Saturday, May 1: Today I venture out on my own to visit Donghwasa Temple. one of the most well-known temples in Daegu. This is my first time since I arrived in March that I go on an excursion all by myself.
Entrance to Donghwasa Temple
Entering Donghwasa Temple
Donghwasa Temple
lanterns decorating Donghwasa Temple
Donghwasa Temple (동화사) sits on the south side of Mt. Palgongsan, about 22km northeast of Daegu. It was built by monk Geuk-Dal in the 15th year of the Silla King SoJi’s reign (493). The original name of the temple was Yugasa, but Simjiwangsa rebuilt the temple under King HeungDeok (reign 826~836) and named it Donghwasa. It means even during the winter, the paulownia tree still blooms. The present temple was last rebuilt in 1732, according to the Official Site of Korea Tourism.
lanterns at Donghwasa Temple
Donghwasa Temple
Donghwasa Temple
part of Donghwasa Temple
Donghwasa Temple
It’s a lovely spring day and I enjoy walking all around the grounds of the temple. The atmosphere is peaceful yet festive, with all the colorful lanterns strung everywhere. Maybe this is in preparation for Buddha’s birthday at the end of May.
the grounds of Donghwasa Temple
path at Donghwasa Temple
Donghwasa Temple
Donghwasa’s Daeungjeon is segmented into 3 sections at the front and side, and its natural looking pillars are one of its main attractions. I come upon the huge Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul. Created as a prayer for reunification, this large Buddha statue is 17m high. The stone tower, stone light, the lion statue, and the lotus flower that decorate the Buddha statue are all very large in size. Behind the statue are also stones arranged in a circular form resembling a beautiful scroll painting. (Visit Korea: Donghwasa Temple)
Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul
me at Donghwasa Temple
catbird in korea 
My son Jake will be moving to Daegu permanently after he finishes his masters in Thailand. He and his girlfriend will be coming home for a few weeks in September. Then they will go to South America for about 7 months, then on to Thailand for 2 years before returning to South Korea, most likely in Daegu. You should be almost done with your school year, right? Safe travels before going home. I am going to Virginia, next week. I have a family reunion and will meet up with a few friends too. Wish you were there so I could see you too. Oh well another time 🙂
That’s so exciting, Theresa! I’m sure you’re really excited to see him and his girlfriend. Wow, it sounds like he has plans to be away from home for a long time. I’m sure you will continue to miss him considerably.
My school year is done, but my resignation isn’t effective until June 26, so I still have 12 more work days. Too bad I will miss you in Virginia, but if I can make it to California after Christmas, I would love to see you! 🙂