Reinkes in Korea: Visiting Buddhist Temples

One of the real pleasures in South Korea is visiting the Buddhist temples. They come in a wide variety of forms and locations, from secluded mountains and valleys, to right in the middle of city blocks. One thing that all the temples have in common is their calm, peaceful atmosphere.

From my observations, each temple I have visited has been a special place, where people come to step away from their busy lives, and reflect. It seems such a personal experience and one that I can see is an amazing antidote to the crazy lives we often lead.

Yesterday Russell, Alice and I visited two temples about 15 minutes from where we live, in Seongnam. These temples are close to each other, and are not on the usual tourist trails. One was right on the city streets and the other at the top of the hill. As with other times that we have visited Buddhist temples, these places are beautifully kept, cared for with obvious love and commitment, and I felt a great sense of calm and privilege to be there. They didn't "shout" at me about a lot of money that had been spent on them, they weren't large and dominant, and they fitted in quietly with their surroundings.

Days like yesterday are very special.

Bongguksa Temple is in Taepyeong, Seongnam - the entrance is right off a carpark!

Up the steps and we entered a well-kept courtyard, with the temple buldings around it.
The buddha in the middle is quite jolly, with children sitting all over him - the statue has a happy, relaxed feel to it!

The beautifully kept interior of one of the temple buildings.

Alice and I outside one of the temple buildings.

Buddha's birthday was just a few weeks ago -
not sure if all these lanterns have something to do with that, or if they are always there.

As always, the attention to detail in the paintwork is magnificent!

Looking back over Bongguksa Temple as we climbed the hill to Manggyeongam Temple.
Apartments in the background.

We went on the wrong path at first, but it was worth it!!

Half way up the hill we found these air sprayers...... others were using them to cool down, so we thought we'd do it too. I think the signs says it's to blow dust off yourself, and of course, warns about children using it and being careful of your face, etc, but it was a great way to cool down a bit.... and fun!!