Visiting Jogyesa Temple
Even though it’s a reiteration to say Jogyesa Temple (the “sa” part means temple in Korean), lots of people still seem to recognize and call it by that. It is one of the most popular temples in Seoul, and is known for its colorful decorations during the time for Buddha’s birthday. So, I couldn’t miss the chance to go see it in May; during Buddha’s birthday.
They start decorating the temples in advance… that is why, in Suncheon, we saw all the lanterns hanging up in the temple there. I didn’t go to Jogyesa Temple on the exact date of Buddha’s birthday, but I did go on several occasions before that day.
One night, my friend and I even went in the evening when it was dark, and we got to go meditate inside the one main building. It was so peaceful and the decorations that they had put up were gorgeous. There were stacks of donations, like rice, all along the walls. It was extremely calming and a nice escape from the hectic Seoul life.
I went several other times during the day to just wander around and view the area. The lanterns cover the whole area. I saw a worker hanging up the lanterns, and he was taking a request from some older ladies who wanted him to hang their lantern in a specific area. People will donate and write their loved ones name on the lantern, and then it is hung up. The lanterns are hung in a specific pattern, some temples have designs, while others have words written out.
