Monday, October 07, 2013

Seoul - Day 2 Jogyesa Buddist Temple


Steps away from our apartment and adjacent to Insadong neighborhood is the Jogyesa Buddist Temple.  We were lucky to visit the temple during celebration. The entire area (literally every surface) was being covered by chrysanthemums. The temple was beautiful.

Jogyesa is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, becoming so in 1936. It thus plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called "Hwanggaksa." The name was changed to "Taegosa" during the period of Japanese rule, and then to the present name in 1954.
Jogyesa is located in Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, in central Seoul. Natural monument 9, an ancient white pine tree, is located within the temple grounds.



Main Gate


Three Buddah statues in the Temple



Thousands of memorial lanterns and spirit tablets adorn the inside of the Temple. This is an active place of worship.



Preparation hall - Mourners visit for 48 days following a death and then burn personal items


Entrance to Mourning Hall


Lanterns placed inside of the Main Gate


Shrine grounds being decorated with mums

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