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Chogyesa Area: |
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Chogye temple is the main Buddhist temple in all of Korea. It is located outside the Anguk-dong subway stop in the old downtown of Seoul. Actually, it is the least pretty of all temples I have seen, but has lovely artwork on its buildings and good giftshops.
If you go to this area, the 2 biggest Palaces are nearby, as well as the artsy neighbourhood of Insadong. Near here is a beautiful historic building which is a restored Post Office also.
Sometimes the monks who live here have big physical fights amongst eachother, but there is Buddhist chanting broadcasted on a loudspeaker in this neighbourhood and everyone was friendly when I visited in Dec1997 and Jan1998. |
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^ This structure holds a large decorated Buddhist drum. |
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When I visited alone in Dec1997, I was very lucky to have a nice monk come up and smile and speak in English. He offered to take my picture in front of the famous 500-year old pine tree seen in the background of these photos. I was extremely honoured to be granted permission to take his photo as well!!! |
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Of course, I am attracted to the animal statues and always take a picture of them. This is a lion on the grounds of Chogyesa. At Chogyesa are many coloured and white lanterns, which are pretty. The paintings on the outside of the prayer buildings not only depict the Buddhas life - there is a series of bird paintings and others as well.
The insides of the buildings have stunning big gold-plated Buddhist statues, but I was too shy to enter or even look inside... |
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I liked this nice gate to a Korean restaurant in the area. >
In this area, you can visit many Korean tea shops and experience the Korean green tea-drinking ritual used by Buddhist monks for hundreds of years. The cups are very, very small. |
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