Kathie Kerler

Kathie Kerler - Fiber Artist, NQA Certified Judge, and Writer

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Seoul, South Korea–Day Two

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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