged Agwi that are in constant torment. And if you can, say a little prayer for their well-being.