Donghwasa Temple. Daegu, SK

The Donghwasa Temple (동화사), formerly named Yugasa, is located on the south side of the Palgongsan Mountain, near the city of Daegu. The temple was initially built by the monk Geukdal-jonja during King SoJi’s reign in 493, being later reconstructed during King Heungdeok’s reign in 832. Donghwasa literally means ‘Paulownia Blossom Temple’ as, according to the legend, during its reconstruction, wild paulownia trees bloomed around the temple. The current temple structure was built in 1732, although several renovations, additions and landscaping have taken place in the past few decades. By the time I visited the temple, Buddha's Birthday's date was near and the decorations of the temple had already started.

The main temple (Daeungjeon) may be found behind the Bongseoru Hall. The staircase leading to the main temple (the "Nugak Stairs") is decorated on both ways with railings in the shape of dragons and, in the center, with a pair of spherical stones (Yeouiju) often associated with dragons. At the right side of the staircase is the bell pavilion. 

The main temple is segmented into 3 sections at the front and side, and its natural looking pillars are one of its main attractions. The Josa-jeon Hall houses portraits of important monks the temple like Samyeong-daesa and Geukdal. Immediately behind, are the Sanshin-gak and the Chilseong-gak where paintings of Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) and Chilseong (The Seven Stars) can be found. 

Passing through the Seolbeopjeon Gate (which houses the Four Great Heavenly Kings), you may find the Geumgang Stairs at your right. The Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal directions of the world. They are said to be the protectors of the world and fighters of evil (as it can be seen inside the Seolbeopjeon Gate), each one of them commanding a legion of supernatural creatures to protect the Dharma.

Walking down the stone stairs, you will come to the huge Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul. The 30 m statue was created as a prayer for the reunification of Korea and completed in November, 1992. Along with the statue, two equally massive stone pagodas and lanterns measuring impressive 17 and nearly 8 m in height respectively, can be seen. As I visited the temple in March, decorations for Buddha’s Anniversary in May had just started. The National Reunification (Tongil) Temple was built in the 1980s, allowing people to pray inside the temple and seeing Buddha while doing it. Underground, the Seon meditation center can also be visited. 

Hanok Village. Jeonju, SK

For those willing to see more than the westernized Seoul while visiting South Korea, the history and tradition of Jeonju should surely be on their list. Jeonju is an ancient city with a millenium-old history, offering a wide range of time-honored traditions. Of all the cultural gems of Jeonju, perhaps the one gathering most attention is indeed the Jeonju Hanok Village. Designated as one of the top places to visit in 2011, the Jeonju Hanok Village has more than 700 traditional Korean houses, representing the largest and best-preserved cluster of Hanok in Korea. Surprisingly, some of the houses are still home to residents nowadays. While visiting, we may also find a large diversity of traditional culture learning centers, royal museums exhibiting ancient relics, temples, Hanok Living Experience centers as well as several traditional restaurants, coffee shops, all kinds of Korean street food, sports activities and traditional games.

Jeonju is also home to Pansori, a genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist and a drummer, originated during the Joseon Dinasty in the 17th century.  UNESCO proclaimed the Pansori tradition a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. Accordingly, in the Hanok Village a reminder of the Pansori history can be found in detail. 

Jeonju has several important cultural assets and facilities like both Omokdae & Imokdae Pavilions and Jeonju Hyanggyo, a Confucian School. The Gyeonggijeon Shrine was built in the 10th year of King Taejong’s reign (1410) to accommodate the portrait of King Taejo, the founder and first king of the Joseon Dynasty. Inside, the portraits of King Taejo and five successive kings can be found on display. Visitors may as well take a look at the carriage used to move the mortuary tablets.

The impressive Pungnammun Gate was built during the Joseon Dynasty in 1768 and is the last one standing of the original four gates. The gate was partially destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592-1598 and recently rebuilt in 1978.

Catholicism in Korea is equally present inside the Hanok Village. The Jeondong Catholic Church, built using the stones of the demolished Pungnammun Gate, was the place where the first Korean Catholic martyr was executed.

Uam Historical Park. Daejeon, SK

Not many places allow the world to admire the Korean cultural heritage in Daejeon, unfortunately. In one of my first weekends in the city, I visited the Uam Historical Park (우암사적공원), on the eastern edge of the city. The Park celebrates the life and teachings of Uam Song Si-yeol (1607-1689) credited as being one of the greatest Confucian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). 

The site includes a wide number of buildings which were closed to the public and a lake frozen by then. Nonetheless, the Historical Park is without a doubt a peaceful and quiet place to visit during the weekend.