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The most common questions Koreans ask foreigners (and how to answer them)

I compiled a list of the most common questions that I've been asked as a Korean learner, and then met up with "A Piece of Korean" (한국어 한 조각) to get their ideas as well. Here are the most common questions that Korean learners get asked on a regular basis, along with a few ways that you can answer these questions.

The post The most common questions Koreans ask foreigners (and how to answer them) appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

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Living History – Frank Concilus (Peace Corp Volunteer – 1966)

Frank Concilus in the late 1970s with his wife. (Picture courtesy of Frank Concilus).

One of the great things about running a website about Korean Buddhist temples is that you get to meet a lot of amazing people. And a lot of these amazing people have varying backgrounds, interests, and insights. Rather amazingly, some of these people first visited Korea in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Here is Frank’s story:

Q1: Where are you originally from? Introduce yourself a little.

A: I’m originally from Pittsburgh but after college I joined the Peace Corps and came to Korea in 1966

Q2: When and why did you first come to Korea?

A: 1966 Peace Corps

Q3: When you first came to Korea what city did you live? Did you subsequently move around?

A: Busan for less than a year. Was medically returned to States.

Q4: What was the first temple you visited in Korea?

A: My Korean family took me to see Tongdosa [Temple] and Beomeosa [Temple]. They were devout Christians but wanted me to see the temples.

Frank Concilus at Pusan Boys High School in the Peace Corp in 1966. (Picture courtesy of Frank Concilus).
Frank with his Korean family at Haeundae Beach in 1966, as well. (Picture courtesy of Frank Concilus).

Q5: What drew your interest to Korean Buddhist temples? (Buddhism, architecture, art, history, etc)

A: We had at least 2 books about Buddhism in our Peace Corps foot locker that, along with the temple visits, made me very curious about Buddhism.

Q6: What is your favourite temple? Why?

A: I like many of the temples a lot, but perhaps Haeinsa [Temple] is my favorite. When I came back to Korea in 1971 on a visa trip from Tokyo (to begin teaching at Sophia University’s International Division), I took a bus to Haeinsa [Temple] and amazingly was permitted to join some monks for several days of their Winter Retreat. A monk invited me to climb up to a hermitage and introduced me to Songchol [Seongcheol] Sunim. I didn’t know who he was, but I had a chance to talk with him about meditation for at least 40 minutes. I later discovered what an honor that had been.

Q7: What temple or hermitage has changed the most from when you were first got here? What has changed about it?

A: We had a Peace Corps conference in 1966 in Kyongju [Gyeongju] and visited Bulguksa [Temple], which at that time had not be greatly restored. It was beautifully restored in the late 60s and early 70s.

Q8: What was the most difficult temple to get to? How did you get there?

A: In 1970, I asked about meditation at Jogyesa [Temple] and a kind monk wrote down a Seon master’s name and his temple outside of Incheon. I had to take buses into the countryside but found Yonghwasa [Temple] and met Jeongang Sunim, one of the great 20th century masters. I stayed there at the temple for about a week. I was so lucky to have met two of the greatest Korean Seon masters.

Q9: Did you remain in Korea or did you return home?

A: I have lived mostly in Korea since Peace Corps days but have also taught in Japan for a number of years.

A poster for Beomeosa Temple [Pomo-sa] in Geumjeong-gu, Busan from 1970. (Picture courtesy of the “2023 Special Exhibition from Gifts Donated by Gary Mintier” at the Busan Museum).

Use Korean Counters Without This Common Mistake | Korean FAQ

One of the most common mistakes when using Korean counters is overusing words. This includes overusing markers. It's a mistake that's so easy to make, but just as easy to fix. In this lesson I'll explain what the mistake is, and the simplest way that you can fix it in your sentences to never make it again.

The post Use Korean Counters Without This Common Mistake | Korean FAQ appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Gosansa Temple – 고산사 (Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do)

The Stone Gwanseeum-bosal Statue Inside the Eungjin-jeon Hall at Gosansa Temple in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do.

Temple History

Gosansa Temple in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, which shouldn’t be confused with the number of temples throughout Korea with the same name, is located to the north of Mt. Darangsan (591.2 m). It’s believed by some that Gosansa Temple was first built in 879 A.D. by the famed monk Doseon-guksa (827-898 A.D.). However, there’s not a lot of concrete information to support this claim. Another claim, at least according to the “Gosansa Jungsugi,” which was written in 1920, states that Gosansa Temple was rebuilt in 1096 by Hyeso-guksa. However, and through archaelogical work conducted at the temple, tiles, earthenware, and porcelain pieces were collected. It was discovered that this collection of artifacts from Gosansa Temple dated back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). This puts in doubt the claim that the temple was built by Doseon-guksa and rebuilt during the early Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).

Gosansa Temple was later rebuilt in 1653 by the monk Songgye after being destroyed during the Joseon Dynasty. More recently, and in 1920, the monk Hoam rebuilt Gosansa Temple. However, and during the Korean War (1950-53), most of Gosansa Temple was destroyed in 1950. Then in 1956, the monk Wolha rebuilt the Samseong-gak Hall and the monks’ dorms. In 1997, the Samseong-gak Hall was repaired, as was the Eungjin-jeon Hall in 1998. Since the Korean War, and because it’s the only large shrine hall that still remains on the temple grounds at Gosansa Temple, the historic Eungjin-jeon Hall acts as the main hall.

While Gosansa Temple doesn’t have a National Treasure of Korean Treasure, it does have a pair of Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property.

Temple Layout

You first make your way up a steep mountain road to get to Gosansa Temple. When you finally do arrive at the temple parking lot, which is rather strangely placed, you’ll notice the Yosachae (monks’ dorms) off to your left. The grassy temple parking lot is situated between the Yosachae to your left; and up the neighbouring mountainside, you’ll find a pair of temple shrine halls (the only two at Gosansa Temple).

To your right, and up a set of stairs that partially climb the mountain, is the Samseong-gak Hall. You’ll notice this shaman shrine hall to your left and through a collection of lantern trestles. The exterior walls to the Samseong-gak Hall are adorned with a tiger mural and a Sinseon (Taoist Immortal) painting. Stepping inside the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll find three shaman paintings on the main altar. The first of the three, and hanging in the centre, is dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars). The Chilseong painting is rather simple as are the other paintings dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) and Dokseong (The Lonely Saint) that also take up residence inside the Samseong-gak Hall.

Heading back in the same direction you first came from, keep heading straight towards the slightly elevated Eungjin-jeon Hall. The Eungjin-jeon Hall is in a clearing and on a ridge on the mountain. The exterior walls are beautifully adorned with modern murals dedicated to the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). Stepping inside the Eungjin-jeon Hall, and rather unexpectedly, you’ll find a white, stone statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) on the main altar. The reason I say unexpected is because a statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) is traditionally housed inside a Eungjin-jeon Hall alongside Nahan statues. The statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal on the main altar is wearing a large, white crown with black hair that flows down to her shoulders. It’s believed that this statue dates back to the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Additionally, this statue is one of the two Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property at Gosansa Temple.

Joining the stone statue of Gwanseeum-bosal on the main altar are six stone statues dedicated to the Nahan. Originally, there were sixteen of these statues, but ten have since gone missing. All six statues are hooded with blue trim against the dominant white paint of the stone statues. The six statues are divided into two sets, three on either side of the main altar. These three statues are then backed by a beautiful modern mural of the Nahan. Like the main altar Gwanseeum-bosal statue, these stone statues of the Nahan date back to the late Joseon Dynasty. What makes these statues so unique is that they are made of stone instead of clay or plaster from this time period. This collection of stone Nahan statues is the other Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property at Gosansa Temple.

As for the rest of the interior of the Eungjin-jeon Hall, you’ll find a beautiful modern painting dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife), as well as an equally modern painting of a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).

How To Get There

From the Jecheon Bus Station, you’ll need to take Bus #980. After 66 stops, or 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll need to get off at the “Shinhyun 2 ri stop.” From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to walk 1.8 km, or 27 minutes, to get to Gosansa Temple. It should be noted that most of the 1.8 km will be a hike up a mountain and not so much a walk.

Overall Rating: 7/10

There are only a couple of shrine halls at Gosansa Temple in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, but the obvious highlight is the artwork that adorns both the exterior and interior of this rather uniquely designated main hall. The exterior of the Eungjin-jeon Hall has beautiful modern paintings dedicated to the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha), while the interior has an amazing collection of stone statues dedicated to the Nahan, as well as the main altar image of Gwanseeum-bosal. In addition to all this artwork, Gosansa Temple is beautifully situated up in the mountains with beautiful views of the valley below.

The Samseong-gak Hall at Gosansa Temple.
The youthful-looking tiger that adorns one of the exterior walls of the Samseong-gak Hall.
The mural dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) inside the Samseong-gak Hall.
And the view from the shaman shrine hall.
The rather peculiar main hall Eungjin-jeon Hall at Gosansa Temple.
The view from the Eungjin-jeon Hall.
One of the beautiful Nahan paintings that adorns the Eungjin-jeon Hall.
The main altar image of the stone Gwanseeum-bosal inside the Eungjin-jeon Hall.
From a different angle.
Three of the six stone Nahan statues inside the Eungjin-jeon Hall.
An up-close of one of the Nahan statues.
Three more of the six Nahan statues inside the Eungjin-jeon Hall.
The modern Jijang-bosal mural inside the main hall at Gosansa Temple.
And the beautiful view from the Eungjin-jeon Hall.

We explored this abandoned amusement park in Seoul

Several decades ago there was a popular theme park in Seoul called Yongma Land (용마랜드) - at least until other parks opened nearby, and the park slowly decayed until it shut down permanently. None of the rides are still functional, and the park is no longer open to visitors. But you can still get inside with a ticket, and every day many do. I visited together with my friend Anna, and we explored the park to see what was still there, and what the purpose of the park is.

The post We explored this abandoned amusement park in Seoul appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Living History – Bill and Betty Krause (School – 1966, 1968)

Bill and Betty Krause in 1972. (Picture Courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).

One of the great things about running a website about Korean Buddhist temples is that you get to meet a lot of amazing people. And a lot of these amazing people have varying backgrounds, interests, and insights. Rather amazingly, some of these people first visited Korea in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Here are their stories!

Q1: Where are you originally from? Introduce yourself a little. 

A: I was born in Freeport, TX. I moved every year of my life around the U.S. Bill was born in Okinawa. He went to Korea in 1966. 

Q2: When and why did you first come to Korea? 

A: I was 12 when we moved to Seoul in the summer of 1968. We lived in Bay St. Louis, MS. I remember running down the street to my math teacher’s house, Mrs. Ramsey, squealing that I was moving to South Korea! I was thrilled before we even got there. I was in the deep south during the civil rights movements, lost my best friend, had crosses burned in our yard, my friends said you will probably marry a slanty eyed boy (racism)… well I did! My dad worked for the U.S. government, a petroleum specialist. He worked jointly with the U.S. & R.O.K. Airforce. We lived there 6 years, for my entire junior and high school experience, but I know I went to Korea to meet my Seoulmate, Bill Krause! Bill’s dad was in the war in Okinawa, stayed after the war, started a contracting company and rebuilt much of Southeast Asia. He was an invited contractor to Korea.

Q3: When you first came to Korea what city did you live in? Did you subsequently move around? 

A: Seoul! We stayed in the U.N. Village, Hannam-dong. Upon our arrival, we stayed at Walker Hill Resort. We lived off base but went to Seoul American High School. Bill lived in New Itaewon up on Namsan! 

Q4: What was the first temple you visited in Korea? 

A: All the temples and palaces in Seoul. Immediate travel to many areas in Korea with the T.C.C. Club [Travel and Culture Club] in our high school. Bopjusa [Beopjusa Temple], Haeinsa [Temple], Kyongju [Gyeongju], Kwangju [Gwangju] areas, Pusan [Busan], Cheju-do [Jeju-do], all over. When I was a little older, we took off on our own, Bill and I and friends. 

Beopjusa Temple in 1971. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
The 29 metre tall cement statue dedicated to Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha) in 1971. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
From the Palsang-jeon Hall towards the cement Mireuk-bul statue from 1971. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).

Q5: What drew your interest to Korean Buddhist temples?  

A: Growing up all over the U.S., camping and nature were always my peace in a dysfunctional family! I found peace and knew holiness was not small and confined in a church.  

Q6: What is your favorite temple? Why? 

A: Exactly. Why would one have a favorite? HA! Feelings and experiences for me. Bill’s first love was photography, so thankful he captured much of this time period! 

Q7: What temple or hermitage has changed the most from when you first got here? What has           changed about it?  

A: As I see your amazing travel and documenting of temples, I see many changes. In our days, we could freely go in, be welcomed to stay in the old rooms with floor heating. We did not worry about things like carbon monoxide poisoning, etc., and we always ended up in the kitchen. We shared whatever we had in our backpacks, which were heavy military packs, not this lightweight stuff! We were young foreign diplomats in many ways. Those days we would be so remote, Bill’s long hair, we were the Beatle’s to some! 

The forest fire near Pyochungsa Temple in Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
The monk Beop helping to put out the forest fire. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
Betty Krause and friends with the monk Beop after helping to put out the forest fire. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).

Q8: What was the most difficult temple to get to? How did you get there? 

A: Pyochungsa [Temple]! Back then, no roads! A small group went there together in the spring of 1973. Bill went with a friend and traveled to remote places, as this was their senior year and he would be graduating from SAHS [Seoul American High School]. We took trains and buses from Seoul. The bus literally crossed rivers and we landed in a village outside of temple. It seemed monks in training were there, as well as some students studying. We stayed days and a forest fire happened. No water or fire trucks, we were all on the mountain using everything we could to put the fire out. Truly life enriching experiences. I met Beop (a Buddhist monk) there and would love to find him. He must be at a temple someplace!

Later that year, 1973, Bill graduated and moved to college in Port Angeles, WA. We were and still are soulmates. A friend and I did an independent study in our Korean Culture class, we were seniors. We chose Pyochungsa [Temple]. We went alone and found our way and stayed. Beop greeted us; and yes, we ended up in the kitchen. We hiked all over, did the least amount of schoolwork as possible! On this occasion we joined in all chants and meditations. We went up high above the main temple, where the deep meditative place was. We knew we were amongst holiness.  I did not like rice, I would sneak my bowl to hide in the mountains. I just know they probably knew this. Then, rice had to be mixed with beans as rationed or food shortages. Hard to verbalize this experience. We passed our class and this friend and I graduated in Jan., 1974 and went to be with Bill. I gave Beop a native American necklace that I was wearing.  

Q9: Did you remain in Korea or did you return home? 

A: I left Korea, Jan., 1974. I graduated from high school. Bill and I returned in the fall of 1981 on a tour. His parents still lived in Namsan. I have not been back. We hope to go again, especially being in Okinawa temporarily. We now live in Tehachapi, CA. There is a beautiful Korean temple, Taegosa [Temple] (Mountain Spirit Center) just down the road. It seems it was built just for us outside of our little town!

The Daeung-jeon Hall at Bulguksa Temple in 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
A woman praying in front of Dabo-tap Pagoda in 1973 at Bulguksa Temple. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
One of the Four Heavenly Kings inside the Cheonwangmun Gate in 1973 at Bulguksa Temple. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
A dragon at Bulguksa Temple in 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
A look towards the Daeung-jeon Hall from the western back courtyard at Bulguksa Temple in 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
A monk at Haeinsa Temple in the spring of 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
A guardian painting at Haeinsa Temple from the spring of 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
The Gugwan-ru Pavilion at Haeinsa Temple in the spring of 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
Sunset at Haeinsa Temple in the spring of 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
An up-close of the “Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple” in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do from the early 1970s. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
The village in front of Pyochungsa Temple in Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
Another picture from the village in front of Pyochungsa Temple from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
One last beautiful picture from the village in front of Pyochungsa Temple from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
The Cheonwangmun Gate at Pyochungsa Temple from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
Inside a shrine hall at Pyochungsa Temple from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
A hermitage at Pyochungsa Temple from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
Betty Krause and friends from 1973. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
Betty Krause in Gyeongju in 1981. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).
And another picture from Gyeongju of Betty Krause in 1981. (Picture courtesy of Bill and Betty Krause).

~해 주다, ~해 드리다, ~해 주시다 Doing & Asking Favors | Live Class Abridged

Sunday's recent live stream was about the forms ~해 주다, ~해 드리다, and ~해 주시다, and when and how to use each one. The full live was around two hours but the abridged version is just 9 minutes.

The post ~해 주다, ~해 드리다, ~해 주시다 Doing & Asking Favors | Live Class Abridged appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Important Hanja: BOTH 량/양 (兩) (한자) | Korean FAQ

Have you ever seen this Hanja used before? 량 (or 양) means "both," but it has a few uses when combined with other characters and is used at the front of a word.

And do you enjoy these Hanja episodes, and would you like to see more? Let me know in the comments!

The post Important Hanja: BOTH 량/양 (兩) (한자) | Korean FAQ appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Danhosa Temple – 단호사 (Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do)

The “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple” in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do.

Temple History

Danhosa Temple is located in the southeastern part of the city of Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do near agricultural fields and an elementary school. The exact date of the temple’s founding is unknown; however, it was repaired during the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon (r. 1674-1720) during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). At that time, it was known as Yaksa Temple, after the Buddha of Medicine, Yaksayeorae-bul. Eventually, the temple would come to be known as Danhosa Temple in 1954. Additionally, Danhosa Temple belongs to the Taego-jong Order, which is the second largest Buddhist Order in Korea next to the Jogye-jong Order.

Danhosa Temple is home to a single Korean Treasure, Korean Treasure #512, which is the “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple.”

The “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple” from 1921. (Picture courtesy of the National Museum of Korea).

Temple Layout

You first approach the compact temple grounds off of a four lane road. And the first thing to greet you upon entering the temple grounds is a beautiful, highly twisted, red pine tree. It’s simply stunning in the way that it bends. And between this red pine and the Daeung-jeon Hall is the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Danhosa Temple.” This pagoda, which is a bit hidden behind the side-winding central pine tree, is believed to date back to the mid-Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). The pagoda is made from a single block of stone, and it’s Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property #69.

The Daeung-jeon Hall is adorned with large panel paintings of the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals) and a separate collection of lotus flower murals. There are two eye-bulging dragons on opposite sides of the main hall’s signboard. Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, your eyes will be instantly drawn to the statue of the “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple” on the main altar. While unnamed in the official listing by the Korean government, it appears as though the “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple” is a statue of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). The black statue has an oval face. The ears are elongated, and the three wrinkles, known as “samdo” in Korean, are clearly evident on his neck. The Buddha’s robe is draped over both shoulders. The upper body of the statue is rectangular in shape with narrow, round shoulders and a flat chest. The Buddha has both of his legs tucked up under him, and there are horizontal folds in his robe below the knees. The original location of the statue is unknown, but it’s believed to have first been built around the 11th century. The “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple” is Korean Treasure #512. Additionally, this main altar iron statue is joined on either side by two newer (non-iron) statues of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul). The rest of the interior is occupied by a beautiful, modern Gamno-do (Sweet Dew Mural) and a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). Both Daeung-jeon Hall murals seem to have been painted by the same unknown artist. There are also a few dozen statuettes dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal lining the walls of the main hall.

To the right of the main hall is multi-purpose Geukrak-jeon Hall. The Geukrak-jeon Hall at Danhosa Temple certainly isn’t as grand as the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are adorned in dancheong colours. Stepping inside this shrine hall, you’ll find a simple triad of statues on the main altar. In the centre rests an image of Amita-bul joined on either side by Gwanseeum-bosal and Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). Also occupying the interior of this shrine hall is a rather rudimentary painting dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) on the left wall, a mural dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars) on the right wall, and both a Jijang-bosal mural and a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) on opposite sides of the main altar triad. All pieces of artwork seem to have been executed by the same artist.

Standing next to the Geukrak-jeon Hall is a six metre tall, chipped golden statue dedicated to Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha). This statue was first built on the temple grounds at Danhosa Temple in 1973. Spread throughout the rest of the temple grounds, and mainly to the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, are a collection of stonework. These statues include a jovial image of Podae-hwasang (The Hempen Bag), a smaller statue dedicated to Mireuk-bul, and a contemplative statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal backing a lotus pond. There’s also a uniquely designed slender five-story pagoda in this area, as well, with manja symbols on each of the four sides of the structure on all five stories of the pagoda.

The only other building on the temple grounds is the administrative office and monks’ dorms located behind the Daeung-jeon Hall.

How To Get There

The easiest way to get to Danhosa Temple from the Chungju Intercity Bus Terminal is to take Bus #610. You’ll need to take this bus for four stops and get off at the “Danwol-dong stop – 단월동 하차.” This bus ride should take about 10 minutes. From where the bus drops you off at the stop, you’ll need to head south and cross over the “Sindae 2-gil – 신대2길” road. The walk from where the bus drops you off to Danhosa Temple is about 200 metres, or three minutes.

Overall Rating: 6/10

The rather obvious highlight to Danhosa Temple is the Korean Treasure, the “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple.” The statue is beautifully executed and well-preserved considering that it dates back to the 11th century. The interior of the Daeung-jeon Hall has a beautiful collection of murals inside it, as well. One other beautiful highlight at Danhosa Temple is the twisting red pine that takes up most of the temple courtyard. While compact in size, Danhosa Temple definitely has its share of highlights.

The temple courtyard at Danhosa Temple.
A look through the twisted red pine tree towards the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The Daeung-jeon Hall at Danhosa Temple.
The main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
An up-close of the Korean Treasure, the “Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple.”
The Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) inside the main hall.
The Gamno-do (Sweet Dew Mural) inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, as well.
The golden Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha) statue and Geukrak-jeon Hall at Danhosa Temple.
The main altar inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall.
The Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) mural and statue also inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall.
The five-story manja pagoda and statue of Gwanseeum-bosal on the temple grounds.
The Podae-hwasang (The Hempen Bag) statue at Danhosa Temple, as well.
And the golden Mireuk-bul statue under a summer sky.

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