A banner in front of the main hall or Daeungbojeon (대웅보전) says, 부처님 오신 날 meaning “the day when the Buddha came”.

Unlike other temples in Korea, Bongamsa Temple is open to the public for only one day of the year–on Buddha’s Birthday. Founded in 879 during the Silla Dynasty, Bongamsa Temple is located at the base of Mt. Huiyang (희양산) in Northwest Gyeongsangbuk-do.

First view of Bongamsa Temple with Mt. Huiyang in the background.

Steve and I were fortunate to have visited the temple three years ago and I remember it vividly.

Beautiful Korean countryside.

Since it was a last minute trip, we figured we were better off driving there than taking public transportation. We encountered heavy traffic on the way there so we arrived after 3pm.

Cars were rerouted since the main road was already full of parked cars on both sides.

After finding a nice spot to park, we started the 20-minute walk to the temple.

Valley stream and our first view of Mt. Huiyang’s granite peaks.

Midway through our walk, a very nice woman in traditional garb offered us a ride to the temple.

She dropped us off near the entrance of the temple and we thanked her profusely. We walked along the path, guided by the colorful lanterns. As we neared the temple, all we heard was the stream’s flowing water and everywhere we looked was luscious greenery.

Bongamsa Temple is one of the “Nine Mountain Schools of Seon (or Zen)”. In 1982, Bongamsa Temple and its surrounding area were closed off to the public for a better meditation environment. The Iljumun or one pillar gate stands as the boundary between secular and spiritual worlds.

Iljumun

Walking around the temple grounds, I experienced a sense of peace and calm unlike any other place I’ve been to in Korea.

Flowers and trees all over the temple grounds.

One of the temple halls has a tall chimney (gulttuk) for its under-floor heating system (ondol).

People were able to sit and relax outside one of the temple halls.

Worshippers removing their shoes before entering the temple.

Kids enjoying the natural spring water.

My favorite place in the temple grounds was behind the Geungnakjeon Hall (Nirvana Hall) where I had a good shade and a somewhat good view of the paintings on the side of the main hall.

Bongamsa Temple has 5 cultural treasures: Jeongjindaesa Wonotap 정진대사 원오탑 (Treasure No.171), Jijeungdaesa Jeokjotap 지증대사 적조탑 (Treasure No.137), Jeongjindaesa Wonotapbi 정진대사 원오탑비(Treasure No.172), Jijeungdaesa Jeokjotapbi 지증대사 적조탑비 (Treasure No.138), and a 3-story stone pagoda 삼층석탑 (Treasure No.169). The first two are stupas for preserving relics of Jeongjindaesa Geung Yang (878∼956), a famous Buddhist monk in the end of the Shilla and the early stage of Goryeo, and Jijeungdaesa Do Heon (824-882), the founder of the temple. The third and the fourth were monuments honoring these two extraordinary Buddhist monks. The last one is a pagoda that has a uniquely preserved top or finial which includes the sacred jewel, dragon jewel, and the flame.

3-story stone pagoda which signifies death and new eternal life.

Besides the banner outside the main hall, Bongamsa Temple was simply decorated with white lanterns only in its main courtyard. Visitors can write their wishes on paper which were placed on each lantern.

A woman reads one of the wishes on a lantern.

A father teaching his children how to pay tribute to Buddha.

As the sun started to set, few people were left and we experienced how it must be like for the monks 364 days of the year.

A serene place surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Here’s Steve’s video of our visit:

For more information about Bongamsa Temple and how to get there, go to their website or read Robert Koehler’s articles on his site and on the KTO’s website. You may also call the tourism hotline, 02-1330.

Bongamsa Temple address: 485 Wonbuk-ri, Gaeun-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 문경시 가은읍 원북리 485)

What is the most serene place you’ve been to?

Yongjusa Temple (용주사) means the dragon jewel temple. It was originally built in 854 AD under the name Garyangsa Temple. The temple was destroyed by fire during the second Manchurian invasion of Korea. In the late 18th century, King Jeongjo had it rebuilt in honor of his father, Prince Sado. Legend has it that on the night before construction was completed, King Jeongjo dreamt of a dragon soaring up into the sky and receiving the Pearl of Truth, the wish-fulfilling jewel. Hence the name Yongjusa.

龍珠寺 (Dragon Pearl Temple)

Before entering the temple, you go through the Varja Gate (Gumgangmun) and encounter the Four Heavenly Kings. They hold a sword, a dragon and a wish-fulfilling jewel, a trident and a stupa or pagoda, and a lute. They protect all beings and fight evil. People bow to them to gain protection from selfishness and any wrong-doing.

One of the things that makes Yongjusa Temple unique is that it has a Hongsalmun (홍살문), which is a gate that is commonly found in royal burial grounds or administrative offices.

Before entering the main courtyard of the temple, people bow to the stupa or stone pagoda in front of Cheonboru Pavilion and to the sacred bell to the left. The Cheonboru Pavilion (천보루) is actually a gate tower that was built in 1790 and is No. 36 of Gyeonggi-do’s cultural properties.

Ladies in traditional garb bowing to a sacred bell.

Offerings placed at the stone pagoda.

Buddha’s birthday is on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month. It is the most celebrated day of the year for Korean Buddhists. Temples throughout the country are decorated with countless colorful lanterns and special events are held. At Yongjusa Temple, the courtyard in front of the main Buddha hall, Daeungbojeon (대웅보전) was full of chairs for people to watch the bathing of the baby Buddha ceremony.

Offerings for the Buddha.

There are two other stone pagodas in the temple grounds where people pay their respects. One in front of Hoseongjeon (호성전) and another behind it.

Stone pagoda filled with writings of filial piety.

Stone pagoda dedicated to Ksitigarbha, the Bodhisattva who helps those in trouble.

Other items of note at Yongjusa Temple are the Beomjong (범종) and the Bumoeunjunggyeong (부모은중경). The Beomjong is a copper bell that was cast in the early 10th century. Beom (범) means the truth and every being in the universe. Hearing the sound of this bell enables one to escape evil passions through wisdom. The Bumoeunjunggyeong are books written by King Jeongjo on the subject of filial piety.

On Buddha’s birthday, various tents were set up to provide visitors with other things to see and do while at the temple. Visitors can write their wishes on roof tiles or write them on paper to be hung on the lanterns. Some tents sell souvenirs while others let visitors make them.

Also, lunch was provided for free for all visitors! We were each given a bowl of delicious bibimbap, a bowl of seaweed soup, and a bag of tteok (rice cake).

Here’s a video of Buddha’s birthday at Yongjusa Temple last year:

There are numerous temples in Korea and throughout the world. Whatever your religion or belief, I highly recommend visiting a temple on Buddha’s birthday.

If you’re interested in going to Yongjusa Temple by public transportation, the fastest way to get there is via Byeongjeom station on Subway Line 1. From the station, walk to the bus stop behind the station and ride green bus 34, 34-1, 44, 46, 47, or 50 to the temple (10-15 minutes). If you have more time, check out the royal tombs (Yungneung and Geolleung) nearby.

What are your plans on Buddha’s birthday?

During the day, it is the backdrop for fountain shows and cultural performances. Then it comes alive at night with its 360° water canons, flame generators, mist nozzles, lights, lasers, projectors, and the biggest and highest water curtain in the world (45m height).

Big-O complemented by the Theme Pavilion.

A girl entering the ocean world.

Flames from the Big-O.

Here’s a video of one of the morning fountain shows and some highlights of the evening’s Big-O Show:

If you’re going to the Yeosu Expo, the Big-O Show is something you cannot miss. For me, it was the highlight of the trip.

For more information, go to the Expo website or call the Expo hotline, 1577-2012. Here’s the list and schedule of Kpop performances scheduled before some of the Big-O Shows. If you want great views, make sure you’re at the venue at least an hour before any of the shows start.

What do you think of the Big-O?

"A story of marine robots as our partners."

This pavilion focuses on robots, from how they are made to what they can do now and in the future. It is divided into three zones: Zone 1 (Entrance and Robot Cargo), Zone 2 (Robot Soccer and Robot Lab), and Zone 3 (Deep Sea).

DSME Marine Robot Pavilion Layout (Source: http://eng.expo2012.kr/)

At the entrance, plastic model parts of a robot are displayed on the walls and ceiling. Then as you enter the Robot Cargo area, you’re greeted by a beautiful robot that is similar to what you would see as greeters outside establishments nowadays.

Meet EveR 4

EveR stands for “Eve” and “Robot”. Korea Institute of Industrial Technology started making EveR robots in 2005. The current model, EveR 4, has 30 motors (muscles) on its face that enables it to make expressions like humans.

The pavilion features robots that can dance to Michael Jackson songs, talk like humans, work underwater in the future, and many more.

The most memorable robots for me are the ones that can dance to Kpop songs.

Here’s a video of them dancing:

Which robot intrigued you?

Aqua Planet is divided into three parts: Coastal Life, Marine Life, and the Eco-Terrarium. In the Coastal Life zone, visitors can see rare ocean animals such as Beluga whales, Baikal seals, and sea dragons.

Watch Belugas playing.

Take pictures with Emperor penguins. This one makes me think of Happy Feet's Mumble.

In the Eco-Terrarium zone, visitors can see rare South American freshwater fishes such as pirarucus and piranhas. Also called Aqua Forest, this section is beautifully constructed to mimic the Amazon jungle.

A tank full of red-bellied piranhas.

Besides observing different fresh water species in their tanks, visitors can also have hands-on experience.

In this case, literally a hand-on experience: a Doctor Fish manicure.

A boy playing with an Archer fish gun.

For me, an aquarium is not complete without jellyfish and Aqua Planet boasts of having the biggest jellyfish tank in Korea. The tank was separated from the others in a dark room with only the color-changing lights illuminating and enhancing the beautiful jellyfish.

  

The Marine Life zone has a 6,000 ton tank that features the country’s first “dome aquarium”. This main tank can be viewed in many different ways including a 360-degree view of the underwater environment.

Capturing marine life through a round window.

The whole view of the main tank which features the 360-degree view dome room.

The glass tunnel leading out of the dome room.

Aqua Planet is said to have 280 species and about 30,000 marine animals. Though it is the biggest aquarium in terms of area, I find that it doesn’t have as much biodiversity as other aquariums I’ve been to in Korea.

Japanese Spider Crabs looking at each other.

Nevertheless, it is a must-see if you’re in the area. This facility will remain after the Yeosu Expo ends on August 12. During the Expo, entry to Aqua Planet is included in your day pass. For operating hours and other information, call the Expo hotline 1577-2012.

Do you like visiting aquariums? If so, what creatures do you like seeing?

Over the past two years, I’ve been struggling to share my work. Back in 2010, I embarked on a 365 project by taking one photograph each day. I succeeded in taking at least one picture every day but midway through the year, I stopped sharing them online. I can write a long list of excuses why I stopped but they’re just that, excuses.

Late last year, I stumbled on Jeff Goins’ website. I don’t remember which article got me there but I remember what got me hooked and inspired: You Must Ship. It was spot on. My main excuses were fear and perfectionism.

I’ve since read Goins’ blog diligently and did my best to apply what I’ve learned. He writes and gives advice in a way that makes you feel like anything is possible. But more importantly, he acknowledges and understands what it’s like to face challenges and obstacles even from yourself.

I credit Jeff Goins for giving me the last push I needed to create this website. To share my pictures and stories. To share my voice, so to speak.

A few weeks ago, Goins offered his readers a chance to get his new ebook for free. I jumped at the chance not just because it’s for free but I wanted to read more of his work. His new ebook, You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One), is about writing and what you need to do to be successful at it.

I honestly don’t plan to write a book nor do I aspire to be a great writer. But I still find this book extremely relevant in my pursuit. In fact, I will go so far as to say that it can apply to any person’s life pursuit. We need to become who we want to be, do what we love, create a platform for us to share our work, and build on relationships that will inevitably lead to success.

“Subtle but serious words that kill your passion before you can pursue it. Words like ‘aspiring’ and ‘wannabe’. Words like ‘I wish’ and ‘someday’.” ~Jeff Goins

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make their voice heard. As Goins says in the book, it would be tragic if we forever miss your words.

The book is now available on Amazon and soon on Barnes and Noble. For more information about the book, check out the website. You can also join the discussion on Twitter: #youareawriter.

ARA Bicycle Road "Jeongseojin Square"

It was a cold, rainy, and windy day to start Tour de Korea.

Ara Incheon Passenger Terminal. Where spectators kept relatively warm and dry before the race began.

Security was tight at the venue. Police officers were everywhere.

Even the band had to wait in line to go through the metal detectors.

Sangwoo (상우). Since we were there early, we were able to talk to some of the cyclists.

Namyoung (남영). He said he's the fastest rider from Seoul to Busan. According to him, the Tour de Korea route is very good and that riding a bike is the best way to see Korea's mountains and forests.

It was also nice to watch the cyclists warm-up.

We know who this little guy is rooting for!

Cyclists preparing to go.

President Lee Myung-bak (이명박) stretching before leading the pack.

After the cyclists left, it was time to check out the food tents.

And check out the bikes on exhibit. (Samchuly Metro)

You can even customize your own bike! (Samchuly Metro bike for 350,000won)

For me, this was the best one at the exhibit. An electric two-seater that has a maximum speed of 85 km/h. (Twike)

For more information about the race, check out the Tour de Korea website. And for more information about the opening day event, check out this article.

Tour de Korea will end on Sunday, April 29. Here are the maps and schedules:

Elite Route, Tour de Korea 2012 (source: http://tourdekorea.or.kr/)

Special Route, Tour de Korea 2012 (source: http://tourdekorea.or.kr/)

The Talking Architect (말하는 건축) is a documentary about Korean architect Chung Guyon (정기용). It is reputedly the first theatrical documentary of a Korean architect and of Korea’s contemporary architecture.

Talking Architect movie poster from http://blog.naver.com/talkingarch

The film starts with Chung Guyon revisiting a few of his creations, explaining how he conceptualized the designs and speaking frankly what’s become of it now. A maverick architect who studied in France (hence the English translation of his Korean name), he studied and incorporated the community and nature in each of his works.

“Both the problems and solutions are inherent in the land.” ~Chung Guyon

He spoke much and he spoke well. The film follows Chung Guyon as he helps the curator at the Ilmin Museum of Art organize an exhibit about his life and works. Fellow architects would comment about him, his works, his opinions, and architecture in general thus providing a broader view of Korean modern architecture.

After watching the film, we were given a rare opportunity to talk to the director of the film, Jeong Jae-eun (정재은). Jeong said that her curiosity about Korean uniform cityscapes and building processes prompted her to make this film. She did much research and talked to architects who recommended her to follow Chung Guyon.

Though Chung Guyon did lots of work all over the country, Jeong focused on the architect in hopes that it will prompt viewers to go see his works. She titled the film Talking Architect simply because he talked throughout the 350-400 hours of footage she took.

According to Jeong, this film is the first of a trilogy. She’s working on the second film, which will focus on the new Seoul City Hall building. Then the third film may be about Dongdaemun Design Park and Plaza by Zaha Hadid, which Chung Guyon criticized.

If you have the chance, go watch the movie. It provides insight on Korean architecture and on life. And, like me, make you want to check out a place in Insadong called Imojip where Chung Guyon talked about having delicious grilled bulgogi.

I honestly loved the movie. I would love to live in a tranquil house where time stood still and also hope to face death with dignity and sparkling eyes.

For more information about the Talking Architect and where you can watch it with English subtitles, check out their website. Here’s the trailer for the movie:

There I met other WKB bloggers, WKB featured writers, and KOCIS staff. We were shown the highlights of Korea.net over the past year and were given our Certificates of Appointment that were signed by the director of KOCIS, Woo Jin-Young, who gave an inspiring speech.

After we introduced ourselves and exchanged ideas, we took a group photo before heading off to the National Museum of Korea.

At the museum, we were welcomed by the director, Kim Youngna, before going on a guided tour. Steve and I have been to the museum before. This time, it was wonderful to learn more about the important artifacts from the guide.

Iron Buddha

After the tour, we browsed through the museum shop then took part in an art workshop where we created our versions of a dragon (with help, of course!).

My black dragon!

It was wonderful meeting new friends and I’m deeply honored to be called one of the cultural ambassadors for Korea. Thank you to KOCIS and the National Museum for the gifts and an amazing day!

For more information, please check out Korea.net’s article and Arirang News’ feature about that day.

[Edit: We were also featured on p. 20 of the Korea Herald on March 26. The photo below of the Korea Herald newspaper was taken by Jo-Anna Lynch (fifth from left) of The View From Over Here.]

A reporter from Korea.kr, 이종준, also wrote about us here. And below is the video Steve made for Korea.net:

Gunther Von Hagens’ Body Worlds exhibits are shown all over the world and each one has a different theme. The theme for the exhibit in Seoul is The Cycle of Life. It all starts with…

….the development of embryo and fetus.

Embryo

Fetus in the 22nd week

"Your body is the harp of your soul. And it is yours to bring forth sweet music from it or confused sounds." ~Khalil Gibran

The exhibit shows human bodies in life-like positions, explaining each anatomical part in detail.

Balance Beam Gymnast

Central and Peripheral Nervous System

The Writer

Split Head

Blood Vessel Configuration of the Heart

The Rugby Gladiator

Throughout the exhibit, beautiful pictures with accompanying quotes are posted, reminding us to embrace life and to live it to the fullest.

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." ~Mark Twain

Arguing with oneself!

These are just a few of what you’ll see at the exhibit. If you have a chance, go check it out for yourself.

The Body Worlds exhibit in Seoul is open until August 19th (originally March 8th). Go to the Body Worlds website for current exhibits around the world. For more information about our trip, check out Steve’s post and video.

If you’ve been to a Body Worlds exhibit, what is the most fascinating thing you’ve seen?