Korea, 28 Oct 2010, Day 2, Goseong Unification Observatory

On the way to the Goseong Unification Observatory, we took what was reputedly the most beautiful coastal drive in Korea, with stretches of crystal blue ocean.

To get to the Observatory, we had to pass through Tongilanbo Park, part of South Korea's security site. Tommy had earlier had our passports cleared and as we drove up to the barricade, we were stopped by cute looking soldiers (the movie star type with their dark shades). They probably looked real cool because they were not smiling (some men look silly when they smile). We wouldn't have minded if they took a little longer clearing our passes... :-)

We forgot the soldiers as soon as we got to the Observatory. The Observatory was built in 1983 by an army unit. The views were awesome.  That's part of North Korea.  You can see Mt. Geumgangsan in the background.

Mt. Geumgangsan is a beautiful mountain resort in North Korea.  Between 1998 and 2008, South Korean tourists were allowed to visit the resort.  The tours were suspended by South Korea after a South Korean tourist was shot and killed in July 2008 while walking along the beach of the resort.  The North Koreans claimed that she had defied orders by soldiers to stop.  South Korean demands for an on-the-spot survey were declined by the North Koreans. Since then, the South had refused to resume the tours despite threats from the North. 

There were veterans visiting the Observatory that day.  One kind veteran came by and told us the way to take to avoid the steps.  And that way took us to the northernmost church in South Korea!

We had to explore the chapel.  It was open, of course.  It was small, accommodating perhaps 100 worshippers, beautiful, and very homely. We should have taken pictures of the chapel, but it was the view of the pulpit that took our breath away.

With a view like this, who would be paying attention to the sermon?













Most parts of the Observatory were not accessible to wheelchairs, but there was a viewing gallery that was.  So was the souvenir-snack shop.  We took a quick snack for (late) lunch.  It was a very interesting snack (what's its name?)  made on the spot: a panfried pancake roll with dongfen and fermented spicy radish filling. The pancake skin tasted like it had been made from a mix of rice flour, glutinous rice flour and tapioca flour.  Yummy.

Off to our next destination!  But before that, a final look at the cute soldiers as we waved our goodbyes.

Korea, 29 October 2010, Day 2, Sinheungsa Temple

Sinheungsa, located in Seoraksan National Park, is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It may have been constructed in 637 AD., or 653 AD., and had been burned and rebuilt twice.  It is believed to be the oldest Zen (Seon) temple in the world.

While waiting our turn for the cable car, we decided to take a stroll to the temple.

Someone got stuck between two wheelchairs and had to be hauled out after this picture was taken.:D

We've got company!

The One-Pillar Gate: entrance to Sinheungsa Temple.  This is where one is supposed to leave behind all worldly desires prior to entering the temple. One wonders why it is called the One-Pillar Gate when it has more than one pillar.

Tongil Daebul, the Great Unification Buddha, is a gilt-bronze Buddha statue, measuring 14.6m in height, and weighing 108 tons.  It sits atop a 4.3m high lotus pedestal with 16 engraved petals. The forehead of the statue is adorned with eight amber stones, surrounding a piece of jade. Contained within the hollow statue are three pieces of the Buddha's sari, some of his cremated remains, and the Tripitaka, the original Buddhist scriptures.

Tongil Daebul represents the wish of the Koreans for the reunification of the two Koreas.



Just beyond the statue, the Hyeonsugyo: a newly built bridge for crossing the ravine.



Beyond the Hyeonsugyo: a beautiful long stone wall which leads to the Gate of the four heavenly kings (Cheonwang) guarding the entrance to the temple.  Imagine centuries back, walking along the stone wall and, amidst such beautiful surroundings, engaging in a discourse with the monks on issues of life and eternity.

View from the Gate of the four heavenly kings: rock formation resembling that of the head of a bear ...err… not us...

here's an upsized view of the rock formation :)