Seoul「서울」- Bongeunsa「봉은사」

My dance teacher always encourages us to dance "one beat late" and put focus on sudden changes from one step to the next, as the unexpected delights the audience. Probably this is also the reason for me to be so fascinated by Asian metropolis.

English
Bongeunsa is a buddhist temple located in the heart of Gangnam, right in front of Starfield COEX Mall which we visited in this post. It was founded during the Silla period, back 794. During the Joseon rule, Buddhism was severy suppressed but still, the temple caught the eye of a Joseon Queen who sponsored its refurbishment in 1498. Interestingly, during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945) the temple became the headquarters of 80 smaller Buddhist temples around Seoul. Bongeunsa is also offering the "Temple Stay Program" where you can live like a monk for a few hours.

Its priviledged location in an elevated hill amid the skycrapers, the beauty of its decorations year-round (in wintertime brings less of lanterns and more of candles) and its 1200 year history, make Bongeunsa a mandatory stop and nice balance to the shopping craze nearby.

Spanish
Bongeunsa es otro templo budista en Seúl. Fue fundado en 794 durante la era Silla, Bongeunsa tuvo momentos de incertidumbre durante la era Joseon, que reprimía el budismo, pero sobrevivió hasta la ocupación Japonesa, en la que se convirtió en el centro de otros 80 templos Budistas menores desperdigados por Seúl. Situado en una colina entre los rascacielos, ofrece un contraste muy interesante y una historia muy antigua. 

La visita es gratis. Si os apetece un día de contrastes, podéis combinar el "temple stay" en el que vives unas horas como un monje con las compras en COEX que está al otro lado de la calle.


Los dos guardianes, uno en cada puerta.

Lucky Buddha, donde puedes tirar monedas - Enrique siempre acierta!



Evolución de los Lotos en flor

Beautiful lanters all over.

Colors

The main hall, with tones of lotus lanterns and offerings

Polygonal lanterns closer to the temple door, I bet these come from higher donations.

La historia del melocotón y la flor de loto.

Being on a hill, you go up and down.





1200 year contrast