I got up the morning after I arrived and decided to investigate the areas beyond the Insadong neighborhood. When I reached a six-lane thoroughfare and turned left, I was blown away by by the sight greeting me. Across the street was the entrance to the Jogyesa Temple, the primary Buddhist temple in Korea, whose grounds were adorned in flowers. I had stumbled upon the Chrysanthemum Festival which takes place every October–November. Other than the temple and adjoining buildings, it seemed every surface was covered with the classic autumn flower–mums.
Primary entrance to the Jogyesa Temple.
Entrance to Jogyesa Temple
The trees at the entrance are sculpted into star shapes.
I asked Youngmin, one of our organizers, about these characters, because they seemed out of keeping with the solemnity of a Buddhist temple. She explained they are well-known to South Koreans through animated programs, giving the festival a playful air.
Charming characters greet you at entrance
Entrance Arch
Detail shot of warrior
Playful characters abound throughout the temple grounds, human and animal.
Monk with a backpack of mums
Fish
Fox and Rabbit
Chicken
Leaping Fish Scene
Leaping Fish Close-up
The hands which are called mudras have different messages depending upon the symbols they are holding.
Hand with Flower
Hand sculpture
Hand sculpture
The grounds were a peaceful oasis in the midst of a busy urban scene.
Temple Grounds
Temple Tower
Temple Grounds
The lanterns, display, and many decorative elements in this tree were amazing.
These trees really caught my eye.
These gracefully arching dolphins added to the feeling of serenity and beauty.
Dolphins at alternate entrance
Although this was a floral celebration, many elements reminded me that the location is a Buddhist temple. You could make an offering to Buddha as Youngmin does here, whether Buddhist or not.
Offerings to Buddha
Youngmin Lee making an offering
Many visitors paused to bow to Buddha here.
Bowing to Buddha
Incense Burning
And most importantly, the temple itself.
The temple
Another view of the temple
The white squares you see are written wishes tucked in amongst the flowers.
Temple wishes
Inside are Buddhas a full story high.
The temple Buddhas
Dragons bookend the banner announcing the festival
Love the dragons’ ferocity
And finally, we have a monk at a snack stand. I saw vendors making these snacks a number of times in Seoul but never had a chance to try them. They look like small, round cakes.
Buddhist Monk
