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Dongdosa Temple – 동도사 (Yongin, Gyeonggi-do)

Dongdosa Temple in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do.

Temple History

Dongdosa Temple is located in the southern part of Yongin, Gyeonggi-do in the northern foothills of Mt. Geomeunsan. The north side of the temple faces directly out onto the Idong Reservoir. Dongdosa Temple is a modern temple with a long history. That might sound a bit paradoxical; but in a bit, hopefully, it’ll make a bit more sense. When the neighbouring Eubirisa Temple was submerged in water after the construction of the Idong Reservoir in 1963, the temple was moved to the Dongdosa Temple location. With this move, a few of Eubirisa Temple’s artifacts moved to their new location. These artifacts included items like the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Eobi-ri,” and the “Dongdosa Temple Seated Stone Statue of the Buddha.”

With all this in mind, Dongdosa Temple was first built in 1963, and it belongs to the Taego-jong Order, which is the second largest Buddhist Order in Korea. So Dongdosa Temple is a place where both and new and old meet in the southern part of the city of Yongin.

In total, Dongdosa Temple is home to a Tangible Cultural Heritage, which is the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Eobi-ri.”

Temple Layout

You first make your way up to the elevated temple grounds from a road that skirts the southern part of the Idong Reservoir. Mounting a long set of stairs, you’ll come to a two-story, golden structure. The first story acts as the Cheonwangmun Gate, while the second story acts as the temple’s Jong-ru Pavilion. The first story has a set of four smaller sized statues dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings. The interior of this gate is also filled with smaller sized statues of golden Buddhas. Climbing the final set of stairs and looking back, you’ll notice the four traditional Buddhist percussion instruments inside the second story of the structure.

Turning around, you’ll now be standing squarely in the main temple courtyard at Dongdosa Temple. To your right is the administrative offices at the temple, while to the left are the monks dorms. And straight ahead of you is the Daeung-jeon Hall. Out in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall in the courtyard below the main hall, you’ll find an older stone lantern backed by the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Eobi-ri.” This is the very same pagoda that was moved from its former location at Eubirisa Temple. The stone pagoda consists of a two-layer stylobate topped by the base of the pagoda. Above this base are the three stories of the pagoda. Unfortunately, the finial to the pagoda is missing. It’s believed that this pagoda was constructed at the start of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), while also exhibiting the style of Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.).

Above the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Eobi-ri,” you’ll find the backing Daeung-jeon Hall. The front floral latticework is stunning, and the exterior walls are adorned in a simplistic set of Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life). Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a crowded main altar with an elevated image of a white Buddha statue. This is the “Dongdosa Temple Seated Stone Statue of the Buddha.” The statue, like the accompanying pagoda that was moved to its present location in 1963, is believed to have first been made at the start of the Goryeo Dynasty, while maintaining the style of Unified Silla. Joining this central image on the main altar are thirteen additional statues that include Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise), Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife), Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and several others. To the left of the main altar is a modern mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal. To the right of the main altar is another modern mural; this time, of a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). And in front of this mural is a vibrant statuette dedicated to Dongjin-bosal (The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings).

To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall are a pair of shrine halls that contain the earthly remains of the dead. To the rear of these halls are a pair of temple shrine halls that are situated up a set of concrete stairs. The first of the two, and situated to the left, is the Samseong-gak Hall. The exterior walls to this shaman shrine hall are adorned with the Sibiji-shin (The Twelve Spirit Generals). Stepping inside the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll find a triad of paintings on the main altar. These are dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) to the left, Dokseong (The Lonely Saint) to the right, with an image dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars) in the centre.

To the right of the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll find the Nahan-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to this shrine hall are adorned with various murals dedicated to the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). Stepping inside the Nahan-jeon Hall, you’ll find a solitary, golden image dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) on the main altar. This central image is joined on all sides by numerous, white statues of the Nahan. From both the Samseong-gak Hall and the Nahan-jeon Hall, you get a beautiful view of the Idong Reservoir off in the distance.

How To Get There

From the Yongin Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take Bus #22-1 to get to Dongdosa Temple. You’ll need to take this bus for 40 stops, or 33 minutes, and get off at the “Jangseo 2-ri, Gyohoe hacha – 장성2리, 교회 하차” stop. From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head west up “Eojin-ro – 어진로” road for 1.5 km, or 23 minutes, until you get to Dongdosa Temple.

Overall Rating: 6/10

Some of the highlights at Dongdosa Temple include the main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall with its numerous statues and the central “Dongdosa Temple Seated Stone Statue of the Buddha.” Also things to keep an eye out for are the murals inside the Samseong-gak Hall and all the Nahan statues inside the Nahan-jeon Hall, as well as the golden Cheongwangmun Gate/Jong-ru Pavilion. And to top it all off is the amazing view out towards the neighbouring Idong Reservoir.

The golden Cheongwangmun Gate/Jong-ru Pavilion at the entry to the Dongdosa Temple grounds.
The Daeung-jeon Hall with the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Eobi-ri” out in front of it.
A closer look at the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Eobi-ri.”
One of the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life) that adorns the exterior of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The well-populated main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
A closer look at the elevated “Dongdosa Temple Seated Stone Statue of the Buddha.”
The modern Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) mural inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
Joined by this equally modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
And beneath the Shinjung Taenghwa is this beautiful statue dedicated to Dongjin-bosal (The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings).
One of the memorial halls to the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The stairs leading up towards the upper courtyard at Dongdosa Temple.
Two of the Sibiji-shin (The Twelve Spirit Generals) that adorn the exterior of the Samseong-gak Hall.
The painting dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) inside the Samseong-gak Hall.
The painting dedicated to the Bodhidharma adorning the exterior of the Nahan-jeon Hall.
The beautiful interior of the Nahan-jeon Hall.
The view from the upper courtyard at Dongdosa Temple.
With a look across the Daeung-jeon Hall out towards the Idong Reservoir.
It’s pretty cold at the temple in January.

Korean Sentence Structure BROKEN DOWN | Korean FAQ

Korean sentences are complex, and they're sometimes long. It can be difficult to put together long sentences on your own without a ton of practice, so I put together a guide to help you understand the overall structure of Korean sentences. This does not include everything, since Korean sentences can be as varied as English or any other language. But it does include a lot of general sentence structure for how the main parts of a sentence are put together.

The post Korean Sentence Structure BROKEN DOWN | Korean FAQ appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

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Korean Alphabet For Kids – Easy Way to Learn Hangeul

In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about learning the Korean alphabet for kids.

A smiling boy raising his hand with an open book

We already have a useful article for general learning of Korean for kids, but today, we’d like to specifically go over how to make learning the Korean alphabet for kids quick and fun. These tips can also work for you, even if you are older, but they have been written with the younger members of society specifically in mind.

Introduction

Naturally, if one or both of the parents have cultural and/or ethnic roots in Korea, it is an easy decision to have your kid learn some Korean from a young age as well.

But what if there is no direct connection to Korean culture and language? Learning a foreign language is beneficial either way. We are headed for a more globalized environment all the time, but language learning is also great for cognitive development.

And right now, among all the languages in the world, Korean is considered a trendy one to learn. At first, it may leave you wondering whether that is enough reason to learn a language that seems relatively small in terms of amount of speakers. But with the popularity of Korean music, dramas, and more on the rise, the number of Korean speakers also appears to be increasing.

In this article, you can find resources for what to teach your children, all of which can be used in ways that your child will enjoy what they will be learning.

The Korean Alphabet, Hangul

The Korean language has its own unique alphabetic system called Hangeul (한글). The Korean alphabet system may seem intimidating at first, but actually, it is quite easy – and fun! – to learn. You can use our article on the Korean Alphabet as the base material for learning the alphabet.

The Structure of Hangul: Vowels and Consonants

To offer your child the best Korean lessons available, it is good for you also to have some knowledge of the language if you don’t already. However, by going through the material we’re offering here, you’ll also learn so much about the basics of Korean.

Hangeul is made up of 14 consonants and 10 vowels. We have separate, comprehensive articles for both Korean Vowels and Korean Consonants. Before anything else can be taught about the Korean language, you and your kid need to know the alphabet.

However, this can be done in many fun, different ways! For example, you can purchase and use Korean alphabet toys or use modeling clay so that the children can create each letter themselves. In addition, your child may really enjoy going through a Korean alphabet song as a way of memorizing the characters.

You can move on to the more challenging alphabet portion when the basic alphabet has been learned. This means complex vowels as well as double consonants. You can also find all the information for these in the articles for Korean vowels and Korean consonants. There is still plenty more to learn about consonants, but it’s good to go step by step so the young learner won’t get overwhelmed and confused.

The rules for writing Hangul correctly

Once your child can remember all of the Korean letters, you can move on to the next topic. Learning the alphabet should not take longer than an hour or two, so in the next class you can already do this next thing: the hangul stroke order.

We have an article on hangul stroke order, which can once again work as a great base material to create a lesson out of. While learning stroke order may sound unimportant at first, it can be a lot of fun to learn. For example, the stroke order can be practiced through calligraphy or other kinds of drawing exercises.

How the consonants and vowels are combined to form syllable blocks

Now that you know all of the alphabet and their stroke order, you can start learning how each letter is combined into syllable blocks. Let’s look at the verb 공부하다 (gongbuhada), for example. Each character creates a block with 2 to 3 characters, and then these syllable blocks together form words. We have a great article you can use to learn how to create Korean syllable blocks.

Here is where you can also teach about the difficult concept of 받침 (batchim). This refers to those consonants that finish off a syllable block. It can be a singular consonant, such as ㅇ, in the above sample verb. However, they can also be more complex than this, such as ㄺ, so two consonants are squeezed into one. Feel free to take your time with this, as it may feel confusing to go over at first.

Practice Writing Hangul

Now that all the consonants and vowels are familiar and the basics of stroke order and syllable blocks have been learned, the focus can be shifted to practice writing full words and, eventually, sentences.

Tips and techniques for learning how to write in Hangul

There are a few different ways that your little one can learn and practice writing in Hangul.

Mnemonic Devices

For example, your kid may enjoy memorizing through mnemonic devices, such as creating songs and rhymes. For visual aids, you can use all sorts of things like pictures, videos, and flashcards.

Repetition

You can also search for some sample words to use for repetition. Preferably, a few words start with each consonant in the alphabet, including those that begin with ㅇ. Some words can be long, while others are short, and they can even be similar to one another.

It is even better if they are connected to your home or daily life. Once you have collected these words, you can create a Korean song game of sorts. This will not only help memorize some essential words but also give the child an opportunity to better understand the sounds the letters make.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Hangul

Learning a new language can be challenging, but you can make it easier if you are able to avoid mistakes learners usually make early on. Here are some of them.

Not using the Hangul stroke order

Perhaps the most common mistake made when writing in Hangul is ignoring the stroke order. It is not the end of the world, as each of us has our own unique handwriting, even in Korean. However, sticking with the stroke order will make the letters easier for others to read. Especially ㄹ and ㅁ are letters where stroke order is often ignored.

Aiming for perfection

Also, it is important not to stress too much or aim for perfection too much. Instead, it’s good to keep learning light enough that it’s still enjoyable. We all make mistakes while learning, and there is no reason to be so hard on yourself when you do make one.

Not learning the Korean alphabet

The biggest mistake you could make, however, is skipping the step of learning the Korean alphabet altogether. That means learning Korean through romanization instead. But whilst romanization is a handy tool to use in supporting your studies, it is most important to learn Hangul properly and right away. The alphabet is simply the best place to start learning Korean.

You will also want to be consistent with the learning, especially at the start. Even if the child picks up the alphabet quickly, they will have forgotten it if the next lesson is a month away or something. It can also lead to losing motivation toward learning.

We actually have an article about common mistakes made while learning Korean that are good to keep in mind when progressing past the alphabet to more topics.

Exercises and worksheets for practicing Hangul writing

Worksheets may also be incredibly useful for helping the little one – and why not the adult also – practice writing Hangul. Start off with a worksheet for the Korean alphabet. Next up, there are also separate worksheets available for vowels and consonants.

Additionally, we also have a worksheet dedicated to Hangul stroke order. We also have one for writing in Korean in general.

And, if you would like some more exercises to do? For example, Amazon offers great options to cover that. Here is a book with 72 Hangul worksheets specifically geared for kids. And here is a handwriting workbook for the Korean alphabet, also made with young learners in mind. You may also get inspired enough to create your own worksheets to practice writing and memorizing Hangul.

As long as the worksheets have been made for young learners, they will surely have fun filling them out.

Beyond just the alphabet, we have numerous worksheets available for you to utilize in your or your child’s Korean studies.

Fun Ways to Learn Korean Alphabet

It is also true for adults, but even more so for children, that learning should be fun. Something great about learning languages is that, especially in the beginning, they can be so much fun for a child to learn.

In the case of learning the Korean alphabet, it is easy to make memorizing them fun. To start off with, try incorporating the language with everyday activities, especially playtime. As was mentioned above, songs are a great way to memorize the alphabet and even some words and your child would likely enjoy reciting them.

You can also turn the alphabet into craft. How about having your child draw each letter of the alphabet? Make flashcards out of them, too, and then utilize them as a memory game. You can also use something like Play-Doh to create the alphabet letters. If you have both, you can even play a game where the task is to match the letter on the flashcard with the play dough letter.

And, when your child is ready, those play dough letters can also be used to create words. They can also make drawings and then include the Korean word for the drawing’s subject in the drawing. Additionally, using calligraphy may be one enjoyable way to memorize or teach Hangul letters and simple words.

Recommendations for Korean language children’s books, movies, and TV shows

In addition to games and crafts, children will also enjoy learning the language the same way many adults do: through media.

Learning Korean through books and cartoons

A child may enjoy practicing Korean skills through books and cartoons. We have a list of Korean children’s books that any child would like to read. They are a step further than just learning the alphabet, but they are not that complicated once you’re ready for it. Other written resources available are Korean comics and webtoons, but these are often geared towards an older audience.

There is also a great textbook series called My First Korean Words Series. It consists of three books, with one book focused specifically on the alphabet, while the other two teach basic and essential words. This series is specifically geared towards children and heavily uses pictures as teaching guidance. With this series, your child will learn the alphabet and also their first 300 Korean words.

Learning Korean through songs and videos

Then, for listening practice, you can use songs, TV shows, and movies. For TV shows and movies, you can find Korean series and movies geared for children. Or, if possible, you can also use something already popular with your child and turn on Korean dubbing or subtitles.

For example, Pororo and Tayo the Little Bus are incredibly popular children’s animations in South Korea. You can find both of them on Netflix. You can find them – and more – on YouTube, as well.

Unfortunately, there are not that many famous Korean children’s movies, but just turning on a movie such as Frozen with Korean dubbing will do. In fact, it may even be better, as the content of the movie is already familiar to them.

For material specific to the alphabet, you should check out Hello Carrie Hangul. It is a fun and educative channel geared for kids, with a focus on teaching the different alphabet letters. There a multiple videos available, all short in length, so there isn’t too much information being pushed out at once.

Tips for finding a Korean language tutor or class for kids

Also, of course, you don’t need to do all the teaching yourself. If you want to learn Korean together with your child, that’s an awesome idea. However, if you want them to be taught by a professional, that’s an excellent idea as well.

In that case, you may want to consider finding a language tutor or even a group class. Before you start your search, spend a moment figuring out the goal of language learning. This will help tremendously, as different tutors and classes focus on different things. There are also different teaching methods, with some offering more speaking-based classes while others follow a textbook format more closely.

And, if at all possible, do try out a trial lesson before a longer commitment. You will want to know if the tutor is the right fit for your child first, after all. You will also want to find a tutor that has the qualities of a good teacher and is focused on teaching material that is useful in real life. You must also consider your timetable and time zone when searching for a tutor.

We have an article on finding Korean tutors for more information if you’d like to read it through. If you are searching for a group class, the process is quite the same as hiring a private tutor. Also, in both cases, do remember to think about what kind of budget you have to work with.

We also offer our own online Korean course. If it aligns with your goals and budget, it can be one worthwhile option to check out if you’re looking for a tutor for your child.

Conclusion

Above, we have laid out the many great ways and resources with which your child can start to learn the Korean alphabet. Language learning is good to start at a young age when our brains are able to retain that kind of information with ease. However, we also have to keep in mind that we need to make learning engaging and motivating for the kids.

Finally, if you are still hungry for a little more material, we have a guide for Korean language learning resources here. It has all you need to get a child’s study journey started, from the Korean alphabet for kids to full sentences!

The post Korean Alphabet For Kids – Easy Way to Learn Hangeul appeared first on 90 Day Korean.

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Godalsa-ji Temple Site – 고달사지 (Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do)

The “Stupa at Godalsa Temple Site” in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do.

Temple Site History

The Godalsa-ji Temple Site is located in the northern part of Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do in the southern foothills of Mt. Udusan (484.4 m). Godalsa Temple was first founded in 764 A.D. during Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.). As for the name of the temple, and according to a founding legend, there was a stonemason named Godal who completed the construction of the temple. Not only that, but according to this very same legend, Godal crafted several of the most prominent pieces of stonework that are now protected Korean cultural heritage properties. Godal was so focused on his work that he forgot about his family who were starving to death. After he completed the temple and its stone monuments, Godal shaved his head and became a Buddhist monk. Overtime, he became a renowned Buddhist monk. And it’s from this stonemason, who became a monk, that Godalsa Temple got its name.

Some of the most prominent monks of Seon Buddhism resided at the temple like Wongam (778-869 A.D.), Jingyeong (855-923 A.D.), and Wonjong (869-958 A.D.). During the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), the temple received state funding and even came to be known as one of the three great Seon Buddhist temples. This funding started with King Gwangjong of Goryeo (r. 949-975 A.D.). In 1260, the temple was greatly expanded and rebuilt, once more. This allowed the temple to grow even larger in size. It’s believed that Godalsa Temple suffered some damage during the Imjin War (1592-98). It’s also believed that the temple fell into disrepair around the 17th century.

Much later, and in 1998, the Yeoju mayor is quoted as saying about the preservation of the temple site, which had been left overgrown for centuries, “We will purchase all the private land near Godalsa-ji Temple Site by next year and then conduct excavations…We plan to purchase 3,000 pyeong (3.3 metres squared) of private land this year.” This resulted in a series of excavations that were conducted on the site starting in 1998. These efforts revealed 9 stone foundations and traces of 28 buildings, 4 wall sections, and 2 stone pagodas dating back to the late Goryeo Dynasty or the start of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Inscribed roof tiles and various types of earthenware were also found at the temple site.

In total, the Godalsa-ji Temple Site is home to 1 National Treasure, 4 Korean Treasures, 1 Tangible Cultural Heritage, and the temple site itself is a Historic Site.

The “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #6. The picture was taken during Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-45). (Picture courtesy of the National Museum of Korea).
The “Stupa of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #7. The picture was taken during Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-45). (Picture courtesy of the National Museum of Korea).

Temple Site Layout

Approaching the temple site from the eastern parking lot, you’ll near the expansive grounds and numerous elevated mounds of earth. These are all former buildings, gates or shrine halls that once comprised Godalsa-ji Temple.

The temple site can be divided into two halves. The front half, which is the eastern portion of the temple site, is the former home to the main hall, monks’ quarters, and a front entry gate, and a bathhouse. There are a pair of stone basins at the front and to the south of this front half of the temple site grounds. The first, which is more easterly, is the “Stone Basin of Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Heritage #247. This basin was used to wash grains. They were typically rectangular in shape and placed inside or near the temple kitchen. Additionally, monks or visitors would typically wash their hands in these basins before prayer. As for the other seokjo, or stone basin, at the Godalsa-ji Temple Site, it’s a Tangible Cultural Heritage. Both water basins are placed underneath a wooden pavilion. This water basin is believed to date back to the Goryeo Dynasty, and it’s officially known as the “Stone Basin of Godalsa Temple Site, Yeoju.”

To the rear of these two water basins is the foundation for an entry gate and a couple rows of corridors. In this area was formerly housed the “Twin Lion Stone Lantern from Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #282. The reason I say formerly is because in 1959 the stone lantern was moved to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The stone lantern was later moved to the National Museum of Korea, which is where you can currently see this ornate stone lantern. In total, the stone lantern stands 2.43 metres in height. The foundation stones have elephant eyes engraved on them on all sides of the square base. Above the base, there are two lion statues. Both lions are crouching with their paws placed outward. And on the lions’ backs, you’ll find clouds engraved on them. The cloud patterns are engraved in the middle part of the base stone. Above these are lotus flower patterns on the upper part of the base stone. The light chamber is then placed upon all of these engravings. The light chamber has four windows. What’s interesting about this stone lantern is that the lions are crouching instead of traditionally standing on their four legs. Judging by the style and techniques used on the stone lantern, it’s believed to have first been made in the 10th century during the early part of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Again, the amazing “Twin Lion Stone Lantern from Godalsa Temple Site” can be found at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul and not at the Godalsa-ji Temple Site.

To the rear of this area, and up a bit of an embankment, is the site of the former main hall at Godalsa Temple. The foundational stones of this structure, which are still partially intact at the temple site, are estimated to date back to Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.). In the centre of the slightly elevated earth surrounded by the partial remains of the foundational stones to the main hall is the “Stone Pedestal at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #8. The foundation to the pedestal consists of three parts: the upper, middle, and lower stones. Each of these parts is made of polished stone. Formerly, a statue of the Buddha would have been placed on top of the upper stone; however, the statue of the Buddha is long gone. The upper stone of the pedestal is well polished, and it has carvings of 24 double-folded lotus flowers engraved on its surface. These engravings also appear on the lower part of the base, as well. This type of motif was particularly common during the Goryeo Dynasty. This pedestal is considered to be a masterpiece due to its excellent engravings. The pedestal is believed to date back to the late 10th century.

To the front of the main hall site are two additional mounds to the left and right. These appear to have once been the sites of two pagodas. And to the rear of the main hall site, and up a pathway, you’ll be able to make your way up to the “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #6. This stele was originally erected at Godalsa Temple to commemorate the life and achievements of the Buddhist monk Wonjong, who was born in 869 A.D. He would die at the age of 90 in 958 A.D. King Gwangjong of Goryeo bestowed the posthumous title of Wonjong upon him and named the monument “Hyejin.” The stele was destroyed long ago, and only the tortoise-shaped base and the capstone still remained. The fragmented broken body stone can be seen at the National Museum of Korea. The inscription on this body stone details the life of Wonjong.

As for the design of the “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site,” the tortoise-based pedestal has bulging eyes. It also has expressive legs and feet, and it has a very short neck. The back of the tortoise-based pedestal is carved with a double hexagonal pattern, while the middle part, which is one -tier higher than the pedestal, is where the main body stone would have been affixed to. This stone support is adorned with swirling cloud patterns. As for the capstone, it features a combination of clouds and dragons on a rectangular stone. According to the inscription found on the stele, it was first made in 975 A.D. This is an important period in Buddhist artistry in Korea because it’s a transition in style from late Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.) to that of the early Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). So this stele is an important artifact in this transitional period.

To the rear of the temple site grounds, and across a gravel road, you’ll need to make your way up the hillside to get to the “Stupa at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is National Treasure #4. The stupa, overall, has been well preserved. The base of the structure is octagonal in shape. The base consists of three tiers. The middle portion is the most impressive with various carvings that include two tortoises and four dragons. And all six carvings are surrounded by auspicious clouds. The upper tier, on the other hand, consists of elegant lotus flower designs. The main body of the stupa, which contains the sari (crystallized remains) of an eminent monk, is carved with images of the Four Heavenly Kings and a pair of doors that are closed with locks. The roof stone of the body is rather thick and large with floral patterns on each of the upturn corners. And above the roof stone is a canopy in the shape of a roof supported by a spherical stone. The finial atop the structure is partially damaged. The overall shape is quite remarkable considering it probably dates back to the 10th century.

Across the hillside to the north, and down a trail, you’ll come to a clearing that houses the “Stupa of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #7. Amazingly, this stupa is almost perfectly preserved. The stylobate is designed with lotus flower patterns with overlaid roof stones. Atop this is the base which has stunning images of several turtles looking to the right, as well as four dragons flying around the turtles. The top supporting stones are engraved with lotus flowers. The body of the structure, which contains the sari (crystallized remains) of the monk Wonjong, are adorned with four carvings of the Four Heavenly Kings. The capstone are thicker and stout with flower designs on the edges. The finial to the structure is partially damaged but better preserved than its neighbour, the “Stupa at Godalsa Temple Site.” While the monk Wonjong died in 958 A.D., it’s believed that the stupa was probably first erected in 977 A.D according to the “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site.”

How To Get There

From the Yeoju Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take either Bus #988-3 or Bus #988-4 to get to the Godalsa-ji Temple Site. The bus ride will take about 40 minutes over 19 stops. You’ll then need to get off at the site stop.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Temple sites are always so difficult to rate. If you’re a temple site enthusiast, then the Godalsa-ji Temple Site should rate quite highly; however, if you see nothing more than a barren field with a few stone artifacts scattered in a field, then it rather obviously won’t rate quite as highly. So a rating of any temple site can be quite relative. With all that being said, and as a temple enthusiast, the Godalsa-ji Temple Site is definitely my cup of tea from the “Stupa at Godalsa Temple Site” to the “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site” and the “Stupa of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site.” The one National Treasure and four additional Korean Treasures are well-preserved, especially when one considers their age.

The full breadth of the Godalsa-ji Temple Site.
The “Stone Basin of Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Heritage #247.
And the other “Stone Basin of Godalsa Temple Site, Yeoju,” which is a Tangible Cultural Heritage.
The “Twin Lion Stone Lantern from Godalsa Temple Site,” which is now housed in the National Museum of Korea and Korean Treasure #282. (Picture courtesy of the CHA).
A look at the upper portion of the temple site grounds.
The “Stone Pedestal at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #8.
A look from the site of the main hall towards the “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site.”
A look at the main hall site and pedestal.
A closer look at the “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #6
From a different angle.
The tortoise base of an unknown stele with the “Stele of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site” in the background.
A view of the entire temple site grounds from the far west.
  The “Stupa at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is National Treasure #4.
A look at the amazing base of the structure.
A stone relief of a Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deity) on the underside of the capstone.
The trail leading up to the “Stupa of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site.”
The “Stupa of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site,” which is Korean Treasure #7.
A closer look at the amazing base of the stupa.

Bohyeonam Hermitage – 보현암 (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do)

Bohyeonam Hermitage on the Haeinsa Temple Grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Hermitage History

Bohyeonam Hermitage is located on the Haeinsa Temple grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. The hermitage gets its name from Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). The hermitage, which is also scenically located in Gayasan National Park, was first founded in 1973 by nun Hyechun. Hyechun is an important figure in Korean Buddhism in the 20th century. She was born in Bukcheong, Hamgyongnam-do, North Korea in 1919. She would actively participate in the Buddhist Purification Movement (1954-62). She would also help in the creation of the Jogye-jong Order. Later, and after founding Bohyeonam Hermitage, she would serve as the chairperson of Korea’s bhikkuni (nuns). Through her efforts, they would contribute to the growth of nuns in Korea.

Hermitage Layout

Bohyeonam Hermitage is located to the southwest of Haeinsa Temple and up a bit of a winding road. You’ll find a collection of shrine halls and buildings in this area. To the far left, you’ll find Geumgang-gul; and to the right, you’ll find the collection of buildings that comprise Bohyeonam Hermitage.

Because Bohyeonam Hermitage is such an active hermitage, you’ll find two large buildings to your far right as you first approach. These are a large collection of nuns’ dorms. Beyond these, and a little further to the left, you’ll see a beautiful Koi pond in the centre of the main hermitage courtyard. Fronting this Koi pond is a slender five-story pagoda. To the right of this pagoda is a boulder-like bridge that spans the width of the pond. It’s also from in front of the Koi pond that you gain beautiful views of Haeinsa Temple and its neighbouring hermitages off in the distance.

To the rear of this Koi pond is another collection of nuns’ dorms, and to the left is the administrative office and kitchen at Bohyeonam Hermitage. Hidden behind the central nuns’ dorms is the main hall at the hermitage. This isn’t a first for hermitages at Haeinsa Temple because there are others like Yaksuam Hermitage and Gukilam Hermitage that also hide their main halls quite well.

To the left, and between the central nuns’ dorms and the kitchen facilities at Bohyeonam Hermitage, you’ll find a pathway, and eventual stone stairs, that lead up to the hermitage’s main hall, the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to the compact Daeung-jeon Hall are adorned with fading Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals). Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a main altar occupied by a central image dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). On either side of this central image are a pair of statues. The image to the right is dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom), who rides a blue haetae; while the statue to the left is Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power), who rides a white elephant. Hanging on the far right wall is an older Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). And if you look up at the ceiling of the structure, and at the ends of the beams in particular, you’ll find some beautiful and colourful Gwimyeon (Monster Masks).

How To Get There

To get to Bohyeonam Hermitage, you’ll first need to get to Haeinsa Temple. From the Hapcheon Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to board a bus bound for Haeinsa Temple. The bus ride is about 5,000 won. From where the bus lets you off at Haeinsa Temple, you’ll need to find the trail that leads up to Haeinsa Temple. The walk is about one kilometre, and the trail starts to the left of the Haeinsa Temple museum. Arriving at Haeinsa Temple, and standing next to the Iljumun Gate, you’ll need to head south of this entry gate for 550 metres. Follow the signs as they guide you. The walk should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Overall Rating: 2.5/10

Bohyeonam Hermitage is one of the busier hermitages that you’ll visit on the Haeinsa Temple grounds. As a result, there are just a couple things that visitors can explore like the beautiful Koi pond and five-story pagoda at the front of the hermitage grounds, as well as the Daeung-jeon Hall to the rear of the grounds. As for the main hall, it’s the paintings, both inside and out, that are the main highlight to the hermitage’s Daeung-jeon Hall. Additionally, the nuns at Bohyeonam Hermitage are especially nice and kind. We were invited in for a nice hermitage lunch while we were at Bohyeonam Hermitage.

Making your way up to the hermitage.
One of the nuns’ dorms at Bohyeonam Hermitage.
Some of the artwork adorning one of the nuns’ dorms.
A look across the Koi pond at the five-story pagoda at Bohyeonam Hermitage.
Some of the beautiful lotus flowers inside the Koi pond.
A look up at the Daeung-jeon Hall.
And a look across the top of the main hall at some of its beautiful dancheong colours.
One of the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals) that adorns the exterior of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The central image of Dongjin-bosal (The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings) inside the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
Joined by this image of Yongwang (The Dragon King).
A look up at the ceiling inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The beautiful view from the Daeung-jeon Hall.
And one last look at the five-story pagoda and Koi pond at Bohyeonam Hermitage.

How Expensive is Living in Korea? | Extra Costs to Consider

How much do you think it costs to live in Korea for a month? What would be the bare minimum, and what would be enough to live comfortably? I asked Koreans in Seoul what they thought, and also their reasoning. I also asked what other expenses could there be that people often overlook.

The post How Expensive is Living in Korea? | Extra Costs to Consider appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Dorisa Temple – 도리사 (Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

The “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple” in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Temple History

Dorisa Temple is located on Mt. Naengsan (694 m) in northern Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The exact date of the temple’s first founding is unknown, however, it’s believed to date back to the fifth century. Additionally, it’s said that Dorisa Temple was the first of its kind in the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). The earliest documentation of the founding of Dorisa Temple is found in the “Shinjeungdongguk Yeoji,” which was compiled in 1530. In this text, it states how the monk Ado-hwasang, who looked similar to King Nulji of Silla (r. 417-458 A.D.), built a temple after seeing that the area was in full bloom even though it was the dead of winter. More specifically, the legend states that the monk Ado-hwasang, who was a Goguryeo (37 B.C. – 668 A.D.) monk, was leaving Seorabeol (modern Gyeongju) to help spread Buddhism. While on this journey, Ado-hwasang saw a place blooming with pear and peach blossoms in the dead of winter. As a result of this auspicious sign, Ado-hwasang decided to build a temple on this site that he named Dorisa Temple, which means “Peach and Pear Temple” in English.

Dorisa Temple continued to exist as a temple through the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), until it was eventually destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-98). Later, the temple would be rebuilt with the addition of a monument for the monk Ado-hwasang in 1639. In 1645, a wooden Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) statue was enshrined at the temple. However, in 1677, a large fire broke out at the temple destroying all of the buildings including the Daeung-jeon Hall. All that was saved was the neighbouring Geumdangam Hermitage and the Amita-bul statue.

After its destruction, the temple was rebuilt on the hermitage grounds. So the hermitage changed its name from Geumdangam Hermitage to that of Dorisa Temple. In the process, the statue of Amita-bul was moved, as well. In 1743, the Jeokmyeol-bogung area was built to house the sari (crystalized remains) of the Buddha and the “Gilt-bronze Reliquary from Sakyamuni Stupa of Dorisa Temple” that they were housed in. In 1807, parts of the temple were reconstructed; and in 1823, the Josa-jeon Hall was rebuilt. Finally, and in 1876, the present Geukrak-jeon Hall was built. More recently, Dorisa Temple continues to grow in size.

Dorisa Temple is the source of one National Treasure and one Korean Treasure. The National Treasure, which is National Treasure #208, is the aforementioned “Gilt-bronze Reliquary from Sakyamuni Stupa of Dorisa Temple,” which is now housed at the Jikjisa Temple Seongbo Museum. As for the Korean Treasure, it’s the distinctive “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple,” which is Korean Treasure #470.

Temple Layout

As you near the temple parking lot to your left, you’ll notice the large Temple Stay building and administrative office to the right. Back at the temple parking lot, and heading to the left, you’ll pass by a stone “Haein-do” monument, as well as the Jong-ru Pavilion.

Continuing past the elevated bell pavilion, you’ll notice an equally elevated shrine hall to your left. This is the reconstructed Jeokmyeol-bogung (shrines that house the sari, crystalized remains, of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul). At the base of the stairs that lead up to the shrine hall, you’ll find a child-like stone monk smiling at you. Climbing the stairs, you’ll find the Jeokmyeol-bogung. The exterior walls to this shrine hall are adorned with paintings dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom), Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power), and a set of Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life). Stepping inside the Jeokmyeol-bogung, you’ll notice that there are no statues on the main altar similar to the Daeung-jeon Hall at Tongdosa Temple. Instead, there is simply a window that looks out onto the outdoor shrine that contains the Buddha’s remains. In the centre of this outdoor shrine is an elevated stupa with images of the Four Heavenly Kings, as well as locked doors, engraved on it. This is where the sari are housed. To the left and right of this elevated platform with the Buddha’s stupa are two reliefs. One is dedicated to Munsu-bosal, while the other is dedicated to Bohyeon-bosal. And to the right and left of these reliefs are two stone lanterns with the outline of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) on the main light chamber for the stone lanterns.

To the east of the Jeokmyeol-bogung, and down a trail, you’ll find an outdoor shrine dedicated to the monk Ado-hwasang. The outdoor shrine consists of a large, bronze statue dedicated to Ado-hwasang. While the statue meditatively looks out on Dorisa Temple, there are a pair of colourful lotus flower pictures on either side of his head to the rear.

Descending the stairs that lead up to the Ado-hwasang shrine, and to the rear of the temple’s administrative office, you’ll find the main temple courtyard at Dorisa Temple. The first building you’ll pass by in this area are the monks’ dorms. Once you’re past this, you’ll notice a bronze statue of Podae-hwasang (The Hempen Bag) to your right and the compact Geukrak-jeon Hall to your left.

The exterior walls to the Geukrak-jeon Hall are adorned with a combination of dancheong colours and guardian murals. Stepping inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find a solitary image dedicated to Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) on the main altar underneath a diminutive, red canopy overhead. To the left of the main altar is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). And to the right of the main altar is a mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). The entire interior is filled with rich and colourful decorative dancheong paintings.

In front of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find the oddly designed “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple,” which is the solitary Korean Treasure at Dorisa Temple. This pagoda consists of five stories. The bottom story is considered the platform to the structure, which supports the main body of the pagoda. There are two middle stories. The first and second stories of the pagoda were built by piling up two to three layers of small square stones just like the pagoda was built with bricks. The roof stones consist of a tiered structure. This pagoda was built using a unique style, especially when one compares it to other stone pagodas in Korea. The pagoda stands 3.3 metres in height, and it’s believed that this pagoda was first erected during the Goryeo Dynasty.

To the rear of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, on the other hand, is a rear courtyard that houses a stone stupa, as well as the Samseong-gak Hall to the right. The exterior walls to this shaman shrine hall are adorned in simple dancheong colours, which matches the three paintings housed inside the Samseong-gak Hall. The three paintings housed inside this hall are dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint), Chilseong (The Seven Stars), and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).

How To Get There

From the Gumi Bus Terminal, there are buses that go out to Dorisa Temple; however, these buses would take at least a couple of hours to get to the temple. So if you don’t own your own car, the next best way is to take a taxi. The taxi ride will take about 25 minutes over 20 km. And the taxi ride should cost about 20,000 won (one way). If you’re traveling in a group, this is definitely the best option.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Dorisa Temple is distinctive for purportedly being the oldest temple in the former Silla territory, as well as for housing one of the more peculiar historic pagodas that you’ll find in Korea. Additionally, it has a modern Jeokmyeol-bogung that purportedly house the sari (crystalized remains) of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, from the Silla Dynasty. The views are stunning, as is the interior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall. Dorisa Temple was definitely a nice surprise.

The Jong-ru Pavilion at Dorisa Temple.
A look up towards the Jeokmyeol-bogung.
The outdoor shrine of the Jeokmyeol-bogung.
A closer look at the stupa that houses the sari (crystalized remains) of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha).
The beautiful view from the Jeokmyeol-bogung.
The path that leads from the Jeokmyeol-bogung to the bronze statue of Ado-hwasang.
The beautiful bronze statue dedicated to Ado-hwasang at Dorisa Temple.
The Geukrak-jeon Hall and the “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple.”
The bronze statue dedicated to Podae-hwasang in the main temple courtyard.
The monks’ dorms at Dorisa Temple.
Both the “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple” and the main hall together.
A closer look at the “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple.”
One of the guardians that adorns the exterior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall.
The interior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall.
A stupa and Samseong-gak Hall at Dorisa Temple.
One of the paintings inside the Samseong-gak Hall. This painting is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).
One final view from Dorisa Temple.

거니와 "Not only" | Live Class Abridged

This form was requested by a member, and is not that commonly used. It's an archaic spoken grammar form known as ~거니와, although it also has other forms like ~(으)려니와, ~(이)려니와, and ~(이)거니와. Here's the full explanation of this form, along with some related forms.

The post 거니와 "Not only" | Live Class Abridged appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Seoknamsa Temple – 석남사 (Anseong, Gyeonggi-do)

A Monk Making His Way Up to the Daeung-jeon Hall at Seoknamsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do.

Temple History

Seoknamsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, not to be confused with the one in Ulsan with the same name, is located to the north of Mt. Seounsan (547.6 m). The temple was first founded in 680 A.D. by the monk Goseung Seokseon. It was later rebuilt by the monk Hyegeo in the early part of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). During the Goryeo Dynasty, hundreds of monks called Seoknamsa Temple home. During the early part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Seoknamsa Temple remained intact despite the Confucian-oriented government policies of the Joseon court. While many other temples either fell into disrepair or were completely destroyed by this policy, Seoknamsa Temple remained representing the city of Anseong. Additionally, monks at Seoknamsa Temple were exempt from service as decreed by King Sejo of Joseon (r. 1455-1468). The temple would be completely destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-98) in 1592. After its destruction during the Joseon Dynasty, it would be rebuilt, once more, this time by the monk Hwadeok.

In total, Seoknamsa Temple is home to one Korean Treasure. It’s the “Yeongsan-jeon Hall of Seongnamsa Temple, Anseong,” which is Korean Treasure #823.

Temple Layout

Seoknamsa Temple is much smaller than it must have formerly been. And from the temple parking lot, you can instantly see that this is true. However, with that being said, Seoknamsa Temple, in its current form, is still a beautiful place for visitors to enjoy. Starting at the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion, you’ll pass through the first story of the two story structure. While passing through the first story, you’ll notice four diminutive statues. These rather stout wooden statues are the Four Heavenly Kings. While the first story acts as both an entry to the rest of the temple grounds, as well as a Cheonwangmun Gate, the second story acts as a hall for dharma talks. The exterior walls to the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion are beautifully adorned in simplistic dancheong colours.

Now having emerged on the other side of the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion, and after having a look back at the second story of the two-story structure, you’ll notice a long, linear set of stone stairs that lead all the way up to the Daeung-jeon Hall. But before climbing all of those stairs, you’ll notice the Dong Yosachae (East Monks’ Dorms) to your right and the administrative office and kitchen to your left.

Making your way past these two large buildings, and still climbing the long stone stairs, you’ll come to a plateau. To your right you’ll see the historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall. Out in front of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is “The Double Pagoda of Seoknamsa Temple.” These pagodas are believed to have first been made during the Goryeo Dynasty. The pagoda to the left stands 2.25 metres in height, while the pagoda to the right stands 2.32 metres. Both are rather slender and simplistic in their overall designs. In total, both pagodas are three-story structures.

As for the Yeongsan-jeon Hall that stands behind these two Goryeo-era pagodas, it’s believed that the structure was first built in the early to mid Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In fact, there’s a sign out in front of the shrine hall that indicates that it was first built in 1562 and rebuilt several times afterwards. The exterior walls are adorned with various murals depicting the Buddha teaching his disciples. Stepping inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall, you’ll find that there is a solitary statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) on the main altar under a chunky, red canopy. This central image is then joined on all sides by 500 statuettes of the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha).

To the right of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is a modern three-story pagoda with a sutra written around its elongated body below the three body stones. This pagoda is backed by a shrine with a stone image of Seokgamoni-bul.

Back at the stairs, and now heading up towards the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find that the main hall is surrounded by large Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals). The front of the Daeung-jeon Hall is occupied by two modern seokdeung (stone lanterns). Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a large statue of Seokgamoni-bul on the main altar. On either side of this central image are two seated statues of Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) and Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom). To the right of this main altar triad are a collection of paintings. The first painting is dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars), another is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), while the final one is dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). To the left of the main altar, you’ll find an altar with sixteen golden statues dedicated to the Nahan. And hanging on the far left wall is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). After exiting the Daeung-jeon Hall, and looking out from the main hall, you get a beautiful view of the mountains off in the distance.

How To Get There

The easiest way to get to Seoknamsa Temple from the Anseong Bus Terminal is to take a taxi. The taxi ride will take 25 minutes, and it’ll cost you 24,000 won (one way).

You can do that or take two buses to get to Seoknamsa Temple from the Anseong Bus Terminal. If you do decide to take two buses, you’ll first need to catch Bus #8146-1 for 4 stops, or 5 minutes, and get off at the “Sinminhoegwan hacha – 신민회관” bus stop. From where this bus drops you off, you’ll need to cross the road and board Bus #100. With Bus #100, you’ll need to stay on the bus for the next 13 stops, or 16 minutes, and get off at the “Sangjung-ri Sangchon hacha – 상중리상촌 하차.” From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head south for the next 1.5 km, or 30 minutes, until you get to Seoknamsa Temple. Just follow the signs along the way. In total, the bus trip and walk should take about an hour.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Seoknamsa Temple is beautifully located in the foothills of Mt. Seounsan. In addition to all of the natural beauty that surrounds this temple, you can also enjoy the two-story Geumgwang-ru Pavilion with a cute-looking collection of the Four Heavenly Kings. In addition to this two-in-one entry gate, you can also enjoy all 500 statuettes of the Nahan inside the historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall. And topping it off, quite literally, is the Daeung-jeon Hall with its beautiful views.

The two-story Geumgwang-ru Pavilion.
One of the Four Heavenly Kings on the first floor of the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion.
Joined by another on the first floor.
A look up to the temple shrine halls from the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion.
The “The Double Pagoda of Seoknamsa Temple” in front of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
The historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall at Seoknamsa Temple.
One of the beautiful paintings of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, that adorns the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
The main altar inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
Some of the 500 statuettes of the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha) inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
An up-close at some of the Nahan.
With a look at a few more.
The modern three-story pagoda to the right of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
A look up at the Daeung-jeon Hall.
A dragon and landscape painting that adorns the left exterior wall of the main hall.
As well as this Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Mural).
The view from the Daeung-jeon Hall.

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