Songgwangsa Temple, "the temple of the vast pine", is a Buddhist centre created in the 12th century, where many famous monks and scholars have received their education. The temple is only accessible after a walk along a trail through the forest. I found the walk very pleasant. The temple buildings are impressive and very colourful because they have undergone many successive restorations (and degradation) over the years.
At weekends the temple offers accommodation in order to share the daily life of the Buddhist monks, with a programme of meditation, vegetarian meals, morning prayers, etc.
During birthday celebrations for Buddha, the temple is decorated with hundreds of lanterns, for a wonderful and particularly photogenic event.
Songgwangsa Temple, "the temple of the vast pine", is a Buddhist centre created in the 12th century, where many famous monks and scholars have received their education. The temple is only accessible after a walk along a trail through the forest. I found the walk very pleasant. The temple buildings are impressive and very colourful because they have undergone many successive restorations (and degradation) over the years.
At weekends the temple offers accommodation in order to share the daily life of the Buddhist monks, with a programme of meditation, vegetarian meals, morning prayers, etc.
During birthday celebrations for Buddha, the temple is decorated with hundreds of lanterns, for a wonderful and particularly photogenic event.