South Korea (한국): Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, rockin' everywhere

One day a few weeks ago we hopped in our car and drove about an hour northeast to Yangsan for another Korean temple, Tongdosa. This Buddhist temple was founded in 646 AD and means to communicate and to save suffering people through truth. The main temple grounds were located about a mile into the forest and the eerie road that led to it was lined with pine trees that only had needles at the very tops. There were too many trees for a human to have done this and it added to the secretive and holy atmosphere of Tongdosa.

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Pt. A is the Hotel, Pt. B is Tongdosa

The first area of the temple was a fancy graveyard that was marked with many names to show all of the local monks who have passed away. After the graveyard was a large decorative sign leading people onward to the actual temple grounds. Much like the other temple Bulguksa, Tongdosa had four warriors in the guard building that all people must pass through to enter. When leaving many Koreans were bowing to these guards in thanks for their protection.

The graveyard and other relics

Gigantic entrance

Hand carved totem poles

Stone totem poles. One is a man who offers peace and protection from the sky and the other is a woman who offers peace and protection from the ground.

My favorite picture of the day

With two of the four guards

Inside the main area there were over ten different temples with different sized Buddha’s all symbolizing something different. Monks were walking around praying as well as normal citizens. Each temple varied in size and appearance. Some temples were constantly refurbished while others had what looked like the original paintjob from hundreds of years ago. Outside the main temple grounds there were over a dozen satellite temples accessible by car or hiking paths and a very peaceful stream. This was a very relaxing place to spend the day in Korea.