A Stroll Along Gangnam Area (part 2)

Still at Bongeunsa (봉은사)..the downtown temple--well, that's how I describe it. 

One thing for sure, this is just well-situated in the center of business district. 

Lots of activities to see and to do here.

Like this one. A group of children clad in their hanbok was marching along the temple area. 

I was not sure what they're up to, but they're surely giving a different feel to the temple. 

Oh, there was even one wedding reception complete with its orchestra.

What a perfect day to hold a wedding ceremony..in the heart of the temple and the city (in autumn). 

The orchestra was rehearsing when we were there. Though I could't see the 'real' ceremony, at least I got the feel of what it would've been like. 

Continuing on my tour with mr. Nugroho, I got a closer look into the intricate drawings on the ceiling of the temple. 

The drawings, colors, shapes, patterns are all full of symbolical meanings--I assume. 

Wish I'd known them.

But...surely they're pretty neat.

Gyeongju City Tour Bus (part 5): 석굴암 Seokguram

Now we're walking up the hill towards the Seokguram: one of the must-visit Budha statues in Korea, or Gyeongju in particular. 

What a trail indeed. For those who're not that young-at-heart, discretion is advised. 

Never wear any high heels, lest you'd tire yourself down.^-^

Okay, what is it actually, this Seokguram? It's built in the 8th century..so I learned. It's actually a religious complex or let's call it a hermitage. 

Along the way..we're greeted with nothing but trees: which was a great thing..considering the fact that it's hot. so..the oxygen-filled trail was exactly what I needed. 

Yeach....we finally arrived to the top...only to find that we got to climb more stairs...

Okay more facts: Seokguram is actually a monumental statute of the Sakyamuni(?) Budha. Dubbed to be one of the masterpieces of East Asian Buddhist art. 

We're going up again, Eyra....Are you ready? 

Not long....we reached the top and approaching the exact place where the statue was placed. 

We needed to go inside the temple..to see the statue...

but...too bad...no cameras were allowed.

Of course, I got one:) *sneaky, Suray*** But..I won't upload it here... 

But, let me get it straight...this statue of Buddha was made of granite and overlooking the East sea. People flocked to see this...and though it's not that huge as I'd imagined before..and I am sure many others would have done the same......okay..I was here. 

The site was designated as the National Treasure in Korea and heavily guarded. Monitoring was strict, that's why. CCTV keeps on recording the ins and outs of the people.  

The lanterns hung on the front yard of the hermitage.  

The statue was kept inside the building up there... 

Let's wash our feet and hands...in this well. 

Should you drink this, you'll be pretty if you taste the water 'sweet'! Oh, c'mon.

But..that's just for the sake fun of it. 

and the other way around...and that's how we ended our journey there.