7th December 2013
Today my friend and I visited the "Bongeunsa Temple", but first ... brunch at our favourite place across our guesthouse( ^_^)/
I had the stir-fry spicy pork and tofu bean paste stew with rice...
"errrthangg was spicyyy except for moi rice..."
but I enjoyed the meal, kept me warm on that cold day.
To reach Bongeunsa Temple we had to catch a train from Sinchon station (where we were) to Samseong station.
It was about a 40minute train ride.
I did not mind the long trip because I was curious how Seoul looked like from the ride.
Here are a few snaps...
When we arrived at Samseong we had to walk a block to visit the temple.
Directions:
Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 6.
Go 600m forward, and turn left.
Go 150m forward, and cross the road to arrive at Bongeunsa Temple.
You will know if you are in the right spot when there is only one traditional building against modern, tall buildings.
Arriving at Bongeunsa Temple I was already in awe from the grand illustrated gates.
Walking down further and you could see ropes of wishes...
You may also wish to write down one for yourself for luck.
Further down and you'll see the temple.
This is the main entrance to Bongeunsa.
I really do admire traditional historical buildings, especially all the details that have been put into them.
Bongeunsa Temple just kept getting better and better...
Once entering the temple, the place was filled with lanterns and messages.
Even the steps were detailed and beautiful...
The steps lead to a praying room.
My friend and I went inside for a good half hour or so to chill.
It was a very peaceful and holly place to be.
Meditated until a few younger kids came in and started to spoil the peace, ah kids...
Apparently you are supposed to complete 108 bows; each one helping to free the mind from busy thoughts...
Maybe I am to young to understand, or don't have any troubles, but there was a lady beside me who was constantly bowing and chanting.
#respect
All photos were taken behind the glass, or out side.
Once we were done, we made our way to Korea's tallest Buddha statue.
(Which is also located within the area)
Again... still admiring the details on this temple...
...
BEHOLD
...
THE GREAT STATUE OF MAITREYA BUDDHA
...
The great statue of Maitreya Buddha, at 23 meters, is the tallest statue of Maitreya Buddha in Korea and has become the pride of Bongeunsa.
The construction started in 1986 and took ten years to complete.
The courtyard where the statue is located is used for various ceremonies and cultural events.
I look tiny...
Within an instant, day became night.
We were also lucky to hear the Buddhist temple bells on our way out.
My friend and I also went to check out the famous "Gangnam"
(...which PSY hyped in his song)
To get there we also took the train, which was very convenient for us because it was on the same subway line.
Directions:
Gangnam Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 10 or 11.
Gangnam is a very, very, very busy place.
Once you get off the subway station it is obvious that the place is more trendier and popular.
There are plenty of well dressed teens and adults in this area...
...and more plastic...
...plastic surgery ads...
(O_O)
Many people gather at Gangnam Subway Station as a meeting point.
It is suitable geographically and commercially for social gatherings and events.
Many visitors travel to Gangnam to take advantage of its convenient transportation, fashion malls, movie theatres and bookstores.
I, on the other hand, take advantage of their cafe stores...
Today I am trying "TWOSOME PLACE"
(Twosome Place is a European-style dessert café that offers 'small indulgence' through a wide assortment of premium beverages, including deep roasted coffee, and desserts such as mousse, tiramisu, tarts, shortcakes, cupcakes, muffins, yogurt ice cream, macaroon and crème brulee.)
By the end of our coffee break we went back to Myeong-dong to do more make-up shopping and to grab dinner.
We came across a random place in one of the allies.
To our surprise, we had something called...
"BuDae JjiGae"
(부대 찌개)
...which is also known as Army Base Stew...
This dish was originated during and after the Korean War, when Koreans had very little to eat.
People made this dish by combining leftover Spam and hot dogs from U.S. Army facilities, and mixed it with whatever else was available.
All of the leftovers were combined with water in a large pot and boiled.
Nowadays, most Koreans have enough to eat, but this dish is still very popular with more varied ingredients added to it.
It was a tad spicy but I still recommend you to try it.
When in Korea, right! Why not.
( ^_^)/
(p.s: unless disclaimed, all pictures were taken by me on iphone 4s, apologies for any blurriness)
