Gangnam is primarily known for its massive skyscrapers and high-end shops, which is why my friends were surprised (and very doubtful of me) when I told them that snuggled amid this bustling, upscale modern neighborhood was a 1,200+ year-old Buddhist temple.
I've been reading about Bongeunsa temple (originally known as Kyongseoungsa temple) since I got my SNU acceptance letter and I needed to see it in person.
More fun facts:
- Bongeunsa was founded in 794 by the highest-ranking monk in the kingdom
- The temple served as Korea's main Buddhist Zen temple from 1551 to 1936
- Their library contains over 3,400 Buddhist scriptures and woodblock carvings
The most distinguished feature of this temple is the 91-foot stone statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha (it's also one of the tallest stone statues in Korea! !! !)
What's so crazy about this place is that despite being located in the heart of Gangnam (one of the most active, wealthiest and congested districts here) Bongeunsa remained incredibly quiet and tranquil.
& right across the street from this peaceful Buddhist temple is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia . The Starfield COEX Mall, covers about 144,000 sq. meters (which converts to roughly 1,550,000 sq. feet), and contains every shop imaginable. Being on the crosswalk between the two structures felt like being in between traditional and modern Seoul.
As if this district wasn't magical enough, we found a bronze statue modeled after Psy's signature hand motion from Gangnam Style. Underneath the hands, there's a circular stage that LIGHTS UP & PLAYS THE SONG when it detects motion.
So much happened today that we all forgot about the meaning of this circular, onion-ring sculpture.
Great way to end the day though.
<3,
vic