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Exploring the Grit and Charm of Jangsaengpo: A Photographic Journey through Ulsan’s Industrial Heart

Welcome to Jangsaengpo, a hidden gem nestled within the industrial tapestry of Ulsan, South Korea. In a city pulsating with modernity, Jangsaengpo stands as a testament to the bygone era, a place where time seems to have slowed, allowing for introspection amidst the clangor of progress.

As a photographer with an insatiable curiosity for something authentic, the allure of Jangsaengpo is undeniable. It’s a paradoxical landscape where the industrial relics of “Old Ulsan” coexist with pockets of rejuvenation, offering a canvas ripe for exploration.

At first glance, Jangsaengpo may seem frozen in the early 2000s, but therein lies its charm. The city’s earnest endeavors to revive its fishing port have transformed derelict structures into cultural hubs, like the observatory/coffeeshop/ culture center that now offers panoramic views of the SK Petroleum factory.

Yet, beyond the superficial upgrades, Jangsaengpo pulsates with raw authenticity. A mere stroll unveils a world devoid of ubiquitous chain cafes and pasta place, instead one can still find establishments serving whale meat—a nod to the city’s maritime heritage. Here, every rusted facade and weathered building tells a story of resilience and evolution.

In my quest for the genuine, I found solace amidst the cracks and rust, capturing moments that transcend time. The juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, evident in the architectural landscape, serves as a poignant reminder of Ulsan’s rich tapestry.

For the discerning street photographer, Jangsaengpo is a treasure trove. It beckons with its unfiltered scenes of daily life, far removed from the polished veneer of upscale neighborhoods. Here, the artistry lies in capturing the essence of existence, unadorned and raw.

As dawn breaks over Jangsaengpo, fishermen emerge, casting their nets in hopes of a bountiful catch. It’s in these fleeting moments of industry that the soul of the city reveals itself, casting a spell on those willing to embrace its authenticity.

My sojourn through Jangsaengpo was not marked by grandeur, but by the simple pleasures of exploration. It afforded me the freedom to experiment, to seek beauty in the mundane, and to find satisfaction in the ordinary.

So, as I returned home, the taste of the morning’s coffee still lingering on my lips, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. For in Jangsaengpo, amidst the grit and charm, I had discovered a slice of Ulsan’s soul—a timeless narrative waiting to be captured through the lens.

The post Exploring the Grit and Charm of Jangsaengpo: A Photographic Journey through Ulsan’s Industrial Heart appeared first on The Sajin.


Jason Teale 

Photographer, educator, podcaster

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Photographing Korea and the world beyond!

 

 

Unlocking the Future of Laser Vision Correction: The Advantages of SMILE PRO (Visumax 800)

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Sponsored by BGN Eye Hospital

Unlocking the Future of Laser Vision Correction: The Advantages of SMILE PRO (Visumax 800)

In the realm of laser vision correction, advancements continually push the boundaries of what's possible, striving for improved outcomes and patient satisfaction. One such innovation that has been making waves is SMILE PRO, powered by the Visumax 800 system. This cutting-edge technology offers a host of advantages over conventional SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedures, revolutionizing the landscape of refractive surgery.

Revolutionary Speed

One of the most striking advantages of SMILE PRO is its remarkable speed. Traditional SMILE procedures typically take anywhere from 25 to 27 seconds per eye. However, with the Visumax 800 system, the laser speed is dramatically accelerated to an impressive 7 to 9 seconds per eye. This significant reduction in treatment time not only enhances patient comfort but also minimizes the potential for intraoperative complications, making the procedure more efficient and convenient for both patients and practitioners. Faster laser time, provides faster vision recovery, minimizes dry eye syndrome after surgery and brings risk of laser suction loss to the minimum.

Precision Elevated with Robotic Assistance

While conventional SMILE procedures have already demonstrated impressive precision and efficacy, SMILE PRO takes accuracy to new heights with its advanced robotic assistance system. This system offers two key advantages: pupil centration and robotic axis fixation for astigmatism correction.

Pupil centration plays a crucial role in achieving optimal visual outcomes following myopia laser vision correction. SMILE PRO's CentraLign® robotic assistance ensures precise alignment of the treatment zone with the center of the patient's pupil, minimizing the risk of decentration and maximizing the effectiveness of the procedure.

Moreover, for patients with astigmatism, achieving accurate axis fixation is paramount for successful correction. SMILE PRO's OcuLign® robotic system precisely identifies and locks onto the axis of astigmatism, enabling customized treatment tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient's cornea. This level of precision enhances the predictability and reliability of astigmatism correction, leading to superior visual outcomes and patient satisfaction. While previously patients with high astigmatism over -2 or -3 diopters were not ideal patients for SMILE surgery, SMILE PRO shows excellent results in high stigmatism correction due to robotic axis fixation system.


Enhanced Patient Experience

In addition to its technical advancements, SMILE PRO also prioritizes the patient experience. The combination of faster treatment times and improved precision translates into reduced overall procedure duration and enhanced comfort for patients. Shorter treatment time minimizes the potential for discomfort and anxiety, allowing patients to undergo laser vision correction with greater ease and confidence.

Furthermore, the enhanced accuracy and predictability offered by SMILE PRO instill trust and reassurance in patients seeking vision correction. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and robotics, this innovative system inspires confidence in both patients and surgeons, fostering a positive surgical experience and promoting long-term patient satisfaction.

Wish to learn more about SMILE PRO or maybe check if you are a candidate for SMILE PRO, SMILE or other types of laser vision correction?

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Korean Verbs for Beginners – Your Easy Grammar Guide

Learning basic Korean verbs for beginners is a great way to approach a complex topic of Korean grammar more easily.

A person sitting on the floor while reading a book with a Korean flag on the cover

We’ll teach you the most common verbs in the Korean language below. Let’s get to it!

Most Common Korean Verbs

Learning Korean verbs is an essential step in learning Korean. They express actions, states, and events. In its basic form, the Korean verb always ends with 다 (da). For example, 먹다 (meokda) means “to eat,” and 가다 (gada) means “to go.”

List of the most common Korean verbs

Here’s a list of verbs that are related to daily activities:

KoreanEnglish
가다 (gada)to go out
오다 (oda)to come
주다 (juda)to give
받다 (batda)to receive
자다 (jada)to sleep
먹다 (meokda)to eat
마시다 (masida)to drink
일어나다 (ireonada)to wake up
씻다 (ssitda)to wash
입다 (ibda)to wear
걷다 (geotda)to walk
놀다 (nolda)to play or to have fun
돕다 (dopda)to help
일하다 (ilhada)to work
만나다 (mannada)to meet
공부하다 (gongbuhada)to study
운동하다 (undonghada)to exercise
산책하다 (sanchaekhada)to take a walk
요리하다 (yorihada)to cook
청소하다 (cheongsohada)to clean
쇼핑하다 (syopinghada)to shop
운전하다 (unjeonhada)to drive
전화하다 ( jeonhwahada)to call

Korean Verb Conjugation Patterns

You can modify verbs to indicate different tenses and politeness levels. So, learning these patterns is important for communicating in Korean. Here are some common verb conjugation patterns:

Conjugation based on the Politeness Levels

There are two common polite speeches, which are 하십시오체 (hasipsioche) for formal speech and 해요체 (haeyoche) for polite informal speech.

For example, 갑니다 (gamnida) is the formal speech, and 가요 (gayo) is the polite informal form of 가다 (gada).

When speaking casually, 해체 (haeche) is commonly used. For example, 먹어 (meogeo) is the informal form of 먹다 (meokda).

Polite informal speech forms 해요체 (haeyoche) in present tense

The most common conjugation pattern is the polite informal speech forms. This form is used in everyday conversations such as at workplaces, shops, etc.

If the stem ends with Batchim (final consonant)

If the stem ends have the ㅗ /ㅏ, add 아요.

  • 살다 (salda | to live) -> 살아요 (sarayo)
  • 놀다 (nolda | to play)-> 놀아요 (norayo)

If the vowels are not ㅗ /ㅏ, 어요 is added.

  • 먹다 (meokda | to eat) -> 먹어요 (meogeoyo)
  • 입다 (ipda | to wear)-> 입어요 (ibeoyo)

If the stem ends without Batchim (final consonant)

If the vowel is ㅜ, 어요 is added:

  • 주다 (juda | to give)-> 줘요 (jwoyo)* (shortened from주어요) *In speaking, the shortened version is commonly used.

If the vowel is ㅗ, 아요 is added.

  • 오다 (oda | to come)-> 와요 (wayo)* (shortend from 오아요) *In speaking, the shortened version is commonly used.

If the vowel is ㅏ/ㅓ/ㅐ/ㅔ, add 요.

  • 가다 (gada | to go) -> 가요 (gayo)
  • 세다 (gayo seda | to count) -> 세요 (seyo)

If the vowel is l, change ㅣ to ㅕ and then add 요.

  • 마시다 (masida | to drink) -> 마셔요 (masyeoyo)

If the vowel is ㅜ, change ㅜ to ㅝ and then add 요.

  • 주다 (juda | to give) -> 줘요 (jwoyo)

If the vowel is ㅡ, change ㅡ to ㅓ and then add 요.

  • 쓰다 (sseuda | to write) -> 써요 (sseoyo)

If the vowel is ㅡ, and the prior vowel is ㅗ/ㅏ, change ㅡ to ㅏ and then add 요.

  • 모으다 (moeuda | to collect) -> 모아요 (moayo)

If the vowel is ㅟ/ㅚ, whether there is a Batchim (final consonant) or not, add 어요.

  • 쉬다 (swida | to rest) -> 쉬어요 (swieoyo)

If the verb stem ends with 하, change 하 to 해 and add 요.

  • 공부하다 (gongbuhada | to study) -> 공부해요 (gongbuhaeyo)

Verb Tense and Conjugation

To express different tenses, such as present, past, and future, you need to conjugate verbs by changing the verb stem.

To conjugate verbs into their polite informal form in the past tense, 았/었어요 (at/eosseoyo) is added. For the future tense, -ㄹ/을 거예요 (-r/eul geoyeyo) is added.

For example, 먹다 (meokda) becomes 먹어요 (meogeoyo) in the present tense and 먹었어요 (meogeosseoyo) in the past tense. For future tense, it becomes 먹을 거예요 (meogeul geoyeyo).

Negative Forms:

You can conjugate Korean verbs into negative forms by adding 안 (an) before the verb stem.

For example, “I don’t eat” is 안 먹어요 (an meogeoyo).

Polite command form

This verb conjugation is common as it can be used in many situations, and you will sound respectful. When telling someone to do something politely, you can add (으)세요 to the verb stem.

For example, 마시세요 (masiseyo) is the polite request form of the verb 마시다 (masida), meaning “to drink”. In a sentence, 물을 많이 마시세요 (mureul mani masiseyo) means “Drink a lot of water.”

Polite request form

When you are asking someone to do something, conjugate verbs using 아/어 주세요.

For example, 도와 주세요 (dowa juseyo) means “Please help.”

Conjugating “Hada” Verbs

There are various Korean verb endings, but many of these verbs end with 하다 (hada). Here are some common conjugations of Korean verbs ending with 하다 (hada):

Present Tense

  • Formal (하십시오체 | hasipsioche): 나는 공부합니다 (naneun gongbuhamnida) – “I study.”
  • Polite Informal (해요체 | haeyoche): 나는 공부해요 (naneun gongbuhaeyo) – “I study.”
  • Casual (해체 | haeche): 나는 공부해 (naneun gongbuhae) – “I study.”

Past Tense

  • Formal (하십시오체 | hasipsioche): 나는 어제 운동했습니다 (naneun eoje undonghaetseumnida) – “I exercised yesterday.”
  • Polite Informal (해요체 | haeyoche): 나는 어제 운동했어요 (naneun eoje undonghaesseoyo) – “I exercised yesterday.”
  • Casual (해체 | haeche): 나는 어제 운동했어 (naneun eoje undonghaesseo) – “I exercised yesterday.”

Future Tense

  • Formal (하십시오체 | hasipsioche): 저는 한국어를 공부할 겁니다 (jeoneun hangugeoreul gongbuhal geosimnida gongbuhal geoyeyo gongbuhal geoya) – “I will study Korean.”
  • Polite Informal (해요체 | haeyoche): 나는 한국어를 공부할 거예요 (naneun hangugeoreul gongbuhal geoyeyo) – “I will study Korean.”
  • Casual (해체 | haeche): 나는 한국어를 공부할 거야 (naneun hangugeoreul geoya) – “I will study Korean.”

Negative Forms

You can conjugate Korean verbs into negative forms by adding 안 (an) before the verb stem. However, conjugating verbs ending with 하다 into negative form is different. For these verbs, insert “안” in the middle, before the 하다 part.

  • Formal (하십시오체 | hasipsioche): 저는 요리 안 합니다 (jeoneun yori an hamnida) – “I study.”
  • Polite Informal (해요체 | haeyoche): 나는 요리 안 해요 (naneun yori an haeyo) – “I study.”
  • Casual (해체 | haeche): 나는 요리 안 해 (naneun yori an hae) – “I study.”

Polite command form

To make a polite command using verbs ending in 하다, simply change 하다 to 하세요.

고속도로로 운전하세요 (gosokdororo unjeonhaseyo) – “Drive to highway.”

Polite request form

To make a polite request, 주다’s polite command form 해 주세요 is used.

천천히 운전해 주세요(cheoncheonhi unjeonhae juseyo) – “Drive slowly please.”

Korean Irregular Verbs

Some verbs do not follow standard Korean conjugation patterns. These verbs often have unique conjugation rules, which need to be memorized. Familiarizing yourself with this will help you determine the appropriate conjugation patterns to use.

ㄷ irregular

Korean verb “걷다” (deotda), meaning “to walk,” doesn’t follow a regular pattern. The ㄷ Batchim of the verb stem becomes ㄹ and then conjugated as normal.

걷다 (geotda | to walk) -> 걸어요 (georeoyo)

ㅅ irregular

Some verbs with ㅅ Batchim in their verb stem are irregular. The ㅅ is dropped and conjugated as normal.

낫다 (natda | to recover) -> 나아요 (naayo)

ㅂ irregular

The ㅂ Batchim is replaced with 우, then added to the following conjugation Korean word.

눕다 (nupda | to lie down) -> 누워요 (nuwoyo) *우+어 ->워

ㅡ irregular

For ㅡ irregular verbs, you need to check the second to last syllable of its verb stem. If its vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, ㅏ replaces ㅡ in the last syllable. If the vowel in this syllable is not ㅏ or ㅗ, ㅓ replaces ㅡ in the last syllable.

잠그다 (jamgeuda | to lock) -> 잠가요 (jamgayo)

르 irregular

When conjugating 르 irregular verb, extra ㄹ is added to the syllable before 르 in its verb stem. And then 르 becomes either 러 or 라, depending on the vowel of the syllable before 르.

고르다 (goreuda | to choose) -> 골라요 (gollayo)

ㄹ irregular

For some verbs that have ㄹ Batchim in their final syllable of the stem, their ㄹ 받침 will be dropped when conjugating with the polite request -(으)세요. Then, you will just conjugate as normal.

열다 (yeolda | to open) -> 여세요 (yeoseyo)

Conclusion

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with simple verbs and gradually extending your vocabulary and Korean verb conjugations as you progress.

If you come across unfamiliar words, being equipped with a Korean dictionary would help. Find out more about our recommendations here.

The post Korean Verbs for Beginners – Your Easy Grammar Guide appeared first on 90 Day Korean.

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Do these things before moving to Korea… | A Glass with Billy

My friend Jeremy moved to Korea at the end of 2022 and has been living there since, but he had a hard time adjusting to some things. I interviewed him and he shared with me what things he would've done differently before coming to Korea, and what others should do too.

The post Do these things before moving to Korea… | A Glass with Billy appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

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“Sister” in Korean – Ways to address a female sibling

Recently, we went over how to say “brother” in Korean. Thus, it is only right that now we focus on how to say “sister” in Korean!

Two women celebrating

If you’ve already learned Korean family terms before, you’d know how to address your family members, including any female sibling. Based on that article, you also know that the Korean language is quite specific on which words to use in which situations.

So, let’s learn the ways to say “sister” and the related words!

How to say “sister” in Korean

The way the word “sister” works in Korean is very similar to the word “brother.” As in, there is a different word to use in some cases, depending on if you are a female or a male.

If you are female, the Korean word for sister is 언니 (eonni). If you are male, the word for sister is 누나 (nuna).

However, the word for sister, which is 여동생 (yeodongsaeng), can be used by any gender. Below, we will go into more detail about when this is possible.

“Younger sister” in Korean

The word for younger sister is 여동생 (yeodongsaeng). You can use this word regardless of your own gender. The word 동생 (dongsaeng) stands for younger sibling, while 여 (yeo) designates it as female. Do take notice that you can often simply say 동생 (dongsaeng) when referring to younger siblings, omitting 여 (yeo) (or 남 (nam) if it’s a younger brother).

Sample sentence:

여동생은 대학교에서 무엇을 공부하니? (yeodongsaengeun daehakgyoeseo mueoseul gongbuhani?)

What does your little sister study in university?

“Older sister” in Korean

For “older sister,” the words to use are 언니 (eonni) and 누나 (nuna). Because an added layer of respect is involved, the word to use changes depending on the speaker’s gender. Thus, females call sisters by 언니 (eonni), and males call sisters by 누나 (nuna).

It is also incredibly common to refer to female friends older than you as 언니 (eonni) or 누나 (nuna) since 친구 (chingu) is only used when referring to friends of the same age. Sometimes, boys and men will also call the women they like or are dating by 누나 (nuna). However, that is more common among teenagers and young adults.

Another word for older sister is 누이 (nui), but this is an old term that you may hear in historical drama more often than in modern Korean.

Sample sentence:

언니는 브라질에서 일을 해요. (eonnineun beurajireseo ireul haeyo.)

My sister works in Brazil.

“Sister-in-law in Korean”

For saying sister-in-law in Korean correctly, multiple factors matter. It’s much like how you would refer to your brother-in-law, as shown in another article of ours.

Husband’s older sister: 형님 (hyeongnim) or 언니 (eonni)

Husband’s younger sister: 아가씨 (agassi)

Husband’s younger brother’s wife: 동서 (dongseo)

Wife’s older sister: 처형 (cheohyeong)

Wife’s younger sister: 처제 (cheoje)

Younger brother’s wife (for men): 제수 (jesu)

Younger brother’s wife (for women): 올케 (olke)

Older brother’s wife (for men): 형수님 (hyeongsunim)

Older brother’s wife (for women): 새언니 (saeeonni)

Sample sentence:

안녕하세요, 동서! 오늘 뭘 먹고 싶으세요? (annyeonghaseyo, dongseo! oneul mwol meokgo sipeuseyo?)

Hello, sister-in-law! What would you like to eat today?

“Step sister” in Korean

The word for step-sister works similarly to step-brother. If they are older than you and you are female, you may use 의붓언니 (uibudeonni). If they are older than you and you are male, you may use 의붓누나 (uibutnuna). If they are younger than you, you may use 의붓동생 (uibutdongsaeng), regardless of whether you are a girl or a boy yourself.

Sample sentence:

의붓언니에 대해서 질문이 있어요. 물어봐도 될까요? (uibudeonnie daehaeseo jilmuni isseoyo. mureobwado doelkkayo?)

I have a question regarding your step-sister. Is it OK to ask?

“Half-sister” in Korean

The word for half-sister in Korean works similarly to the abovementioned words, as well as the words related to “brother.” If they are older than you and you are female, you may use 이복언니 (ibogeonni).

If they are older than you and you are male, you may use 이복누나 (iboknuna). If they are younger than you, you may use 이복동생 (ibokdongsaeng), no matter if you are a boy or a girl yourself.

Sample sentence:

저에게는 누나가 한 명, 여동생이 한 명 있습니다. 그리고 이복누나가 한 명 있습니다. (jeoegeneun nunaga han myeong, yeodongsaengi han myeong itseumnida. geurigo iboknunaga han myeong itseumnida.)

I have one older sister and one younger sister. Also, I have one older half-sister.

“Sisters” in Korean

For saying sisters in Korean, one term you can use is 여자 형제 (yeoja hyeongje). This literally means “female siblings”. However, it is not a term you will commonly hear used in spoken communication. Another word for “sisters” is 자매 (jamae).

When you want to describe a sibling relationship with your sister while you are male – and also if you are female – you may say 남매 (nammae) or 오누이 (one).

Ways to use 언니 (eonni) in Korean

Above, we already mentioned that 언니 (eonni) is used exclusively by women to refer to an older sister. This sister can be blood-related, but also a female friend who happens to be older than the speaker.

Older Female Cousin

Additionally, the word for older female cousin is 사촌언니 (sachoneonni). However, when calling one’s older female cousin, most Koreans often just use 언니 (eonni), or they will call their cousin by their name + 언니 (eonni). However, if you are speaking about your cousin to other people, then you should use 사촌언니 (sachoneonni).

Acquaintance

Also, if the woman is your acquaintance but not a good friend, you may call them 아는 언니 (aneun eonni) in a conversation with other people. With upper classmates that are female, you will call them by their name, attached to either 언니 (eonni) or the gender-neutral 선배 (seonbae), which means senior.

Wrap Up

And now we know different ways to say “sister” in South Korea! Isn’t that great? Let us know below in the comments if you’ve got any sisters or brothers – in Korean, of course! Next up, maybe you would like to know more about some related words, such as sunbae and hubae?

The post “Sister” in Korean – Ways to address a female sibling appeared first on 90 Day Korean.

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.

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.

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.

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