By Honorary Reporter Jovana Svedic from Serbia
Photos = Jovana Svedic

After a great experience at the Seoul COEX last month, I decided to tour the surrounding area in the city's Gangnam-gu District to capture the cityscape with my camera. Unexpectedly, I came across a stunning hand-painted gate directly across the street that welcomes visitors to the historical Bongeunsa Temple.

In front of Jinyeomun (Gate of Truth) is a little booth for both domestic and foreign visitors and a souvenir store. In a friendly exchange, a staff member at the booth gave me a brief overview of the temple's history, significance and value.

This bell in front of Seonbuldang is where people can pray.

Bongeunsa was built in 794 during the Silla Dynasty (B.C. 57-A.D. 935). Panjeon, built with 81 wood blocks during the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), was the only original structure to survive the big fire at the temple in 1939. The written blocks were preserved by Kim Jeong-hee, one of the best calligraphers of his time, in 1855.

Daewoonjeon, the main Buddha hall and designated National Treasure No. 1819, has three wooden sitting Buddhas. Seonbuldang, Seoul Tangible Cultural Property No. 64, is visible on the right and unique for its roof's six gables. Other buildings including the halls of Jijangjeon and Yeongsanjeon.

Visitors can take part in a Templestay at Bongeunsa featuring tea ceremonies and meals with temple food to gain a deeper understanding of Korean Buddhist culture.  

Daewoongjeon is the main Buddha hall and a national treasure designated by the government.

I admired the lovely gardens further down the path, which brought me to Mireuk Daebul, aka the Great Statue of the Maitreya Buddha and the tallest stone statue in Korea at 23 m. Jongru (Bell Pavilion) houses the wooden bell and dharma drum and bell heard early in the morning and at night right before the ceremonies. 

This visit was one of my best experiences in Seoul. I saw breathtaking surroundings, marveled at magnificent buildings and gained more knowledge about Korea's lengthy history. 

Mireuk Daebul, aka the Great Statue of the Maitreya Buddha, is the tallest stone statue in Korea at 23 m.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.