Authentic Artifact #1: While studying at Yonsei University in the fall, I spent a lot of time hiking various mountains in Korea, many of which are home to Buddhist temples. This connection between the natural environment and spirituality is a significant aspect of Korean culture, as these temples are often intentionally built in remote, mountainous locations as I had come to learn. During my hikes, I learned that these spaces are meant to foster tranquility and reflection, away from the distractions of daily life––especially due to the hectic life of metropolitan Korea. One of the most notable mountains I visited was the famous Bukhansan (북한산), which is located near Seoul. The hike itself was challenging, with steep paths and rocky terrain, but the experience was well worth the effort. Partway through, I encountered a temple that seemed to blend into the landscape, surrounded by trees and with a clear view of the distant city. I could hear the sound of a bell from the temple, a regular practice that signals certain times of the day. Monks were quietly preparing for their routines, and the temple courtyard was filled with lanterns and offerings.
On another hike, I visited Seoraksan (설악산), one of Korea’s most famous mountains, which is located in Gangwon Province. The highlight of this visit was Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사), which features a large bronze Buddha statue. The temple itself was busy with visitors, but the atmosphere remained calm and respectful. I noticed that many people were lighting incense or bowing in front of the Buddha statue, which gave me insight into the active role these temples still play in people’s lives. While there, I practiced speaking with locals about the temple and its history, learning that it has existed in some form for centuries, despite being rebuilt multiple times due to fires and other damage. This interaction helped me understand not just the religious significance of the space, but also its cultural and historical importance.
The consistent feature I noticed in all of these temples was how they integrate with their natural surroundings. Whether it was the smaller temples tucked into the hills of Bukhansan or the larger, more iconic ones like Sinheungsa, they seemed to exist in harmony with the environment rather than dominating it. This is a reflection of Buddhist principles that emphasize living in balance with nature, a concept I began to appreciate more deeply through these hikes. Visiting these places also gave me the opportunity to learn more about temple stays, or “템플스테이,” where visitors can stay overnight at a temple to experience monastic life. Although I didn’t have time to participate, I gained a better understanding of how these programs are designed to give people a break from their daily routines and help them focus on mindfulness and introspection.
These experiences were not only valuable for my understanding of Korean culture but also for my Korean language practice. While hiking and visiting temples, I learned new vocabulary related to Buddhism, such as “수행” (spiritual practice) and “명상” (meditation). Conversations with locals gave me a deeper appreciation of how these traditions remain relevant in modern Korean society. Overall, hiking these mountains and visiting the temples provided a unique way to see the intersection of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spirituality in Korea. It gave me a firsthand look at the deep connection between the land and the values of those who live there.
On another hike, I visited Seoraksan (설악산), one of Korea’s most famous mountains, which is located in Gangwon Province. The highlight of this visit was Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사), which features a large bronze Buddha statue. The temple itself was busy with visitors, but the atmosphere remained calm and respectful. I noticed that many people were lighting incense or bowing in front of the Buddha statue, which gave me insight into the active role these temples still play in people’s lives. While there, I practiced speaking with locals about the temple and its history, learning that it has existed in some form for centuries, despite being rebuilt multiple times due to fires and other damage. This interaction helped me understand not just the religious significance of the space, but also its cultural and historical importance.
The consistent feature I noticed in all of these temples was how they integrate with their natural surroundings. Whether it was the smaller temples tucked into the hills of Bukhansan or the larger, more iconic ones like Sinheungsa, they seemed to exist in harmony with the environment rather than dominating it. This is a reflection of Buddhist principles that emphasize living in balance with nature, a concept I began to appreciate more deeply through these hikes. Visiting these places also gave me the opportunity to learn more about temple stays, or “템플스테이,” where visitors can stay overnight at a temple to experience monastic life. Although I didn’t have time to participate, I gained a better understanding of how these programs are designed to give people a break from their daily routines and help them focus on mindfulness and introspection.
These experiences were not only valuable for my understanding of Korean culture but also for my Korean language practice. While hiking and visiting temples, I learned new vocabulary related to Buddhism, such as “수행” (spiritual practice) and “명상” (meditation). Conversations with locals gave me a deeper appreciation of how these traditions remain relevant in modern Korean society. Overall, hiking these mountains and visiting the temples provided a unique way to see the intersection of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spirituality in Korea. It gave me a firsthand look at the deep connection between the land and the values of those who live there.
Comments